HOW IT ALL BEGAN . . . AND CONTINUES

 

Mom & Dad as Elder and Sister Royal in March 2013

        Our parents, Flemming Fuller Royal and Madge Marie Royal, were reunited on October 11, 2023, when Dad passed away after struggling through his final years with dementia that robbed him of all the knowledge and life memories collected through his mortal journey.  Dad was preceded in death by Mom, who left us on May 8, 2015, after losing a battle against stage 4 cancer first diagnosed in early February 2015.  Mom seemed to know that our traditional family Christmas Eve extravaganza at their home a few weeks earlier would be her last - pronouncing at the evening's end that it was "the very best Christmas Eve we've ever had."  (It really was extraordinary.)

        Dad was never the same after Mom's passing.  She was everything to him - and they were everything to us.  Our parents made a wonderful couple.  Together they created a family legacy of faith in Jesus Christ and love that continues to expand today.  As we venture into life without having either of our parents with us on earth, we felt that a special tribute to them would be most appropriate.

        We love Mom and Dad.  We owe our success and happiness to them.  They provided us with a priceless spiritual foundation that has helped us navigate safely through the perilous waters of mortality.  As their children, we echo the following words of Nephi about his parents, Lehi and Sariah: 

Mom and Dad, 2003

        [We, the Royal children], having been born of goodly parents, therefore [we were] taught somewhat in all the learning of [our parents]; and having seen many afflictions in the course of [our] days, nevertheless, having been highly favored of the Lord in all [our] days; yea, having had a great knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God, therefore [we] make a record [of the goodness showered upon us from heaven through them]. 

(See 1 Nephi 1:1, the Book of Mormon.) 

THEIR BEGINNING

Our Amazing Father 

Dad on the farm

Dad was born on March 24, 1934, in Sampson County, NC, to Ferd Fuller Royal and Cladie Malcolm (Maxwell) Royal.  He had four older siblings, Cladie Christine ("Chris"), Gerald Pittman ("Pittman"), and John Maxwell ("Max").  Dad was given the first name of Flemming at the suggestion of his sister Chris to name him after the richest man in Sampson County, NC, and the middle name of Fuller after his father.  (Dad went by Fuller, which came in handy at the dinner table, as whenever someone would say that they were “full” Dad would respond: “I’m Fuller.”)  

Dad at the beach, 1942

Growing up in humble circumstances on a farm, Dad became rich in a multitude of ways during his childhood.  His best friend was a dairy cow named Flossie, who always came to Dad as a young boy immediately from anywhere on the property at the sound of his voice calling her.  Upon her arrival, Flossie would obediently dip her head for Dad to attach a leash and guide her back home.  Dad’s family later moved into a home located within the town of Clinton, NC, with a population of around 2,500, and left Flossie behind.  Dad never forgot the pain associated with losing his faithful friend which had been the source of so much joy.

        Dad loved growing up in Clinton, NC.  He was the youngest child by several years and was the only one of his siblings living at home with his parents through his adolescent years.  Dad loved his local community where he had great friends, a fun town swimming pool (Dad enjoyed swimming during the hot summers and lived about 80 miles from the beach, which he also loved), a great youth group in his Southern Methodist Church congregation, and a close-knit community.  There were two movie theaters within walking distance of Dad's home and he got to be a pretty good runner when heading home in the dark after taking in a Wolfman movie.

Dad's report card, 1942-43

Dad at the bus station ready to travel, 1944

Dad with a bird's eye view of the beach

No way the Wolfman was gonna catch this guy

Dad's Cub Scout card, 1946

Dad's life was fine in 1949

Dad, 1949

Dad doing some pre-game promotional work

Dad was either in a growth spurt here or he loved the high waters look

 Dad taking a knee, 1950

Dad at the beach with nephew David Lollar, 1950.  (Picture taken by his big sister, Christina.)

Dad studying at home

"'Round, 'round, '[got] around], [Dad got] around" but probably didn't do it on this bike (haha)

Dad liked the high dive at the local pool.  (He once split his head open when he landed head-first on the bottom doing a Sailor Dive.)

Dad's junior year on the high school football team (no. 19, see "Me")

        Dad graduated from Clinton High School in 1952, where he excelled in football, basketball, and track, and served as student body president his senior year.  During his senior in high school, Dad decided that he wanted to become a doctor.  That seed was planted by his close friend, Charles Nanny, who constantly talked about how badly he wanted to go to medical school.  (Charles was Dad's "Campaign Manager" behind Dad's successful run for Student Body President.)  Dad grew up in very humble circumstances and becoming a physician seemed like an unrealistic dream.  However, with the help of two sweet women in his life, Miss Francis Watson, his English teacher, and Miss Isabel Hunt, his typing teacher, Dad was shown the way.  When it seemed impossible for Dad to get into college, these wonderful teachers took him under their wings and lovingly walked him through the process of obtaining a scholarship.  Dad suffered some failures and disappointments along the way but eventually was awarded a scholarship to attend Wake Forest College.

Clinton High School basketball team, 1951-52 (Dad is No. 25) 

Dad was recognized as Best All-Around by his Clinton High School classmates, 1952

Dad was a wide receiver on the Clinton HS football team, 1951, (No. 9)

Some football plays Dad drew up at age 16

Dad playing basketball at Clinton High School, 1950

Dad's report card, 1949-50

Dad voted Most Likely to Succeed by his senior class, 1952

Clinton High School football team, fall 1951, Dad is standing wearing a sporty overcoat and James Bond-like black bowtie

Dad served as Clinton High School Student Body President, 1951-52

Dad, 1952 (left), ready to move on to college (gotta love those white shoes)

Dad was a high school Math Club dude (talking about padding your college application resume - haha) (see "Me")

Dad here playing a ghost in a high school play (see "Me")

Dad (front row, bow tie) was a Student Director of the Drama Club at Clinton High School during his senior year 

The picture of the kid holding onto a comic book is the one Dad gave to his senior high school yearbook (which is nice because we would not have that picture otherwise)

Dad (who loved dressing up and wearing bow ties) was Mr. Best Dressed, 1952

Dad's high school senior picture, 1952, with his extra-curricular activities highlighted by years (and Dad added the debate team to the list)

Dad's high school senior year Last Will and Testament was to leave his advanced vocabulary with Mr. Webster

        Dad worked as a caddy on a local golf course in Wake Forest, NC, and became quite good at the game.  (There was one particular Wake Forest schoolmate who Dad thought would not amount to anything because all he did was play golf.  His name was Arnold Palmer.)  Dad had magical summers working at a mountain resort with friends during his college years - something he often spoke of with great fondness.  

Dad with a beach visit during his Wake Forest College days

Dad shared a personal experience during his freshman year at Wake Forest that forever changed his life.  Dad was attending college on a scholarship, but he had never previously lived on a budget - including accounting for the cost of food.  He was quickly running out of money during his first semester and would soon have to make a major decision - either Dad would have to ask his parents for money or he must drop out of school for a while, find a job, and work to obtain the necessary funds.  Neither option was viable.  Gloom and depression engulfed Dad as he saw his meager funds disappearing.  Below is Dad's account of what followed:

One night, during this time of crisis, I was alone in my room and felt the need to pray to Heavenly Father for help.  I was frightened at the thought of praying for money.  My mother had impressed upon me that petitioning God for money was evil.  I feared that such a request could lead to my immediate demise.  Nevertheless, I thought if that were to occur:  "So be it!"  After all, I felt at the time that dying would be better than failing.  Frightened and timid, I turned out the lights, locked the door, and went on my knees to the floor in prayer.  "Heavenly Father," I began, "I am so scared!  My mother told me never to ask you for money, but that is what I need.  Please send me some."  I paused and waited for the bolt of lightning to strike - but it never came.  Instead, I was overwhelmed with a feeling of love such as I had never experienced before!  I began to weep tears of joy, for I knew that somehow a miracle had occurred.  Everything was going to be alright!  But how?  Assured with comfort, I slept peacefully that night.

      The following day, a letter came addressed to me from those two sweet school teachers, Miss Watson and Miss Hunt.  The letter read:

Dear Fuller, we have been impressed recently that someone needs something.  After thinking about this, and talking it over between ourselves, we came to the conclusion that someone is you.  Please accept the enclosed money, and never repay it.  Just do the same for someone else  someday.   

        Enclosed was a $100.00 bill!  I was shocked.  In 1952, that was a huge financial sacrifice for them to make.  Suddenly, I realized that Heavenly Father not only had heard my prayer, but more importantly, He had given me a miracle to demonstrate His love and attention to my needs.  He had prepared in advance the hearts and minds of these two wonderful teachers.  This was no coincidence!  I prayed the night before and received the letter and money the very next day - almost instantly.  I then knew without a doubt that I was a precious child of God, that He knew me, that He loved me, and that He heard and answered my prayers.  From that moment forward, I had a testimony of Him and became more firmly rooted in my religious convictions.

From Dad's HS yearbook, Ms. Watson and Ms. Hunt

      Dad became very interested in religion after this incredible experience, as he knew that he was a precious child of God who not only heard and answered prayers but who had a plan for Him.  Dad was anxious to discover how that plan would unfold. 

Dad loved his white shoes

Check out how tan Dad got in the summer

A small blurb in the Clinton, NC local paper providing an update on Dad, about 1955

Dad worked as a DJ with WFDD as an undergrad at Wake Forest

Dad's freshman year picture at Wake Forest, 1952-53 (not sure if Ruth Royal is a relative)

Preppy Dad, Wake Forest College days

Dad sitting in a tree - but Mom wasn't around yet for any k-i-s-s-i-n-g

Dad had a pretty impressive six-pack back in the day

Dad's Letter to the Newspaper Editor defending the reputation of his school, Wake Forest, 1954

Dad visiting New York City with friends

The Clinton, NC local newspaper kept an eye on Dad's progress post-high school, 1955

Dad with his family (from left: mother (our Grandmother Cladie), sister Christine, father (our Grandpa Royal); back from left: brothers Pittman and Max, and Dad), 1956

Coat of Arms for the Maxfield and Royal, respectively

Dad, Wake Forest College graduate, 1956

An announcement in the local Clinton, NC newspaper about Dad's acceptance to medical school, 1956

Our Beautiful Mother 

Mom as an infant
with her mother and
grandmother
aka Goodma

Mom was born to Elbert Eli and Irene Bell (Worley) Snipes in Princeton, NC, on August 29, 1937.  She was the oldest of two, her younger sister is Jean (Pittman.)  Mom’s earliest childhood memory dates back to her days as a toddler when she recalls sitting on the lap of her grandmother, Bettie Eason aka Goodma, in her grandmother's front porch swing.  Mom loved Goodma.  She would later come to love Sunday family dinners at Goodma’s house, running through the cornfields and playing all kinds of games with her cousins and other children.  However, in this earliest memory, Mom recalled watching her parents' vehicle drive up in the dirt driveway of Goodma’s home.  The vehicle came to an abrupt stop.  Her parents had dropped her off only minutes earlier.  Mom remembered her mother exiting the car with tears in her eyes, quickly coming to the porch where Mom and Goodma were seated, gently picking Mom up, and returning to the car to ride home with her parents.  It was one of the first times Mom had been left with someone other than her mother and the stress of separation was just too much for her mom to handle on that occasion.  The one emotion Mom recalls feeling from that occasion is love.

