Going to the Temple with Anna

This is a copy of the article I wrote for our Ward History.  It's a neat story and so I wanted to include it in my blog.  

On Saturday, August 8^th 2015, Sister Anna Heald went to the Gilbert, AZ Temple to receive her 

endowment.  Sister Heald has been a member of the Sahuarita 1^st Ward for 5 years.  Anna is originally 

from Germany, but came to America with her husband who was an American Solider.  Anna has one 

son who now lives in Missouri. 

Anna had been living on her own for several years when the Sister missionaries came into her neighborhood.  She felt an immediate connection with the gospel and desired to be baptized, however, 

after Sister Heald joined the church she continued to struggle with an addiction to smoking.  About six months before her 83^rd birthday she met with Bishop Dan Bezzant to discuss receiving a patriarchal blessing.  She had to quit smoking before the blessing could be given and so she committed herself to 

the task.  With some help and encouragement from ward members, she was worthy to receive her 

blessing on her 83^rd birthday. 

A year later, Sister Heald began to enquire as to, “what was next,” in the church.  I, Diana Prior, told 

her that if she wanted to attend the temple, that would be her next step.  She said, “Yes.” And so the 

bishop recommended she receive the temple preparation lessons.

Anna experiences a great deal of pain and is not able to stand after sitting for long periods of time, so 

she began temple preparation lessons on Fridays at our home.  On July 8^th 2015 she went in to meet 

with the Bishop and Stake President for a temple recommend.  Before going inside she whispered to 

me, “I’m going to pass this with flying colors,” and she did.  She had never before prayed vocally in 

public and was asked to do so by both the Bishop and Stake President.  Anna was uncertain that she 

would do it right, but all anyone heard were the beautiful, sincere thoughts of a pure heart. 

With the help of a wheelchair, and many wonderful temple workers, Anna was able to receive her endowment on Saturday, August 8^th.  I was her escort, and that experience was a true delight.  She 

was probably the cutest and most excited sister to ever receive her endowment.  In the temple, 

everyone loved her.  Several missionaries that have impacted Anna’s life were in attendance as well 

as, Chad and Diana Prior, Ryan and Karen Huber and Jim and Lara Smith from the Sahuarita 1^st Ward.

  Anna’s ability to hear and retain information is fading and so I am grateful that she was able to have 

this experience at this time in her life. Anna is a truly remarkable lady.