4
“You may not realize it, but you're a rich person.”
Yes you! You possess a huge vault brimming with treasure, and you can open it,
withdraw assets from the vault whenever you want—at absolutely no cost.
Where is this vault? It is inside
your heart and mind. And what
treasure resides there?
Memories. Memories are
pictures of past events and people
that can powerfully affect your
present and future. There are
those funny memories that make
you laugh, even now, though the
incident may have taken place
years ago. Then there are those
embarrassing moments that flash through
your mind at the oddest times, even
causing you to blush.
But there are certain kinds of memories
that glisten like diamonds. They remind us
and remind you that your life is rich with
meaning and purpose—that you matter to
other people and other people matter to
you.
Memories of special moments when love was exchanged and cherished, when a
significant relationship took a big step forward, when delicious laughter cheered
your soul—these precious moments are all waiting for you to pick them up, and
dust them off, and bring them to life once again.
5
So when your heart is heavy and you're feeling all alone, open the door… go
ahead. Dig in. Make all the withdrawals you want. You can't deplete the supply.
In fact, you may find that you are so rich you can loan some of your wealth to
others.
Oops, look. You got a little Gold dust on your smile.
-- John William Smith
8
Dear Mom: I thought it would be nice if I had
something to share with you from your parents on
this special birthday of yours. But really didn’t
have anything they’d written to you to pick from.
But while working on this book on February 10th I
did a search on Bishop George C. Naegle in The
Improvement Era, Volume 24, July, 1921—the
Editors were Heber J. Grant and Edward H.
Anderson. There on Page 769, to my surprise, was
a poem written by your father. It was as if he
handed it to me to share with his little Helen.
--Suzanne
Take Courage
Never bend low to sorrow or frown, Though misfortune came to you, But hustle, and keep on the “go”
That’s the only way to get thought.
Never lie down to fate or to foe, Undaunted straight-forward, just go;
Ben moral, and deal on the square, For this course will win everywhere,
Be humble and hopeful, trusting in God, Be valiant while onward you plod.
Should reverses come to me or you. Lament not, not sit down and whine
With courage and pluck just hope for good luck, And just paddle your own canoe.
Never give up in the cause of right
But struggle on with all your might, Till you and your Braque on the shining shore,
Want and sorrow to know no more.
Love, Dad
10
February 12, 2014 Memories, Memories …. So many Memories, Hennie…. You were in High School when I got married.
When Marion was sent overseas in 1944, and I didn’t have any place to go, mother (Jennie) and TK found a little apartment and said they would pay part of the rent. You and I each paid $10 and TK paid the rest and furnished our milk. We moved into this little apartment upstairs on 3795 S. 7th East and shared the bedroom. But when Marianne was born, it was hard to take care of her without disturbing you, so you suggested that you’d move into the living room on Jennie’s wooing couch and it worked out great.
You entered the house in a foyer and
then went up 2 flights of stairs and you
were in our apartment. No door at the
top. Had a bedroom, a bathroom and
a kitchen. Downstairs was Mary and
her family.
Mary Cannon had 2 little boys then she had a little girl 2 weeks before Marianne
was born. She was about my age, and thought that the name Marianne should
be reserved for her little girl, so she named her Marian.
Easter 1945. Marianne and I think you’re
the one taking the photo.
11
Every Sunday morning we would give Marianne a bath and try on all the clothes in the cedar chest to see what she had grown out of. Then we would take pictures to send to Hoc. Do you remember on VE ( Victory in Europe Day), when the war ended we looked
out to see all the bells and horns but there was dead silence, so we decided we
would bake a cake, take a picnic, go up to Fairmont Park and have our own little
celebration. We spread a blanket and took a picture of Marianne sitting on the
rock wall of the park.
When Hoc came home, we went right on living like we were, except we had our own quarters. It was lots of fun. We lived like that until Hoc got the job in Boise with the Forest Service and we moved out leaving you to live in the apartment by yourself. It’s wonderful to celebrate
another birthday with you.
Happy Birthday dear
Hennie,
Love your big sister.
