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Elsford Gillis Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Elsford Gillis
Sponsored by The Family of our Beloved Wife and Mom-Alyce.
December 25, 2011
Merry Christmas Momma!
Still miss you every single day.
Love always.
Vet
Jack
June 9, 2011
5 1/2 years & still missing you....
May 12, 2011
Happy Birthday in heaven mom! I miss you more and more each day.
All my love,
Vet
Marianne Reed
February 2, 2011
Hi Granny, just sending my love your way and wanted you to know that I think of you often. I am happy to know that you were there waiting for your son with open arms. Mother and son together once again. We miss you alot but I think Papa misses you the most. He loved and still loves you dearly. I worry about him so much. I know he is waiting for the day that he can be with his precious Alyce again, and I know you will be waiting for him with open arms. A bunch of love is being sent up to you from many of us. Until we meet again in heaven, you were wonderful and captured many hearts. Much love to you.
December 31, 2010
Another Thanksgiving & Christmas has come & gone & another member of our family was missing. We missed You & Eugene so bad..I love & miss y'all so much...Jack.
December 9, 2010
Hey My Precious Momma,
Well, here we are...5 years later. How in the world have we made it this long without your physical presence in our lives? I know that you are here with us in spirit and I am very grateful for that. If you can't hold my hand I'll let you hold my heart.
Mom, you are forever in my heart.
I miss and love you every single day of my life.
Vet
Jack Gillis
May 13, 2010
Happy Birthday Baby,
Love You,
Jack.
PS...You & I are the only ones that know you have two birthdays.
May 12, 2010
Happy Happy Birthday Mom. You're in my heart today and everyday.
Love you,
Vet
May 9, 2010
Happy Mother's Day my Momma. Missing you today and every day of my life.
All my love. Vet
December 25, 2009
Merry Christmas my Momma. I love and miss you so very much.
Always in my heart,
Vet
December 9, 2009
Hi my Momma. Missing you today and every day. Life will never be the same without you.
Forever in my heart.
I love you always,
Vet
May 12, 2009
Happy Happy Birthday my momma!
Missing you and loving you always. Love, Vet
May 10, 2009
Happy Mother's Day Momma. We love and miss you each and every day. You are forever in our hearts. Love, The kids
December 24, 2008
Merry Christmas Momma. It has been a long three years and I miss you as much today as I did 3 years ago. It never gets any easier.
Love you forever. Vet
December 8, 2008
Hi My Momma,
Well it will be 3 years ago tomorrow that we lost the light of our lives. It's not any easier today than it was yesterday or the day before that. Every day is still so very hard without you. There is not a day goes by that you are not the first thing on my mind when I wake up and the last thing on my mind before I sleep. Momma you are forever in my heart.
Love, Vet
November 27, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving Momma. I give thanks every day that you were chosen to be my mom. We miss you so very much. You are forever in my heart.
Love,
Vet
October 10, 2008
Hi Momma,
I have been thinking about you so much lately. I miss you more than ever.
You are forever in my heart.
I love you,
Vet
kara Gillis
December 26, 2007
Dear Granny,well its been seven years since i been home and i finally made it back to see the family.it was strange not seeing you with the family and i feel alot of guilt for not coming sooner.i do believe you and my mom are my guardian angels and had a big impact on me changing my life around.There not a day that goes by that i dont think about u. i never got to make amends with u .i am going to that by alwawys doing the next right thing and making something of myself. I know that u want to see me do right instead of living in guilt and shame that im going to do. I love u soo much love always,Kara Gillis
December 25, 2007
Hi My Momma,
Well this is our third Christmas without you. They say it gets easier with time. I just don't see that though. Today is not any easier than yesterday not is it any easier than last Christmas. I know my life will never be the same. Missing you more with each passing day. I love you with all my heart. Vet
December 9, 2007
Hey My Momma,
Well today marks the worst day of the worst year of my life. There's a new song out called Don't Blink. And you know what? I feel like I blinked. How I wish that I could have those years back.
Loving and missing you with all my heart. Vet
November 21, 2007
Hi My Momma,
Well tomorrow is Thanksgiving. Since I lost you it is so hard to find things to be thankful for. But I'm trying as I know you would want me to.
I miss you more and more each day.
