The Music that played behind Dad's Memorial Slide Show.

This is the music that was played behind the Slide Show for Dad.

Alex Boye's "Somewhere Beyond the Moon"

Dad's Teaching Certificate and Initial Salary

I ran across this documentation showing Dad's Teaching Certificate and 1st three contracts to teach school at Jerome.

Found the first 3 contracts Dad signed to teach school. 

1946-47 School Year (partial) - signed on 18 Nov 1946 for remainder of year for $250/mo.

1947-48 School Year - signed on 18 April 1947 for $3,300/year.

1948-49 School Year - signed on 13 April 1948 for $3,500/year.

Blows my mind how little we paid teachers back then and how little we still pay our teachers. We have slipped from a 1st rate country to a 3rd rate country mainly on backs of our schools. When will we wake up!!

It takes real dedication to teach because you love to teach and feeding your family comes second.

Slide Show shown at Carter's Memorial

The following are the slides in the order shown at the memorial.

Slide 01

Slide 02

Slide 03

 Slide 04

Slide 05

 Slide 06

Slide 07

Slide 08

Slide 09

Slide 10

Slide 11

Slide 12

Slide 13

Slide 14

Slide 15

Slide 16

Slide 17

Slide 18

Slide 19

Slide 20

Slide 21

Slide 22

Slide 23

Slide 24

Slide 25

Slide 26

Slide 27

Slide 28

Slide 29

Slide 30

Slide 31

Slide 32

Slide 33

Slide 34

Slide 35

Slide 36

Slide 37

Slide 38

End of Slide Show

Letter from Tracy Wolfe (10-29-2010)

Dear Mr. Luther;

The jet lag forced me to rise early this beautiful day, so I thought it's time to send you a letter. I've wanted to let you know how much of an influence your teaching has had on me. I was in Jerome days ago talking with old friends and your name came up.

Of course I wondered how your were doing, and was glad to hear you are living in Gooding.

Not only me, but all my classmates gave you an A+ on your teaching methods. Your wisdom passed on to me had definitely been used on a daily basis throughout my life. I never really became a farmer but a mechanic I am and will always be. Even here in Japan I'm able to repari & keep things running despite the language barrier. I'll never forget the lesson I learned at the district mechanic contest at Twin Falls. Because of my failure to achieve proper clearance angle on a drill bit during competition I'm able to stress the importance of this when teaching someone to sharpen a drill bit. I've been lining in Alaska since 1978 and retired from the City of Sitka three years ago. Since then my wife and I are spending 5 months a year here in Yomaguchi and the rest of thear at our residence in Sitka. We have two kids and three grand kids. Thank you so much for your dedication at Jerome High School. I hope this letter finds you in good health. Please take care.

Sincerely, Tracy Wolfe
Class of 75

Letter from Kelly Jackson

In Remembrance of Carter Luther

Outside of my parents no one has had a greater positive impact on my development and life than Mr. Luther. In the 45 years since I graduated from Hish School I have applied something that I learned under his tutelage nearly every day. In addition, to being a Vo-Ag teacher and FFA Advisor, Mr. Luther provided Hygenic, Nutritional, and Personal advise and counsel. He was both a teacher and mentor.

While I did not pursue a career in agriculture, many of the things he taught still resonate in my daily life. I know tumble weeds are not "Tumble Weeds", they are russian thistles. Goat Head weed is not "Goat Head Weed" it is California puncture vine. I know the difference between 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T and when they should be applied. The drafting which I have used, I learned from Mr. Luther.

When I use any power tool, his lectures regarding safety come to mind. It is hard to forget the day he brought Mr. Davis, the band instructor, in to show our class what remained of his fingers after a run-in with the planer. Push blocks, Push sticks and other safety devices are part of my shop.

Despite the fact, Mr. Luther gently explained that, unlike Larry Stuhlberg and other member os our class, I would never a welder be, I took to heart his teachings regarding the need for ventilation and the dangers associated with cutting or welding galvanized material.

I still use the Carter Luther Public Restroom Technique - Never use the cloth towels; Dry your hands with a paper towel; Use it to open the door; and then discard it in a waste basket at the door or on the outside of the restroom. I have tried the daily hand full of raw oats which he recommended and took a shot at his green tea remedy.

