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Dorothy McCracken Obituary

McCRACKEN, Dorothy
89, of Denton, TX died peacefully on Saturday, July 5, 2008, at Countryside Nursing Home in Pilot Point, TX. She was born on October 5, 1918 in Bentley Creek, PA to Charles and Jewel (Fergerson) Kimble. She retired from Westinghouse Corp. in Horseheads, NY in March of 1979. She is preceded in death by her husband, William E. McCracken Sr. She is survived by her five children: four daughters, one son, several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

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Published by Star-Gazette on Jul. 12, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Dorothy McCracken

35 Entries

diane and lowell fisher

May 10, 2009

mom, i missed you today but i still made you fried chicken and banana bread. i didn't get much as you and lolo ate it up before i got to sit down as usual. you have been in my thoughts all day. i woke up this morning and i thought, this would be the first mother's day you were not with me, but you were. joan had sent that beautiful poem and i am so glad bev put it in you book. i just hope you and papa are having a good time together. we love you and have a great mother's day 2009.

Mom and her little people

May 10, 2009

Beverly Keller

May 10, 2009

Mother: Joan sends this to you and me. We love you and I pray this is the greatest day you have had in Heaven.. I do love you and miss you so much.. Again, Just one more day I want to spend with you.. How many times I have said that. This is what Dawn always says to me as she is way across the states and can't be here; I pass it on to you and pray you receive it.. One, two, three...right arm on your left shoulder, now you know where to put your left, go on now, put it there on your right shoulder, okayyyy, now squeeze, harder, tighter, that's it, now you're got it!!! Many hugs and butterfly kisses to you today from Rose, Diane, Joan and I and Bill. I miss you so much and I'm so sorry I didn't show it more and say it more. You are in my thoughts this day and always.. Be happy and I send you all my love..

Your Mother is always with you...even if she's in heaven!

She's the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street.

She's the smell of certain foods you remember, flowers you pick and perfume that she wore.

She's the cool hand on your brow when you're not feeling well.

She's your breath in the air on a cold winter's day.

She is the sound of the rain that lulls you to sleep, the colors of a rainbow.

She is Christmas morning. Your Mother lives inside your laughter. She's crystallized in every tear drop.

A mother shows every emotion ......... happiness, sadness, fear, jealousy, love, hate, anger, helplessness, excitement, joy, sorrow..... and all the while, hoping and praying you will only know the good feelings in life.

She's the place you came from, your first home, and she's the map you follow with every step you take.

She's your first love, your first friend, even your first enemy, but nothing on earth can separate you. Not time , not space.......not even death!

Beverly Keller

April 16, 2009

Dear Mom: It is me again. It still seems like yesterday that you were in my kitchen eating the chicken, macaroni and cheese that you enjoy so much. I do miss you, especially the smile and laughter you gave us through the years and someday I know I will hear it again. I didn't hug you enough.
Maybe God has told you about Annette, maybe not, either way, we need divine heavenly help, from all our family angels and God. It seems she is having some heart problems and will soon need surgery. Mother, I know how much you and dad, and her aunts and uncles, her brother love her and want only the best for her. Would you ask God and the heavenly angels to be with her and comfort her, look over her in these fragile days ahead. She is so young and vital, she has so much love, living to do. I know God answers all prayers and I know we need everyone to pray. I often in my prayers ask God to set forth guardian angels all around and I pray that in your angelic way that you will help him do this if you can. We all have our problems and issues as Rose has said, but when something like this happens, we turn to prayer and each other. I worry about Rose too that somehow she can relax even when she is hearing what seems impossible to grasp.
I will try to write of updates with each of us, but somehow even though I write, our problems seem small and unimportant next to what Rose, Annette and their family is facing.
Lowell has had numerous surgeries, tough times, but he and Diane are trying to face it all with prayers and patience.
My David Sr. just had to have numerous tests done because of symptoms he was having. The doctors were afraid he had CA, but the tests came back negative and he has to return in 3 months to have the same workup. David Jr. is now in a wheelchair. He and Brandy, the kids, Rick and his family were here for Easter. We hid 98 eggs and adults and children were supposed to participate; but at the last minute, only the children looked for and found them. David worries me, he had to quit his job and now they have to depend on Brandy's job. They are moving to Salem soon and I hope that will be less driving time for Brandy. You would love Tressan, she has these two perfect dimples on each side of her cheeks. Stefani is in her first term of college, they took her from ninth grade to first year of college. I haven't decided how I feel about that. It seems a big responsibility for such a child. I just want her to be a child, teenager for a while longer, life goes to fast and I want her to play as well as work. She feels secure right now in being able to keep up and I am proud of her. She came home the second day and told us she was in class with older people and that she was the youngest and she said it made her feel smart. I asked her how old the adults were and she said, 'Well, not quite as old as you and Grandpa.', that is a question I should not have asked.
I think Joan got back to work, I haven't heard much from her, but I know how that goes with all the things one has to do.
In closing for now, Mom, please help us and ask God to give Rose and her family special thoughts and hugs.. I love you and miss you.

