SPOTLIGHT ON VENUS GUEST

Sister Guest was born Venus Gloria Qualls on October 3, 1925, In Billings, MT. As a young child, Venus’ family was one of only three families in the church in her area, so they rotated holding Sunday School in their homes. After membership increased, they met in a rented portion of the Business College. Venus met Francis Guest on the way to a Fireside one Sunday night in late1942. As recorded in her journal, “ After the meeting, we ran for the car as it was raining out. I landed on Fran’s lap.” Soon thereafter, Fran met Venus’ parents. “He was so kind to my mother that I knew he would make a good husband and I knew I wanted him for my husband.” They married on July 19, 1944 - while Fran was home on leave from the Merchant Marines - in the Cardston temple.

During Word War II, while Fran was at sea, Venus worked at Todd Pacific Shipyards. Once the war ended, Fran and Venus moved to Kalispell where they started their family, worked hard and served faithfully in many church callings, too many to list! Venus is the mother of five children: Francis Lamar, Muriel, Marlene, Mark, and Kevin. Venus’ husband served as Branch President, then on the Flathead District Council when the new church building in Kalispell was erected and Elder Thomas S. Monson of the Council of the Twelve came to dedicate the building (May 10, 1964).

In 1965, the Guests bought a lot on Lake Blaine, and soon thereafter, built the house Venus still lives in today. She says her “family has enjoyed the lake all through the years.” Her family includes her five children, 15 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

From 1997-1998, Venus and Fran served as missionaries in the New York Rochester Mission, which encompasses the Hill Cumorah and the Sacred Grove. While there, they attended the dedication of the Grandin Building, where the first 5000 copies of the Book of Mormon were published; President and Sister Hinckley spoke at the dedication.

Also from her life history: “I know the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. I love the gospel and my family very much. The Lord has been so good to us. What a blessing to have such a fine family.”

I thank Venus for giving me the privilege of reading her life history in preparation for writing this spotlight. Wow! What a life she has lead!! We love you, Venus, and appreciate all your hard work and dedication to serve the Lord “all the days of your life.”

Submitted by her visiting teacher, Kelly Stimpson.