The FFA lessons in public speaking and leadership were applied each day of my professional life (or some might argue that I misapplied them - but that is a personal failing for which Mr. Luther can not be held responsible).

On a lighter note, I remember the 1947 tan Chevrolet Coupe. It was his pride and joy. On one occasion , a fluids salesman convinced him that he had a product which would dry out wet ignition system parts. The salesman sprayed the distributor, ignition coil and spark plug wires with water and then applied the magic potion. After the dutiful wait, Mr. Luther tried to fire the old girl up, to no avail. Mr. Luther's reaction was priceless and left the salesman speechless and on the run.

In my case Mr. Luther's influence has permeated almost every facet of my life. I have benefited from the association ways large and small. No remembrance of Mr. Luther would complete without mentioning Mrs. Luther. They were a team and set a great example for each of us as individuals and as a couple. Their warmth, kindness and thoughtfulness blessed my life.

Mr. Luther will be missed but not forgotten. The better days which each of us have enjoyed because of what we learned from him will be passed on to the next generation in a "Promise of better days through better ways".

Kelly Jackson, Class of 1965

Cards and Comments

From Sara Boelter - (w/note)

Dear Aunt Lu, Gary, Gerald & Lorna;
I wish I could have been there for Uncle Cart's service but I had prior obligations.
My thoughts and wishes not only went our to you all on that day but for years prior and since. Although he will be missed by all, he is now at rest and Remembers everything.

He truly was an amazing man and was dear to us. Our families had always been so close, and I hope we will be again someday.
I remember going to the house in Herome as a kid and Uncle Cart talking about all the fruit trees and showing us what he had created by grafting etc. and I remember sitting in their kitchen while Aunt Lou cooked - Remembering a turquoise spotted melmac bowl....weird.
Anyway - Love and peace to you all and a wish of eased pain through this difficult and emotional time.

All my Love,
Sara
(Luther - Boelter)

From Tom & Jessie Warner; Paul Warner -

Terry & Mari Luther - We Love you Grandma Luther.

From Marvin & Susan Jacobsen - Your dad was a special man & he gave many years to the students in Jerome. You are in our thoughts & Prayers.

From Ken & Dixie Dixon - We love you two!

From Jack & Maxine Bell - Thinking of you. We have fond memories of our association with Mr. Luther. Sincerely, Jack & Maxine

From Mona & David Fulton - John 3:16  For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life!

Dear Gary & Marsha,
We are thinking about you at this time os loss. It seems wenever have enough time with out loved ones. You will cherish those good memories and times together.
I hope you both are in good health and enjoying visits with your boys and grandchildren.
I spoke to Lorna and don't know if we'll make it to the memorial. Our love is with you.

"Cuz" Mona

From Mildred C.

Dear Luella,
I was sorry to read of the passing of Carter but he really lived a long full rich life. He helped, taught and influenced so many Five of my sons benefited from him as Vo-Ag teacher . I think I received garden plants from those grown by the boys in Ag.
My husband Lee, is gon since Aug. 2009 - It's hard --Children are a God-send. Four of mine live close and help me so much. The 5 out of town call often and visit too. We've had winter since  a ft. of snow since Thanksgiving. Enjoy Calif. warmth.
Love, Mildred C.

From Mary Fuller - It is slways hard to say goodbye to a loved one. My prayers are with you. Miss seeing you on Sundays. Sincerely, Mary Fuller

From E. Dale & Teddae Hansen

From Lavar Buttars -

Re: Carter Luther
Many good classes in the old white building behind "Central Elementary" (the old High School).
Historically: The Ag Class; one day we spent at the previous "Interment Camp" Hunt.
Planting trees and shrubs, fencing and ditelps etc.  Watching fields worked and a "Home In A Day" built on the property.
National News: "Farm In A Day"
Thanks for many good memories.  - Lavar Buttars

