Merle has many faces, you've taken a minute and have gotten to know Merle and her life just a little. Now, at the end of this blog --- take a look of who Merle has become through the years.
Merle loves:
The color blue
Hot Fudge Sundaes
Roast, Potatoes and gravy
Her own Pumpkin Pie
Snoozing in her chair
Studying gospel doctrine
Talking about food nutrition
Discussing parenting techniques
Researching lost ancestors
Remembering others through histories
Being included in activities with friends and family
BYU sports
Jazz Basketball
Old movies, musicals and classical music
Politics -- especially on a presidential election year
Knowing what's happening in her children and grandchildren's lives
Attending the temple, especially if she's going through for her own ancestors or witnessing a marriage of a grandchild
Thinking about her sweetheart and wondering what he's doing
Listening to her children perform --- she loves the harmony. especially on familiar songs
Merle loves:
The color blue
Hot Fudge Sundaes
Roast, Potatoes and gravy
Her own Pumpkin Pie
Snoozing in her chair
Studying gospel doctrine
Talking about food nutrition
Discussing parenting techniques
Researching lost ancestors
Remembering others through histories
Being included in activities with friends and family
BYU sports
Jazz Basketball
Old movies, musicals and classical music
Politics -- especially on a presidential election year
Knowing what's happening in her children and grandchildren's lives
Attending the temple, especially if she's going through for her own ancestors or witnessing a marriage of a grandchild
Thinking about her sweetheart and wondering what he's doing
Listening to her children perform --- she loves the harmony. especially on familiar songs
Family sitting outside the temple after Luca's wedding -- mom looking up at temple
Mom has visited many, many cemetery throughout the states looking for ancestors information
Sometimes mom loves to be silly --- here she is crossing the flood river that was running down Chase Lane in Centerville during the 1983 flood
Visiting graves on Memorial Day is a favorite of mom's. He we are by her and Dad's headstone in Centerville.
Mom with her aging father on memorial day by his and his wife's headstone in the Salt Lake City cemetery
Merle with sister-in-laws Wanda and Willadene
Merle with her nieces Laura and Marilyn (Beth's Daughters)
Merle with daughter-in-law Lesa (David's wife)
Merle with son Matthew
Merle with daughter-in-law, Shauna (Richard's wife)
Merle with son, Shawn
We pray, Mom, that you have a VERY HAPPY 85th BIRTHDAY and that you are surrounded and loved by all of those whom lives you have touched and rewarded. You are very loved. Thanks for being such a wonderful Mom!!
Please don't forget to leave Merle a comment. She'd love to read your comments and thoughts. Thanks for viewing this blog!! ---- Julie Kay
7 comments:
Just thought I'd type a small note. I remember Sister Reid from my childhood in tremonton 3rd ward. My parents, Raymond and Lily Hansen, are still doing well. Dad even went hiking and fishing with Daryl in the Uintah mountains a couple of weeks ago (didn't catch a thing though). Mom had a stroke a little over four years ago which paralyzed her right side and has made it hard for her to speak, but she still enjoys family and friends. She actually helped Lynae can 24 quarts of applesauce last week which was a great accomplishment I think. I'm sure that they would want to be the first to wish you, Sister Reid, a wonderful 85th birthday, so I will extend that congratulations for them with love and good wishes. -Joan Hansen Whitaker
First, thank you to Aunt Julie who compiled such a wonderful blog! There are so many pictures I've never seen. I especially loved seeing Grandma during her "younger years".
Grandma, what a wonderful life and a rich heritage you have left us with. You have truely lead by example for your children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren to follow. Reading about the total years of missionary service rendered by you and your posterity is mind boggling. Thank you for leading by example. And have a wonderful 85th birthday!
-Jamie, Jeff, and Tyler
Happy 85th!
Wow! What memories flood back for me from the stories and photos Julie put together. I can only imagine the exponential memories of love and life for this wonderful aunt and her generations of family.