Always in my heart.
Love,
Vet
Jack Gillis
September 9, 2007
Hey My Angel,
It's been 21 months today that we lost you.I guess the hurt will never leave me. It doesn't get any easier.It's like I lost one life & am living another. I'll say one thing ,I sure dont like this second life.
I love you & miss you desperately,
With Love,
Jack.
June 9, 2007
Hi My Momma,
Well it was 18 months ago today that our lives changed forever. This has been the longest hardest time of my life. Sometimes it seems like 18 years and sometimes it seems like yesterday that we were with you at the hospital. I came across this letter written by a lady that recently lost her mom and it threw me for a loop. The following lines say it all:
“Imagine having a beautiful vase. Then it gets knocked to the floor. Shattered. Piece by piece you painstakingly try to put it back together. Hours become days become weeks become months. At last, the final piece is glued back in place. The problem? Part of it is missing. What if that part is in the very center--the very core-- of the vase? No matter what you do, that piece will always be missing. Trying to fill it with replacements doesn’t work. Each one just falls out as soon as there is any pressure on it.
It isn’t really a vase anymore. It can no longer do what it was meant to do. I guess this is the point where you decide what is best… finding a new--unique purpose for the vase, trashing it or just letting it sit on the shelf gathering dust and having no purpose; therefore, rendering itself useless? No matter how many times you go back to it and try to fill that missing piece, nothing works. Nothing.
What if you are that vase? Life shattered you. You try so hard to put it all back together, but no matter what you do none of it fits together anymore. Rearranging pieces of your life-- friends, work, family-- doesn’t make them fit back into place as neatly as they once did. No matter how hard you try or yell or cry or bargain or beg. What then? I can tell you I have been pretty much sitting on the shelf gathering dust. Every once in a while I will see a new way to rearrange things and think they fit, but once the pressure is on, I crack and everything spills out again.
How do you rearrange things to work again in your life?
As many times as I have been knocked down, beaten down and broken, never have I been shattered to a point where I can’t find a way to brush myself off. Partly because I have wanted to get through and move forward. What do you do when all you want to be is that damn vase before it shattered? What happens when you just cannot stop longing to be that pre-destroyed vase? What do you do when you know you can no longer be that damn vase because that piece is never, ever coming back to make it all work and for the love of god you don’t want to be anything else but that old vase? Forget new purpose and new meaning. You want the original to work.
And it doesn’t.
Then what”?
This is where I am at….the pieces just don’t fit anymore and I don’t know how to make them fit. I have never been so lost in my life.
All my love forever,
Vet
May 12, 2007
Happy Happy Birthday My Momma. I miss you so much. I just feel lost.
You are missed every day and forever in my heart.
Love,
Vet
Vet Ridgdill
April 7, 2007
Hi My Momma,
Happy Easter to you in Heaven. I often think back on the Easters when we were kids. Putting the kids in the bathroom while the adults hid the eggs...hunting the eggs...the 5 of us hiding the eggs in the house after Easter only to lose 1 or 2 and you and Dad smelling it a few days later. And I loved the Easter baskets! All the chocolate bunnies and the jelly beans. Where did those days go? I wasn't ready to let them go. Missing you every day.
I love you forever and a day...
Vet
Sheri
March 25, 2007
Dear Alyce, I just wanted to let you know that I met your daughter Yvette today via on-line, and she sounds like such a wonderful person. Im sure you are very proud of her. She loves you & misses you soooo...much. May your daughter find comfort in knowing she is not alone & that I share in her grief because I lost my Mom too this past September. Until you reunite with your daughter Yvette.....Rest In Peace Alyce.
Sheri
February 13, 2007
Hi My Momma,
I wanted to find you a nice Valentine's poem but could not find anything that was right. So I will just say "Happy Valentine's Day Momma". There is not a day goes by that I don't think of you. I still miss you and I know I always will.
You are Forever in my Heart!
Love,
Vet
Vet Ridgdill
December 24, 2006
Merry Christmas My Momma. Missing you today and everyday.
All my love,
Vet
cindy schara
December 15, 2006
Hello Alyce, I graduated!! Thank-you for being with me. I know that you are proud of me. Love and miss you very much!
