Friday, August 17, 2012

Another Great One Falls

     A few days ago my mother in law passed away at age ninety six. She was a woman who was hard working, determined, wise, cheerful, and a people person. She was a very good teacher as she taught her children life skills that were most practical and helpful through out their lives. 

    I first met her in 1965 when my wife took me there for a first official visit so I've known her a long time.

   She lived through the best of times and the worst of times. She was born in a homesteader's log cabin. She lived through the roaring twenties when her family built a huge three story house. She spent her late teens and early twenties suffering through the great depression. She married in the early forties and their farm did not prosper until the fifties. She raised her four children and two cousins who had lost their parents. One of the cousins was my wife so my mother in law was actually my wife's cousin. 

     She had many interests to keep her occupied. She did various crafts and was quite a good painter. She loved gardening and had a keen interest in birds. She faithfully supported her church until the end.

    She was a tall, large,lean, strong woman all her life. She lived in her own home on the farm until a year ago. She drove her own car until three years ago. This past year her health faded quickly. 

   So through a long life she influenced many people by her strong characteristics and will be missed by many.

19 comments:

  1. oh, red, i am sorry for your loss. she sounds like a wonderful, strong woman. please extend my condolences to your wife as well...

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  2. Red, I am so sorry to read of your loss, she sounds like an amazing woman who was not only strong, but kind. May she rest in peace.

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  3. She sounds like a remarkable woman and I'm so sorry for your family's loss. Your mother-in-Law was one of those exceptional people that our society isn't producing anymore. She'll be missed.

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  4. It sounds like a long life well lived. Condolences to you and your wife, but congratulations to her, too, on coming from such great stock.

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  5. My sincerest condolences to your wife, yourself, and family members. Ladies, or people, like this lady are pretty rare these days. I have the greatest of admiration for them. As you have so eloquently said, she taught her children the meaning of being responsible and respect. That says it all.
    May the dear lady rest in peace, she has been a God-send to this World. God bless you in this time of bereavement.
    Colin

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  6. Dear Red - So sorry to hear of the loss of this beloved woman. She certainly had a full life, living in her own home all that time. She was very strong indeed and could very well teach us all some lessons in life. Thankyou for sharing some of her history with us and please accept our condolences on your loss.

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  7. She lived a long and productive life, it seems. I am sorry for your loss, Red, because at any age it is hard to lose our loved ones.

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  8. I'm so sorry for your family's loss, Red. This was a lovely tribute to your mother in law. What an amazing life.

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  9. My sympathy to you and your wife. Thanks for sharing a bit about her:)

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  10. What a loving tribute. So sorry for your loss and your wife's. Losing those we love is horrible, even if it is time. For those left behind it is never time.


    Linda
    http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
    http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com

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  11. A beautiful testament to a life well-lived. I only hope I have a legacy of my own. I know you will, Red!

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  12. The sympathy expressed by readers was much appreciated and also unexpected. I guess this one I was writing for myself and forgot that others would read it and respond.
    Thanks again. Your support is very much appreciated. the blogging world is most supportive.

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  13. Our condolences to you and your family.

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  14. Red my condolences sent to you and your family. I love your warm memories you've shared with us here, your mother-in-law sounds like she was a beautiful lady whom I'm sure will be missed by all those she touched.

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  15. So sorry for your loss Red.....my condolences to both you and your whole family.

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  16. My sympathy to you and your wife, Red. Thank you for sharing these memories of her with us.

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  17. I am sorry for your loss. She sounds like a wonderful influence in your life.

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  18. What a fine tribute. You did her proud with your words.

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  19. So very sorry for the loss you and your wife have suffered. She sounded like an amazing woman and I enjoyed reading about her. I'm sure she will be missed by many. How great that she not only lived to 96, but was so active and independent in her very senior years. Sympathies to you.

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