Mom, age four, 1941

Mom’s family moved to their home at 313 E. Horne Rd., Clayton, NC, in about 1947, when Mom was eight years old, just after her sister, Jean, was born.  Mom was a studious, hard-working young lady.  Her parents both worked, so Mom took on great responsibility at a fairly young age.  While her friends would go to the malt shop and hang out after school, Mom went home to watch Jean and get dinner prepared.  Through that experience, Mom learned a lot about nurturing.  She learned to cook and sew like a pro.  Mom enjoyed cooking spaghetti and shared a love of that delicacy with her mother.  Since her dad did not like spaghetti, his Wednesday nights at Rotary Club meetings became designated spaghetti dinner nights for the ladies at home.  We always loved Mom’s spaghetti.

Goodma's house (taken 1985)

Mom grew up with a love of sports, a passion she shared with her father.  Mom would scour the sports page daily and go through the box scores, keeping track of how her favorite players were doing.  When she was 10 years old, Mom decided she wanted to become a great basketball player.  The school coach lived nearby and Mom had made plans for him to help develop her skills over the summer.  However, as the school year ended in 1948, Mom suddenly lost all use of her legs.  She was diagnosed with Rheumatic Fever and spent the entire summer in bed.  Incredibly, Mom recovered in time to attend school, as if nothing had ever happened.  Mom willed herself to better health, as she loved school and was dedicated to being a great student.  Unfortunately, Mom never pursued her dream of playing basketball.

Mom, age five

Mom with a huge snowball in the western mountains of North Carolina

Mom with friends over as she laid in bed, which looks like her 12th birthday over the summer when she was ill and confined to her bed

Mom, standing behind her mother, about 1946

Mom, age six

Mom was always very attentive in school and pushed herself to get the best grades possible.  She placed a great deal of trust in her teachers - sometimes, to a fault.  On one occasion, during a science field trip, Mom recalls her teacher making a joke about hillside cows in Peru having two legs shorter than the other to make it easier for them to eat on hills.  Mom did not question the information.  She did not pick up on the joke.  Mom merely wrote the information in her study notes.  A true/false question about hillside Peruvian cows appeared on a subsequent test.  Mom had a reputation for getting 100% on her exams.  She knew the correct answer.  It was easy.  She'd heard it, recorded it in her notes, and it was part of her pre-exam study.  (Of course, Peruvian cows have two shorter legs!  Mom's teacher said so.)   Unfortunately, Mom got the answer wrong.  It was bad enough that Mom did not get 100% on that test; however, she was then humiliated by her teacher, who thought it was hilarious that Mom, the scholar, was the only class member to get the question wrong.  Mom did not miss many questions in school after that, going on to become the Valedictorian of the Clayton High School Class of 1955.

Mom, age 12, with ridiculously cute Shirley Temple curls

Mom, age 12

Mom with little sister Jean, 1949

Mom became a proficient pianist.  She played for the youth group in the First Baptist Church of Clayton for years and was the pianist for the Clayton High School Glee Club for four straight years.  Mom was also on the high school cheer squad for four years, serving as head cheerleader her senior year.  Mom loved the youth group at her church and enjoyed the challenge of scripture chasing.  Of that activity, Mom said she was never a champion but was always very close.  Mom had a sweet demeanor, but she was nevertheless a fierce competitor.

Mom with sister Jean on the left, about 1950

Ticket to the Dixie Basketball Classic, 1952, when Mom was age 15.  Irony: This includes Mom's favorite team (NC State), the alma mater of her future husband (Dad, Wake Forest), and the school her children would attend (Brigham Young University).

Mom, 1953

Mom and her classmates praying for their future Mr. Right, 1953

Slumber party pic (Mom front left), 1954

Mom's 1955 senior year Last Will And Testament from her Clayton Hgh School yearbook where she bequeathed her "ardent" support of NC State

 Mom (bottom left) with the Clayton HS cheerleaders, 1953

Carolina shores beach babies, 1954 (Mom third from right)

Clayton HS cheerleaders, 1954 (Mom, back left)

Left pic has Mom up front, right pic has Mom in back/middle, 1954)

Mom's pass for the North Carolina State High School Basketball Tournament as a Cheer-Leader, 1954.  (It is signed by the principal so you know it is totally legit!)

 Mom's junior year Clayton HS picture, 1954

Mom (from left) with the Clayton HS cheer squad, 1955

 These are some flashy 1954 cheer outfits!  (Mom Identified herself.)

 Can you find Mom?

Mom voted "Most Studious" female in her senior class, 1955.  (Does she look a tad stressed about not being in the library here?)

 Mom's senior year Clayton HS picture, 1955.  (Check out how busy she was with extra-curricular activities)

Mom, 1954-55, Senior Class President

Mom, May 31, 1955, valedictorian announcement

Mom (back right), sister Jean (back 2nd from left), about 1956

      Mom’s dream was to attend school at the University of North Carolina.  She had planned on becoming a teacher.  However, to her great surprise, Mom was not accepted to UNC.  That rejection, while sad, opened up a new door.  Mom accepted an opportunity to become a registered nurse in a three-year program at the Baptist Hospital Medical School.

Mom (left) with Mother (center) and sister Jean (right)

Mom, 1955-56, first
year of nursing school

During the summer of 1956, Mom became engaged to the wrong guy.  He was going away to serve in the military and was nervous that his absence might not make Mom's heart grow fonder.  So, he gave Mom an engagement ring.  Mom was 18 (almost 19).  Reflecting back, Mom said that she was not in love with him, but that she succumbed to the pressure.  Still, the ring was beautiful and she wore it as a token of her marital commitment.  But, something wonderful happened a few weeks after her engagement that would change Mom’s life forever.

Mom, in her front yard, 1956, before she and Dad met

A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN

First nursing school day 

The Baptist Hospital Nursing School where Mom began studying in the fall of 1956 shared a common cafeteria with students of the Bowman Gray Medical School at Wake Forest College.  Mom had just completed her first year of nursing school and was excited to begin a new school year.  While seated in the cafeteria with her roommate, Mom recalls seeing “a couple of greenies” (new medical students) saunter into the cafeteria.  As luck would have it, Dad's buddy was friends with Mom’s roommate.  So, those two handsome young men joined the ladies at their table.  Mom recalls that occasion as follows:

        Introductions were made and when I looked up at Fuller it was as if a light bulb went off somewhere – in my head, or in front of me – but I knew in that moment that this was the one I was waiting for.  It was just this warm feeling inside me that spoke to me confirming I had found someone very special.

Mom with her roommates, 1956

Dad’s version of that initial meeting was very similar.  He, too, had a powerful impression upon his introduction to Mom and was greatly disappointed to see an engagement ring on her left hand.  Still, that did not stop him entirely.  Mom recalled:

Although I never dated Fuller [while engaged], we saw each other often in the cafeteria and talked on the phone frequently when his friend, Hugh, would call and talk to my roommate.  She would eventually hand the phone over to me to talk to Fuller. . .

Pictures of Mom and Dad the year they met, 1956 

Mom with a cute pose, 1956 

Mom’s problem was solved when her fiancé made a surprise visit in December 1956.  It was the perfect opportunity to make things right.  Mom recalled that she returned the ring and simply said: “Sorry, it’s just not working out.”  Mom and Dad went out on their first date the very next day.  Dad proposed to Mom in April 1957 while “watching planes land” at the Winston-Salem airport.  He did not have a diamond ring but provided her with his Sigma Chi pendant.  (Mom would not actually get a bona fide diamond ring until 11 years later.  But, Dad made sure it was well worth the wait.)

Dad, visiting Mom at her Clayton home, 1957

Mom and Dad, 1957

Mom prepares for a big night out with Dad, March 1957

Mom and Dad prepare for a big night, March 1957

Here they are - ready to go, March 1957

Mom as Ms. Baptist Hospital, 1957 

 Mom and Dad, 1957

Mom (far right), 1957

Dad's letter to Mom's parents, April 8, 1957, page 1

Dad's letter to Mom's parents, April 8, 1957, page 2

The envelope with Dad's letter to Mom's parents did not even contain a street address but still was successfully delivered.  (That demonstrates just how small Clayton, NC was at the time.) 

Dad's love letter to Mom', April 30, 1957, page 1

Dad's love letter to Mom, April 30, 1957, page 2

Envelope with Dad's love letter to Mom, postmarked May 1, 1957, with a $.03 stamp

Mom and Dad, all decked out in Clayton, NC, 1957

Mom and Dad were married on July 28, 1957, in the First Baptist Church of Clayton.  Mom said of her grand wedding to Dad: “It was a dream come true.”  They were a beautiful, wonderful young couple.  Dad wrote the following about Mom in his personal journal on December 14, 1957, less than five months into their marriage:

Marie, you have made me very happy in my new married life.  I shall always love and adore you as long as I live.  God certainly has blessed me richly.  How can I ever repay Him for giving me such a wonderful wife?  Everything that I ever am, you, Marie, will be what made me that.

        Those sweet, heartfelt poetic, and prophetic words remained true nearly 66 years later to the day of Dad’s passing.

Mom and Dad's wedding announcement

First Baptism Church of Clayton where our parents were married

Mom was a beautiful bride

Wedding day, July 28, 1957

Wedding Day with Bride's Maids

This is the wedding picture we remember in our home

Mom and Dad's Marriage Certificate

Mom with the bouquet toss on the church steps

Mom and Dad as husband and wife

Mom gently feeds Dad his first bite of wedding cake

Mom and Dad prepare to depart for their honeymoon in Myrtle Beach, SC.  (Goodma and Grandmother Snipes are behind Mom at the door.)

Mom, nursing school graduation, 1958

Mom, on a promotional flier for Baptist Hospital, 1957

Dad taking a picture of Mom at her nursing school graduation

Another nursing graduation day picture with Mom and Dad

Mom's Nursing School Graduation, 1958, with Dad

Mom's Nursing School Graduation, 1958, with her in-laws, our Grandma/Grandpa Royal

Mom's Nursing School Graduation, 1958, with her parents and sister Jean, our Grandma/Grandpa Snipes and Aunt Jean

Mom's Nursing School Graduation, 1958, Dad taking a moment to demonstrate his Vogue pose

A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY

While Mom and Dad were raised to be active in their respective religious congregations (Mom, Southern Baptist; Dad, Southern Methodist), Mom said that they were not necessarily “church-going people” after marriage.  Dad had become interested in religion generally after a miraculous answer to prayer during his freshman year of college, as described earlier (money sent by his two high school teachers).  Later, while engaged in conversation with a friend studying to become a preacher at Wake Forest University, Dad was told that his sprinkle baptism was insufficient to save him.   That conversation went something like this: 

        Dad's friend: "I feel sorry for you, Fuller."

        Dad: "Why?"

        Dad's friend: "Because you're going to hell."

        Dad: "Why?"

        Dad's friend: "Because you haven't been properly baptized."

        Dad had never before considered that there may be only one proper form of baptism.  That led Dad to begin asking doctrinal questions such as: Why baptism is necessary?; Who has the authority to perform baptism?; How was that authority conferred?; What did Christ's organization look like during His ministry on earth?; How did it continue after the Savior's death and resurrection?; Did Jesus create hundreds of different churches with competing views on saving doctrine and the mode of baptism?; What about the billions of people who never knew Jesus due to their life circumstances on earth and who were never baptized?  Are they relegated to hell, as well?; What is the purpose of life?; Did we live with God before coming to earth?; If so, why would God send us from His presence to live on earth?; Does He have a plan for us to successfully return to Him?  If so, what is it and how would He communicate that to us today?; If Peter was leading the Savior's church after His death and resurrection, who leads His church today?; If the Savior's church exists today, how can I find it?  What should I be looking for?  Dad's search began in the scriptures and led him to ask many questions.  Dad enjoyed having gospel-related discussions with pastors, priests, and ministers of various faiths in the area.