Beverly Keller

January 14, 2009

Hi Mom: I miss you and I pray that you are happy and being treated like a queen. Our Christmas was very nice and I thought of you often. Diane made her cookies and peanut brittle for you, even sent us some of them and I tried to duplicate her cookie recipe and it was like terrible. I really messed them up, the batter was stiff as a board but I think my arms needed the exercise. Our family really enjoyed the snacks she sent. They adjusted Lowell's meds and it sounds like he is doing a bit better. I told Diane to put bars on the attic to keep him downstairs where he is safer.. But then maybe he gets bored.
Joan slipped at work and dislocated her knee. I called her and she sounded great, but you know her; she seldom complains about much even when she is hurting. I believe she is dedicated to working and she seems to love it. I am sure they, too, love her. Someday she promises to come visit. When I hear Gene (her grandson) on the phone, his voice sounds just like his dads, it is surprising. I am glad he is there for her and keeping her company. Maybe he will get her to slow down a bit. I wish they were all closer, I really miss my sibs.
Rose is happy and trying to keep warm, she really enjoyed the time that Danny was home during the holidays. She wrote to me telling me all the fun she had with her family. It sounded fun too! She has been finding really pretty stationery on the internet.

Joshua has a baby and his name is ADEN, he is beautiful and looks like Joshua.
All of our children are doing fairly well, Dave is having a few problems with his health. Stef is still getting great grades and is a little 'funnyface'. We really enjoy her. Dawn is getting ready to go back to classes and she is worrying me as she has some setbacks and issues, so if you could, would you ask God to let her feel His special touch?
Dave and I are doing well, except for the roadmaps on my face and we are beginning to realize we are not as young as we would like to be.
Mom, Dad, I really miss you and I pray that one day we will be together again. Sometimes I realize that I will never be the person that you were. I admire you so much and I wish I had told you that many times instead of just thinking it. Please know that you are special to us and know that we remember that often now.. Love and many blessings. I love you both. Bev

