Remembering Grandma Bea

Valerie with "Gammy" in the dress she made her. The dress got handed down to Vicky, Bea, and Becky.

Dear Children,

I am remembering your grandma--“Gammy” or “Grandma Bea”--in a special way this evening, as it’s been two years since she went to be with the Lord.

You kids have many memories of what a fun grandma she was. These pictures will bring back some memories to some of you. You will all remember the big house in Woodstown and all the fun things she did with you and for you there. What a great time we had when “Poppy” and “Gammy” visited us in Japan! Later they moved to New Hampshire to be near us. After Poppy died she visited us in Alaska many times. I’m sorry I don’t have a picture of her riding Bea’s snow machine on her last trip to Alaska at age 89.

She was a unique, hard-working, intelligent, talented woman; a dedicated mom; a proud grandma; a generous soul. She made life fun for all. She was a friend to all. She loved the Lord with all her heart as she struggled to please Him. I couldn’t have had a more loving and supportive mother-in-law. My gratitude for her has grown as days have passed, and I look forward to the day we will be praising our Saviour together.

Last evening I perused “Mom’s Book,” Teardrops in the Mashed Potatoes—Over 50 years of Lovin’ and Cookin’. From that book, I chose a couple of Mom’s favorite hymns to share with you as we remember her in a special way tonight.

He Giveth More Grace
He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength when the labors increase;
To added affliction He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials His multiplied peace.

His love has no limit, His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth and giveth and giveth again. —Annie Johnson Flint

Mom’s version of “What A Friend We Have In Jesus”

What a friend I have in Jesus,
All my sins and griefs to bear;
What a privilege I have
To take it all to God in prayer.