Farewell Grandma

My paternal grandma passed away Thursday morning.   She was 90 years old and was the last living grandparent I had.   Today my family will gather in San Diego for a memorial service.   Due to circumstances of my life I will not be able to join them.   I want to share my eulogy with you.

My mind is full of so many memories of my paternal grandma and my grandpa.   Grandpa passed away 11 years ago and when he left to go to heaven a part of my grandma did too.   She couldn’t imagine life without him and it took her a long time to grieve.   She was blessed to have her children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren around her so there were others to go on living this life for.

My grandma was a creative person who loved making things and telling stories and teaching her skills to others.   She was a very practical helper and would willingly give to those around her in need.   Her greatest gift was to tell others about Jesus.   It was something she and my grandpa spent their lives doing.   They dedicated 27 years of their lives to sharing the gospel with Native American Indians from the West Coast to the East Coast and every state in between.

Grandma loved all Native American Indian people especially the Navajos and the Apaches.   She spent many years on their reservations and learned beading from them.   Her turquoise jewelry and handmade beaded necklaces were prized possessions because they were gifts from dear friends.

My love of Arizona came from my grandma.   She was never a resident of Arizona but she spent many years visiting here and when I was a child she gave Arizona Highways magazine subscriptions to each of her children’s families.   I always looked forward to receiving that magazine in the mail and never imagined that one day I would live here.

I miss all of my grandparents and I was so blessed to have such a rich godly heritage that started with them.   I look forward to the day when we will all be reunited in heaven!