Beverly Keller

December 17, 2008

Mom:
I miss you. Is it exciting in Heaven to be there at this time of year? I wonder, do they sing Happy Birthday to Jesus or do they rock around the Christmas tree? Or perhaps a bit of both. I know I have heard that it is beautiful in Heaven, but in seeing the lights, snow, parades, a babies smile, a rainbow, or the happiness in faces that have seen miracles, I find it hard to believe that Heaven can be prettier. I do know that you must be happier than you were here in your final years. It is so hard for me to get past that and Mom, I don’t truly know if I ever will be able to. I have to believe that you are in a wonderful place as I could not bear it otherwise. I so wanted to write you a cheery uplifting letter and I don’t know if I will be able to do that.
I want to write about our family. Joan is working at Walmart and seems to like it very much. She has received many bonuses from her hard work, also promotions. She talks about her job and sounds reasonably happy with it. I worry that she may be working too many hours and days and I pray that you all watch over her and set the guardian angels about her to keep her safe and healthy. She misses Gene and Matthew, even more at this time of year. I know it must be very hard for her to try to be cheerful for others when she is so sad in her heart. Would you ask Gene and Matthew to send her some warm feelings to fill her heart? And maybe ask God to help her heart to heal. She still has more life and love in her heart than she knows, she is a special sister and I pray God blesses her with love, guardian angels and warm cheerful love. I did tell her that God saves her teardrops; they will be like diamonds some day. Her halo is not slipping and she doesn’t need safety pins to keep it in place, but she still does find them.. I have been impressed a number of times when events were hard for her and she kept her head high and did not respond in a negative manner. She turned the other cheek as God has taught her to do. She goes to Church often and enjoys the services, trying to live her life as God would want her to. You can be proud of her as she always was of you. You are often in her thoughts.
Rose has had a few setbacks, you probably know about the lift on the van malfunctioning leaving her entrapped on the inside of the van. I am sure that must have been traumatic for her and Danny. She said that she really can’t afford a new lift and probably would use the old manual one in the van that Rob drives. I know she is very happy at home and doesn’t really want to go out in this weather; but I truly would like you to talk to God and ask him to show her how she could get a lift somehow so that she may go out if she ever wants to. She sounds good when I talk to her and she is still silly at times and that is fun too. She can still cook and bake and is redoing one of the rooms in her house. Heather comes over to her house and they get silly together. I am sometimes envious that she has her family near her and they help her so much. She is a very fortunate mother and grandmother. She said she still picks up the phone to call you. She is still doing her little ministry and that is not something I could do. So much PC time and reading of lots of letters, she does enjoy it but her arms, shoulders have been giving her some aches and pains. She enjoys her puppies and enjoys it when Danny can be home with her. I haven’t been able to think of any organization that would help her get the lift replaced. If you do, you will have to let one of us know. We all know she likes it at home, but we also want her to have one in the event she should want to go out. She too is special in that she tries to send cheer wherever she can and she usually succeeds.
Diane says Lowell isn’t doing too well, I guess he tires easily and he probably worries about his health too. She went to Church the other night and said the service was great and that you would really have enjoyed it, but I think you were probably right there beside her in spirit. They got a new truck and seem happy with it. She said she is retiring, I think in January. I cannot imagine what she will find to do in her leisure time. She said she fixed the goodies you like best for Thanksgiving and that you really enjoyed the dinner. I think she still continues to take her walks. She will probably be like Dave when he retired and couldn’t handle that so went back to work. She seems to stay cheerful most of the time and that is good especially in these times.
Stefani is still doing well in school. She just got her grades and is still carrying her 4. GPA. I think this is the fourth year that she has maintained it. She gets embarrassed if anyone recognizes it at school. There are 500 students and only 20 of them are carrying the 4. They announced it over the intercom and she said it embarrassed her. She loves the marks and keeping them up but doesn’t have the need to be recognized. She seems a bit down this time of the year so we are giving her extra hugs. She didn’t ask for a lot for Christmas, recognizing maybe that the times ahead might get tough. We pray in our hearts for you every night.
Dave is doing fairly well; he is off for the winter and glad of it. He doesn’t like being a foreman and one of his supervisors is thinking of just letting him teach next year as they are having a hard time getting skilled workers that have his knowledge and experience with different jobs. He likes to just putter around here trying to organize his ‘relics’. He calls them tools and hardware. I usually call it junk…
Me, I am fine. My allergy has been worse lately but I am enjoying life, laughing, loving, and hugging more because of you. When you left, I just wanted one more hug, one more laugh, one more kiss good-night, one more conversation, and one more memory. I really would have wanted more of you even if I had those. I don’t think I realized what a void you would leave in my life. That sounds terrible, doesn’t it? Mom, there is a area in my heart reserved for you that cannot be filled. No other love can replace yours. My eyes continue to get teary and I choke up with sadness knowing you are not here or on the other end of that telephone. Why do some of us discover too late that what we had cannot be replaced by money or another person? It is sometimes hard to take knowing that I took you for granted, thinking you would get well and be back amongst us. Until the end I thought you would bounce back. One night I even dreamt that Joan was bringing you here. Sometimes when I can’t sleep at night, I talk to you and God and it comforts me. I pray that you know how much I love you and miss you. I don’t want you to be sad because of that. Part of my comfort is knowing that you are in a better place and cannot hurt anymore. I pray that God lets you know that we are well here although we miss you so much. Do give all of our loved ones a hug from me. I love you and I will write again soon. Know that you are missed in our family. Beverly

Rose Hankins

October 21, 2008

"THE BROKEN CHAIN"
We little knew that morning that
God was going to call your name.
In life we loved you dearly,
In death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
you did not go alone:
for part of us went with you,
the day God called you home.
You left us peaceful memories,
your love is still our guide,
and though we cannot see you,
you are always at our side.
Our family chain is broken,
and nothing seems the same,
but as God calls us one by one,
the chain will link again.

Beverly Keller

October 15, 2008

A Mother's Journey

The young mother set her foot on the path of life. "Is this the long way?" she asked. And the guide said: "Yes, and the way is hard. And you will be old before you reach the end of it. But the end will be better than the beginning."

But the young mother was happy, and she would not believe that anything could be better than these years. So she played with her children, and gathered flowers for them along the way, and bathed them in the clear streams; and the sun shone on them, and the young Mother cried, "Nothing will ever be lovelier than this."

Then the night came, and the storm, and the path was dark, and the children shook with fear and cold, and the mother drew them close and covered them with her mantle, and the children said, "Mother, we are not afraid, for you are near, and no harm can come."