        Of course, Mom was well aware of Dad’s desire to find truth and his inquisitive nature.  So, when a couple of missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints stopped our parents' small home in Winston-Salem, NC, to speak with Mom as she was lying out in the sun on April 7, 1958, Mom replied that she personally had no interest in discussing religion.  However, Mom then said: "But if you come back later I’m sure my husband will be happy to talk with you.”  

        According to Mom's recollection, the young men seemed very nice.  They said they had a message to share about Jesus Christ.  Mom recalled that those young LDS missionaries had a powerful spirit about them and that she hoped they would return - even though she had expressed no interest in speaking with them.

Mom and Dad at the entrance of their apartment in Winston-Salem, NC, while Dad was attending medical school from 1956-60

Dad helped Mom realize that she was head over heals for him

Newspaper article focused on Mom as President of Phi Rho Signa Wives, May 21, 1959  (two months before she gave birth to Danny)

        Mom and Dad enjoyed having the missionaries over.   They were particularly fond of Elder Richard Arnold, who was well-spoken and very well-versed in the scriptures.  Dad felt a strong connection with him.  They became friends and had some fun, lively discussions well into the evening hours.  The missionaries came over for dinner from time to time and even had Mom and Dad over for dinner at their place on one occasion.  Mom wrote the following about this time of their lives:

         Fuller and I really liked what they taught, and felt a desire to join.  Fuller had read the Book of Mormon with the express purpose of exposing Joseph Smith as a fraud.  Instead, Fuller was exposed to the Holy Ghost and received a witness he could not deny.  But, we had a few issues that kept us away.  The first was tithing.  We did not see how we could possibly do that as poor young newlyweds.  The second was a fear of how our families would respond.  So, we did nothing.

Mom’s problem was solved when her fiancé made a surprise visit in December 1956.  It was the perfect opportunity to make things right.  Mom recalled that she returned the ring and simply said: “Sorry, it’s just not working out.”  Mom and Dad went out on their first date the very next day.  Dad proposed to Mom in April 1957 while “watching planes land” at the Winston-Salem airport.  He did not have a diamond ring but provided her with his Sigma Chi pendant.  (Mom would not actually get a bona fide diamond ring until 11 years later.  But, Dad made sure it was well worth the wait.)

Dad had a fun personality and loved life.  He acquired a reputation as a prankster in his youth that earned him the nickname: Dirty Dan.  (That well-earned reputation followed him to college - and beyond.)  So, Mom and Dad’s first-born son naturally received the name of Daniel Fuller.

Danny's arrival, July, 1959

Mom, home from the hospital with Danny, Winston-Salem, NC,
July 1959

 Four Generations: (From Left: Goodma (our great-grandmother), our Grandmother Snipes, Mom and Danny), 1959

Dad with Danny, 1959

The local Clinton, NC newspaper announced Mom and Dad's visit in late 1959 

Danny with Grandfather Royal, 1959
(playing with Granddad's pipe)

Mom and Dad's first Christmas as parents, 1959, here with Danny 

Four Generations: Danny with Mom, Aunt Jean, Grandmother Snipes and Goodma

Mom with Danny, 1959

 Dad's medical school graduating class, 1960

Dad's final year of medical school, noting his post-graduation destination of Lackland AFB in San Antonio, TX (where Michael was born), 1960

Dad, medical school graduation, 1960

Dad's favorite medical school graduation gift was a Bible provided to him

Dad, USAF, 1960-64

Mom with Danny and Michael (his first Christmas), December 1960

Grandmother Snipes, 1962

Grandfather Snipes, 1962

Our Grandmother and Grandfather Snipes, 1962

Mom with sister, Jean, Galvaston, TX, 1962

At our Goodma's house, North Carolina, 1962

Michael and Danny at their Dad's childhood home in Clinton, NC, 1962

Grandpa Royal, 1962

Grandmother Snipes (left) and Grandmother Cladie (right), demonstrating how to effectively fatten a guy up, 1962

Dad joined the United States Air Force to get through medical school.  He received training in aerospace medicine at Brooks AFB, San Antonio, TX, and was a flight surgeon with the United States Air Force from 1960–64.  (Michael Alan, their second child, was born at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, TX, 13 months after Danny’s arrival.)  From 1964–80, Dad had a general family medical practice in Eugene, OR.  (Daughters Allison Marie and Kimberly Denise were born during that  time.)  

A visit to San Francisco, CA - Mom with sons Danny (left) and Michael (on Mom's lap), 1961

Mom with Danny and Michael, December 1961

Michael joined the family in 1960, this was taken in 1962 when we were stationed at Lackland AFB, San Antonio, TX

Our home on AdairAFB in Corvallis, OR 1962-64

Michael (left) and Danny (right) with Ludwig, the dog of family friends Guy & Sally Gleason, 1963-64, Corvallis, OR

Dad, a flight surgeon with the USAF, 1962

Dad with a "Say Ahhh" moment, 1962

Bedtime reading with Mom, 1961

A family visit to Yosemite National Park, 1962

Mom prepares to cut the fifth marriage anniversary cake, 1962

A SHORT-LIVED CONVERSION

While stationed at Adair AFB in Corvallis, OR, Dad had a near-death experience during a flight training mission that shook him up terribly.  (His pilot barely avoided a mid-air collision.)  After safely landing and disembarking, Dad had a very distinct impression that his failure to follow what the Spirit had born witness to him years earlier was displeasing to the Lord.  Dad went right home and said to Mom: “I don’t know how you’re gonna feel about this, but I’m joining the Mormon Church immediately.”  Mom put the brakes on, convincing Dad to at least take the missionary discussions again so they could consider joining together.  They were both baptized two weeks later in March 1963.  

Dad preparing for takeoff, 1962

Mom and Dad, 1962

 The Royal Family, 1962

Mom taking a little hike in a stream, 1962

 Mom and Danny in our sweet powder blue Corvair, 1962

Mom reads to Danny, 1962

Uncle Pittman takes us on a beach buggy ride, 1962

Taking a below-the-pier lunch break on the North Carolina shores, 1962

With some of our amazing North Carolina Royal family, 1962

Michael and Danny begin a lifetime of TV watching (haha), 1962

The Royal Family, 1963

Mom, always so classy, 1963

Mom loved dressing us as twins, 1963
(We tried to start a fire in that fireplace and were
unsuccessful - nearly burned the house down. )

Dad on the Oregon ski slopes, 1963

Danny and Michael lounging with Mom, 1963

Mom with Danny and Michael, and friends Guy and Sally Gleason, 1963

 Mom doing some legit modeling, October 1963

Danny and Michael, preparing for Christmas, December 1963

Michael and Danny with our not-so-bright car-chasing dog
that finally caught a car and hitched a ride to heaven as we
watched ride to heaven as we watched from the swingset,
Corvallis, OR 1963.  (Mom said that she was the only
member of the family who did not want or  like having the
dog around (sorry, we cannot recall his name), but that she
was the only one who cried when he left us.)

 Dad on the Adair AFB basketball team, 1963 (back left)

Baptism/Confirmation Certificates for Mom and Dad, March 1963

 Dad's Aaronic Priesthood certificate, 1963

Dad's ordination as a Teacher in the Aaronic
Priesthood, June 1963.  Mom and Dad left the Church
shortly after this date.

Mom and Danny and Michael, Christmas 1963

Mom helping interpret a Thank You note to our Grandmother Snipes, 1963

 The Royal Family, 1964

Mom's big announcement, 1964

        Mom dove right into Church service, taking on a calling within the Relief Society.  However, Dad struggled to find his place in their Corvallis ward.  After a short while, Dad came to feel forgotten, ignored, and unwanted.  The light that led him to baptism in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints dimmed.  So, about a year later, in the summer of 1964, as the family prepared to move to Eugene, Oregon, where Dad planned to join a private medical practice, Dad apologized to Mom for leading her into the LDS Church and said that once we were settled, we could attend any church she desired.  Mom thereafter chose a local Methodist church on Grove Street in Eugene.  A couple years later, we began attending the First Baptist Church of Santa Clara (which just happened to be about a good three-wood shot from the local LDS chapel, located just northwest on the same street, River Road).  (Ironically, the pastor of that church is the same person who told Dad he was "going to hell" all those years ago at Wake Forest.)

Danny helping Mom with the dishes, 1965

Sister Allison joined our family in July 1965

And then there were three, July 1965

Three guys and a girl, July 1965

Dad with Grandmother Snipes as Michael turns five, 1965

 Mom, 1965

Michael & Danny, 1965 (we were 13 months apart but Mom still loved dressing us as twins)  (Michael wore out the outside heels and soles of many shoes by standing like that.)

The Royal Kids, 1965

Our Eugene, OR home on Avalon Street where we lived, 1964-66

Mom and Dad, in their dream home on Silver Lea Court, 1966

Love this picture taken of our kitchen island where we had most of our family dinners in our Eugene home, here depicting next door neighbors the Burkmans, friends the Bowens and Browns, and not sure about the blonde woman on the left and the man standing behind her left shoulder, 1966

Michael and Danny with Friends Erik Guldager and Gordon Hocking in our Eugene home backyard, 1966

 A classic picture from our new home on Silver Lea Court, 1967. (Love Mom pictured standing inside the house watching this photo op.)

The Royal Kids, 1967

Hanging out with our new neighbor and friend, Gordon Hocking, 1967

Danny with neighbor/friend Eric Goldager, 1967

A good shot of our backyard basketball court (can you find Allison?), 1967

Allison in the west side backyard of our Eugene home, 1967.  (She rode her tricycle right into the pool one day and Dad dove in to save her.)

 Mom and Dad skiing at Mt. Bachelor, 1967

December, 1967

Dad and Allison, 1967

Mom with close friend, Gayle Brown, 1967

Danny's Letter to Santa Claus, November 1967.
(Mom addressed the envelope, which is strangely missing a postmark.)

A REAWAKENING

Christmas, 1967

        Some missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints came by our home in the summer of 1967.  Mom was not as inviting as she was back in 1958.  She abruptly sent them away, advising: “We don’t belong to your church anymore.”  Indeed, we did not.  We were members of the First Baptist Church of Santa Clara.  However, it was the word anymore that caught the missionaries' attention.  Mom’s declaration was enough to get our family on the Santa Clara II Ward map.  Home teachers and visiting teachers were eventually assigned.  Mom told her visiting teachers from the ward Relief Society that they were welcome to come by as friends, but that they were not to talk about religion.  Sisters Bonnie Fisher and Carlotta Jones happily agreed.

Dad with Don and Gayle Brown, Thanksgiving, 1967

Camping at Little Cultus Lake, 1968 (Mom loved laying out in the sun - even in the mountains.)

 Allison at the front of our Eugene home, 1968

Mom even looked great fishing

        Around this same period in 1967, Mom was becoming increasingly unhappy.  With Allison born in 1965, Mom now had three children under the age of eight and was struggling to keep things together.  Meanwhile, Dad was busy with building his medical practice, which somehow came to include playing a lot of golf on days off (Wednesdays and weekends).  Dad’s work and recreational pursuits drew him away from home.  In time, Dad had become emotionally and spiritually disconnected.  Dad’s religious interests and vigor had waned.  He had found a good life for himself; however, Dad was oblivious to what was happening to our family.  He had no idea that Mom was feeling so neglected that by the summer of 1968, she began making plans to leave him.  (Mom's plan was to get through Christmas as a family and then leave with the children in January of 1969.)

