Scott and I arrived in Billings with our last load of stuff on Sunday night, unpacked and Monday I went to see mom and Pennie knowing already of the incredibly sad news that her brother, Uncle Jer Ber had passed away. Mom loved him dearly, we all did. He made us laugh. He was a good uncle, paid attention to us kids and teased us with his goofy sayings...many memories...
So on Tuesday, Ed and Cathy went with me to the very sad funeral. It was beautifully decorated with 18 different bouquets of flowers for Jerry and his family. Aunt Marge's brother led the music, we sang the same songs that Uncle Jerry loved. The service was nice, as the Pastor spoke of his uniqueness etc.
On the right, facing us, is my Aunt Marge, Jerry's wife. She seemed remarkably strong yet numb. To her left is her brother that sang and led the singing, and next to him is her sister and mother.
And here is where they laid our dear Uncle to rest. His daughter in law, Lynette and 2 beautiful grandaughters in the background.
Next, are some other pics I took...please keep in mind the smiles are only for the camera.
This is Aunt Goldie. She is older sister to mom, second oldest living in her family of 12 children.
(Rubye's 5 year old grandaughter calls her "Mrs. Goldilocks".) She is very close to my mom and we comforted each other.
This is Jerry's younger sister, Aunt Cora, her husband Bob and my sister, Jolene. Behind Jolene sits Wanda, another deceased uncle's step-daughter.
This is Gracie, Uncle Jerry's beautiful grandchild. She didn't want her picture taken with her family.
And here is her family and uncle and future aunt.
Words couldn't really express what I wanted to say to them, it was a very painful but beautiful afternoon.
And this is how I'll remember Uncle Jerry...
as part of that big ol' Grover clan,
from Minnesota. We have no idea the hard life they had in their upbringing. Uncle Jerry always had a funny story, the best memory (neighbor so and so's mule's name!) and he teased me about my red hair...he was a redhead too. The last time I was him was when I was sitting at the piano in the basement of the church before Leo's funeral. I was playing hymns, getting warmed up to play at the service and I heard this deep voice and "clomping" sound coming towards me. I looked up and there was Uncle Jerry, bent over, like my mom, using a cane, dressed in his nice brown cords, shirt and dress shoes. He was singing away, and sat by me, comforting me before the funeral. In the middle of the funeral, after speakers were finished saying what they loved about Leo, he pops up and says, "Gee, I doubt it if they say that many nice things about me at my funeral!" Those around him laughed...a typical Jerry moment. He sat with us as we tried to eat lunch afterwards. We have a good visit as we drank our coffee.
Love ya, Uncle Jerry. I know you are at peace and without pain...and yes, they said AT LEAST that many good things about you.
And it opens to a beautiful blue flower.
And I still have this little hen, but now she has her "chicks" to protect!
BTW, the hen guarding the hen and chicks patch is borrowed....
My father-in-law's latest pastel that he is submitting in a contest. It's of the Green River, the part he floated last spring in Utah.
...they are both such beautiful girls...
2) Mom was moved to the nursing home. She needs care 24/7. She will do better.
We are going to spend the day with her Saturday. Jolene will be there Saturday and part of Sunday.
3) Two years ago was the last time we spent Leo's birthday with him.
We still love and miss you, Leo. At least you are at peace.
On the right, facing us, is my Aunt Marge, Jerry's wife. She seemed remarkably strong yet numb. To her left is her brother that sang and led the singing, and next to him is her sister and mother.
And here is where they laid our dear Uncle to rest. His daughter in law, Lynette and 2 beautiful grandaughters in the background.
(Rubye's 5 year old grandaughter calls her "Mrs. Goldilocks".) She is very close to my mom and we comforted each other.
This is Gracie, Uncle Jerry's beautiful grandchild. She didn't want her picture taken with her family.
And here is her family and uncle and future aunt.
Words couldn't really express what I wanted to say to them, it was a very painful but beautiful afternoon.
from Minnesota. We have no idea the hard life they had in their upbringing. Uncle Jerry always had a funny story, the best memory (neighbor so and so's mule's name!) and he teased me about my red hair...he was a redhead too. The last time I was him was when I was sitting at the piano in the basement of the church before Leo's funeral. I was playing hymns, getting warmed up to play at the service and I heard this deep voice and "clomping" sound coming towards me. I looked up and there was Uncle Jerry, bent over, like my mom, using a cane, dressed in his nice brown cords, shirt and dress shoes. He was singing away, and sat by me, comforting me before the funeral. In the middle of the funeral, after speakers were finished saying what they loved about Leo, he pops up and says, "Gee, I doubt it if they say that many nice things about me at my funeral!" Those around him laughed...a typical Jerry moment. He sat with us as we tried to eat lunch afterwards. We have a good visit as we drank our coffee.