And the morning came, and there was a hill ahead, and the children climbed and grew weary, and the mother was weary. But at all times she said to the children, "A little patience and we are there." So the children climbed, and when they reached the top they said, "Mother, we would not have done it without you."

And the mother, when she lay down at night looked up at the stars and said, "This is a better day than the last, for my children have learned fortitude in the face of hardness. Yesterday I gave them courage. Today, I've given them strength."

And the next day came strange clouds which darkened the earth, clouds of war and hate and evil, and the children groped and stumbled, and the mother said: "Look up. Lift your eyes to the light. "And the children looked and saw above the clouds an everlasting glory, and it guided them beyond the darkness. And that night the Mother said, "This is the best day of all, for I have shown my children God."

And the days went on, and the weeks and the months and the years, and the mother grew old and she was little and bent. But her children were tall and strong, and walked with courage. And when the way was rough, they lifted her, for she was as light as a feather; and at last they came to a hill, and beyond they could see a shining road and golden gates flung wide. And mother said, "I have reached the end of my journey. And now I know the end is better than the beginning, for my children can walk alone, and their children after them."

And the children said, "You will always walk with us, Mother, even when you have gone through the gates." And they stood and watched her as she went on alone, and the gates closed after her. And they said: "We cannot see her but she is with us still. A Mother like ours is more than a memory. She is a living presence......."

Your Mother is always with you.... She is the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street; she's the smell of bleach in your freshly laundered socks; she's the cool hand on your brow when you're not well. Your Mother lives inside your laughter. And she's crystallized in every tear drop. She's the place you came from, your first home; and she's the map you follow with every step you take. She's your first love and your first heartbreak, and nothing on earth can separate you.

Not time, not space... not even death!

MAY WE NEVER TAKE OUR MOTHERS FOR GRANTED...

Author Unknown.

DIANE FISHER

October 5, 2008

TODAY IS YOUR 90TH BIRTHDAY. I AM GOING TO FIX YOUR FAVORITE CAKE, LEMON WITH LEMON ICING. I HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT DAY AS I KNOW YOU WILL BE CELEBRATING. THIS MORNING I PUT A NEW ROLL OF PAPER TOWELS ON THE HOLDER AND THEY WERE ALL ABOUT MOTHER AND EACH ONE REMINDED ME OF YOU AS YOU WERE ALWAYS SO CARING. I CRIED AS I READ THEM. I MISS THE FUN WE HAD OVER THE YEARS AND I STILL THINK OF THINGS WE DID AND I HAVE A GOOD LAUGH. YOU HAVE A VERY HAPPY 90TH BIRTHDAY AND I HOPE EVERYONE GETS TO HAVE A PIECE OF YOUR BIRTHDAY CAKE, EVEN LOLO. WE MISS YOU MAMMA. WITH LOVE AND PRAYERS, DIANE, LOLO, AND PRECIOUS

Carol McCracken Davis

October 5, 2008

Grandma, your birthday is upon us, the first one where I can't call you. You've been on my mind a lot this week - missing you.

I believe in signs - you know I always have. As I work at the computer, I often play music from YouTube in a separate window. I choose a couple of different artists and listen to their songs. Tonight one played that showed me a sign, as I had heard it before without listening to the words, and it came up just as I was clicking to see the latest post by Aunt Bev. The words to this song are perfectly appropriate, and truly apply to you. The link is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baQQhoUHvas&NR=1. Its Angel by The Corrs, an Irish band! The meaningful lyrics are here: http://www.lyrics007.com/The%20Corrs%20Lyrics/Angel%20Lyrics.html. Happy Birthday to you, Grandma - it's a sad birthday for us. Hope they love you like we do. I'd be proud to be like you. I've always treasured you and always will.

