BRIGHAM CITY, Utah — Some parents travel to the mission field to escort their missionary son or daughter home upon completion of a mission. So it wasn't, at first glance, unusual that when Elder Ronald Dee Rex was released from the Texas Houston South Mission on May 22, that his mother, Pearl Rex-Hartzell, traveled from her home in Orem, Utah, to accompany him.
The difference in this case, however, is that Elder Rex is 71 years old and married. His mother is nearly 90.
Elder Rex and his wife, Sister Anna Marie Rex, left their family of nine children nearly 20 months ago to serve as a senior missionary couple in the mission office in the Houston area. During their time away from home, their youngest son was married and two grandchildren were born.
Besides working in the mission office, Elder and Sister Rex helped in the Mission Bend Ward, Richmond Texas Stake. They said they were "just happy to serve the Lord." Elder Rex added that those who meet his mother can understand why he can't slow down.
Sister Rex-Hartzell is a bundle of energy with a noteworthy history of civic service and an ever-present smile.
