Grandma Ray suffered a stroke on May 17th. It became evident shortly thereafter that her earth life was likely drawing to a close and family began preparing for her passing. On May 24th, she passed peacefully after having lived a full and wonderful life. She will be greatly missed. We are so grateful we got to have time with her while we lived in Arizona for four years. Heidi and Nathan each got to know her and that is a priceless treasure.
These pictures are from almost exactly one year previous to her passing when we were quilting a quilt for Nathan right before we moved to Kentucky-
Dear Grandpa Ray was a pillar of strength through the whole weekend. As Grandma Ray passed on, he said, "Isn't that wonderful." I am sure he misses his companion greatly but his words were the perfect capstone to mark the passing of a life lived without regrets.
The tables set up in the foyer of the church building had a few of her special items and momentos on display. Here are her glasses and scriptures-
The night before the funeral all the family who was in town gathered at the church for dinner and visiting. With 88 grandchildren and MANY great grandchildren it was quite a party. Most of the grandchildren were in attendance and it was a wonderful tribute to a wonderful lady.
Matthew was NOT a fan of the weekend. In fact, this is how he felt about most of the events. Poor little guy had to be a trooper.
After the funeral service the family proceeded to the grave side. It was HOT and I stayed behind with Matthew to keep him cool while Trent took the kids to the burial.
The great grandchildren each placed a rose on top of her casket. This was the first time Heidi and Nathan had had a loved one who they knew pass away and it was a time of learning a little about the sadness a funeral can bring as well as the joy of celebrating a life.
It was very special to be there to celebrate her life and we are so grateful to have her as a wonderful matriarch of this family. She is truly an example on how to live a life full of happiness.
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