Helen and Rosie at Tony’s funeral luncheon in
Saint George, Utah, 1 August, 2002
18
February 6, 2014
Dear Aunt Helen, Congratulations on your 90th birthday. That is quite a milestone and how wonderful that you and Uncle Virg have been able to be together and both have celebrated this time. You two are wonderful and amazing. I have been trying to figure out when my memories began, as you were there from my birth, but only you would remember that. I have lots of good memories
of you and at your home with my cousins. One time, we came to Blackfoot for Easter dinner and you had blown out a bunch of eggs and filled them with Jell-O and then cracked the shells off and put them around a salad. I thought that was the most clever thing someone could do. Another time, I remember you fixing French
toast with raisin bread and it was so delicious. I love how you always remembered my birthday, either with a card or a phone call. You were always glad to see us and made us feel welcome. Even when I brought you a carton of raspberries and spilled it in your front entry. I remember one time you two came to Soda Springs, and I had gone to get Dennis from work. I had spent the day deep cleaning and none of the beds had sheets on them, but I had lots of laundry on the lines. I was so embarrassed that you wanted to see our new house, and Shelli showed you through and it was such a wreck. I always hoped you would come back, but you didn’t. I hope you know it wasn’t always like that…often, but not always. I enjoyed being around all of you sisters when you were together. I remember a lot of laughing, visiting and love. I always wanted a sister to have fun with, but I got 4 daughters and we have had a great time.
19
I think it was wonderful that you could live with Mom while Dad was in Italy when I was born. I have heard fun stories about the things we did, and I am sure it was a special time for the two of you. You have been a very special part of my life and I love you very much. I hope you can have lots more good years so we can enjoy you. Love, Marianne
20
February 12, 2014
An auntie who was just about my size! What a wonderful milestone you have reached in your life--and Uncle Virg, too.
Congratulations! I remember when I was young; I thought it was so fun to have
an auntie who was just about my size! And I remember how kindly you always
spoke to us, sweet things to say and a sweet tone of voice.
One of my favorite memories is a picture of you in our front yard at 908 N 18th.
David --before he lost his hair-- has picked you up in his arms. Our dog, Ruff, was
there and maybe Dave was protecting you, but you were both smiling and it
seemed that you weighed next to nothing at all.
Wish I could find the picture to add to this note, but someday I will dig to the
bottom of all of my treasures, which now include my Mama's treasures, so you
know that the pile is huge, and I will find it and send you a copy.
I know what a great blessing your grandchildren have been in your lives, and mine
are to me, as well. Every day is fun.
I hope Doug and I will get to come your way for a visit this summer. I am retiring
from teaching preschool at the end of May, so that should free up our lives at
least a bit. Stay well and happy, dear one. Why did they call you Hennie?
Love,
Marilee
21
Grimm Brothers: Jacob Ludwig Carl
Grimm is born January 4, 1785, in
Hanau, Germany. Wilhelm Carl Grimm is
born February 24, 1786, in Hanau,
Germany.
For Aunt Helen at 90
With love, Judith
A lively, shiny cloud of hair . . . the most beautiful smile, wide and warm and
welcoming . . . large eyes brimming with laughter and love. It’s wonderful to me
that these, the image and words in my mind when I hear the name Aunt Helen,
also describe the image radiating from my computer screen in the announcement
celebrating this important birthday so
many years later. Aunt Helen, this lovely
essence of yourself hasn’t changed,
doesn’t change. It is, as it has always
been, you . . . unique and special you.
In the German fairy tales that are part of
our family’s heritage, the youngest child
is often an enchanted being, given
responsibility for rescuing or saving
others, sometimes through deeds, but
equally as often simply through his or her
pure existence. I like to think of you, the
youngest in your immediate family, in
that way, giving off goodness just by
being yourself. I remember our visiting
you once in Idaho when I was quite young
and your children very young. The picture I was left with in my mind was of
airiness and light throughout the house, and the children sitting quietly together
in a dining nook, happily and fully engaged in some kind of craft, I think maybe
carving from soap. It’s a picture I’ve remembered often.
22
The first “honor” I ever received was being the flower girl at your wedding
reception. In that event and in the gatherings that surrounded it I saw you with
some of your closest friends, and was aware even then, being eight years old ,
that I was observing aspects of adult life worth seeking for and emulating. The
happy give and take among you and your bridesmaids generated an atmosphere
of pleasure and warmth that I loved being part of, and I remember holding my
bouquet, the stems of the flowers wrapped in something like tinfoil, and hoping I
was looking like you and the bridesmaids who were so individual, but so similar in
their smiles.
