My sweet Grandma Gardener passed away on March 16th, 2022. It's hard to explain all the feelings that come as I grieve the loss of my grandma. Her husband passed away 45 years ago so we're all so happy she's with him again. But the sting is still there and the tears still come. So many wonderful memories come as I think about her. The Easter egg hunts at her house with the cousins, camping trips, singing and dancing in the kitchen as she did the dishes, finding her in her chair with her scriptures, her house at Christmas, Thanksgiving and so much more.
One of the most special things my grandma did was write all 61 of her grandchildren a handwritten letter for their birthdays. And it wasn't a couple paragraphs, it was a personalized full two pages of her expressing her pride in our accomplishments, how much she loved us and her testimony of Jesus Christ. None of us ever doubted she had a strong testimony. It's pretty incredible she was able to remember all our birthdays let alone write so many letters. My letters are so special to me.
My dad got all my siblings and I hotel rooms in Idaho Falls for the funeral. We went up Friday and had time for the kids to swim before the viewing.
Our hotel rooms all had balcony's with a view of the temple. It was beautiful. Mary was able to capture some amazing photos.
Grandma's funeral was really special. I was amazed at how many cousins were there that I hadn't seen in years. It was fun to catch up with them and other uncles and aunts. My mom sang for the funeral and did such beautiful job. All her siblings shared experiences and her life sketch. I loved hearing each's perspective of how grandma touched their life. Being a single mom and raising 11 kids was an extrodinary feat she accomplished. Grandma was always on the go because she felt like she had to be. My mom told us the week before she passed was the most calm and peaceful she had ever seen her. I'm so glad she can finally rest.
Lucy and Adeline with Grandma. Cuteness overload!
At the cemetery each grandchild and great-grandchild was able to place a carnation on her casket.
Todd
Nate
Brayden
Cam
Em
From left to right: Mom, Dad, Mary, Cam, Adeline (20 months), Nate, Brayden, Todd, Em, Lucy (14 months), Tyson, Hudson (3), Loren, Jamie
Front row: Lydia (8), Greyson (7), random cousin girl, Allison (5)
As long as we had his truck and snacks Hudson was content.
All my mom's siblings and their spouses:
Left to right: Linda & Terry, Stacey and Farrel, Dave and Janet, Mark and Dana, Daren and Darlene, Bruce and Lynnette, Top: Gerry and Jolyn, David and Jenni, Greg and Shelli, Kim and Shawn, Laura and Thayne
The siblings:
Laura, Stacy, David, Linda, Mark, Daren, Bruce, Gerry, Jenni, Shelli and Kim
It was so fun to see one of my closest cousins, Shannon and her family. When we'd go to Idaho we'd stay at my grandma's but Shan's family lived right next door so I was always at their house. I remember staying with their family for a week during the summer. We always had so much fun together.
Grandma's posterity as of March 16th, 2022:
11 children, 30 grandsons, 31 granddaughters, 73 great grandsons, 88 great granddaughters
Total grandchildren: 61
Total great grandchildren: 161
Total spouses: 52
Total family members: 285
What a legacy! I'm proud to be a Searle!
We were able to hang out with my siblings for the rest of the weekend. We talked, laughed, played games and enjoyed every minute of being together. These times of life seem to bring the most important things back into focus. Our families and our relationship with Christ. I'm so grateful for my grandma and her example and legacy. I can't wait for the day that I get to see her again.
Love you forever, Grandma.
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