Beverly Keller

October 2, 2008

Hi Mama: Your birthday is Sunday and I just sang an early birthday greeting to you, I pray you can hear me. I think I will make you a birthday cake in your memory. I have tried to get your table and chairs here, but right now it is very expensive to ship it. It still seems like you are here and that is one reason why I want that set, then you would be at our house in spirit all the time.
Did you get to witness all the safety pin activity? I truly believe that was how you and God let us know you were with him, but still with us. When Sia was hurt, I thought that Stef had helped me raise that piece of heavy machinery. Later, in talking about it with her, she contradicted me and said that she laid on Sia's neck and head the whole time. When I continued to ponder on it and could see the vision in my mind, the person was wearing red shorts, white sleeveless top (with safety pins attached) white anklets and white shoes. From that vision, I believe somehow that you helped me at that moment when I needed someone so much. I know many people will deny your presence, but truly I believe that you helped save those two from further harm. Next, the morning that Lowell was scheduled for heart surgery, I was talking with Diane on the phone and we were both worried, I entered the living room and found two pins on the floor and Mom, we do not as a rule have pins and would not leave them out anyway because of the kitten and perhaps swallowing them. It was like you told me to relate it to Diane so that she would know you were with her in her time of worry. A couple days later, Joan came across some safety pins and Diane did also, plus Diane found a pair of your red shorts. Coincidence? I don't think so. I think God is letting us know that you are there and also with us in our time of need.
I miss you so much. Often starting to pick up the phone to call you or thinking of something I want to share with you. Many times in this last month when tending to Sia and crying over her poor injured body, she gave me more comfort than I gave her. That is like how I remember you too. You gave us so much more than we ever told you about. All I can do now is pray that you hear us and even see the words of this book. No where else do I feel your presence so strongly. You would love this ranch house we live in, it is so bright, open and airy. I do wish you could have come back up here. Joan has spoken of coming up, she related that you had asked her to come here with you. She is working too many hours and we worry about her. Lowell came through his surgery fine, but I still worry about the two of them. Joan sounds good on the phone and her and Diane, Rose were really supportive when Sia got hurt. It was a terrible time and I really appreciated them being with me in spirit. Rose doesn't sound too good, she wrote that she aches and is having problems with her bones and tiredness.
Stef is doing well with her college program, she said she loves it. When I think of it, we all seemed to like furthering our education and the studies that went with it. I have thought about going back to take a painting class.
Are you chasing Dad around there making him behave? Or making pancakes for all the family?
Sometimes I feel free to just write and write to you, but today it is difficult, I seem to want to cry instead. I don't want to make you feel badly, I just want you to know that I miss you and selfishly wish you were here. I look at your pictures and still have not been able to put them back on the wall. They are all in my bedroom and each night I tell you I love you and that I wish I had been more understanding when you were here on earth with us. I have so many regrets and that is probably normal, but all the same; it hurts to know that I didn't do my best with you. Please do forgive me and ask God if he would help me to understand and forgive myself. Since you have gone to Heaven, it makes me realize that life is truly brief. My memories flash so quickly through my mind and what seemed many years ago once seem like yesterday to me now. So many times, I rushed through life without doing what is important to me now. I have tried to reach out and let our loved ones know that I really do have time for a hug and to tell them I love them more often. The material things may be fun or exciting for a time, but they are not lasting and warm like a hug or telling someone something special about them. Mom, I just pray that you hug all those relatives for me as I didn't hug or appreciate often enough. Tell Gene Paul that we miss his grin and the warmth of his hugs. Please let Dick, Aunt Florence, Dad, Joan's, Rose's child and grandchildren that they are missed and we will see them soon. Please be happy there and enjoy all those babies. As much as you loved babies, I can see why God needed you. I will write again soon. Endless hugs and keep sending us safety pins. I love you and want to feel your hugs too. Bev