Thank you, dear Helen, for being my enchanting Aunt, and for being you.
23
Dear Aunt Helen
When I think about Aunt Helen and Uncle Virg, I've never been able to
think of one without thinking of the other. Two particular experiences
come to mind.
Some years ago, Helen, Virg, Aunt Rosalie and I were visiting in Salt Lake. The four of us drove around the Avenues and Sugar House to
see the homes they had lived in while they were growing up. I have
often wished that I had had a tape recorder and could have preserved
their conversations that day as they reminisced about those days.
The second experience was during the summer of 2009. Judith and I,
along with my daughter Emily and her husband, Clayton, were
returning from a trip to Oregon and stopped in to see Helen and Virg.
We had a delightful visit with them, and got to hear all about their prowess with a Wii game of bowling. They were champions not just at
24
their retirement home, but also in a league with others. It was clear
that they not only were happy to have us visit, but also happy just to
be with each other.
If I were to try to characterize my Aunt Helen and Uncle Virg, the first thing
that comes to mind would be "tenderness." In all the times I have seen them together, I was always struck by how much they cared for each
other. It was clear that theirs was a special love that remains so to this day.
Love,
Stephen Moss
25
Dear Aunt Helen
Suzanne emailed about your recent fall. I do hope you're feeling better.
I wanted to give you my best wishes for a great 90th birthday.
I have very
warm and loving
memories of you.
There are all the
childhood ones of
being at your
house with such
great cooking
smells - especially
homemade
bread!
I remember
seeking you out
when we were
over there
because you gave me your full attention and I certainly enjoyed that, when the
kids and I visited.
I think my mom had just died. You were so warm and welcoming to us. During
that visit, you took time to show me some family genealogy and show me pictures
that I had never seen before. That was very important to me and I really
appreciated it.
Thank you being a wonderful aunt and although we don't see much of you and
Uncle Virg, you are in my prayers and my thoughts.
Love you,
DeAnn
26
Dear Aunt Helen
Best Wishes on your 90th birthday! It was wonderful talking with you and Virgil
today!
Aunt Helen you are so
sweet dear to me, and
I have many memories
of my childhood visits
to your home, that
still fill me with
comfort and warmth.
I loved being with you
and Uncle Virgil and
your kids, and I always
felt welcome.
When you were living in Black Foot I remember that you lived is a cutest houses.
Thinking back, I remember looking at Uncle Virgil wonderful artwork that was
hanging in your home, and it seemed to give me more of those warm feelings
inside as I stood and gazed at each picture. I love his artwork. He’s so talented
that way.
An image of an old galvanized metal washtub comes to mind. I think we were
spending the night, and after lunch and you filled the tube that I think it was in
your basement was at your house. And you announced to us kids that we all
going to take a bath in that tube in the same water. We’ll,’ I never seen a
galvanized metal washtub for one thing, and I’d never taken a bath in the same
water used by others before.
So I remember feeling very comfortable with the whole thing. Well I think I was
the middle child on the list and when I walked over and look down into the water,
there were floaties! Ewe yucky I thought.
27
I didn’t want to get into the tube… but I think as a kid I thought to myself… you’d
better do it or else! Don’t know that we kids felt we could say how we felt.
So I climbed in and the water was cooler than I was used to.
After that you had us all lay down for a nap.
Funny how we remember certain things when thinking back trying to remember
back to retrieve the memories of bygone days.
Thank you, for the all the special fun times, so long ago.
Happy Birthday, dear Aunt Helen.
Love,
Lorna
29
Dear Helen
Hello my love, my life, my heart I knew I loved you from the very start.
Through ups and downs and round again
You are still my lover and my best friend.
We are two hearts that beat as one
As love grows between us second to none.
Nothing is perfect and neither am I
But we work at things and maybe that's why
This love has survived through thick and thin
Another Valentine's Day, and birthday has come 'round again.
So I say to you my better half of course
Dedicating my life to you I have no remorse.
I will love you 'til my dying day
For here in your arms I choose to stay.
Love,
Virgil
31
Dear Mom,
The first and greatest blessing I have had in my life is you, Mom…for I would not
be here without you. I am so grateful to you and honored to have you as my
MOM. You have been a steady, choice influence to me…and I always knew you
loved me and delighted in me.
