October 30, 2012
Winifred Rimington

Winifred Jane Baylis Rimington has received her long awaited last transfer. For 95 and a half years, she was known to all as Winnie and has been serving her brothers and sisters on a mission which began March 20, 1917, in Ucon, Bonneville, Idaho. Her final transfer became effective Oct. 26 from Tooele to Paradise, Heaven, where there is a reception planned to commemorate her successful mission service. In attendance will be her eternal companion of 75 years, Leo Leroy Rimington (1914-1992), her father Thomas Albert Baylis (1881-1950), and her mother Alice Rawle Baylis (1891-1947). Also in attendance will be her sister Blanche Baylis Shaw and her brother John Rawle Baylis with their spouses. Others anxious for her arrival are son-in-law Rey L. Duffin, daughter-in-law Ruby Bolander Rimington, and great-grandchildren Kort Hubbs and Tess Rimington. Shortly following Winnie’s arrival in the mission field the family moved from Ucon, Idaho, to Salt Lake City. Winnie attended the elementary and junior high public schools on the west side of Salt Lake City. When she was 12 the Great Depression descended on the nation and the Baylis family took in laundry to provide for the family’s financial needs. Winnie was required to end her formal education after the ninth grade to help with the family business. She learned to work hard and long in order to help the business succeed, which remained with her the remainder of her life. While a teen, she was given a $5 scholarship to take music conducting lessons at the McCune School of Music in Salt Lake City. There she learned to lead music and was involved in that pursuit throughout her life, conducting in sacrament meetings, but especially in the primary program. She dearly loved the little children and the primary hymns and music. The children’s hymns gave her great comfort. Her response to “How are you doing?” was very often, “I’m trying to be like Jesus.” And, when she seemed to be a little low she would often repeat, “Jesus, friend of little children, be a friend to me.” With a few breaks for other callings, she served in the primary association from her teen years until she was released in her 80s. Winnie was sealed to Leo Rimington, a native of Tooele, on Nov. 4, 1937 in the Salt Lake Temple. Their marriage was blessed with five children: Nancy (John) Burgoyne of Tooele, David (Linda) of Heber City, Russell (Ruby) of Tooele, Bonnie (Monte) Nielson of Oak City, and Denise (Alan) Smith of Driggs, Idaho. She has 28 grandchildren, and many great and great-great grandchildren. Winnie was famous among her posterity (and their dads) for her famous “magic middles.” These peanut butter filled chocolate cookies drew admirers from the neighborhood as well. Children would come to visit because she gave them a cookie. Winnie loved the children’s visits. All children were her specialty. Adults may best remember her for her beautiful hand crocheted doilies which she made by the hundreds over the years and gave them all away. Her reason: “Maybe it will bring them some joy. Besides, it keeps me busy and feeling productive.” After Leo passed away, the great joy of her life was the privilege of working in the temple. She began in the Jordan River Temple, and spent her last 20 years in the Salt Lake Temple. “It gives me a reason to go on, and I feel close to my Heavenly Father in his temple,” she said. Her temple service garnered her many beloved friends, adding to those in the wards and stakes in which she labored. Many have been moved by her inspiring testimony of her savior, Jesus Christ. Winnie and her scriptures were totally worn out in faithful service. Her children and friends will meet to wish her a fond farewell with services at 11 a.m. on Nov. 2 at the Seventh Ward LDS Chapel, 1025 W. Utah Ave. in Tooele. She will be laid to rest beside her eternal companion in the Tooele City Cemetery. A viewing will be at Tate Mortuary on Nov. 1 from 6 to 8 p.m. and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the chapel prior to the service.