        In desperation, Mom turned to Heavenly Father and began pleading for help.  Her competitive spirit would not allow her to lose her family without a fight.  In August of 1968, Bonnie Fisher came by the house and told Mom that she would no longer be her visiting teacher because she had been called to serve as the Ward Relief Society President.  During that visit, Sister Fisher courageously bore her testimony.  Sister Fisher assured Mom of the blessings awaiting her family if she would return to church and be sealed in the temple.  Although Sister Fisher’s proclamation broke the initial agreement she had made about avoiding any religious discussions, her words sunk deep into Mom’s heart.  From that time forward, Mom began to feel a desire to return to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  However, she did not know how to do that, largely because she wondered whether our family would be accepted back after leaving.  Mom also did not know if Dad would follow.  At that point, Mom just needed answers.  She needed strength.  So, Mom continued to pray and wait, while suffering in silence.

Mom's handwritten note from 1968 where she did the math of how Dad was spending his time which obviously frustrated her.

 The Fisher family (Bonnie is back row left), 1968

As part of her calling to serve as Relief Society President, Bonnie Fisher had to present two names as counselors to the Santa Clara II Ward Bishop, Don Ainge.  After some fasting and prayer, Sister Fisher provided Bishop Ainge with Laura Roderick as one counselor.  Strangely, a second name had not come to her.  This became a matter of great consternation for Sister Fisher.  She even made the 1,600-mile round-trip journey to the Salt Lake Temple with her husband, Garyl, hoping to find an answer there.  Still, nothing came. 

Beehive style Mom, 1968

        Shortly thereafter, while seated in a stake leadership meeting focused on activating the less active, Sister Fisher heard the following whispered in her ear: “Marie Royal.”  She described it as a very distinct voice with unmistakable words.  At the time, it seemed utterly ridiculous.  Sister Fisher concluded that she must have imagined it.  However, the voice whispered a second time: "Marie Royal."  It was so apparent that Sister Fisher began having a conversation with the voice about how silly it would be to call Mom to serve as a counselor in her presidency.  Sister Fisher argued: “But she has no experience."  To further make her point, Sister Fisher added:  "And, she’s joined another denomination!”  A third time, the voice whispered: “Marie Royal.”  Sister Fisher knew she had received a powerful answer and resolved to follow the Spirit.  So, as crazy as it seemed, she advised Sister Roderick that she would be submitting Mom’s name to serve as a presidency member.  She had been fasting and praying for an answer, and it was provided with great clarity.

Don Ainge with daughter
Laurie, 1968

Bishop Don Ainge had his own powerful spiritual impression several weeks earlier related to calling Sister Fisher as the Ward Relief Society President.  Reflecting on that time, Bishop Ainge said that he had just left a bishopric meeting at the church where he and his counselors determined to call another sister in the ward to serve as Relief Society President.  As he was en route to that sister's home to extend the call, Bishop Ainge said that he received immediate direction from the Spirit to drive to the home of Garyl and Bonnie Fisher.  Upon his arrival, Bishop Ainge was impressed to call Sister Fisher to serve as the ward Relief Society President.  It all happened quickly and Bishop Ainge was so sure of his direction from beyond the veil that he did not even advise his counselors of the calling change until after the call had been extended.  Bonnie Fisher wept as the calling was issued by Bishop Ainge as she had received an impression that he would be coming to see her for that purpose.

        So, weeks later, when Sister Fisher presented Mom's name to Bishop Ainge to serve as a counselor in her presidency, he did not second-guess her.  Bishop Ainge said he knew without question that Sister Fisher was an inspired woman.  However, this was brand new territory.  The bishop had never even met our parents.  While the entire situation seemed a bit crazy, this good bishop once again followed the Spirit and went to our home on a day in late October 1968.  He knocked on the door and Mom answered.  The bishop rather sheepishly introduced himself and asked to come in.  After sitting down, Bishop Ainge related to Mom that the Lord had called her to serve as a counselor in the Ward Relief Society and said: “How do you feel about that, Sister Royal?”  Mom was speechless.  Tears flowed as Mom immediately realized that this was a direct answer to her fervent prayers.  

This picture is from a 1971 newspaper article about the Ainge family sports legacy (past/present/future), Bishop Don Ainge far right, Doug in back, Dave left, and Danny center (and who wants to bet that Danny still made the short despite all those hands in his way?)

No one had known of Mom’s personal struggle.  No one knew that her family was in crisis and that she had been pleading for a way to save it.  No one knew that she had a growing desire to become active in the Church again ever since Sister Fisher shared her testimony two months earlier.  To Bishop Ainge's surprise, Mom graciously accepted, saying: “I know this is from the Lord!”

Mom, 1968

Mom was so excited!!!  She wanted to let Dad know what had happened but he was golfing at the Shadow Hills Country Club and she had no way to get in touch with him other than to call the clubhouse and ask them to advise Dad that there was an emergency at home.  (This was long before cell phones.)  Dad raced home thinking that something terrible had occurred.  He pulled into the driveway and quickly exited his vehicle.  Mom had been watching for Dad from the family room window.  As he arrived, Mom bolted out the front door and met Dad about halfway between the door and his car.  As they ran together, Mom exclaimed: “I have a testimony!  I have a testimony!”

Mom did not have a testimony in 1963 when she and Dad were baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  However, once she discovered it burning in her heart, Mom lit the flame of conviction within Dad’s heart.  This time, Mom was his wake-up call.  Dad, however, came along at a different pace.  Of that time, Dad wrote the following:

While Marie clearly had something wonderful happen, I was initially skeptical.  I doubted her newly expressed testimony as real.  But, Marie was definitely committed to her new path, stating that she was going to be attending the Santa Clara II Ward, and invited me to join her and the children.  That was not easy for me (even though I had previously promised that we would attend whatever church she wanted).  I was faced with personal reservations associated with leaving a lifestyle that I had come to enjoy very much.  However, something was different this time.  Marie had changed.  About three months later, I began to experience a change of heart, and my testimony of the gospel was rekindled.  

        Once Dad came around, our family held its first Family Home Evening.  Dad, through tears, promised us that things would be forever different in our home.  We were young kids at the time and had no idea what was going on behind the scenes.  Now, however, we are now aware of what happened and are grateful for the miracles that came together through many righteous/faithful people willing to serve on the Lord's errand.  Mom had righted the family ship and Dad was determined to join her at the wheel to navigate our family to safety.  Together, they steered us out of harm’s way and brought us to the Promised Land.  We never again veered off course.  Our parents were ever thereafter valiant servants of the Lord.

The Royal Family, 1968

Allison in the backyard of our Eugene home, 1968, watching her older brothers swimming in the pool with their friends

A newspaper article from Raleigh, NC, 1968, our Grandmother Snipes is the woman depicted in the center middle in the above photo

Our family, December 1968

Allison was blessed in her fourth year of age, February 1969.  This transcription was created by Sister Bonnie Fisher.

 Allison's Certificate of Blessing

Dadls Melchizedek Priesthood ordination certificate, March 1969.  (Dad's ordination occurred two weeks before he baptized Danny and Michael.)

Easter Sunday, Danny, Michael, and Allison, 1969

Dad with the Royal children, Easter Sunday, 1969

 One more time - with Mom, Easter Sunday, 1969

Michael's certificate of baptism and confirmation, April 1969

A picture of Danny, Michael, and Allison in the backyard from the other direction, 1969

Dad's precious Cessna, 1969

Dad with his siblings Pittman (left), Christine (center), and Max, (right), 1969

Dad became an advocate for causes he believed in - and unsuccessfully ran for a position on the Eugene School Board in his fight against sex education in 1969.

The Royal Family, 1969

Mom works with Michael on a viola performance, 1969

Dad with the kids, 1969.  (This is the only picture we can find with the front entryway of our Eugene home in the background.)

A STRAIT AND NARROW PATH

Our family, 1970

       Dad received the Melchizedek Priesthood and baptized Michael and Danny on April 12, 1969.  Our family was sealed in the Oakland Temple on June 21, 1969.  As children, we were too young to have much appreciation for what was happening in the temple.  However, we recall being escorted into the sealing room, dressed in white, and seeing our parents kneeling at the altar, surrounded by many of the loving friends we had made as new members of the Santa Clara II Ward, including Bonnie Fisher and her husband, Garyl, who had been assigned to serve as our home teacher along with Skip Barnwell.  Friends witnessing this wonderful event were in tears.  We will never forget that moment - kneeling as a family and bound together with the sealing power of the Lord's sacred priesthood authority.  The promise of forever families gives us great hope that much brighter/better days are ahead of us.

Royal Family Temple Day!  June 1969.  (Dad is behind the camera.)

Michael and Maralea, seated at the same fountain outside the Oakland Temple 50 years later

June 21, 1969 - the day our family was sealed in the Oakland Temple.  (Not pictured: Photographer, Dad.)  Garyl and Bonnie Fisher were part of the wonderful Santa Second Ward group accompanying us on the trek from Eugene, OR to the Oakland Temple

A Sunday visit with our Grandmother Cladie (Royal), 1970

Mom's turn to get into the picture, 1970

Mom with Grandmother Cladie and the kids (Dad the photog), 1970

A teaching certificate Mom received in September 1970 (less than a year after we returned to Church activity in the Santa Clara II Ward)

        Dad was called to teach early morning seminary during the 1970-71 school year and dove right into it.  (The subject was Church History, something Dad did not know a lot about at the time.)  Dad loved studying and teaching the gospel, having come to realize that it had saved our family.  Despite having a busy medical practice, Dad was up for the challenge of teaching the gospel daily during the week to sleepy teenagers at 6:00 am.

Dad's seminary class, 1970-71

Dad as Dr. Royal, 1972

        A week or so before the 1970-71 school year began, all of the seminary instructors traveled to Corvallis, OR to receive training at the Oregon State University LDS Institute.  Dad entered the chapel and took a seat in the middle of about one hundred participants.  As they were waiting for instruction to begin, the Institute Director came to the podium and began to speak.  Suddenly he stopped, his eyes fixed on Dad, and said: “If anyone would have told me when I was on my mission in 1958 that I would one day be standing here looking at Dr. Fuller Royal in an LDS Chapel, I would have never believed it!”  It was Elder Richard Arnold, the missionary who first introduced Dad to the restored gospel of Jesus Christ!!  Dad was shocked to see him and was overjoyed to know that this wonderful gentleman, who had been instrumental in bringing the gospel truth to our family years earlier, was to be his instructor once again.  Richard Arnold then shared with those present his experiences with Dad as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Winston-Salem, NC.

Dad and Richard shared tears of joy at seeing each other.   This moment was reminiscent of the reunion between Alma and the Sons of Mosiah, the very best of friends who had been separated for 14 years.  Of that experience, Mormon writes:

        . . . Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his brethren; and what added more to his joy, they were still his brethren in the Lord; yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God.  (Alma 17:2.  Emphasis added.)

        The Lord blessed our parents with many similar incidents thereafter, which served to strengthen their resolve to lead our family to Jesus Christ.  We truly marvel when pausing to recognize that Heavenly Father has been aware of our every need, every thought, and every action.  Dad later wrote the following:

        Yes, my life is filled with joy thanks to the persistence of Elder Arnold and the other missionaries who followed him.  It has been blessed with joy thanks to Marie’s faithfulness and the wonderful saints in the Santa Clara II Ward and friends who reached out to our family thereafter.  When I see all our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren have accomplished, I am overwhelmed with joy at how the Lord literally stood at the crossroads of our lives and directed us to the better way through His ministering angels – those who loved us enough to be our friends.

Mom and Dad with Richard Arnold and his wife, Betty, 2012.  Richard had no idea of what good he accomplished as Elder Arnold until many years later. 