Beverly keller

September 4, 2008

Hi Momma: It has been two months since you left us and with each passing day I realize more and more how much you really meant to all of us. I know it seems that as sibs we squabble so much, but what I also realize is that as the time passes and I reflect on our lifes; and in the end we seem to find the compassion for one another also. You, with your words often gave us advice and oftentimes we ignored it and did our own 'thing'. Through the years, that advice, came back to help us with our lives; but what I see so much more clearly are the examples you showed that remain in us. You taught us perseverance, to follow through with what we started. It helped with college, marriage, and with our children. You worked at Westinghouse, served on committees, I cannot remember you abusing your sick time or personal time. You gave us that work ethic to respect our jobs. Joan, at almost 70 years, is still working and loving it, meeting, greeting and sharing of herself with the character you set for her. Character: you taught us that. We learned to give of ourselves without expecting something in return. Respect: I do not remember a lot of words teaching us respect, but we daily saw how you respected your job, your friends, public servants, employees, your siblings, your in-laws, your everyday living skills, making sure we were clean and always looking and smelling nice yourself. Marriage: you and Dad were married for many years, through stubborn personalities, love, sickness, and a few episodes of pancake batter, you made it and even cooked those pancakes, but again your example showed us that marriage should be forever.
The Bible and the ten commandments. You didn't read it to us but you helped to assure that we were exposed to it at a very early age. I remember going to church and learning about God and finding he was a loving God. He forgave as you forgave your husband and your children. You set forth examples in your daily life that showed you believed in the Commandments. Mother. You honored your mother and father, in-laws. You did not lie. I never remember you stealing anything, not even the open candy at the grocery store. I do not ever remember you being jealous of something that someone else had, I never remember you speaking harshly about any of your siblings. When Grandpa McCracken came to live with us, even though you never knew him until he was in his old age, I do not remember you being anything but patient with him.
Mom, I love you and time has passed, but I miss you, I miss your voice, I miss your giggle, I miss your jokes. This morning I went to the grocery store and as I was leaving, there was a lady that resembled you standing there and I wanted to hug her, because I couldn't hug you. I see so many people that remind me of you. You were one classy lady. I also need your help. As I told you Lowell isn't doing so well, he has to have a defibrillator inserted on the ninth. We need lots of prayer and hope you can plead with God for him and Diane. Mom, I think she feels so alone and fearful of this and other things. Please give her a big, big sign that shows her you are happy now and that you love her dearly. They are in need of miracles, hope, and peace to face this together. I pray that we girls can gather round and pray, pray, pray him through this. Remember how Aunt Florence, Glady, Bea, Angie and many others (including us) gathered round that piano and accordion and just sang sometimes? That is sort of how I picture you all in Heaven, gathered round and asking God for help for us here and having a singing fest that is heard all the way here. Maybe that is the music Joan hears sometimes. I love you and send us some hugs. Your daughter, Bev

Beverly Keller

August 15, 2008

Hi Mama: You are in my thoughts so much. Sometimes, I laugh with Joan, Diane, sometimes we cry. I am told that is not what you would have wanted, but I cry because I have so many regrets and I cry because you are gone, your spirit does live on through each of us. I talk to you often, sometimes at night when I say my prayers, I ask God to let me talk to you for a bit. I pray for forgiveness for all the times I wasn't there for you and especially not being able to see you before you went to see your family waiting in Heaven. I should have followed my heart when you asked for me. Again, Mom, I am so sorry, but please save me a seat right between you and Aunt Florence. Diane and I talk about pulling you around on the chaise lounge and pulling eash other on the dust mop. Joan and I laugh and cry about our times with you and Mama, she too feels so sad about all this and feels that she should have done differently also, we have to take turns, all three of us propping each other up. I have asked God for a sign that you are happy and well again. One night I walked across my kitchen and I smelled you baking an apple pie, but apparently you hid it on me. I want to hug you and hold you close and I can't. I have my memories and I keep them close and those, no one can take away. Yesterday Lowell went into the hospital with shortness of breath and heart related symptoms. Mama, would you talk to God and see if he won't let Lowell heal and be well; just a bit longer, Diane needs him and so do Joan and I. Please ask the angels to look over him and help heal him. I sometimes picture in my mind, you, Dad, Dick, Gene Paul, his son, Buddy, Aunt Florence, Mable, Myrtle, Gram Kimble, Gram Youngs, Max and even Grandpa Mccracken sitting there having a picnic and tending to those babies that have preceded us in death. I don't know what awaits us here, but I pray that someday we come together and rejoice with the angels because we have all met again. I too, pray Mom that you can somehow send me a few thoughts letting me know what you want me to do. We have found a few surprises that awaited us and I am so sorry you felt that you couldn't share some of the times in your life that must have caused you such discomfort. We are trying to make things right. Mama, we wouldn't have been upset with you for sharing what we feel were some hard times. I might have been a bit puzzled, but my love for you would have weathered that and I would still have loved you no matter what occurred. I know each one of us wanted the best for you, but that did not always happen, Now what I have left are the memories, good or bad, and I will protect those and keep them close until I see you again. Please give everyone a hug for me. I love you Mom, please send some angels to Lowell's room and ask them to take his fears and hurts away. I love you and I am glad that God is with you always and all ways.. Bev

Bea, Mother, Angie, Aunt Florence, 1998

August 15, 2008

Jessica Samaron

July 25, 2008

Dear Dorothy,

Although I didn't know you very well, I just wanted to say a couple of things about what I remember. Thank you for your sweet smile. You were such a pleasant patient to have. I can tell alot about who you were through your daughter Diane, you must have been a really special Mom to have such a wonderful Daughter, I just love her..she always brightens my day when she comes in to the office. I believe that a legacy lives on through your children, I'm sure they feel very blessed to have had you as their mother. I hope that you're finding your new home in heaven just as you've always dreamed it would be. God bless you, and your family.