From Lorena Heath - My thoughts & prayers are with you. Lorena Heath

From Mildred Chojnachy

Dear Gary and all the Family,
I'm sorry about the loss of yourFather. He was well known - a very successful teacher and talented man. I tried calling you to get an addres for you Mom, but got no answer. Will you please send on her letter? you may want to add a note, read my  - or both - to her. Thanks you for doing this for me. Your mother will be "lost". They were always together and she helped him so much - in school and always I imagine. She'll have many good memories. My Prayers & Love to All - Mildred Chojnacky

From Dave & Kerry Randall - I have a lot of memories of Carter as a great teacher and after school as a friend. He was a great person. Taught me many things I have used my entire life.  - Dave & Kerry Randall

From Mark, Katie, and Sam Luther - Dear Family; We are so sorry for your loss. Love & Prayers in Jesus. Mark, Katie & Sam

From Mickey Ploss (2) - Lorna, Love Always, Mickey

From Kelly & Carol Jackson - Dear Mrs. Luther, Gary, Gerald & Lorna - Our thoughts & prayers are with you. - Kelly & Carol Jackson

From Layne & Bev Hall - Dear Lou, Gary, Gerald, Lorna and all the Family, Please know our thoughts and pryers are with all of you in the loss of Carter. He was such a fine teacher who truly cared about his students. Very Sincerely, Layne & Bev Hall

From Jerry & Frances Wayment - Carter touched the lives of so many people in this area. There are hundreds of memories to share. Sincerely, Jerry and Frances Wayment

From Arvella Hendrickson - Dear Luther Family, Your father was a good neighbor. My husband really enjoyed visiting with him. He told him what to spray the peach and apple tree with. My sincere sympathy - Arvella Hendrickson

From Rob & Susan Williams - Our thoughts are with your family. May you find comfort as you reflect on the life of this good man. - Rob & Susan Williams

From Alvin & Elizabeth Chojnacky - Love & Prayers - Alvin & Elizabeth Chojnacky

From Neva, Chuck, Florence & Howard Cox - God be with you always. - Neva Cox, Chuck, Florence and Howard Cox

From "Peg" Marguerit Roberson

From Beulah Easton, Willard & Shirley Shropshire

From Emal Lee (Gooch), Debbie (Gooch), & Sean - To all of Carter's Family

From Mona & Rollie - With all our Love as always. You can feel that he is at peace now. I know Jason is really upset that he can't be here, but that's life. Take care Lu. As ever Mona & Rollie

From Lori Buttars - Dear Brother & Sister Luther, You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Lori

From Donald & Esther Daw - Dear Bp & Mrs. Luther, Out thoughts and prayers are with each of you. Love, Donald & Esther Daw

From Max & Sheila Coy - We hope you have alot of cherished memories that will bring smiles to your face until you see your dad again. Max & Sheila Coy

From Lorrie Eaton - Dearest Family, My love & prayers are with all of you. It's very hard to say what's in my heart & what you need to hear at this time but I love all of you. Love, Lorrie

From Virginia Hall, Jim and Beth (Hall) Campbell

From Dale & Linda Clark - We are sorry for your loss. Always know our prayers are with you and your family. We have come to know and love you both and so appreciate all you do. Thinking of you, Dale and Linda Clark

From Wayne & Lynn Sills - In Deepest Sympathy -  Wayne & Lynn Sills

A Letter from John Mundt, Professor Emeritus, University of Idaho

To the Family of Carter Luther;

In the fall of 1966, I was about to begin my senior year at the University of Idaho. My major was Agricultural Education. In August of that year I finished my summer job doing farm work for our neighbor and on my father's farm in east Idaho. Before heading to campus I was assigned to begin my student teaching experience in Jerome Idaho with the agriculture instructor whose name was Carter Luther. So in the fall of 1966 I drove from Firth Idaho to the town of Jerome.

Little did I realize that the experience with Mr. Luther would have a big impact on my life and my future career as an agricultural educator. All I can say is that my time at Jerome High School with Mr. Luther was just a wonderful experience. He taught me so much in such a short period of time. He taught me in a larger sense how to teach, design a lesson, work with young people, and manage a classroom. On top of that I learned some content areas that I never would have learned if it had not been for Mr. Luther. We worked hard driving around Jerome county picking up weed and crop plants to use in class the next day. In addition he taught me how to use the farm level and surveying.

