Wallace Dudley Yardley 1901-1990

I just wanted to honor my wonderful Grandpa because today marks 18 years since his passing. He was a true-blue cowboy and loved every minute of it. His hard-working, no-nonsense attitude was contagious, but the thing I remember most about him is his faith. Some of my favorite memories of him are the times I heard him bear his testimony. He had a difficult time getting around in his later years, so when he bore his testimony, he would just stand where he was and yell it out for all to hear. It was almost like you were at some religious revival, but he managed to still do it with reverence. He had dentures that didn't quite fit, so as he spoke, they would clatter together, but he didn't let that stop him. When he was done, you had no doubt in your mind that he really meant and believed every word that he said. I was amazed to later find out that when he was called on his first mission to England, he had never gone to church or even prayed! His first prayer was on the ship to England where he found himself very seasick. He promised the Lord that if He would get him through it, he would serve Him all of his life. And that is just what he did. He helped me through many hard times on my own mission as I thought about his courage and wondered if he would be proud of what I was doing. Thinking about that, I would suck it up and forget my worries. I know that he is on fire up there in the mission field. I am so grateful for the legacy that he left for all of us. All of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren are active members of the LDS church and I know that can partly be credited to my grandma and him. I hope my children will carry that legacy on as well. I love you Grandpa!

(This is a picture I took of Max (9 months) to give to my mom alongside the picture of my Grandpa)