Vessa McClellan

Sharing our Links to the Past
by Wally and Frances Gray

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Vessa McClellan (Mrs. Rulon S. Peel) (1894-1969)

The Theodore Turley Family Book, pp. 354-355

Vessa was born to David and Esther Turley McClellan Oct. 13, 1894 in Colonia Juarez, Mexico. The education she received was all received in the Colonies–grades 1 through 5 in Juarez. Due to a serious back injury she did not go to school for four years. To catch up she finished 6-8th grades in one year after the family moved to Colonia Morelos. Due to a Revolution in the country and soldiers close by, with a family of mostly girls, the family left Mexico in 1912, entering the United States at Douglas, Arizona., where they were housed in tents furnished by the government until they could get on their feet. She being the oldest at home at that time, Vessa worked where she could to help out. The younger ones helped where they could.

It was when the family finally moved to Chandler that she met Rulon S. Peel. They were later married Dec. 26, 1916 in Los Angeles, CA. On Jan. 10, 1917 they were married for time and eternity in the Salt Lake Temple. To this union, seven children were born, two of which lived to maturity.

She was active in church work from her early days and was a person who was very aware of the needs of her fellow men. She held many responsible positions in the Church plus finding time to assist in the welfare of six motherless children ages 2 to 16. She was the only mother the young ones ever knew. She was a great lover of beautiful things: flowers, crafts, quilts, and poetry. She was also involved in genealogy work, helping especially the young.

The last four years of her life she was lost and lonesome as she and Rulon had been married 52 years and 1 week when he passed away Jan. 2, 1969. She passed on into eternal life Dec. 25, 1972 and is buried beside her mate in Memory Lawn Memorial Park in Phoenix, AZ.

(Written by Erma L. Cowgill, the last remaining child)

Children of Vessa McClellan and Rulon Samuel Peel:

Clarence Earl, born Nov. 4, 1918; died Sept. 5, 1923

Erma Lucille, born Oct. 5, 1920

Carol (twin), born Nov. 27, 1922; died April 18, 1924

Carl (twin), born Nov. 27, 1922; died Nov. 27, 1922

Maurice Alvin; born Nov. 24, 1924; died May 5, 1950

Ester (twin), born July 8, 1931; died July 8, 1931

Edward (twin), born July 8, 1931; died July 8, 1931