In Loving Memory...

About two weeks before Brad and I were to be married, I received a phone call at work. I was told that Grandma wasn't doing well and if I wanted to say good-bye I should probably come to Idaho. So Beth, Coral and I hopped into Coral's car (Dodge Charger) and drove to Idaho. We went directly to Jerome where Grandma was in the hospital. We were very surprised when we walked into her room to see her sitting up on the edge of the bed facing the window. There had been several occaisions when we would get the call that Grandpa wasn't doing well and he just kept hanging in there. He was on Hospice for an entire year before he passed away. I thought we would have a little more time with Grandma.The nurse came in and helped her lie back down. We each took turns giving her a hug. I leaned over to her and said, "I love you, Grandma," to which she replied....."PROVE IT!" So we knew that her mind was still in tact and she was still Grandma. It was her body that had quit working. Her kidneys had shut down and she was filling up with fluid. There was nothing the doctors could do for her except to help her be comfortable. We sat in silence before we decided that she needed music. We didn't have any so we decided to sing her some hymns (sorry Grandma). She was probably grateful when other family began to arrive and the singing stopped. Mom and Dad came and Dad's brother Joel and his family. I think there was a sense of urgency for Stephanie to get there as I know that it would mean a lot to her if Grandma could meet her newest Great Granddaughter before leaving this earth. Stephanie arrived with Alexis and baby Sawyer. Grandma passed away the next evening.

Grandma and Grandpa Chambers celebrated 50 years of marriage on September 7, 1990.

Several months ago I had the opportunity to visit Grandma at DeSano Place in Shoshone and make balloons for her and the other residents. Grandma is sporting a stylish monkey hat.

Baby Sawyer Jane and her Great Grandmother met for the first time. Grandma seemed to be so alert at that moment and even Sawyer seemed happy to meet her Great Grandma.

Okay....so this pic is actually at Grandpa's Funeral about 27 months earlier. Grandpa had served in the U.S. Army and was in the U.S. Navy during WWII.

My cousin Ben was home from Iraq for a time when Grandpa passed away and had the great priveledge of presenting Grandpa's flag to Grandma. It was an emotional moment to watch as Ben stepped back after handing Grandma the flag with a tear in his eye and a great sense of pride on his face and saluted her.

Also at Grandpa's funeral were his younger siblings.

(left to right..Guy, Joanne, and Nellie) Aunt Nellie passed away just a week after Grandma but I was unable to attend the funeral as it was held the same weekend as my wedding.

Back to Grandma. Grandma was awesome with arts and crafts. Her hands were always busy with crocheting, quilting, and other needle work. Here Alice and Janet show off some of the things that Grandma used to make for us.

My brothers David and Lee, mingling before the services begin.

Dad, trying to be cheerful and composed while visitors greet him with condolences.

Becky and Lee sit and ponder during the viewing.

Eathan, Tiger, and Jared sit and visit during the viewing.

Family and friends gathering at the cemetery.

My cousins, nephews and brothers were the pallbearers for the service.

One by one the pallbearers laid their boutonnieres on the casket.

Mom and David visit at the Shoshone Cemetery.

Grandma and Grandpa, I love you and I miss you both.