Eugene Gillis
December 8, 2006
Hey My Angel,
Tonite one year ago I was holding your hand and talking to you in the hospital.At 2:45 In the morning of the 9th you went to be with Jesus.It seems like it has been longer than it has.You taught me one thing in your passing,you taught me how to be lonesome in a crowd of people.
Everyone is saying tomorrow will be the worst day. I can't believe that. Every day is the same. I missed you yesterday, today & I will miss you tomorrow, next week & next year.It just doesn't seem to get any easier.There was so many things we didn't say, so many things we didn't do & so many trips we didn't take.A person just thinks there is always time left to do those things.I'm sorry there wasn't.
I will talk to you again when I can. I love you & miss you so much,
Your Husband, Jack.
December 5, 2006
Hi My Momma,
One year ago tonight, we as a family had to make a decision that no family should ever have to make. I hope and pray that we made the right decision. I pray that because of the decision that we made that you are now at peace and free from pain. Our decision was made because of the love that we have for you. I hope you can forgive us.
Forever and a day.
Love,
Vet
December 2, 2006
Mom,
There are no words strong enough or powerful enough to express the pain that I have felt every day for the past year. December 9, 2005 my world changed forever. Every day I re-live every single minute of the week you were in the hospital. And it rips my heart out every time I re-live it. Did we do the right thing? Was there something else that we could have done? Why couldn’t it have been me instead of you? They say it will get better with time. How much time? Next year? Five years? I can’t see that it will ever get better.
I know the natural progression of life is for the child to lose the parents. But there was never a day in my 48 years of life that I ever thought I would lose you. I guess my heart knew how excruciatingly painful it would be so my mind kept me from thinking about reality. I become so scared and panicky when I think about not being able to see you again. I just can’t and won’t accept that.
There are still so many things that I would like to say to you. So many questions to ask. So many things to do. Why did this happen to you? Where did the years go? I had a plan.
Some days I just don’t know how I can go on. I would give anything just to hear you say “huneeeee” again. Or to have you hold my hand as we walked down the street. When I was a teenager I pulled my hand away when you tried to hold it but as I grew up I realized just how special it was to have you hold my hand. There will never be anyone that will love me as you did. And I will cherish and love you forever. I tell people that “I am my Mom” and I am so proud to say that and I will say it until the day I die. Even though I know that no one is truly perfect, in my eyes you were the perfect woman and Mother.
There is no pain so great as the memory of joy in present grief.
Mom, you truly were the Wind Beneath my Wings.
You are forever in my heart.
Love Always,
Vet
Vet Ridgdill
December 1, 2006
Hi My Momma,
One year ago today was the beginning of the worst week of my life. It seems that I miss you more with each passing day. I'm not sure if the pain will ever stop.
All my love,
Vet
November 23, 2006
Happy Thanksgiving Aunt Alyce! Tell Mom and Uncle Bobby the same please. We miss you all. It will never be the same for any of us but I try to make it special for those of us who are left. Please give Uncle Jack and the kids a sign that you are with them today so they will feel happy at least for a moment today.
Uncle Jack and family, you guys are great and you will find some peace I promise! It is hard with the holidays but you can and will make it through! I love you all and am sending good vibes to you on this day especially!
Vet Ridgdill
November 22, 2006
Hi My Momma,
I wanted you to know that I am thinking of you. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving but I just can't find a whole lot to be thankful for this year. I miss you so very much.
I've taken my sleeping pill tonight or as you would say..my crazy pill. So I may be typing like you did when you took your crazy pill.
I hope you're having the grandest of Thanksgiving celebrations with all of your loved ones that are with you. But I would give anything to have you with us.
I love you and miss you so much.
Always in my heart. Love,
Vet
Jack Gillis
November 7, 2006
Hey Honey,
Just wanted you to know that I still miss you as much as ever. People tell me it will get easier as time goes by, but I don't know how much time it will take. I miss you more & more every day & night.
All the kids had bad birthdays. It was the first time since they have been born that you didn't tell them happy birthday.
You wasn't here to see the grandkids halloween night & that is something you always loved to do.
Honey, I am going to try and have Thanksgiving Dinner here at our house.I have invited our kids and their families& Leslie, Beckey & Bob Gillis. But you know that Becky won't come.You were with us last year & you will be dearly missed by all. One thing we still have of you is our memeories & we will have them forever.
