Arizona Funeral

I was able to go to Arizona this past weekend for my Grandma Merrill's funeral.  This was my Mom's Mom and she lived to be almost 100 years old!  I have some great memories of my Grandma Merrill but we always lived so far away from my Grandparents that I was never super close to her.  She was always happy to see me and made me feel she loved me lots.  She was kind, generous and always smiling.

When I was about 15 years old my family was in Arizona for a family reunion.  My Grandparents had about 36 grandchildren and my Grandpa couldn't remember everyone's names.  At one point I overheard him say to my Grandma, "Fern, which one's that one?" and my Grandma replied, "That's Rachelle, dear" and then he said, "Well tell her to get over here and rub my feet!"  This was the perfect example of my Grandparents.  My Grandma was the sweet, kind and loving one and my Grandpa was pretty gruff.  They complimented each other perfectly.

I will always love my Grandma and remember her for making me feel loved and special even among her many, many grandchildren.  I received a birthday card in the mail every year of my life with a $1 bill from my Grandparents until just about 3 years ago when Grandma no longer had the energy to write out a birthday card.  She was amazing how she could remember everyone and make everyone feel her love.

Some of her children and Grandchildren performed "Love at Home" which was one of her favorite hymns.

Grandmas 5 children.  Aunt Jeanne Goodman, Uncle Tim Merrill, Aunt Marilyn Bigney, Uncle Phil Merrill and my Mom (DeAnn Johnson)


This was known as "The Wall" in my Grandmas house.  Anytime you would send her any photos from your family it would go up on the "The Wall"  It was always so fun to see all the pictures of cousins and their families and it made you feel special to know that Grandma would have your photo on her special wall:)

My parents and all 8 of their children were able to attend the funeral.  It was wonderful to spend the weekend with my family.  None of us had our spouses or children with us so we just got to hang out as siblings and we had a lot of fun!

Good times eating gelato!

In line for Cafe Rio...yum!!

Me with my Mom and Dad...and a cactus!  I'm not a huge fan of Arizona...it's way too hot for my taste but there is a certain kind of beauty there that is fun to enjoy.  My parents and Grandparents were all born and raised in Arizona so it's in my DNA to love this place:)