Bio of Kathy Knudson Bence

Married to Raymond Bence. Five children: David 21, Leah 19, Laura 17, Tara 15, Daniel 12. David, 21, has been serving a mission in Oregon. From his letters, he has been having wonderful experiences and will return to BYU Idaho following his mission. Leah, 19, was at BYU Idaho majoring in journalism. However, she's not excited about the Idaho winters and will be going to California schools. Laura, 17, is a junior in high school. She’s on the varsity Water polo team and at barely 5 feet; she’s the smallest on the team. But what she lacks in size, she makes up for with aggression. Tara, 15, is a sophomore in high school. She enjoys drama and singing in the choir. Daniel, 12, is attending Village Glen School in Sherman Oaks, which is intended for children with learning disabilities similar to his. Daniel began Karate classes last year and it looked like so much fun that I'm taking them with him.

Ray, after serving for 5 ½ years as a Bishop, was put on the high council and asked to organize an emergency preparedness program for the Church’s Pasadena area. He loves preparedness because, according to my theory, it involves purchasing things like lighting, radios, stoves, and other exciting items that we don’t have space for. Ray has accomplished the impossible by teaching cram courses in amateur (ham) radios, and making the classes fun. Because of his efforts we have nearly 200 "hams" in our stake and we participate in weekly Radio “nets.” In addition to his other activities, Ray is employed and, so far, despite the problems with the economy, his business continues to do well. (He started a computer software business for the Escrow and Title industry 18 years ago).

By the time one is our age, the callings have been many and diverse. I'm currently the media specialist for our stake and also the girl's camp director for the 2nd year. I graduated with a BA from BYU. Then got a pht (putting hubby through) while Ray graduated from Florida State University. I began substitute teaching with L.A. Unified several years ago. I occasionally do that still, but more often I substitute for adult ESL classes with Alhambra School District. Just about the time I got a CA teaching credential so I could teach a class of my own several hours a week, Gov. Davis announced a 35 billion dollar budget deficit which has put my plans on hold. Five children has been my main hobby. I've also made church callings into hobbies. Because of my girls' camp calling I became a certified lifeguard, certified in archery and took a wall climbing class. At Ray's urging, I took an EMT class, which helps with girls' camp responsibilities and the ham radio license comes in handy also.

Companions: Esplin (for a great beginning and ending to my mission), Sandoval, Castillo, Burton, Zeitum, Keaveauw. Areas served: San Franciso, Hatillo, CR, Panama City, Panama, San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Ray and I both have fond memories of our mission. I had the opportunity of returning about five years ago and visiting Hermana Eliana Zeitum in Tegucigalpa,Honduras.

See also info on Raymond Bence.