Phoebe Esplin (Lytle)

George rediscovered and began to seriously court the petite, blue-eyed blonde, Lutie Pace. Lutie was seven years younger than he. George had walked other young ladies home. He said many times in jest, “I had my pick of the girls—why not choose the best.” George and Lutie were in love and remained in love all their married lives, through the years of ups and downs and of sadness and joy. Later George told his children of his proposal, “Ah, yes, we were in Grandpa Pace’s parlor, your mother on my lap when I asked her to marry me. She (Lutie) said ‘yes’ instantly.” Lutie always protested after this recital. “I was not on your lap and I didn’t say ‘yes’ that quickly.” Things probably happened as George described them. They were married on January 4, 1900, in the St. George Temple for time and eternity. George had received his own endowments before he went on his mission. Lutie received hers in December 21, 1899. (From a biography George Hubbard Lytle by Phoebe Lytle Esplin, his daughter) Aunt Lutie was a small, wiry little woman, active and not much over five feet tall. She had bright eyes, a sunny disposition and a million dollar smile. She was an early riser and a hard worker. She was always up and had the house tidied up before the neighbors got started. (From an autobiography by John (“Jack”) Ezra Keate, a nephew raised by George and Lutie)