Relief Society Spotlight: Mary Newman Solt

             (Spotlight by Diane Smith) 

            Mary was the second of the first daughters born to Elmo & Carrie Newman at St. Mark’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. Along with her twin sister Margaret, three additional girls and one brother joined their parents and grandmother in a three-bedroom house in the area affectionally known as Swede Town. At the age of eight Mary’s father took a job at Atomic Energy out of Idaho Falls and the family relocated to Ririe, Idaho, a part of the Idaho Falls Metropolitan statistical area. Mary completed her freshman year of high school before her family returned to Swede Town. Unfortunately, after two years her parents again decided Idaho was the place for them. With only her senior year at West remaining, Mary opted to stay with her grandmother.

There were possibly additional motives to linger, one which included a group of familiars who had bonded during their teenage years. They were all in the same ward, so it was a natural that the young women would cheer the young men at their basketball games and in return they would support the young ladies. When one did something, they all joined in. In fact, two couples from that group ended up getting married. There was also one of these young men who slowly gained the attention of Mary. His name was Glen Solt. When exactly their relationship changed from platonic to romantic is undocumented. However, being two years older Glen didn’t waste any time once they gave discussion to marriage and on Christmas of her senior year, Glen surprised her with a diamond ring.

As graduation approached a housing dilemma occurred. Mary’s grandmother had agreed to allow four other grandchildren to take up residence in her home once school let out. Thus, Mary’s options were limited. She could sleep on the couch, or she and Glen could get married. Fortunately, Grandmother had a smaller unoccupied home nearby that would be perfect for newlyweds. So in June 1959, just two weeks after high school graduation, Mary Newman and Glen Solt were married in the Salt Lake Temple. There were fifty-two brides being married that day, which caused much anxiety to the parents who were waiting impatiently outside.

Shortly after high school, Glen and his brother went into business as cement contractors. For thirty years Glen worked as a cement finisher until an opportunity arose for him to become a physical facilities manager for the church. He retired from that position when he was 62. Mary on the other hand didn’t enter the professional world until her twins had reached school age. She worked for 28 years as an insurance agent for Deseret Mutual.

Children came quickly to the two. Dennis arrived a year after marriage followed by John, Susan, Joey, twins Matt and Mark, then Andy. The biggest shock of all was their last. In her 42^nd year Mary went in for a standard physical only to find that she was pregnant. While Glen was overjoyed, Mary cried for two months straight. However, Andy was a wonderful blessing the moment he entered mortality. 

For two people who had no religious instruction during their youth, the Gospel of Jesus Christ molded them individually, as a couple, and as fellow Saints. Thanks to good friends and church mentors, their pledge to a temple marriage was the beginning of a lifetime commitment. Even before adjusting to married life, Glen was called to the Elders Quorum Presidency and Mary as a Primary teacher in their ward. Mary claims they were two unassuming souls who loved each other and always tried to do their very best in whatever task that was given them. Apparently, the Lord knew the integrity of their hearts as Glen served in six bishoprics and a stake presidency.  His first assignment as bishop was in Swede town where he served until the ward was dissolved due to decline in membership. His next calling as bishop was to a singles branch. This responsibility was most challenging for Mary. This was before the consolidated meeting schedule and she was asked by the Stake President to attend her home ward for Sunday School with the children and then bring them to Sacrament Meeting at the branch. Fortunately, this opportunity only lasted for approximately 18 months when he was then called as bishop of the 19^th Ward. At the time of his death, he was serving as Executive Secretary to Bishop Scott Christensen.

 

In addition to Glen’s ecclesiastical demands as well as the charge of raising seven children, Mary was not sitting idly by. She too was called to serve three times as Relief Society President, twice as Primary and Young Women’s President as well as in the Stake Relief Society and Young Women’s Presidencies. There were many callings that were less time consuming though fulfilled with the same robust resolve.

Glen and Mary had the opportunity to serve a mission at the LDS Hospital for 18 months. Glen served as first counselor and their responsibility was to visit various patients and invite them to attend Sacrament meeting or partake of the Sacrament if unable to be moved. Relief Society and Priesthood were also provided to the patients.

Mary and Glen raised their seven children in what originally was a two-bedroom home with one bathroom. Eventually two additional bedrooms were added in the attic to accommodate the boys. Fortunately, the two oldest ones were gone by the time the younger boys were in need.

While Mary went from high school to marriage, she did take courses in Home Economics which definitely benefited her. She received the highest score of all the homemaking students during her time at West.

Despite devotion to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, mortality’s tribulations did not escape the Solt family. In 1991 son Joey lost his battle with addiction and in December of 2017 John’s life was taken in a house fire. Even more difficult for Mary has been the loss of her dear sweet Glen who passed away in January of 2018. The home they shared for 59 years now seems large and vacant. Nights are particularly wrenching as loneliness seeks to remind her of his absence.

Yet Mary chooses not to dwell on what cannot be changed. To know Mary, is to love her. She is constantly going about doing good, though if complimented she responds, “I’m just Mary,” meaning she is just doing what would be excepted from a daughter of God.

Mary’s passion is her posterity consisting of seven children, 15 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.   Her offspring particularly keep a close watch on Mom. Susan, who lives in Washington, and she talk every night, and the boys make sure that everything is in operating condition along with frequent visits to keep her spirits up. One special experience occurred in November when her great granddaughter took out her endowments and invited Mary to join parents and grandparents. She felt very blessed to be included in this sacred occasion.

Mary considers service a passion, yet in reality that is what defines her. Cards are sent frequently, and kind words come freely. If there is an event, Mary will be there early to help with her food donation in hand. Three times a week she drives up to Roy to help care for her twin Margaret and husband Benny who suffer from dementia and Parkinson, respectively. She also corresponds regularly with a brother and two sisters in Idaho. Since Glen’s departure, Mary has done over 700 ordinances in the temple. She enjoys ministering, though one of her dear neighbors died in December and another moved. But gratefully she is still able to have one sister to visit. For years she and Glen would set aside money so at Christmas they would be able to bring a little cheer to a needy family. Mary continues this tradition. She also tries to support the missionaries as well.

Mary’s favorite color is pink, and she loves Cavanaugh’s chocolates. She enjoys Church History books, studying the gospel lessons, and some fiction. Though she used to enjoy making candy and embroidery, those skills have been set aside. Sometimes she will watch Heartland on tv or a Hallmark movie.

“Just Mary” is one who strives to live her life in harmony with the gospel teachings. While lonesomeness is a challenge, she endeavors to thwart off the adversary, who she claims enjoys making her miserable, and to always remember that Heavenly Father is mindful of her. All this in hopes one day to be reunited with her eternal companion.

What a blessing this great woman is to all of us!