My earliest memory of you was your response to my sneaking out of my bed one
night and down the hall where you and dad were sitting in the living room at 1070
10th Street in Idaho Falls. It was near Christmas time and I guess I just didn’t want
to go to bed. Kathy
had not been born yet
so I must have been
almost three years old
or so. I remember a
knock on the door. Dad
answered the door and
in walked Santa Claus.
I was not too young to
know who he was, and
he asked for me. You
said, “I’m sorry Santa,
he’s in bed.”
It was then that I
gleefully jumped up
and out of my hiding place in the hallway and enthusiastically exclaimed, “No, I’m
not!”
I can still remember to this day you breaking out in your trademark laugh and
giggle. If it had not been for Santa, I might otherwise have been in trouble that
night.
When Kathy was born and came home from the hospital in your arms; you sat
down on the couch to show me. I remember standing by you gazing at the new
32
bundle. I must have felt in that moment a little displaced and insecure, for I asked
you, Mom: “Aren’t you glad you have a big boy?”
I still remember your reassuring and warm reply. “Yes, I am.”
I’ve never felt displaced, ever, not even for a moment from your heart nor ever
separated from your love. Know that you will always be in my heart. And on this
occasion of your 90th birthday celebration, I will share some if those endearing
memories that will always hold you close. There are many, but here are just a
few.
My friends always loved
you and coming over to
our house because you
made every one of them
feel welcome in our
home.
I treasure the times you
turned our house into a
wonderful gourmet
restaurant in which my
friends and our dates
could dine. I discovered
how delicious stuffed,
baked Cornish hens were with sparkling grape juice—everything prepared
with elegance and “good taste.” You wowed us all with your kindness and
loving service.
I remember being out too late so you came and got me. I appreciated it and
was not embarrassed, because I knew how much you cared about me. At
least you knew where I was. That says we had a pretty good relationship,
huh. Sorry you were up so late, because of me.
I remember you coming to things I was in like plays and events, and you
and Dad having to leave the dance our band was playing at because it hurt
your ears. Sorry.
33
When I was playing Cassias in the Shakespeare play Julius Caesar in the
theatre in the round at Ricks College, I remember how you let out a gasp
and rose to your feet as I was “run through” by my partner on the stage.
Back stage the guys commented on my acting, “Did you see that woman
react to your death scene?” I nodded and said, “That was my mother.”
Then they all nodded their understanding. Moms are like that, even if it was
a play.
As I served a mission, I know you worked at least three jobs to help support
me. I was so honored to serve a mission and to know you were proud of
me. In fact growing up, I never ever wanted to do anything to disappoint or
hurt you so I was a pretty good boy.
I remember the loving acceptance you showed for Suzanne, and how you
loved her from the start. Me, too.
You have loved and honored our kids. I know you pray for them as you do
their kids.
I’ve appreciated your life-long example of living the gospel and the love you
have for the Lord.
And you’ve succeeded in being memorable for our kids by singing your age-
old favorite to them that made me laugh until I cried, “He that has Clean
Hands and a Puuuurrre Heart.”
So that is a description of you my dear mother—clean hands and a pure
heart….and LOVE for everyone, especially for me.
I love you dear Mother, and wish you the most happiest of birthdays.
Your loving son,
Michael
34
February 6, 2014
Dear Mom;
Happy, Happy 90th Birthday!!! What a
great milestone and we are so grateful to
still have you in our lives. As I look back, I
would say you are the best teacher I ever
had. You taught me all of life's lessons.
You taught me to cook, sew ( you were
also a great nurse when the sewing
machine needle went through my thumb)
to can our fruits and vegetables
(remember when the pressure cooker
blew up!) to clean and wash clothes.
I appreciate the
values you instilled
in me and I love
you so much for all
you did for me.
Thank you for
putting up with me
when I gave you
TROUBLE. Thank
you for letting me
have my pets:
birds, cats, fish and
a cute red puppy
Have a great Birthday Mom and a happy year!
All my love, Kathy
35
Dear Mom,
WOW Happy Birthday! 90 Years Young!
