Many of you may wonder why the funeral was family only. I can't answer that question as it was moms wish and we respected that wish. But what I can share is that mom was always the person in the background  helping others. She never said much about what she did but we all watched her deliver food, help with children, listen to those who needed to talk and so much more. I remember one time mom had just been released from the hospital and helped a neighbor who had gone threw a plate glass window. Mom loaded that young man up in the back of our car and drove him to the emergency room. He was in bad shape and mom didn't wait for someone else to help she did what needed to be done. That was how she always was. If something needed done mom was there.

I don't think she would ever admit to how well she sewed cloths for us kids but I was always proud to wear what she made for me. And we all use quilts that mom made for us! 

Mom enjoyed seeing the world but she loved her home best of all. You knew if you stopped in to Bev and Harolds house there would always be food to eat and a place to rest your head. No matter how many other people were already there, there was always room for one or two more.

A lot of kids in the neighborhood climbed their trees, ate their apples, picked grapes off of their vines and played kick the can in their yard. And EVERY kid in the neighborhood knew mom made the best homemade bread! (Mary Jo Kortenkamp made the best chocolate chip cookies and Mrs. Hermsen made the best brownies) Mom cared about each of those children and when new neighbors moved in she cared about those families as well. Mom Cared.

But mom was tired. She was ready to go, to be with her mother and father and all of those who had gone before her. So as her daughter I will celebrate her 93 years. And when I have the chance to quietly help someone in need I will and I will think "this one is for mom".