 Welcome Kimberly, 1971

        Our family was completed in April 1971 when Kimberly was born under the covenant extending from our June 21, 1969 sealing at the Oakland Temple.  We loved growing up in Eugene, OR as members of the Santa Clara II Ward.  In retrospect, we cannot imagine better days than those we shared with our eternal friends residing there with us.  Our home was constantly illuminated with gospel light and filled our hearts with joy.   There were many nights when we would go to bed as our parents were engaged in gospel-related discussions, which penetrated our hearts as we listened with doors partially open to let in the hallway light.  As children, we were being converted to Christ merely by basking in the sweet gospel environment that our parents had created.

Our Eugene home, 1971

We did not get snow a lot in Eugene, but when we did we wanted to savor it (especially since it always got us out of school)

Mom, pregnant with our Siser Kimberly, 1971, baby shower at the home of Harold and Gladys Wright

Mom's friends Linda Bevins (left) and Kay Ainge (right), at her baby shower, 1971

Mom's 1971 baby shower (from left: Linda Bevins, Kay Ainge, Jean Petrich, Bonnie Fisher, Jean Hill, June Moore, and Beverly Burkman) 

I love this picture of Dad from a 1971 Santa Clara II Ward party as he and Mom visit with Don and Kay Ainge

Mom (left) with Harold and Gladys Wright, 1971
(Gladys worked for Dad both in Eugene and Las Vegas.  In Mom's difficult last days back in 2015 she talked of how much she missed some of her most beloved friends, and Gladys was one of them she specifically mentioned.)

Same 1971 ward party, far right is Skip Barnwell (our first home teacher and forever dentist thereafter, and incurable Oregon State fan - also apparently color blind), Kay Ainge to his left sitting by Mom, who is next to Gladys Wright, then Don Ainge, with Harold Wright seated in front of Mom)

1971 ward Party, Mom in the background talking with Kay Ainge and Skip Barnwell, with Gladys Wright far left in back, Don Ainge standing in front of Harold Wright (GOOD TIMES)

Mom and Dad, dancing the night away, 1971

 Allison welcomes little sister, Kimberly, April 1971

Kimberly's baby blessing certificate, July 1971

Transcript of Kimberly's baby blessing, July 1971

1971, Temple Square (welcome to the family, Kimberly).  This must have been part of our trip across the country to North Carolina in our single-engine Cessna (the scariest experience of our young lives)

It was a miracle that we made it safely to North Carolina from Oregon in the summer of 1971, where Dad had to get the engine replaced and mechanics could not believe we successfully arrived

With our Santa Clara II Ward  friends, Salt Lake Temple, 1971

Four Generations: Kimberly meets her grandmother Snipes and great-grandmother Goodma, 1971

 With Grandmother Cladie and Royal cousins, Clayton, NC, 1971

Danny and Allison at Grandmother Snipes' home, Clayton, NC, 1971

Michael and Danny, dressed for success, 1971

Poor Tabby literally got neutered by Dad at his office (haha, and we were there to witness it - something we will NEVER forget), 1971

Dad and Danny, 1971

Mom at Crater Lake, OR, 1971

We had been on the crookedest road in the world until our ministering friends came along, San Francisco, CA, 1971

 Dda with Michael, Allison, and Kimberly, 1971

December 1971

Christmas, 1971

Christmas, 1971

Christmas, 1971 (After that clock radio was set up and tuned to our favorite radio station, a song came on that had a swear word ("damn") and Dad freaked out about what we were being exposed to as kids.)

Mom, Dad, Allison, and Kimberly, December 1971.  (Blurry picture courtesy of Danny or Michael)

Mom, Oakland Temple, 1972

 Mom and Dad with Kimberly, 1972

Dad loved his plane.  Dad served as Stake Mission President and is pictured here in 1971 with his counselors (who bravely and boldly went to the sky with him)

Dad, Salt Lake Temple, 1972

Dad and Danny on a youth temple trip, Oakland Temple, 1972

Santa Clara II Ward Youth Temple Trip, Oakland Temple, 1972
(Dad is behind the camera).  This is a small part of an amazing group of people in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who deeply blessed our lives.

Mom helps Allison with a birthday bracelet, 1972

The Royal Family, 1972

Dad  as the "Game Room" was being constructed on our Eugene home, 1972

Mom with friend Bonnie Fisher, 1972

Chad Roderick and others working on our Eugene home "Game Room" addition, 1972

Our family less photographer Danny, December 1972

Pit stop in Barstow, CA, en route to Disneyland with the Michaels family, 1972

Dad gets a special love note from Allison, 1972

Mom, chillin' with some sweet cream soda, 1972

The Royal Children, 1972

Mom, 1972

Disneyland, 1972

Mom, Dad, Allison and Kimberly, 1972

Mom with Allison, Disneyland 1972

 Mom and Dad with Danny, Disneyland, 1972

 Dad, Universal Studios, 1972

Kimberly was not into Santa, December 1972

A rare snowy day in Eugene, OR home (yay, no school!), 1972

We loved family dinners in the dining room - especially leading up to Christmas - 1972

Christmas 1972, with Dad

Christmas 1972, Mom's turn

 Mom and Dad with Allison and Kimberly, Christmas 1972

Dad with the slick hat on a ward temple trip, 1973

Mom with Kimberly, 1973

 Dad with a very patriotic tie, 1973

Mom and Dad, Christmas 1973

Our dining room, 1973 (looks like Danny took this picture)

Dad wrote a book for weight loss called A Better Weigh and did all of his own artwork.  This picture was not in the book but was something Dad put together for the primary to help with reverence, 1972-73

Mom and Kimberly, 1973

 Mom and Allison, 1973

Allison's Baptism and Confirmation certificate, August 1973

 Dad and Kimberly, 1973

 Dad with Danny and Michael, BYU campus 1973.  (This was taken just moments before Dad took us to the BYU barbershop with instructions that we be given "BYU complaint haircuts" which was life-ruining since it was definitely not early '70s  cool compliant (haha).)

BYU Campus, 1973.  (Inching closer to the barbershop located behind us)

General Conference, April 1973

Dad with Kimberly, 1973

 Dad, 1973

 Mom and Dad, at Dad's medical clinic, 1973

Mother's Day card from the children, 1973

Mom taking Kimberly on a bike ride at the North Eugene High School track, located across the street from our home, 1973

 The Royal Children, 1973

Dad with the Royal Children, 1973

Dad and Michael - Ain't no mountain high enough, 1973

Mom with Kimberly, 1973

Christmas 1973, Mike got a "Hot Comb."  (He never did figure out how to use it.   Who had time to plug in a comb each morning?)

The Royal Kids, December 1973

The family (less Michael, the photographer) with Grandmother Snipes, 1974

 The Royal Children with Grandma Snipes, 1974

Danny's Father's Day card to Dad, 1974

 Allison's Father's Day card to Dad, 1974

Danny's Mother's Day card, 1974

Allison's Mother's Day card, 1974

Michael's Mother's Day card, 1974

Michael's Father's Day card, 1974

 Allison's Easter card to Mom and Dad, 1974

The Royal Children, 1974

Mom's favorite home in our home was the kitchen

Mom cuts the cake, 1974

 Mom with home teacher Earl Noble (left) and
family friend Floyd Weston, 1974

Mom 1974

Mom & Dad, 1974

Sisters from the Santa Clara II Ward, 1974 (from left: Julie Hill, Jean Hill, Linda Bevans, Jeanine Barnwell and . . . not sure)

Our family (less Dad the photographer) 1975

 Dad's March birthday occasionally fell during the week of Easter, here an Easter card from the Royal Children, 1975 (Danny wrote the note from Kimberly.)

Mom and kids, 1975

Mom with Kimberly, 1975

 Mom's Valentine's Day card for Dad, 1975

Universal Studios, 1975, when we first discovered that Mom and Frankenstein had the same haircut (haha)

Dad with the Royal kids and our Grandmother Snipes, 1975

A sweet note to Mom from friend Jean Hill, May 1975.  This was written three months before Jean lost her son and our dear friend, Bruce (who is referenced in the note), which had a profound effect on us all.  We take comfort that Jean, her husband Bob, and their son Bruce are united again.

 The Royal Family, 1975

Daddy/Daughter event - Dad and Allison, 1975

 Dad with Bishop Christensen (center), Alan Livingston (far left), and other members of the Santa Clara II Ward, 1975

December, 1976

 Mom and Dad with Danny, Allison, and Kimberly, 1976

The Royal Family, 1976

Dad with Michael (left) and Danny (right), Soda Springs, ID, 1976

 Mom and Dad, 1977

 Mom and Dad, 1977

Danny's Eagle Court of Honor, 1977

 The Royal Family, Danny's Eagle Court of Honor, 1977

 The Royal Kids, 1977

Annnd, an encore kiddy picture, 1977

Dad enclosed this in a letter to Michael when he was away for the summer, taken with neighbor, friend, and employee Fran Hocking, 1977

Mom and Dad with Grandmother Snipes, 1977

 Mom and Dad with Kimberly 1977

Kimberly's picture for Mom and Dad, 1977

Two pictures in one - our family, December 1977

Dad, Allison, and Kimberly at our Eugene home, 1978

Mom and Dad, December 1978

Mom's turn, 1978

Mom and Dad, 1979

 Kimberly's Baptism and Confirmation certificate, June 1979

The Royal Family, summer of 1979 (Danny was serving as a full-time missionary in the Germany Hamburg Mission.)  (This is how we did Photoshop before it existed.)

August 1979, with Michael, Missionary Training Center, Provo, UT

Mom mowing the grass of our Eugene home after Danny and Michael left for college and missions, 1979

Mom and Dad with Allison and Kimberly, 1979

Kimberly's Valentine's Day card to Mo m and Dad, 1979

Dad struggled with a terrible bout of hepatitis after a trip to Mexico in 1980, which had him down for about three months as Mom cared for him largely at home.  Dad received a blessing from Pres. Ezra Taft Benson and all traces of his illness forever departed.  (Love the silky smooth pajamas.)

 Mom, 1980

  When Mom and Dad moved from Eugene, OR in 1980, friends provided them with a copy, The Mortal Messiah, (June 13, 1980), and wrote words of well-wishes in the book similar to what Mom and Dad experienced with their high school yearbooks.  We found this book while going through things at the house.  It is a sweet treasure.  We have included the written messages from a few of our wonderful Eugene friends below.  

Mom and Dad at Zion's National Park, 1980

Our Marlene Court home in Henderson, NV, 1980.  (Mom and Dad were not here very long before moving into their Sierra Vista home where they spent the next 35 years together.)

Mom and Dad with Howard and Kay Ruff, Las Vegas, 1980

Mom and Dad, 1981

 Mom and Dad with Goodma (Mom's grandmother), 1981

Another picture of Mom and Goodma, 1981

Danny and Cheryl's marriage, May 1981, St. George Temple

August 1981, Salt Lake Airport, Michael's mission return

The Berns Family came to the Salt Lake City Temple from Foley, AL to be sealed together as a family, with their missionaries Elders Royal (Michael) and Jones (Steve), and our family present in August 1981.  (Dad wrote letters of testimony and encouragement to the Berns family when they were being taught the missionary discussions.)