We have had a lot of time to create memories, but I think the most prominent
memory for me would
be what a fabulous
cook you were. I never
knew what processed
food was until I was on
my own, and you gave
me a can opener. And
still today, it’s the
most valuable kitchen
gadget I own. How else
would I get into those
marvelous creations
preserved so well in
those little cans! I do
regret my lost
summers because you
peeled, snapped,
husked, cored and canned EVERYTHING.
And we helped (reluctantly)! But I didn’t regret slurping your canned Tomato
Soup, (you could show Campbell’s a thing or two about Soup making), totally
enjoyed all the fruit, jams, & juices that you worked so hard to provide for your
family. And oh my gosh... Cinnamon Rolls, Bread & Rolls! Best EVER… could that
be because you even ground your own wheat for flour?!
36
And still today when I hear the word “FUDGE” it creates an uncontrollable licking
of the lips. And every time I pick up a piece of Chocolate Heaven that others call
fudge, and anticipate
the creamy
yumminess I am
completely
disappointed. The
flavor & texture is all
wrong! I don’t know
what you did different
for the rich
chocolateyness (that’s
not a word, but it
should be!), but I
know the creamy
texture came from
you kneading it!
DELISCIOUS! I have
never ever tasted fudge like yours.
It was truly a sad moment for me when you invited us over to dinner and while
we were all seated at the table watching you twirl around your kitchen getting
things dished up & on the table, and making sure that Dan had his favorite Salt &
Pepper shakers sitting in front of him, you announced that you were retiring from
cooking! GASP! Oh please say it isn’t so!!! How can you hang up your apron? WE
ALL WILL SURLY PERISH! It’s been quite a while since your retirement & we all
seem ok so I guess we will survive! Job well done for too many years to count!
Congratulations on this milestone!
Love,
Dan & Connie
37
A daughter from another Mother!
Dear mom, better
known as Granny,
Happy 90th Birthday!
Wishing you a
wonderful day fill with
joy, health and
happiness.
I’d like to write more
and will try to send it
later.
Love, Anna
38
Dear Mom, well you have been….
More like a Mother than Mother-in-law
Right off I was impressed you’d play games at the dining room table with family
and friends. And you still love playing games to this day. It just seemed right to
call you mother, after I married Michael. I’ve always appreciated your love
kindness. I remember well when you came to help when little Jenny arrived.
Being a new mother was truly a new adventure for me. And although we lived
above that crazy Pleasant Grove Police department, trying to make ends meet
while Michael was attending BYU, you came making the adjustment a bit easier.
Michael and I both loved the wonderful
cinnamon rolls you baked. They seemed as
large as a small dinner plate.
While reminiscing there were many fond
memories that come to mind, like during
one of my visits right after marrying
Michael, when I asked you if you like your
upstairs bathroom, the old fashioned,
Victorian bathtub, and you said, “Yes”
Virgil and I tried that out together, and it
worked nicely.”
Then there were your visits to Utah,
yummy homemade meals when we visited
Idaho, complete with layered jello and
homemade breads.
I loved how you preserved finger prints on your back, glass storm door at the
house on Bremer Dr. I loved our trip to the Mormon Miracle Pageant in Manti
Utah…and so many more.
But I think one memory that was very special was…The Big House Adventure.
39
I remember how you expressed to me a longing to visit the Big House, and at the
time I didn’t exactly know what the Big House was. I asked more questions. I
became more familiar with how that fit into your family tree.
As I recall, you felt there was no way of getting inside to view the house, but how
you expressed that it was one of your few lifelong wishes.
I didn’t even know where the place was, but soon discovered it’s located on South
Toquer Blvd. (Main and 5th Street) at the south end of Toquerville, Utah.
I remember thinking, “This wish can come true. It can happen.” We had a couple
of phone conversations, where I asked more questions and you mentioned the
house had been empty and Annaley Redd had fixed it up and made it really a nice
house, and it was now in the care of her daughters. This was shortly after Annaley
40
Naegle Redd had died in 2000. You were unsure if the home was still in the family
as you had heard mentioned that it was going be sold.
Heber Naegle, George C’s brother was Annaley’s father. Annaley married Charlie
Redd in 1931, and they together had eight children. Charlie was a successful cattle
rancher so Annaley had the means to acquire and fix up the Big House that
eventually went to her daughters. At the time you didn't know exactly how to get
a hold of any of the daughters, but told me about her family a bit, and so I started
phone calling to try and see we if we could link up with them.