I think the most important thing that Mr. Luther instilled in me was that he wanted me to be a successful teacher and above all when Dr. Kindschy made his supervisory visit to observe, Carter wanted that day to be very positive. And it was, Dr. Kindschy was very impressed with my student teaching. Before my student teaching experience at Jerome High School I really wasn't sure that I wanted to teach school. But after such a positive experience at Jerome I knew that I could be a good teacher and I wanted to teach school.

My career in Agricultural Education included: teaching Agriculture at Meridian High School, serving as State Supervisor of Agricultural Education and State FFA Advisor, and I finished my career as a Professor of Agricultural Education at the University of Idaho.

Obviously, when one reflects back on their life there were many turning points and forks in the road. And, there are those who made a big impact on one's life. As I reflect back I am thankful for my parents, my spouse and family, for the professors at the University of Idaho, and I am thankful for Carter Luther. He was a great teacher who helped me become successful in my career. For that I will be forever grateful

Thank You Mr. Carter Luther.

Sincerely,

John Mundt, Professor Emeritus,
University of Idaho
Agricultural & Life Sciences

Death Notice and Obituary for Carter Van Luther

Letter by Chuck Crooker a nephew to Carter Van Luther

Who was Carter Luther? He was a son, brother, a father and a teacher. I know because when I was young he taught me years ago about grafting fruit trees, but there was more to the lesson than just agriculture, he was showing me how different types of apple trees could be grafted together to make one tree with many different colors and apples all on the same tree. And he was right, I have since that time have met and come to know many different  colored apples (people) and we have become one strong tree. He just smiled , a great smile that I will remember forever. To this day I go to my mothers house in the summer and see that apple tree in her yard in bloom with all the different colored and types of apples and I think of uncle Carter and that smile, and it makes me smile inside and out. I've been lucky over the years at every family gathering to see uncle Carter and his smile, I will miss him.

Sincerely,
Chuck Crooker  (Luther)

Letter by Christopher Van Luther read at memorial

Christopher Van Luther's Memorial Letter

to

Carter Van Luther

My name is Christopher Van Luther, I am a grandson of the late Carter Van Luther. It is with a heavy heart that I am writing these words; I wish desperately that I could be in attendance at the memorial service to honor my grandfather.

I am my grandfather's namesake. I have not always embraced this as I should. To be named after someone is something that should not be taken lightly; this should be regarded as badge of honor, to be approached with a sense of dignity and respect. Carter Van Luther is worthy  of such adoration. Carter Van Luther is the embodiment of integrity, hard work, courage, fairness, goodness, trustworthiness, and character. 

My memories of Grandpa Luther seem so distant the older I get, but there are some things that I will never forget. Grandpa Luther was always a teacher, he could not escape it. Whether teaching his students in a formal class setting or teaching friends and family about life, Grandpa was always teaching. I remember the puzzles, games and riddles; every time we would visit the house in Jerome there was always something to challenge us. I remember being in the garden in Jerome and eating the different fruits and berries right off the plant or tree. I remember the farmhouse in Gooding and all the activity that took place there...and I remember the sly grin. Grandpa was always grinning and smiling and laughing ... his love for life and his curiosity was contagious.

Grandpa Luther possessed characteristics that are not as prevalent in our society anymore, his love, his laughter, his sweet, kind, gentle spirit will be missed. My name is Chistopher Van Luther and I will try to live my life in a way that my grandfather would be proud of.      (written March 16, 2011)

Dad's Memorial Service - March 19, 2011 - 11:00 AM Jerome High School Aditorium

The Program for Dad's Memorial Service:

A Service of Celebration

For the Life

of

Carter Van Luther

Jerome High School

Jerome, Idaho

Rev. Carol Thompson, Officiant

Jerome United Methodist Church

------------- End of Cover Page of Program ------------

A Service of Remembrance

Celebrating the Life of

Carter Van Luther

Entrance

Prelude                                                               Jane Nellis

The Word of Grace

Greeting

Hymn                           "Morning Has Broken"