This is going to be two hard months for us. Thursday is the 9th & that makes 11 months since Jesus called you home. Then Thanksgiving, then Dec. 9th and then Christmas. I don't know how we will make it but I know we will someway.
I am tired, I voted today & went to the Dr. & I have another Dr. appt. tomorrow.
There is not a day goes by that I don't miss you, but nights are terrible. I still straighten your side of the bed, & some nights I think I can hear you breathing.
Good Night My Angel, I love you more than life itself.
Your love forever, Jack.
Vet Ridgdill
November 5, 2006
Hi My Momma,
My heart still aches so very much over losing you. I miss you more than words can say. Life just doesn't make sense anymore. I went to church today for the first time in a long long time. I think you were there with me. Maybe I will get the answers I am looking for in church. I do know that my life will never be the same.
You are forever in my heart.
Love,
Vet
CINDY SCHARA
October 4, 2006
HI ALYCE, I MISS YOU SO MUCH! KENNY IS DOING GOOD AND ADJUSTING TO SECOND GRADE OK. THANK YOU FOR LOOKING AFTER US AND BEING WITH VET, DURING HER TESTING. LOOK AFTER JACK WHILE HE IS TRAVELING. WE LOVE AND MISS YOU.
Vet Ridgdill
September 6, 2006
Hi My Momma,
It's been a while since I've written. But don't think that I have forgotten you. You're still the last person that I think of before going to sleep at night and the first person that I think of when I wake. I was with you weekend before last. I know that you knew I was there. You would be proud of Dad. He's taking really good care of we five kids and Jeremy. But we all still miss you like there is no tomorrow. Well Momma, this weekend will be 9 months since the sunshine went out of our lives. This has been the longest 9 months of my life. I wonder if the 9 months that you waited for each of us to be born seemed this long?
You be good up there Momma.
Love you forever and a day.
Vet
Vet
August 9, 2006
Hi Momma,
Well it was 8 months ago today that our lives changed forever. I miss you as much today as I did then. This thing about it gets easier with time is a bunch of baloney. It has not gotten any easier for me.
With all my heart,
I love you,
Vet
Vet Ridgdill
July 18, 2006
Hi Momma,
I'm really missing you tonight and I just wanted to talk to you and let you know that I love you. I dreamed about you last night and you had me laughing as you always did. I wasn't ready to wake up when I did. I wanted to spend more time with you. Hopefully I'll see you in my dreams again tonight.
I love you with all of my heart and soul.
Vet
Vet Ridgdill
June 27, 2006
Hi My Momma,
I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking about you. I think about you everyday but sometimes I get so scared that I have to think about something else. I know you understand. I know that Jeff is with you now. The two of you can sing How Great Thou Art all you want. And I'm listening because I know that I will be able to hear it from heaven. Loving you with all my heart and soul. Vet
Vet Ridgdill
June 6, 2006
Hi My Momma,
Well this Friday June 9th it will be 6 months since we lost you. I can tell you that there is not a day goes by that we don't think of you, miss you and love you. There is so much emptiness in our family without you. By some strange coincidence I am having a procedure done on Friday June 9. But maybe it's not so strange after all. Maybe it was meant to be done on that day. I'm not so afraid because I know that you will be in that room with me and watching over me.
All my love,
Vet
Vet Ridgdill
May 27, 2006
Hi Momma,
I just wanted to let you know that I miss you so much. I still can't believe that you're gone.
I love you with all my heart.
Vet
Cindy
May 25, 2006
Hi Alyce, Kenny graduated first grade. He got on the school news for making so many reading points. He went on with a big shove from his teacher and us and of course the cheeseburger happy meal helped too.I finished my first semester as you know and this is really hard. well we love and miss you very much. send us your love. bye for now.
Vet Ridgdill
May 17, 2006
Hi My Momma,
I wanted you to know that I was thinking of you today. Today (May 17th) is your 50th wedding anniversary! And what a grand party we were going to have! The party was just postponed until we all meet again. Wow! 50 years! That is certainly something to be proud of! I know it wasn’t always easy but you two persevered because of your love, devotion and commitment to one another.