I was finally able to contact one of the daughters to see what the possibilities
would be of staying in The Big House. She was sweet and kind and we had a great
conversation, and she shared how her mother had loved the house and worked
so hard to remodel it. She loved to go and stay there.
41
She said they were very willing to allow us to stay as long as we’d like. I was
excited and started talking with Michael and my kids about arranging for the trip
to Toquerville.
I called you—then I thought how wonderful it would be to include others. I called
Toni, Rosie, Kathy. and Connie to see if they like to go. Jenny and Julie thought it
would be a great family outing. John was off working selling pest control and was
unable to join us. We discovered that Eric, Julie’s husband had roots in that part
of Utah as well.
You and Dad came from Idaho. It was a chance for you to see Jaden who was just
5 months old and Jaycee and Houston were just little. We loaded up and left for
Touqerville
on
Memorial
Day
weekend
2001.
I
remember
well the
day we
reached
Toquerville
and were
met by
Annaley’s
daughter.
We unloaded luggage from the cars and went inside the Big House. There was a
nice modern kitchen on the left hand side of the entrance way.
The sun was coming in the windows over the sink, and all seemed nice and clean
and everyone brought their luggage in and looked around.
42
It was determined that everyone would
stay upstairs except me. That’s where all
the beds were. Because of my wheelchair,
I slept in a downstairs study by myself.
Little Houston was really into to spoons at
the time and loved carrying them around
where ever we went.
Jaycee was excited and curious and loved
going up and down the stairs inside the
house. I remember hearing her giggling
upstairs as her parents were trying to put
her to bed one night.
What a blessing it was to be together,
43
experiencing the blessing of family, and
family history together. I loved it.
The kitchen was homey and nice. We
spent time together there eating and
preparing homemade meals together.
Before our trip began, I’d contacted
Cherrie Naegle, who had been working
on the John C. Naegle History. She was
doing it for her husband, trying to find
other Naegle’s in the area in hopes of
having a Naegle Reunion of sorts.
We created somewhat of an open
house where others could come inside
of the “Big House” and visit.
Our plans were to go to the cemetery,
and we discovered they were having a special memorial for John Conrad Naegle
on Memorial Day. John had been buried in Mexico, but a headstone was being
44
placed in the Toquerville cemetery in his memory. We all got flowers and
attended an early morning ceremony at the cemetery. I can still see little Jaycee
crouching down beside the headstone memorial that had been placed there for
John C. Naegle her great, great, great grandfather and the one for her great,
great, great, grandmother, Rosanna Zimmerman Naegle
Do you remember singing the
“Naegle family song” while
Michael played it on his guitar
and Cherrie Naegle taught it
to all of us as we sat in the
large sitting room inside The
Big House. A good time was
had by all.
You, Dad and Michael and I
took a day to visit your
brother Tony and his wife.
They were unable to come to
visit at the big house while we
were there.
So it was decided that we would
visit him. Rosie met us there and
we had a good visit, and I
learned more about your family,
and some of your experiences
growing up. Then Tony and
Janette invited us to have lunch
with them, so we gathered
together in the dining room and
45
had a fun lunch together.
I’m so grateful for all those memories we had being together, and the chance I’ve
had of meeting and getting to know members of your family.
And I was grateful that angels were nearby helping, as desires were expressed to
connect family and visit a historical building associated with your ancestors, and
share a part of the Naegle family history with our children and grandchildren.
Truly we were blessed to have this once in a life time experience together. Thank
you for sharing your passion for ancestors, and the things that you treasured and
shared about their lives with us.
As Alex Haley wrote, “In every conceivable manner, the family is link to our past,
bridge to our future.”
I think we both could agree with Brad Henry when he wrote, “Families are the
compass that guides us. They are the inspiration to reach great heights, and our
comfort when we occasionally falter.”
Thank you for your love and influence in my life. What a blessing to have you in all
our lives! Happy 90th!
Love,
Suzanne
47
Grandma, Grandpa Hansen, and Jenny in 1985 in Yellowstone Park,
during a Hansen family Reunion.
Dear Grandma
My memories of you
include many things like
your delicious rainbow
Jell-O and of course
snickerdoodle cookies,
attending the Idaho Falls
temple, and of course
writing letters to each
other.