Prayer

O God, who gave us birth, you are evermore ready to hear than we are to pray. You know our needs before we ask and the difficulty we have in asking. Give to us now your grace that as we shrink from the mystery of death, we may see the light of eternity. Speak to us once more your comforting message of life and of death. Help us to live as those who are prepared to die. And when our days here are accomplished, enable us to die as those who go forth to live, so that living or dying, our life may be in you, and that nothing in life or in death will be able to separate us from your great love in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

Proclamation and Response

Old Testament Lesson                        Ecclesiastes 3: 1-13

New testament Lesson                   Gospel  Mark 4:26-29

Reflections of Life

--------------- End of Inside Left Page ----------------

Sharing of Stories and Memories

     Family                                                     Martin Luther

                  (Family members sharing stories            
            Letter read from grandson Christopher Van Luther
                                                               Gary Luther, son

                                         Marcia Luther, daughter-in-law)

     Friends

          (Freinds sharing stories                  to be added later)

Visual Memories            (A slide show w/music was shown)

Commendation

Prayers

Prayer of Thanksgiving

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Prayer of Committal

Hymn               "For the Beauty of the Earth"

Blessing

--------------End of Inside Back Page ---------------

Carter Van Luther was born June 18, 1914, in Gooding, Idaho. He passed away March 3, 2011 in Susanville, California at 96 from complications of old age. He was the fifth child of Charles Augustus and Ora Ellen High Luther. On June 11, 1937, he married Perny Luella King in Tacoma, Washington.

Carter graduated from the University of Idaho at Moscow, Idaho, in 1937. He received his master's degree in agricultural science in 1965. He started his teaching career teaching at the University of Idaho in 1937. Carter is responsible for starting the first classes under the National Youth Administration. He taught vocational agriculture (Vo-Ag) in Buhl, Idaho, for four years before becoming the procurement and quality check man for Pet Milk Company in Buhl. He continued in that position for five years while also farming. He started teaching Vo-Ag in Jerome, Carter started programs in soils, entomology and welding, which are now standard fare for Vo-Ag classes. He also started the first co-operative work education programs in the Jerome School system. For several years , he ran the canning kitchen in Jerome.

In 1986, he received and award for distinguished service from the National Vocational Agriculture Teachers' Association. He was secretary-treasurer of the Idaho Vocational Association and the president of the Idaho Vocational Teacher's Association. Carter was also recipient of the Distinguished Service Award and Honorary State Famer Degree from the Idah FFA Association and Honorary American Farmer Degree from the National FFA Association. In 1997, Carter was awarded a certificate of recognition as founding member, listed in the Founders Registry of the FDR Memorial, Washington, D.C.

He helped his brother farm for three years in Gooding after retiring. He and Luella moved in 2002 to the home on the Luther ranch that was settled in 1903. He loved it there and loved the memories that came flooding back of his childhood. In March of 2010, he and Luella went stay with his daughter, Lorna, and husband, Jay in Susanville, CA. Just days prior to his death, he was visited by his children, Gary, Gerald, and Lorna.

Carter was preceded in death by his son, Vernon Lee Luther. He is survived by his wife, Luella; two sons, Gary(Marcia) and Gerald, both of Jerome; a daughter Lorna (Jay) Buckalew of Susanville, CA; two sisters, Oretta "Pat" Lindell of Twin Falls, Idaho, and Edith Byram of Gooding, Idaho, and a brother, Martin High Luther of Anderson Island, WA. He is survived by seven grandchildren, three step grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, three step great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

-----------End of Back Page of Program--------------

The insert for the program:

(The music for Morning Has Broken)

(Words for the hymn For the Beauty of the Earth)

Miss Me - But Let Me Go!

Edgar A. Guest

When I come to the end of the road

And the sun has set for me

I want no rites in a gloom-filled room.

Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little - but not too long

And not with your head bowed low.

Remember the love that we once shared,

Miss me - but let me go.

For this is a journey that we all must take

And each must go alone.

It's all a part of the Master's plan,

A step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick of heart

Go to the friends we know

And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds. 

Miss Me - But Let me Go!

---------- End of Program Insert ------------