August 1981 thank you  card from Kay Berns and family

Danny and Michael, Salt Lake City, UT, 1981

Dad's Valentine's Day card to Mom, 1981

GOLDEN YEARS

        Since our family sealing at the Oakland Temple on June 21, 1969, Mom and Dad sent their two sons, Danny and Michael, to serve full-time two-year missions (Danny: Germany Hamburg Mission (1978-80); Michael: Florida Tallahassee Mission (1979-81)), who then married in the temple.  Mom and Dad’s two daughters, Allison and Kimberly, likewise married in the temple.  Collectively, Mom and Dad have 18 grandchildren, 11 of whom served missions.  (If we include spouses of children and grandchildren, we would add seven more missionaries.)  All of their 18 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren have been born under the covenant that Mom and Dad embraced on June 21, 1969, at the Oakland Temple.

Our family, fall 2005, Las Vegas Temple (Missing: McKay Royal, who passed away on August 30, 1994).  Since this picture was taken, 11 spouses to grandchildren joined the family, with 31 great-grandchildren.  We also lost Cheryl Royal on April 21, 2021, who was joyously reunited with her son, McKay.

        In Mom’s Patriarchal Blessing, provided on March 23, 1969, she received the following promise:

Your last days shall be your best days.  You shall grow in the gospel and the peace that passeth understanding shall fill your soul.  You shall be happy, for you shall see your children and their children stand in defense of the gospel.

Mom and Dad, October 2014

        Truly, that promise was fulfilled in a marvelous way.  Three weeks before her passing, Michael shared with Mom a Facebook comment from Danica Patiag, whose family was taught and baptized by Mom's grandson, Brad, about 11 years earlier when he was serving as Elder Royal in the Philippines.  Upon reviewing a picture of Danica, Michael complimented her on having a beautiful smile.  She responded: “Thank you.  It’s because of the gospel your son taught us.”  That exchange, along with so many others, was a fulfillment of Mom’s beautiful blessing.  Danica’s words made our mother very happy in the sunset of her life.  Thanks to very faithful children, grandchildren, and a rising generation of great-grandchildren,  Mom’s last days truly were her best.

        Dad wrote the following words in 1976:

The Lord has blessed me abundantly since I joined His Church and I have had many choice spiritual experiences which may help to strengthen the testimonies of my family and loved ones someday.  Like any loving father, I wish for my family and their children to be faithful and happy in life.  I want each of my children to remain strong and active in the Church, for only in this way can they find true happiness.  It is my hope that we can all walk through mortality with the Holy Ghost as our constant companion so we may all be forever united as a family with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

 Elder and Sister Royal, 2013

        Mom and Dad served as Elder and Sister Royal in the Nevada Las Vegas Mission in 2011-13), which was a lifelong dream.  Their service coincided with son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Maralea, who were also serving as Elder and Sister Royal in the same mission, while their son, Jordan, was serving as Elder Royal in the Philippines Angeles Mission.  We therefore had three generations of Elder Royal serving at the same time.  As for Mom and Dad's last days, they just could not get much better than that.

 Mom and Dad as grandson Jordan prepared to serve for two years in the Philippines as Elder Royal, September 2011

 March 2013, Mom and Dad as Elder and Sister Royal, Michael and Maralea as Elder and Sister Royal, serving together with President Michael Neider and Rosemary Neider in the Las Vegas Nevada Mission.  Sister Neider passed away in January 2015, preceding Mom by four months.  We were all very blessed to have served together.

Mom's funeral, May 15, 2015 

Dad's funeral, October 30, 2023

We temporarily became moral orphans in October 2023, but the gospel of Jesus Christ brought to us by our parents provides that families are forever

 

        We are extremely grateful for the journey on which our parents so bravely embarked all those years ago, embracing the gospel of Jesus Christ when He called them to serve in His kingdom.  We shudder to think of what would have become of our family without the Lord sending ministering angels to our home in 1968.  A tragedy was averted and generations have been richly blessed as a result. 

Mom and Dad, their last Valentine's Day together, 2015

        Our parents were kind, loving, and nurturing, and taught us the joy of walking in the Savior's light.  They exemplified loving Christlike service and showed us how to live happily as spouses, parents, grandparents, siblings, neighbors, and friends.  As we celebrate their lives and all of the goodness they passed onto us, our hearts are most grateful for the incredible souls who loved our parents at the crossroads of their lives and showed them the better way.  We are eternally indebted to people like Richard Arnold, Garyl and Bonnie Fisher, Don and Kay Ainge, Harold and Gladys Wright, Skip and Jeanine Barnwell, the Roderick family, the Newell family, the Hill family, and many others among an army of Christian soldiers in the Santa Clara II Ward who loved us back into the Savior's fold.  And we had the best neighbors the world could offer on Silver Lea Court during our days in Eugene, OR.  The Hockings, Glausis, Burkmans, Lakes, Newberns, and Guldagers were very special families.  Somehow, the Lord surrounded us with people who He knew would befriend and love us.  We wish that we had been more in touch with our beautiful relatives from back east.  Growing up 3,000 miles from them left us with a feeling of loss.  Yet, we nevertheless feel great love and affection for our grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins.  The Lord had a different plan for our family.  But, we are still family and that bond will never be broken.  

Mom and Dad, February 2015.  Mom smiled through adversity with an ever-eternal perspective.

        In the years that followed after our move to Las Vegas,  NV, we met many more wonderful people who richly blessed our lives.  Dad established The Nevada Clinic of Preventive Medicine which he operated and directed with Mom well into his 80s.  They both loved helping others find healing physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  They loved Las Vegas, NV, and all of the sweet life experiences that followed.  But, there will always be a special place in our hearts for our days in Eugene, where the gospel of Jesus Christ took root and the Tree of Life grew and abundantly provided His most precious Fruit.  (See 1 Nephi 8, 11.)  In the last days of our parents' walk through mortality, some of their sweetest memories harkened back to that most wonderful time of our lives when we, as lost sheep, were found by a few diligent shepherds so willing to serve on the Lord's errand.

Mom and Dad, 1994

IN REMEMBRANCE OF HOW THEY WERE

Mom and Dad, Christmas Eve, 2014

        Since we love remembering and celebrating the wonderful family our parents created for us, we have even more pictures below to peruse - so we never forget.  The following words from Helaman to his sons, Lehi and Nephi, in Helaman 5:6-7, of the Book of Mormon, modified slightly to apply to our family, feel most appropriate today, as we very much want our posterity to feel gratitude for those who so resolutely and faithfully walked the covenant path ahead of them:

        6.    Behold, my [children], I desire that ye should remember to keep the commandments of God; and I would that ye should declare unto the people these words.  Behold, I have given unto you [wonderful] first parents who came out of [North Carolina]; and this I have done that when you remember your [Royal heritage] ye may remember them; and when ye remember them ye may remember their works; and when ye remember their works ye may know how that it is said, and also written, that they were good.
        7.    Therefore, my [children], I would that ye should do that which is good, that it may be said of you, and also written, even as it has been said and written of them.  

          Where would we be today without wonderful, faithful, nurturing parents and loving souls who came to our rescue?  Where would we be today without parents faithfully leading us to the Savior?  We do not want to ever forget; therefore, we will reflect with more pictures and mementos reminding us of the good life we have had thanks to our priceless parents.

Dad's Written Testimony, dated July 30, 1978

        After Dad's passing, we found a detailed typewritten testimony he prepared many years ago which can be accessed at the following link: Dad's Testimony.

Pres. Ezra Taft Benson and Sister Benson at our Eugene, OR home, 1980

Mom and Dad, 1981

Royal Family (plus Cheryl, minus Elder Michael Royal), 1981

Mom and Dad with Dad's Royal family, Clinton, NC, 1981

Kimberly with our Great Grandmother, Goodma, 1981

Mom, Lake Powell, 1981

Dad with Danny and Michael, 1981

Michael's card to Mom and Dad as a BYU sophomore, October 1981

The Royal Family, 1982

Mom and Kimberly, 1982

Mom, 1982

Mom's birthday, 1982

The Royal Children, 1982

Mom and Dad, 1982

Dad, with a televised demonstration of work he was doing at the Nevada Clinic in 1983

Dad treating his mother (our Grandmother Cladie), at the Nevada  Clinic, 1983

One more.  This is such a sweet picture of Dad and Grandma, 1983

Mom and Dad, 1983

Mom and Dad, 1983

Mom was our Mary Poppins, 1983

April 22, 1983, Salt Lake Temple, it had been raining, and the grass was very wet, but Dad laid down in the grass in his suit to get just the right picture anyway

Michael and Maralea's wedding reception, Sparks, NV, 1983 (with Mom and Dad, and Grandmother Snipes - who, for reasons we could never understand, struggled with keeping her eyes open for a picture  -haha)

Mom and Dad with Ray and Leona Kelly at the open house for Michael and Maralea, April 1983

Dad's Love Note to Mom, 1983

Mom and Dad with Allison (high school graduation, 1983

A 50th birthday card to Dad from Mom, 1984

Mom and Dad with Maralea and Michael, BYU graduation 1984

Mom and Dad in Hawaii, 1984

Dad with Danny and Michael, 1984

Correspondence from Pres. Ezra Taft Benson, December 26, 1984

Mom and Dad in Venice, 1985

Mom and Dad with Kimberly, Michael, Maralea, and grandson, Brad, 1985

The Royal Family, 1985

Mom and Kimberly, 1985

1Dad with grandson Brad, 1986

Dad's birthday, 986

Dad with grandchildren Brittany and McKay, 1986

 Mom and Dad in Israel, 1986

Love this picture of Mom and Dad, 1986

Mom and Dad with Kimberly, 1986

A strange family picture just because it was set up so oddly and McKay (left, held by Cheryl) was not even looking at the camera.  But, our Grandmother Snipes kept her eyes open, so it was a win (haha), 1986

Mom and with daughter-in-law, Maralea, along with grandchildren Brad and Kelli on Royal St., Disneyland, 1987

Mom and Dad at granddaughter Kelli's first birthday, 1988

Mom and Dad, 1988

Grandmother Cladie (left) and Grandmother Snipes (right), 1988

Mom with grandson/patient McKay working at the Nevada Clinic, 1989.  (In Mom's last days of life, she identified McKay (who passed away at age within five years following this time) as constantly standing at her bedside from beyond the veil.

Mom and Dad with their newest granddaughter, Chelsea, along with grandchildren Brad and Kelli, son-in-law Greg, Allison, Kimberly, Michael and Maralea, 1989

Mom and Dad with son-in-law Greg's parents, Darrell and Sandra Olson, 1989

President Ezra Taft Benson was one of Dad's patients, here at the Nevada Clinic, 1989

Mom with dear friend from Eugene, OR, Gayle Brown, 1989

 Mom and Dad with Danny at his medical school graduation, 1989

Grandchildren Brad and Kelli in the backyard of Grandma and Grandpa Royal's Las Vegas home, 1989

Mom and Dad with Kimberly and the families of Michael and Allison, 1989

Four Generations: Mom at the Nevada Clinic with Allison and granddaughter Chelsea, and Grandmother Snipes (eyes closed again - haha), 1990

The Royal Family, 1990

Michael's 30th birthday, August 1990

Mom with Kimberly, Danny, Cheryl, Brittany, and McKay, 1991

Mom and Dad, Michael's law school graduation, 1991

With Aunt Jean and Uncle Harry Pittman family (cousins Scott and Stacy), 1991

Mom and Dad with Kimberly, 1991

Mom and Dad with Granddaughter Chelsea, 1991

Mom and Dad, 1992

Mom and Dad at grandson Jordan's baby blessing, June 1992

A Father's Day tribute

Four Generations: Mom with our Grandmother Snipes, Allison, and granddaughter Chelsea, 1992

Mom and Dad with grandson Jordan, 1993

A portion of a letter to Dad from Danny, June 6, 1993

Royal family picture, less Danny's family, 1993

Mom and Dad with Tom and Lucy Zafratos' baptism, 1994

The Royal Family, 1994

Dad ran for Nevada Lt. Governor, here with Mom, 1994

 Dad with Tom and Lucy Zafiratos at their baptism, May 1994 

 Mom and granddaughter, 1994

 Dad at his office, 1994

Mom and Dad with their grandchildren, 1995

Mom at her favorite Pine Valley rock, with four grandchildren and Brandy, 1995

Dad reads a talk written by Grandson Brad, 1995

 Mom with Allison and dear friend Gladys, 1995

Mom and Dad with the Tom and Lucy Zafiratos family, 1995

 Mom and Dad with Kimberly's family, 1996

 Mom and Dad, 1996

Mom and Dad attended many baptisms through the years, this was grandson David's turn, 1997

Dad with grandson Tyler, 1997

 Grandpa Royal with Granddaughter, Kelli, 1997

Mom and grandson Brad with his Grandmother Kelly, 1998

Four grandchildren (Brad, Kelli, David & Jordan) visited the historical (haha) Royal Eugene home in 1998

 Mom and Dad with grandsons Tyler and Kyle, 1998

Dad and grandson Kyle, 1998

Mom and Dad celebrating 1998

A family picture with Grandmother Snipes, 1998

Extra!  Extra  Read all about it!