And of course when you
sang "he that has clean
hands and a pure heart"
in a silly voice with hands
clasped in at your chest.
None of us knew those
lyrics came from Psalms
24:4: He that hath clean hands and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul
unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.”
You told us that you wanted
to give us something to
remember about you. We
sure have!
Your cute laugh, the color
purple, pansies! And the
kits that you sent my boys
to do an impression of their
hand with.
You like being called
Granny, and I know you love me--and I love you! Love, Jenny
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February 12, 2014
Dear Grandma I have a couple of great memories of you Grandma. One was meeting you for the first time when Jenny and I visited. It was about a month before we were married (March 1999) and you were so nice. You fed us and talked with us. Also remember visiting Grandma and Grandpa at Fair Winds, May 31st 2009. We visited in their apartment, went to eat lunch together in the cafeteria, and
watched you and Grandpa Play Wii bowling. I was shocked that they were so good at that game!
Happy Birthday!
Love, Steve
49
Dear Grandma,
As I think back and remember
the times with we’ve had
together of course I think of
“Birthdays”!
Why? Because we shared so
many wonderful birthday
celebration together, that’s
why it comes to mind, and
with the best cake you
can ever sink your teeth
into, are at the top of the
list!
Summer fun together…
like the times when I
came to visit you.
You were great to always have plans for
the summer, beginning swimming
lessons, going to the sand dunes, and
then you’d take us to hi C swimming
park. Happy Birthday.
Love, Eric
50
Dear Grandma
One thing I loved about you
is that beautiful laugh of
yours. When I or anyone else
would tease, you’d really get
rolling. You’d cover your
mouth with your tiny hand to
almost quell the laugher
coming out.
During the time when I was
attending
Ricks College,
I was blessed
with the
awesome
opportunity
to save a bit
of money and
commute to
Ricks and
work in Idaho
Falls. I
enjoyed
bringing friends over to meet you and you’d always comment on the females that
would come by and judge them protectively. Thanks for all your support while
growing up. I want to make you proud!
I love you Grandma, John
51
Dear Granny,
Thinking back I
remember a funny story
about the stove! Eric was
up for a quick visit. It
wasn't shortly after you
had purchased that
stove. Making small talk,
Eric said, "Nice stove." or
something to that affect.
Right after he said that,
the oven door shattered! Really kind of funny!
53
Being warm and accepting is one of Granny’s qualities. She and Will even have
special handshake, to show it!
Pictures….Who on earth would have even guessed it.
Memories, Memories and More Memories…..
“This was the funniest photo shoot! It just
wasn't meant to be that night! For starters,
Kailee had something crop up last minute and
she wasn't able to make it. Our photographer
54
was late and that never happens.
She is always waiting on us! But we decided to try to get some pictures anyway.
We took a few, but then there is this sound...one you don't want to hear when
you are in the middle of an outdoor photo shoot. The sprinklers!!! It was chaos.
Will helped Papa off of the uneven ground while Korrey pushed Granny in her
chair! Our photographer ran from the water but then turned and snapped
pictures which I love!
Those are perfect pictures! Granny was howling with laughter and of course that
made us all laugh harder! I love the picture she got of Colby. Poor kiddo was left
out there to fend for himself! It was great! We called it a night and tried again the
next day! Great memories!
55
I am not sure I can pick just one favorite memory! I will forever be thankful to all
the things Grandma/Granny has taught me. A lot of the things she taught me as a
kid, I teach my own children. I love how Granny is quick to share a story.
It is always fun to hear about her past. As a kid, I never remember her sitting
down! I am sure she did at some point but I remember her always busy...and
humming while she worked!
Korrey asked me if I remember playing the game 7up with her, and I certainly do.
She loved that game.
Love, Dawnie
PS. When I asked Will what his memory of Granny was he said he loved her laugh!
It's contagious; you can't help but laugh with her!
Will scaring Granny with a mask on….