Love, Jessica Samaron

Carol Davis

July 16, 2008

To the Grandma who taught me so much. How I loved you! We were trying so hard to get over to see you and were just about there. I wanted you to meet your Granddaughter, Jessa, who will be 3 next month, and for you to see how much your Grandson, Jarron has grown. To the Grandma who taught me how to swim (I didn't know until later you didn't know how, yourself!), who taught me how to cook (still working on that one), sneaking nutrition in where it won't be noticed, which I use today, but who also taught me how to love and patiently answered my teenage questions. Time is fleeting, but I'm so glad you were such an important part of my life; especially there when we needed you most. I wish I'd been there for you when you needed me. I know the we have another guardian angel looking over us. Please hug Grandpa for me. We will miss you forever.

Love,
Carol McCracken Davis
Jessa, Jarron and Randy

Rick Plate

July 15, 2008

Gramma, I am so thankful that I got to see you again before you left us. I have so many fond memories of my childhood with you. The holiday dinners, the summers at your cottage and house, nights spent over. I remember how your house smelled when you did your canning, and the delicious home cooked meals and pies. There are so many other memories. I will miss you dearly and anxiously wait to be next to you in heaven some day. I love you and truely miss you.

Memory

July 14, 2008

Mothers last tear

July 14, 2008

Annette Brown

July 14, 2008

My dear gramma, as a little girl how well I remember the first smell and sound of that coffee percolator each morning at your house; such a familiar and comforting thing for the little girl I was. How I would run to you after swimming in the lake, leaches between my toes and on my feet and ankles and how patiently you would take them each off while I sat there trying not to watch. How you loved to have all your family there at the lake house, the tables set up outside in the morning; all of us ready for your wonderful pancakes and everything else you adorned your breakfast table with. How well I remember the time I snuck off to pick strawberries in the field a ways from home (without telling you) and coming back to find my gramma with the little paddle that used to be a toy and have a ball and string attached to it; upset with me because I did not tell you where I was and you were worried about me. I don't ever even remember a spanking, if there was one; just the sight of my gramma worried about me and loving me and happy I was home but making sure I would not run off again like that. I will always remember that old fashioned phone you had in the kitchen of the lake home and so many more beautiful memories. I can still hear your voice in my mind. I love you my dear gramma and please pat grampa lightly on the head for me. He knew how much I loved to pat his hair after it was newly shaven; such a funny, prickly kind of feeling and he never got upset with me for doing it. I love you both and I know he is so thrilled to have the lady he loves there by his side again. I will see you both one day, love with all my heart, your grandaughter Annette

Mom and Dad, younger years.

July 14, 2008

Mother, We love you so much.

July 14, 2008

Mother, Dad in Texas 1987

July 14, 2008

Mom and Dad in younger days

July 14, 2008

July 13, 2008

Bill McCracken

July 13, 2008

Things my Gramma taught me:

1. A messy highchair is a sign of a happy child
2. Chili sauce tastes pretty darn good on pancakes
3. Don’t come in the cottage dripping wet after a good swim
4. Grampa is right…unless Gramma says otherwise
5. There’s nothing wrong with a swat on the butt, as long as open arms are the follow-up
6. There is no more comfortable place in the whole world than in Gramma’s lap
7. Don’t be afraid to speak your mind, but do so in love
8. Stand firm on your convictions, but listen to other’s opinions
9. Do the right thing, even if no one praises you for it
10. Remember that a family is a blessing, not a battlefield
11. Its possible to grow old gracefully and to be more beautiful for the years
12. Life goes by way too fast, we only have today to tell our loved ones how much we love them

Gayle Keller

July 13, 2008

Grandma, I can't say how sorry I am for not coming to see you more often. I kept saying I am a single mom and can't afford to travel and with the little ones it was hard. But what is harder is not spending the money, time and patience to come see you or regretting every moment now. And you and I know now what really hurts the most. I can't say I am sorry because it is to late. I can't tell you I love you. Yes you know that I love you because you are now watching over my kids and I as grandpa and dad has for so many years now. I know I have angels watching over me as I did growing all these 43 years. Thank you for everything you taught me, all your encouragement and faith in me. I can't promise you or anyone else that I will do things different but I can promise you that I will try. I love you very much and I am sorry I did not get to tell you this before you left us. Your granddaughter, Gayle and grandkids, Zachery Shock, Kiahna Butterfield, Devon and Mathew Goodrich.

Rose Mary Hankins

July 13, 2008

Thank You Mother, for coming to me for that long walk that we enjoyed so much. I am joyful that You are now in Heaven, not suffering anything of this earth anymore. We have talked for so many hours on our phones, laughing all our heart's desire.