Ray and I are so grateful for being able to share and contribute in our small way to the memories. Here are just a few of the poignant memories that float through my mind on occasion - memories ingrained with the secure and happy ties of family:
My clearest childhood memory of Merle still sparkles in my mind like the iridescent taffeta dress what introduced me to the world of wedding receptions. The oldest granddaughter (and undoubtedly indulged), I felt a very grown-up six-year old as the flower girl at Merle’s wedding. Weddings were pretty special – the preparations of the ward house, the flowers, the photos, the smiles and joys, and kisses (ick) of well-wishers. I really didn’t know Merle that well, but the experience she provided has always been a highlight of my young childhood.
Mom and Dad were always excited when Merle and Wayne had a new home. We happily climbed in the car for a visit. I can remember their sincere admiration and amazement how the young couple could handle the challenges of raising and supporting their young family. In reflection, I’m certain that Mom in part envied the gospel-centered lives. The Reids set a good and important example to our family, and Merle was an anchor for Mom in so many ways right until the end. I remember well the new home and upper highway home in Centerville; Kaysville; Tremonton, and of course, Woodland. How cool was that with the view of Timpanogas, the hay fields (despite the allergies) and gigantic farm equipment, and milk house! All bigger than life. Ron, Thyce, and I really enjoyed the few days we were able to visit and work and learn there. Ray and I have passed the old farm (now surrounded by expensive new homes and ranches) and Woodland chapel many times in our wanderings, and I always feel a sweet fondness for the spot. I still feel fondness when I pass the Woodland chapel. And whenever we would visit, Merle welcomed us and carried on about her duties with her calm spirit and wonderful smile!
All those cousins – big young men. Then a daughter to capture special attention. Merle, you’ve done a great job in holding the family together through work and music and the gospel. I always enjoy reconnecting with the Reid cousins. As Ray and I became focused on our family, it was comforting to know that Mom enjoyed close ties with her sisters – that her generation was intact and strong. The challenges of life often dimmed the joy in Mom’s eyes as she aged, but the old spark always reappeared when she visited and talked with her sisters. In Mom’s last few days, I enjoyed some precious moments with her when the young, girl-like spirit of Mom re-appeared. Probably something I hadn’t see since my young childhood. I see that spirit reflected in Merle’s eyes still, and it hints of the future joyous reunion ahead.
Merle likes to talk. And since she’s been alone, it’s been a pleasure to visit with her from time to time. We can tell that she has so much to share, and in living alone, all the thoughts and feelings certainly overflow at times. Ray and I know we’ll always have lots to hear and talk about when we get to visit with Merle.
I’m grateful for a wonderful aunt who has always been a warm and generous and positive influence on my life. May the Lord continue to bless you and yours.
Love,
Linda and Ray
Grandma! I am so glad that Aunt Julie put this blog together! It was such a wonderful experience to look through and read it all and to learn more about your life and also re-live the memories I have of you and of our wonderful family. I especially loved seeing the pictures of you when you were younger. Also the pictures of your young family (our parents when they were little!) I think my favorite part was reading about all the missionary service that has been given by you and your posterity. Incredible! I cried when I read that part!
It is so amazing to come from such a large family that, for the most part, are all active in the church! Also that we all have such a strong bond with each other is truly amazing. Not very many families these days have that closeness that we do. I am so thankful to you and for your good example and for passing your knowledge and love of the gospel on to each of us. I am glad that my children have been able to know you and see that example as well. We love you so very much and hope you have a wonderful 85th birthday!!!
Love - Emily, Mike, Shawn,
Brady & Connor McDougal
I finally had time to read about your wonderful life! Right now I am visiting mom (Willadene) and we are enjoying together reading all about you and your family that we love so dearly.
Thanks so much for being such a thoughtful and caring Aunt & Sister-in-Law to us. We have many fond memories of living close by and enjoying the strength that comes from family.
We love you very much! Pat & Willadene
Awesome blog! I loved seeing all the pictures and reading everything about your life. You've done a lot of things, seen many places, and have an incredible family. Happy birthday!
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