56
Grandma,
Happy Birthday! I love you and hope that you are doing well. I am so
grateful for you, your love, your example, and your strength. When I was young,
I couldn’t wait to come visit you home. You house was always neat and tidy;
anyone who walked into your home felt welcome and could feel the spirit. I
loved exploring your house and some of my favorite things was your recliner
chair, your pantry that always had gum on the lower shelves, your pencil drawer
with knick-knacks galore, your adding machine that we could pretend on for
hours, the sugar
bowl that was on
your table in the
morning for
breakfast cereal,
your magnet on
your dishwasher
that would show
dirty or clean, the
clock above your
television with a
fancy pendulum
that you couldn’t
take your eyes off,
the cross stitch
that Kathy made
that had undone
flowers, your beautiful room - decorated in white and purple and felt like walking
into a castle, the heater in your bathroom which was more scary when I was
younger, your giraffe measuring chart to see how much we grew since the last
visit, our own personal tooth brush in your hall closet because that is what we
always seemed to forget when we visited, your green thumb with all the
beautiful plants in your dining room, you could grow anything, your giraffe swing
that you so creatively invented, your organ which made us feel like a
professional players, your dining room table that wasn’t only for good meals, but
hours of fun when playing games, and your monopoly game which whenever I
came you and Rae-Dawn were always right in the middle of the playing. I could
57
go on forever, but I can’t forget the beautiful glasses with carefully laid Jello that
delighted the eyes but also the taste buds. Even though all of things are
material, what made them special was YOU! Your touch, your creativity, your
love. You are what put the home into your house.
I admire your determination and courage, I have seen you overcome
many obstacles physically and you don’t let them stop you. I remember watching
you doing the dishes after your knee replacement resting your leg on an
ottoman, doing your physical therapy bands that were connected to the organ,
and working so hard so you could walk without a limp.
I am so grateful for you thoughtfulness how you remember dates, and
especially take the time to send birthday greetings and your generous 2-dollar
bills and occasionally a dollar bill shirt, which is incredibly put together. It says a
lot about you and how incredibly thoughtful you are.
One of my most cherished memories of you is when, (I know you are
going to say when you sang like that lady, which was also cherished but not as
much as this one.) you came to visit and we were traveling in our van. You
noticed that I had lost an eyelash. You carefully removed it from my cheek and
then place the lash between our thumbs. You told me to gently press and
whoever had the lash on their thumb would get a wish. When we moved our
thumbs the lash was nowhere to be found. Your giggle warmed my soul and
right there at the minute, I knew without a doubt you loved me with your whole
heart. You took a moment that was very special and I now take similar moments
with my children when there is an eyelash on the loose.
You are a darling, wonderful lady who I love so dearly. I am so grateful to
you and all that you have added to my life through your love, example and time.
You are precious to me.
Hope you have a wonderful birthday celebration,
Julie
58
A Great Grandma, known as…
“Granny” “One memory that always sticks in my mind when I think of Granny is sitting out
front on the porch swing and playing the car game with her. We've played that
since I was just a little girl. It was always my favorite game.
Kailee Rae
Having a Great Grandmother means many things to many people… But to Kailee
and Korrey it means very special handshakes!
Korrey shared… ”My favorite memory of Granny has got to be all the times I spent
at their house. Especially when I got her to play Super Mario with me! Or when
we’d all play 7 up in the dining room!”
59
From Suzanne: Not too many great grandkids get to ride a “giraffe”! But we did!
And it’s all
because
Granny came
up with the
idea… then
used her
imagination
and created
the very first
back yard
tame giraffe
pet! It was
the kind of
pet you could
ride.
All the great
grand’s love
it and
enjoyed
riding it!
Of course it
had stirrups
and rains,
because that
how you ride
a giraffe.
We’d all hold on and ride…all imagined different things, like riding in the Jungles
of South Africa. Or talked to their pet giraffe and they sat there. Thought the
sunshine and deep snow the Giraffe was a hit for all. Thank You for making life a
Joyous wonderful adventure… at your house …Granny
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Granny thank you for a lap to sit on, a tender hug, a loving embrace, and Love touch, fun stories
told, giggles, a hug a kiss, and always, yes, always a listening ear
64
When Jared came over we thought we’d make something from heart shapes. We
each took scissors and started cutting shapes. Jared first made a butterfly out of
elongated heart shapes. Then a spider… and when I mentioned your birthday was
coming and we worked on a flower picture together. When he saw how I dotted
the letters, Jared wanted to learn how to do that.
As you can see he signed his name using dotted letters.
--Suzanne
Jared getting out the Crayola’s ready to create something wonderful. He
loves to draw, paint, using his creative juices.