VaNita Cora McGuire Law
1930 — 2023
VaNita Cora McGuire Law passed away peacefully with her sweetheart by her side, on December 6, 2023, in Provo, Utah. She was born in Boise, Idaho on November 28, 1930, to the happy home of Fay White and Stanley Clarence McGuire.
As a child of the Great Depression, VaNita learned early to be happy with little and was famous for her economy in all areas, the exception being her uncommon generosity in loving and serving all around her. With her beautiful brown eyes and warm smile, she had a way of making everyone feel comfortable and accepted.
VaNita and her younger brother Delbert spent a happy childhood working and playing on the small family farm in Meridian, Idaho. As a family, they enjoyed road trips to Yellowstone, Canada and the Northwest. She was an outstanding student and exhibited strong leadership qualities as she participated in student council, Girls’ State, orchestra, student government and athletics. VaNita served as Honored Queen of Job’s Daughters in the Methodist Church and was co-valedictorian of the Meridian High School Class of 1948. It was at Meridian High where VaNita caught the eye of a tall, handsome farm boy-athlete, Vernon Law. The two were married March 3, 1950 in the Logan Utah Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
At various times VaNita worked as a secretary, bookkeeper and as medical assistant to Drs. Reese and Hammond at Utah Valley Clinic, but it was her role as wife, mother and grandmother where she found the most satisfaction. She and Vernon were blessed with five sons and one daughter, 31 grandchildren, 69 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren and several new posterity on the way.
VaNita’s grit and sacrifice made it possible for their growing family to remain together while Vern played professional baseball for the Pittsburgh Pirates, as she singlehandedly shuttled the children from Idaho to Florida each spring for spring training; made the return trip to Meridian for the completion of the school year and then returned to Pittsburgh for the actual baseball season. She repeated this task for 20 years. The stories of these often-harrowing road trips are legend. There was not a more loyal fan than VaNita, whose attendance at games from t-ball to the major leagues, in various sports, easily numbers in the thousands.
After joining The Church of Jesus Christ as a young adult, her faith and commitment never wavered. She served faithfully in every church auxiliary and was the Relief Society President of the Grandview 9th Ward. VaNita enjoyed her association with the Comitas Club and enjoyed sewing, cooking, reading and gardening.
She is survived by her numerous nieces and nephews, her sister-in-law, Jean McGuire of Meridian, ID, her husband of 73 years, Vernon, sons Veldon (Lorraine Shultz), Veryl (Anne Whitaker), Vance (Sharon Metten), Vaughn, Varlin, and daughter, VaLynda (Todd) Mooney.
VaNita has blessed countless lives with her listening ear, a meal, a handmade quilt, an encouraging word and so much more. She will be greatly missed.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at the Grandview 9th Ward Chapel, 1555 North 1350 West, Provo, Utah. The family will receive friends at the Berg Mortuary of Provo, 185 East Center Street, Monday, December 11 from 6-8:00 p.m. and at the church Tuesday from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment, Eastlawn Memorial Hills. Condolences may be extended at www.bergmortuary.com.