Grandma's Memorial Service and Burial

We made the whirlwind trip to Illinois for my Grandma Adele's Memorial Service and I'm so glad we did. All seven of my grandma's children, and most of her grands and great-grands were there and it was so nice to see everyone. I feel like it's such a testimony to how beloved she was to see how many of her offspring came and the distances they traveled.

The service was perfect. It was held at the little country church that my grandpa attends and I thought it was so appropriate. (I wish I had thought to take a picture of the outside of the church!) We filled the little sanctuary and there was standing room only. And all of the pieces of the service were so nice.

More than anything I just felt so grateful for the godly example that my grandma was. What a privilege to be her granddaughter and to have such a remarkable heritage. She loved Jesus so much and was such a faithful lady. And she wanted so much for all of us to love Him too.

She battled dementia the last several years and it was very difficult to see her in that state. In many ways it was a relief that her struggles were finally over and that she is finally in the presence of Jesus! But she also left a huge hole. I definitely miss her. I knew that I was loved and prayed for by her. I couldn't have been more blessed.

So here are some snapshots from the service in Illinois and then the burial in Minnesota.

My uncle Pete reading from I Corinthians 15:50-58

My uncle Jon shared some memories

A group of Adele's granddaughters sang I Will Rise by Chris Tomlin

My dad gave a wonderful message

Aunt Floy's husband Duane sang Finally Home

My uncle Tom closed the service in prayer

My sister and I hugged and cried - the tears had finally come

Adele's seven kids lined up by height =)

My three aunties - aren't they precious?

A Family Picture

My wonderful sister and me

Our little family

My amazing, adorable and awesome parents

The Cousin Photo

My kids running around and playing at the cemetary in Sauk Rapids

Mya, Lily and Taylor

My dad gave some brief remarks at the burial

Lily and Mya have such fun together!

My grandpa Curt weeping

Uncle Tom read Scripture

Sam, Nancy, Jean and Tom

Adele's kids

Dad and Mom

Mya and Lily at the luncheon at our church

There were the most gorgeous pink roses as centerpieces on the tables! My grandma loved pink! I think that's where I get my love of pink. =)

Sam and Adele Crabtree and their seven

Can you tell which one is my dad???