Grandma Ruth Gardner Willard

Today was my paternal grandmother's funeral in St. George. Unfortunately, we weren't able to go because Peter had to be at work today.

My Grandma Willard died on December 23rd while we were in Logandale. She was 91 years old. It is strange having both of my Willard grandparents pass on. I guess I always figured that they'd never die. Since my dad is one of their youngest kids, they were already in their 60s when I came around and started having memories that involved them. They were always old to me, and I wish I had known them when they were young.

I like to think of them as younger than I ever knew them- as young kids eloping because their parents didn't really approve, or as young parents raising a bunch of boys. I imagine that my grandma was quite a spunky person. I think you have to be to raise a lot of boys.

What I do know and remember about my grandma is that she loved to visit and talk. Sometimes I would go visit her when I lived in St. George to attend college. I would always be late for work because I simply couldn't get out the door in time.

She collected thimbles from all over the world and loved to show them off. She also loved her garden. She had an amazing garden of irises in every color for years. She was a great cook and she would fix us all kinds of yummy goodies. She also cooked a lot of veggies that I had never heard of or eaten before.

I am sad that both she and Grandpa are gone from us now, but I am actually glad that she made it home in time for Christmas. I had been wondering and worrying what Christmas would be like for her all alone this year. So at least she got to be with Grandpa and all of her family.