Dad ran for Lt. Governor in Nevada, 1998

Dad got into the 1998 race late and did not win, but he never regretted getting involved and diving headfirst into any challenge

Mom and Dad with Dad's siblings Pittman and Christina, 1998

Grandpa Royal Storytime, 1998

Mom and granddaughters Kelli and Chelsea, 1999

Dad still making the beach moves on Mom, 1999

Mom with granddaughters Brittany, Kelli, Chelsea, Lindsey, and Karley, 1999

Dad and grandson Kyle, 2000

 Dad aka Grandpa surrounded by grandchildren during a pool party, 2000

Mom with Danny and Cheryl, 2001

Mom and Dad, 2001

Dad and family on scuba dive, Grand Caymans, 2001

This represents 30 years of Dad's appointment books,  1971-2001, which makes for an interesting version of his journal

Mom with twin grandchildren Emma and Ethan, 2002

Mom with granddaughter Chelsea, 2002

 Mom and Dad with Grandmother Snipes and some of her great-grandchildren, 2002

Mom and Dad at a family gathering for grandson David, 2002

Mom and Dad visiting St. Thomas, 2003

 Mom at the Pine Valley cabin with Maralea and grandchildren Brad, Kelli, David and Jordan, 2003

A Royal Home Las Vegas Winter Wonderland, 2003

Mom at grandson Brad's Senior Day, 2003

Mom and Dad's grandchildren, 2003

Dad with granddaughter Rachel, 2003

Mom and Dad at a family priesthood ordination, 2003

Family gathering for grandson Brad's missionary "farewell," 2003

Dad with granddaughters Angela and Rachel, 2003

Mom and Dad sending off their first missionary grandson, 2003

Mom and Dad with grandson, Brad aka Elder Royal, 2003

Mom and Dad, St. Thomas, 2003

Mom dancing with Michael, 2003

Mom and Maralea beaching, 2003

Royal Family, 2003

Mom and Dad with Michael and Maralea, Orlando Temple, 2003

Dad with Granddaughter Emma, 2003 (Granddaughter Angela is to Dad's left next to Allison)

Granddaughter Kelli with her Great-Grandmother Snipes, 2003

Our Grandmother Snipes with granddaughters Allison and Kimberly, and great-granddaughters Kelli and Chelsea, 2003

Mom with our Grandmother Snipes, Allison and Kimberly, and granddaughter Emma, 2003

Mom and Dad, 2003

Mom with her mother, 2003

Our Grandmother Snipes with granddaughter Kimberly, Kimberly's children Tyler and Rachel, and Allison's daughter Emma, 2003

Dad with our Grandmother Snipes, 2003

 Mom relaxing by the cruise ship balcony, 2003

Grandmother Snipes with great-grandchildren Ethan and Emma, 2003

Mom and Dad at grandson Jordan's Aaronic Priesthood ordination, June 2004

Mom with Allison, Kimberly and grandchildren, 2005

Mom and Dad, 2005

Mom and Dad, 2005

Mom and granddaughter Kelli's graduation, 2005

Mom and Dad, 2005

 Dad at grandson David's priesthood ordination, 2007

 Mom with family for gathering, 2007

Mom and Dad enjoying a grandchild HS graduation (haha), 2007

 Mom and Dad, grandson David's graduation, 2007

 Mom and Dad: 50 years of marital bliss, June 2007

Butchart Gardens gals, June 2007

Mom with her Jackie Onassis impression, 2007

June 2007 100-foot yacht week, Victoria, BC

Dad and Michael, 2007 (no explanation for the OSU hat)

July 2007 Yacht club.  (We spent a week on a 100-foot yacht to celebrate Mom and Dad's 50th wedding anniversary in 2007)

Mom and Dad with friends Richard and Pat Warner, 2007

Mom and Dad, June 2007, Victoria, BC, 100-foot yacht week

Mom with Allison, Kimberly, and Maralea, Victoria, BC, 2007

Mom and Dad with Allison and Maralea, 2007

Mom and Dad, 50th Wedding Anniversary, July 2007

 Mom and Dad's 50th anniversary, 2007
(They had no idea what was going on behind them. haha)

Thanksgiving, 2007

 Mom and Dad at grandson David's missionary setting apart, 2008

Dad at the priesthood ordination of grandson Jordan, June 2008

 Mom and Dad, Pine Valley, 2008

 Mom, Pine Valley cabin, 2008

 Mom and Dad, 2008

Mom and Dad at the wedding reception of grandson Brad and his wife, Whitney, 2008

Mom with Kimberly, 2008

Mom and Dad with grandson, Jesse, 2009

Mom and sister Jean with the mother Irene, our Grandmother Snipes, 2009

 Mom with Allison and grandchildren Angela, Hayden, Ethan, and Emma, 2009

Dad's 75th birthday, March 2009

All Dad is saying, is give peace a chance, 2009

Mom and Dad with Allison and Kimberly's families, 2009

Mom with Allison, Christmas Eve, 2009

Four generations: Mom with granddaughter Brittany and her husband Lucas, with great-granddaughter Kenzie, and Maralea, Christmas Eve, 2009

,Mom and Dad, Christmas Eve 2009

 Mom and Dad, outside their Vegas home, 2010

 Mom and Dad at the funeral of our Grandmother Snipes, 2010

 Mom and Dad, North Carolina, 2010

 Mom and Dad with Kimberly at Michael's 50th birthday party, 2010

 Mom and Dad with beloved dogs, Luke and Romeo, 2010

Mom and Allison, 2010

Mom and Dad with granddaughter Kelli, 2010

 Mom with dear friends Garyle and Bonnie Fisher, 2011

 Mom and Dad with Richard and Pat Warner, 2011

 Mom and Dad, with Michael and Maralea, watching grandson Jordan play volleyball at Silverado HS, 2011

 Mom with grandchildren Kelli and David, 2011

 Mom at grandson Jordan's HS graduation, 2011

Mom with grandson Jordan, 2011

 Dad with Michael and grandsons David and Jordan, 2011

Dad with grandson, Jordan, at his Elder ordination, 2011

 Mom and Day, saying goodbye to grandson Jordan as he prepares to serve in the Philippines Angeles Mission, 2011

Mom and Dad, December 2011

Mom and Dad were present with granddaughter Kelli, and Michael and Maralea, when their great-grandson, Royal, was born in February 2012.  (That's right, four generations in the birthing room!)

Mom and Dad with great-grandsons Beckham (right) and Royal(left), 2012

Mom and Dad dancing, 2012

Mom and Dad with grandson David and his new bride, Kambria, May 2012 

Mom and Dad with granddaughter Kelli and great-grandson Royal, 2012

Mom and Dad at Michael and Maralea's home, December 2012

Mom and Dad with Luke and Romeo at their Pine Valley getaway, 2012 

Mom with Kimberly and grandchildren Kyle and Rachel, 2012

Mom with her Book Club, Shakespeare Festival, 2012

Mom with dear friend, Pat Warner, 2012

Mom and Kimberly in Eugene, OR with friends Jerry and Marilyn Newel, and Russ and Linda Bevans, 2012

Mom with Kimberly, Kyle, and Rachel with Jerry and Marilyn Newell

Mom with Kimberly at the Santa Clara LDS ward building in Eugene, OR, 2012

Dad with friends Craig and Elaine Mayfield, 2012

Mom and Dad, cruising, 2012

Mom and Dad, Christmas Eve, 2012

Mom and Dad at a missionary dinner, 2013

Mom and Dad in the Pine Valley LDS Chapel (with granddaughter Emma taking a snooze), 2013

Mom with Michael, grandchildren Kelli, Kyle, and Hayden, and great-grandson Royal, 2013

Mom and Dad with Michael, 2013

Mom with Maralea, granddaughter Kelli, and great-grandson Royal, 2013

Mom with great-grandchildren Beckham and Zoe, 2013

Mom and Dad with grandchildren Tyler, Kyle and Rachel, 2013

Mom teaches Maralea and granddaughter Kelli how to make our Grandmother Snipes' family famous Chicken Stew, 2013

Mom's Book Club, 2013

Mom and Dad at the setting apart of grandson Kyle as he prepared to serve in Arkansas, 2013

Mom and Dad, vacationing at the Lawrence Welk Resort, 2013

Dad with Mom after her brain surgery, October 2013.  (She had a remarkable recovery.)

Mom with great-granddaughter Aubrey, 2013

Mom and Dad with a not-so-happy great-grandson Royal, 2013

Dad with great-granddaughter Zoe, 2013

Email Exchange Between Mom and Dad

(November 26, 2013)

(Three weeks after Mom’s brain surgery)

Dad to Mom

I awoke at 3AM this morning dreaming about Craig Mayfield.  I could not contain my emotions.  I wept and wept as I realized I had lost a true friend, one I could openly speak to on any subject and get a straight answer.

I began to remember more and more friends, many of whom had died.  I recalled the influence each one had on me - all the way back to high school.  Again, I just cried and cried, feeling so, so grateful for all of them in my lifetime.

I prayed and prayed to Heavenly Father, pleading with Him to heal you.  I opened my heart to Him and offered to take on any calling or take upon me whatever suffering necessary, releasing you from any and all mental, spiritual, or physical afflictions for as long as you live on this good earth.  You are the best friend I have ever had - the very best.  I love you so much.

Mom to Dad

Now I am crying, something I have not done often of late.  This week I was particularly missing Gladys and my Mom.  I know they are in Heaven watching out for me also.   We are both so blessed to have known wonderful people who have touched our lives.   

You have and are trying to live a Christ-centered life.  I have marveled at how you stepped up and took care of me.  I could not have asked for anyone better.  You have been my strength through all this whether I have expressed it or not.  You are truly my ROCK and my best friend, also.

We have to cling to each other in this latter season of our lives.  I don’t know how I could function without you as I feel so connected both in body and spirit.  Our lives have not been in vain to have such a wonderful posterity.  We have much to be thankful for.  I love you with all my heart and soul, MARIE

Mom's Written Journal of Her Journey in 2013-14

    Mom was so moved by her experience through her course that led to delicate brain surgery and her recovery, seeing the Lord's hand in it all, that she wrote about it to preserve her account for her posterity.  It can be found at the following link:  Mom's Tumor Surgery Journal

Mom with Allison in Southern California, January 2014 

Mom with Maralea, Southern California, January 2014

Dad's 80th birthday, 2014

Dad's 80th birthday, 2014

 Dad's 80th birthday cake, March 2014

Don Ainge singing a birthday song he wrote to the tune of "Has Anybody Seen My Gal?" (Don's version: "Has Anybody Seen My Doc?") March 2014

Here's Don's song!