You turned out to be the nuttiest Mother that I have ever heard of, for laughing was Your most favorite thing to do. I think of something that I need to call you and ask you, then remember that you are no longer earth bound. I am so thankful that Our Lord's Angels finally came and carried You back to Your original Home once more.

My Children remember Gramma's homemade pancakes that only you could make so well. They also remember their Ant Diane so very well, and Uncle LoLo. Ant is spelled correctly, for humor is so important. Esp. Li'l Black Ant. I smile as I think of all You and I have had together. Now I can have You all the time, for I believe those gone on before us, are in The Spirit, and are FREE to visit those they Love who do welcome them. You are no longer trapped in a physical body, and now have all the freedom You ever wanted.

Just remind Our Lord that I am still here waiting. Physical life is getting so much harder, and I do not want to be trapped in this physical body when completely bed ridden Mom, for I'd much rather be with You and Our Lord, than trapped. I know You understand. Yet, time here is not for our choosing, but the choosing of Our Lord. So I will do as He wants me to do, but I do not feel I am all that far from (walking) in Your footprints. LOL In Heaven I will run into Your arms, after hugging Our Lord.

What fun we have had Momma, especially our "Therapy" sessions where I learned so much more about You, and You, me. We laughed so hard, we nearly fell out of that twin bed. Don't worry Mom, all Your Children will make it okay here on earth, so just enjoy yourself up there. If Di likes, she has our Family here to come to whenever she likes. We will see to her also, and I know that is how You would have wanted it.

Funny how life works, and is never as it seems.
Love You Very Much, My Unpredictable Momma! LOL
I Pray Our Lord Blesses You in so many ways!
Your Loving Nutty Daughter,
Rose Mary McCracken Hankins

diane fisher

July 13, 2008

mom, you were my mother and my best friend and i'm going to remember all the good times and laughs that we had together. i will always cherish your last tear and the way you looked at me before you made that last step to go see papa and your siblings. i am glad i was there to help you with your decision. we love you very much, lolo, diane and precious

Dawn Judson

July 13, 2008

To the memory of my Gradma, who I did not see for many years, but as my mom, Beverly says, it hurts no less.I too, wish I could have seen her just one more time! Life goes by just so fast, we have forgotten what it means to have our family, may I learn one more precious thing from my Grandma, do not put off that phone call or pass up the moment to say, "I love you, I am proud of you, be happy in all you do."
I remember her sternness, but also her bean soup and cornbread. I remember her smile as the A-frame home went up. I recall the algea in the lake at the cottage and the mushy mud between my toe, and her encouragement that the water would not harm us, allowing us to take the row boat out by ourselves. I remember the time I slipped in the water, learning to swim at that moment, and the smile as she said "I told you you could swim." The roasted marshmollows over the fire, and how she loved the ones that were golden brown. Grandma, I love you, and I am so blessed that you gave my mommy life, who gave me life, and in turn who gave my children life, in October my son is going to give me a grandson who will be name Aiden Sabastain, I have my Grandma and Grandpa to thank for that. May God keep Grandma in His comforting arms, and may she sing praises unto the King, until we see each other again Grandma, I love you.

Your Granddaughter and her family

Beverly Keller

July 13, 2008

Life is fleeting, Mom, and I miss you so much. It has only been a week, and the hurt is no less. I cannot express in words the emptiness I feel, the place in my heart that only you could fill. I pray you know how much we loved you. I'm trying, Mama, not to cry, for I know you would not want me to, but it is for those memories I cry. Time goes fast, we always feel there will be a tomorrow, and I just want one more tomorrow with you. I love you and I will try to understand that God needed one more angel. All my hugs until I see you again.

Joan Edwards

July 12, 2008

My Mother, a wonderful person and a strong person. She is with God now. May her memories always be with us. I love you very much, my Mother. Your loving daughter, Joan McCracken Edwards

Loretta Russell

July 12, 2008

To Aunt Dots Family(everyone)
We love her so much & miss her
& shes in Gods Hand & Uncle Buds
now.Sending all our love & prayers to Bill & family & Girls Diane & All.
Love Loretta & Bill Russell & Family

robert (Bob) McCracken

July 12, 2008

Members of Aunt Dot's family;
Our prayers,thought, and love are with each of you. She will be missed by all of us. We have all the memories that she has left with us over the presious years she was with us,
Prayers and Love
Bob and Nancy McCracken
Watertown, NY 13601

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