Beth Swainston Lambert

Our beloved mother, grandmother and sister, Beth Swainston Lambert, passed away on Friday, January 20th, 2017, at the age of 91, at her home in Gilbert, Arizona.  She was born April 30, 1925, to Theron Lane Swainston and Ila Fern Hawkes on the Swainston farmstead in Whitney, Idaho.  Hers was a happy and secure childhood, growing up on a dairy farm surrounded by relatives on the neighboring farms.  Her parents instilled in her the importance of working hard, getting a good education and living the gospel.  She graduated with honors from Preston High School in Idaho.  In the fall of 1942, Beth began her studies at Utah State University in Logan, Utah.  Frustrated by the military presence on campus, she withdrew after her first year.  She returned home and worked at the Franklin County Ration Office.  Beth returned to Utah State College in the fall of 1944 and majored in Home Economics.  In her senior year, she met her husband-to-be, Maurice Reed Lambert.  She had a great desire to serve a mission and was called to the British Mission in 1948.  Shortly before she left for England, Reed proposed to her, so she wore an engagement ring during her mission.  A highlight of her mission was meeting and teaching Lorna Nelson in Edinburgh, Scotland.  Lorna later married Beth’s brother Theron.  After completing her mission, she taught Home Economics at Springville High School.  On July 28th, 1950, she married Reed in the Logan Temple.  Together they went to Iowa State University where Beth pursued a master’s degree in Foods and Nutrition.  After the birth of their first child, David, Beth ended her studies and became a full-time mother.  The growing family moved from Ames, Iowa, to Appleton, Wisconsin.   Later they moved to Los Altos, California and then Pleasanton, California where Beth lived for over 30 years. 

Beth was a faithful and devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in many capacities.  She especially enjoyed serving in the branch in Appleton, Wisconsin, teaching Relief Society and serving as an ordinance worker for many years in the Oakland Temple. 

Music was important to Beth.  Her favorite composer was Johann Sebastian Bach.  She appreciated the opportunity her parents gave her to take piano lessons.  She began teaching piano lessons from her home in Pleasanton, and taught for over twenty years.  

Beth loved gardening and watching birds.  She enjoyed collecting cookbooks, church books, rolling pins, thimbles and Royal Doulton figurines.  She was a firm believer in continuing education and took college courses well into her seventies. 

Her greatest joy in life was her family.  As a mother and grandmother, Beth has left the legacy of a wonderful example to her children and grandchildren.  She has instilled in them the importance of gaining an education, being life-long learners, serving in the Church, and remaining faithful to the end.

Beth was preceded in death by her husband, Maurice Reed Lambert; daughter Meriden Burk; brother, Herbert Kall; sister, Genieve; and  great-grandchildren Tabitha Boling and AJ Milewski.  She is survived by her brother Theron L. Swainston (Lorna); sister, Sylvia Symons (Dewaine); sons, David (Janeen), Scott (Elizabeth), Paul (Deborah) and Kevin (Elisabeth); son-in-law Larry Burk (Adri); 29 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren.

The family expresses deep appreciation to her granddaughters Rachel Gunson and Jeni Phelps whose devoted care made it possible for Beth to live at home, as well as to Amy Kimball, Casey Shay, Keri Lawson and the staff at Companion Hospice for their excellent and loving care. 

Funeral services will be held Friday, January 27th at 11:00 a.m. at the LDS Chapel, 3544 South Atherton Boulevard, Gilbert, Arizona.  A viewing will be held at 10:00 a.m.  A service will also be held Saturday, January 28th at 12:00 p.m. at the Fillmore Stake Center, 25 South 300 West Fillmore, Utah.  Internment, Fillmore Utah.