Dad holding his Reverence drawing from decades ago on his 80th birthday, 2014

Mom with Allison and Maralea, 2014

Mom with Maralea, Los Angeles Temple, 2014

Mom and Dad, 2014

 Mom and Dad with Maralea and great-grandson Royal waiting for a table at Pei-Wei, 2014

Mom and Dad with great-granddaughter Aubrey, 2014

Mom with Maralea, dropping the rabbit ears photobomb, 2014

Mom and great-granddaughter Aubrey share the same birthday, only 79 years apart, August 2014

Mom and Dad (the only ones NOT making funny faces per the plan) join Michael and Maralea's family at Park City, 2014

Mom got her hair done every Tuesday by her granddaughter Kelli since 2012, here stopping for a picture to celebrate a particularly great hair day, 2014

 Pine Valley, 2014

 Mom and Dad, November 2014

Mom and Dad, Christmas Eve, 2014, which Mom proclaimed to be "the best Christmas Eve ever!"  It was our last one with Mom.

 Mom and Dad, January 2015

Mom and Dad with Michael, February 2015

Mom and Dad with Michael, Maralea, and Kelli (who is attempting a bunny ears bomb on Mom), February 2015

Dad and Dad, February 2015 (Mom smiled to the very end of her life)

This was a precious moment - when Mom's friend Pat flew to Las Vegas from Texas to see her in the hospital, February 2015

Mom with Maralea and granddaughter Kelli, February 2015

Mom and Michael and Allison, March 2015

Great-grandson Royal takes a picture of Mom, March 2015

Mom with Michael and Allison, March 2015

Mom with her two angels, Luke and Romeo, who watched after her constantly in her physical trials, 2015

Mom with granddaughter Rachel, March 2015

Mom and Michael, March 2015

Mom, March 2015

Mom and Dad, April 2015 (Mom doing her best to smile through the pain)

Our last picture of Mom, April 2015.
Mom was always giving her best effort to be
cheerful and uplifting to the very end of her life.

Mom's funeral: May 15, 2015, Dad with Danny, Michael, Allison and Kimberly

Grandsons Jordan, Steven, and David sing at Mom's funeral, May 2015

Dad with nephew Chuck Lollar, Mom's funeral, May 2015

MOM'S FINAL TESTIMONY

       One of Mom's final acts before her departure from earth was to share her testimony with the Relief Society sisters in the Sunset Ward of the Nevada Las Vegas Warm Springs Stake, which can be found at: Mom's Final Testimony.

A sweet painting given to Dad by Michael Neider  to remind us of the assistance we receive from our guardian angels beyond the veil, May 2015

Dad gets a haircut from granddaughter Kelli, June 2015

Dad with Michael and Maralea, and grandchildren Kelli and Jordan, June 2015

Dad with Michael and Maralea, visiting Frank and Maxine Davie, Pine Valley, August 2015

Dad back at Pine Valley without Mom, October 2015

Pine Valley Thanksgiving, 2015

Our first Christmas Eve without Mom, 2015

One more 2015 Christmas Eve pic with the photographer's mug

Dad and Greg, Christmas Eve 2015

A visit to Mom's gravesite, Mother's Day, 2016.  (Dad was laid next to Mom in October 2023.)

Dad and the wedding of grandson Jordan and Ashlee, Oquirrh Mountain, May 2017

Dad at the wonderful day that his great-grandson Royal was adopted by granddaughter Kelli's husband, Craig, June 2017

Dad with great-grandson Finley, August 2017

Dad with Michael and Maralea's family, November 2017

Dad with Michael and Maralea, Allison and Greg, granddaughter Kelli, great-grandsons Royal and Finley, and friends Pat and Richard Warner, November 2017

Dad with Michael and Maralea, and great-grandson Royal at the BYU v. UNLV football game, November 2017

A selfie-stick Thanksgiving pic, 2017

 Dad with great-grandsons Royal and Finley, February 2018

Took this from a TV show - no relation to the family, but we have been blessed by the Royal treatment all of our lives

Dad with granddaughter Angela at her wedding reception, June 2018

Our sweet Eugene home and the end of Silver Lea Ct, July 2018

Dad with Michael, Independence Day, 2018

Dad gives great-grandson Finley a tour of his home, September 2018

 With Dad on Labor Day, 2018

Dad with Michael and Allison, Christmas Eve, 2018

 Dad, Christmas Eve, 2018

Dad, one more time, Christmas 2018

Dad with Michael and Maralea, March 2019

Dad's 85th birthday, March 2019

Happy 85th birthday, Dad, March 2019

Dad with friends Richard and Pat Warner, March 2019

Dad with Michael and Allison, March 2019

Birthday gathering for Dad, March 2019

Dad meets great-granddaughter Reese, April 2019

 Dad enjoying a backyard swim with great-grandson Finley, July 2019

Dad at the wedding luncheon for granddaughter Rachel and her husband Trevin, December 2019

Dad with Michael and Maralea, and granddaughter Kelli and Craig's family, January 2020

Dad with great-grandson, Finley, March 2020

Dad at great-grandson Royal's baptism, March 2020 

Dad with great-grandson Royal on the day of Royal's baptism, March 2020.  What a wonderful legacy Mom and Dad have passed onto generations!

Dad's 86th birthday, March 2020

 Dad at a June 2020 dinner

Dad with a new dog, December 2020.  (Dad lost three dogs to coyotes after Mom passed away - including this poor one.)  He called all of his new dogs "Luke" or"Romeo" regardless of whatever name they had previously.

 Dad with great-grandson Royal, February 2021

 Dad's 87th birthday, here Dad is with Michael, Allison and Kimberly, March 2021

 Dad easily blew out his birthday candles, March 2021

 Dad with granddaughter Kelli, March 2021

 Dad's great-grandchildren Finley and Monroe practice getting in/out of  Dad's house via his doggie door, March 2021

 Michael's family had a reunion at Dad's home, April 2021.  As Dad watched everyone in the pool he said: "Mother would have loved this."

Dad plays Cornhole in his backyard with Michael, April 2021

 Dad and Michael, seated at the table in the background, watch as Dad's grandson Jordan and great-granddaughter enjoy his backyard pool, April 2021

Dad gets a haircut from granddaughter Kelli, May 2021

Dr. Dad is trying to be a good patient for Dr. Danny, 2021

Dad with Michael and Maralea, along with Craig and Kelli's family, August 2021

Dad, Thanksgiving, 2021

Dad with Michael and Maralea, Christmas 2021

Four Generations: Dad with Michael, grandson David, and great-grandson Benson, January 2022

Dad at the baby blessing of great-granddaughter Lennon, January 2022

Dad at a family dinner, February 2022

Dad had a fall in February 2022, breaking his right femur, but experienced a remarkable recovery

Dad, temporarily using a walker, 2022

Dad's 88th birthday, March 2022

Dad with Michael and Maralea, 88th birthday, March 2022

Dad with granddaughter Kelli's family, March 2022

 Dad with great-granddaughter Lennon, March 2022

Dad's 88th birthday celebration, March 2022

Dad with Danny, Michael, and Maralea, and granddaughter Brittany, July 2022

Dad with Allison and Kimberly, September 2022

Danny and Michael returning to the Royal family Eugene, OR home, September 2022

Dad with Michael, November 2022

Dad, November 2022

 Dad with great-granddaughter Aria, November 2022

Dad with granddaughter Kelli's family, December 2022

Dad with granddaughter Kelli, December 2022

Dad with Michael and Maralea, and the families of grandchildren Kelli and David, December 2022

Dad with Michael and grandson Jordan with great-granddaughter Reese, December 2022

Dad with Michael and Kimberly, December 2022

Dad with Michael, March 2023

Dad with Michael, June 2023

October 11, 2023, Michael and Maralea with Dad on his day of passing.  This was a bittersweet day, as Dad was reunited with Mom, and his memory was fully restored.  In leaving us, Dad knew who we were for the first time in a few years.   We will miss Dad as we have missed Mom; however, we know from the teachings they introduced to us all those years ago that FAMILIES ARE FOREVER.

Dad's faithful dog Sky aka Romoeo or Luke,  stayed
with him through his passing

 Dad's funeral, October 30, 2023

TRIBUTES

        We will be adding tributes to our parents as submitted.

Ever There

(by Michael Royal)

“Be wise, be good,” they so often said,

Our parents, who gently and unwaveringly led.

Through times of fear, darkness, and despair,

Mom and Dad were always ever there.

In our early youth, they taught us of God,

Planting our feet in rich gospel sod.

We grew in faith, learning to pray,

Our humbly, kneeling parents showing the way.

They often sat quietly at the side of our bed,

Listening carefully to all that we said.

The love we felt then forged a bond,

Not to be broken on earth or beyond.

In times of youth, we each thought to stray,

As worldly rebellion hedged up our way.

Sometimes, we admit, it seemed no one cared.

And yet, our parents were always ever there.

Lovingly they kept us within reach of their hands,

As shepherds herding lost little lambs.

They gave us perspective, and strength to go on,

When trials tested our spiritual brawn.

Our direction in life has been clear, bright, and firm,

Thanks to parents who helped us to learn,

That the Savior’s blood makes us light, happy, and clean.

We owe all to that righteous marital team.

A mantle was thereafter handed to us,

To lead our children and embrace righteousness.

As parents ourselves, we’ve had burdens to bear,

But, thankfully, they were always ever there.

A new generation, with a bright gospel flame,

Will bless posterity taking their name.

Today, our hearts burn with desire,

To reunite with our parents when mortality expires.

We know God lives - our Savior, too,

And worship them as Mom and Dad taught us to do.

We thank Heavenly Father humbly in prayer,

For parents so willing to be ever there.

Leader[s] of the [Royal] Band 

(Dan Fogelberg) (Modified for us)

The leaders of the band are gone,

But they left us spiritual gold.

Now their blood runs through our beating hearts,

And their faith has blessed our souls.

Our lives have been immensely blessed,

As they taught the Savior’s plan.

We’re just a living legacy of the leaders of the band.

We are the living legacy of Marie and Fuller's band.

ALSO IN VERY SPECIAL MEMORY

GONE TOO SOON: McKay Royal (September 9, 1985-August 30, 1994); Cheryl Royal (November 11, 1962-April 21, 2022)

        McKay, son of Danny and Cheryl, passed away two weeks before his ninth birthday.  When Cheryl received her stage 4 cancer diagnosis in March 2022, she took solace in the Lord's wondrous plan of salvation and happiness that assured her of a sweet reunion with her dear son.  In Mom's waning moments of life in May 2015, the one angel ever standing at her bedside from beyond the veil was her grandson, McKay.  In Mom's suffering, McKay was sent to provide comfort and peace.  We take comfort in the following promise from the Savior: "And it shall come to pass that those that die in me shall not taste of death, for it shall be sweet unto them."  (D&C 42:46.)  Death is only a temporary separation.  The Lord's plan of happiness and salvation opens the way for families to be together forever.  Our parents taught us that - and opened the way for that reality by leading us onto and down the covenant path.  Cheryl left us a beautiful gem shortly before departing mortality entitled: Cheryl Royal - My Last Testimony.  She would very much appreciate having us read her words of praise and love for our Savior, Jesus Christ.