On Death and the End of a Generation

The world lost a beautiful woman yesterday (6/27/15). Eli's Grandma Vivian, known to our boys as "Little Grandma", passed away yesterday afternoon at the age of 92. Eli got the call as we were heading back from viewing a house. No matter how long you expect death, it doesn't make it hurt any less. I loved Gram as my own Grandma. She was kind, generous, and one of the most loving persons you'd ever meet. As I write this, with tears streaming down my face, Eli walks into the room imitating her to cheer me up. You couldn't help but smile when you saw her.

I was able to get a few more pictures of Grandma in the last couple days, and had to update with them.

Grandma Vivian, her brother Dale, and her sister Vera

Vivian and Merrille

Grandma and Dennis

Vivian and Merrille

I remember going over to mow Gram's lawn for a summer, and how worried she was that I stayed hydrated. I'd take the boys over to visit her and we would never leave without containers of cookies she had saved for them. Grandma would often have a puzzle out on the table, and never got upset when the boys would accidentally undo what had probably been hours of work for her. She would get so excited when we brought her hot fudge Sundaes. And how she loved the babies...the last time I saw her she couldn't take her eyes off Ian, as in pain and exhausted as she was. She kept telling him what a beautiful boy he was, and he just smiled at her. The last few times we visited her while she was still at home she sent every thing home with the boys that they liked. A red glass votive, a little wooden chair.... And always on leaving "Love you tight with all my might." All her cards had a similar sentiment, and all were tucked away as treasures for the day we knew would come eventually...to remember what a grand lady she was. Her daughter, my mother-in-law, mentioned the two simple instructions Grandma had given for getting her ready after she had died. And I could see Grandma laughing as they made these plans, in her self-effacing way, probably thinking how funny it was to be talking about what to do with oneself after death. Her sense of humor was really contagious.

Eli dancing with Grandma at his sister's wedding ~2004

Eli, Pam, and Grandma meeting Aidan for the first time ~ 2007

Grandma meeting Gavin for the first time ~ 2009

Grandma meeting Liam for the first time ~ 2011

Pam, Eli, and Grandma meeting Ian for the first time ~ 2014

We will miss Grandma greatly, but are blessed with all the memories we have of her.

The great grandkids decorated cards for Grandma

I wouldn't have these blessings if it wasn't for the sweet lady we put to rest today.

Updated July 2, 2015

Vivian Mabel was born June 9, 1923, to Jesse and Hazel. She attended country schools through the 8th grade. While visiting neighbors with her parents, Vivian met Merrille. On one of their first dates they went to see the movie, "Gone With the Wind"; as it turns out they were short for the admission price, so they settled for candy bars and each other. The couple was married May 17, 1942. To this union three children were born: Dennis, Monty, and Pamela. In October of 1942 Merrille was called to service. While he was away Vivian worked various jobs and gave birth to their first child.

After Merrille returned home in 1945, the couple decided to pursue their passion of farming. They bought their own farm where Vivian farmed right alongside Merrille. She also worked as a waitress and at a small town grocery store for many years. Vivian enjoyed flower gardening, playing cards, dancing, embroidery, and watching birds in her yard. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, and an active member of her church. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.