I have been and always will be so proud of you and Dad. You brought five kids into this world and even though it wasn’t always easy you provided for us with no help from anyone. I have no doubt that we five were the luckiest kids in the world by having you as our parents. I know that you and Dad sacrificed a lot for us when we were growing up and I may not have always shown my appreciation as a kid but as an adult I do realize what you two gave up for us and I want you to know that I am very grateful for that.
At times we may not have had a lot but one thing we always had was love. As a family we created some very special memories that I will treasure forever. We had Sunday afternoon fishing trips. And stops at the Jiffy store for BB Bats or chico sticks and chocolate soldiers. We had Sundays at Claudia’s and Rays. And stops at the pizza place for a slice of pepperoni pizza. And Christmas time was just magical! I remember sitting down with the Sears catalog to give you and Dad ideas. Then we had the Christmas parade down Canal Street. The band always scared me! And we had the lighting of the tower. Then of course there was always the trip to see Santa in the park. And then the best thing of all…always new flannel pajamas to wear on Christmas Eve. And you and Dad were such good sports when we woke you up at 4 am to see what Santa had put on our robes. We had Easter egg hunts and 4th of July picnics. And the best Thanksgiving that any family has ever had. We had trips to the old fort and Turtle Mound. We had dodge ball after supper. And rides to the Samsula Airport where I would feel like a big shot because Dad let me steer the car! We had arguments over who got to sit in the front with you and Dad. For a while I won because I was the oldest. But then Dale’s legs got longer so he got the front! And Dad showed each of us how a horse eats corn! He also showed us how to find wild grapes and how to use the tar off of pine trees as chewing gum. Mom, we chased you with fiddler crabs and tickled you with feathers when you slept. But it was all out of love. I could go on and on!
As I grow older I realize with each passing day how special it is to have parents like you. No matter what, you and Dad were always there for us and I thank you for everything you have done. You both have my utmost love, admiration and respect. It is because of your love, support and encouragement that I have become the woman that I am. I want you to know that I love you both with all of my heart and of how proud I am to be your daughter.
All my love, Vet
Vet Ridgdill
May 14, 2006
Momma, Again I am submitting this in two different ways to make sure that you get it.
Happy Mother’s Day Momma. This is the first Mother’s Day without the light of our lives. I wish I could send you flowers today. I wish I could give you a big hug. You know that I thought the world of you. You were my world. You were and are everything to me. I hope you are happy and safe and just where you want to be. And I know eventually our family chain will be joined again. We will see you on the other side.
All my love,
Vet
Marty Wiggins
May 14, 2006
Dear Grandma,
This is your grandson Marty, yes mom is writing this for me. I haven't learned how to type. But it still comes from MY HEART. I love and miss you very much. You always put a smile on my face. You are truely missed by everyone that loves you. But I'm sure you know that.
Love and Miss you Marty
Vet Ridgdill
May 14, 2006
Happy Mother’s Day Momma. This is the first Mother’s Day without the light of our lives. I wish I could send you flowers today. I wish I could give you a big hug. You know that I thought the world of you. You were my world. You were and are everything to me. I hope you are happy and safe and just where you want to be. And I know eventually our family chain will be joined again. We will see you on the other side.
Your mother is always with you... She's 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.
She's crystallized in every teardrop. She's the place you came from, your first home...
She's the map you follow
with every step that 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...will ever separate you from your mother...
You carry her inside of you...
All my love Momma,
Vet
May 13, 2006
Hiya Aunt Alyce. Tomorrow is Mother's Day and I know how hard this will be for your kids from my own experience. Please fill their heads with only good memories and thoughts. I no longer have my mommy to call or send flowers too either and even though it has been 2 years and 3 Mothers Days it still hurts. I can only hope that she is up with you and that you both will be watching over your kids and getting our prayers and love tomorrow. You were the epitomy of the word mother and I know that you will be honored tomorrow with all the love that you deserve! Continue to send strength to Uncle Jack and Vet and the others as I know that they need it still. Give my love to my mom and wish her a Happy Mother's Day from me and tell her NO she isnt getting gold put on her grave :)
Vet Ridgdill
May 12, 2006
Momma, I am submitting this birthday greeting in 2 ways to make sure that you get it. I have submitted this same greeting with a poem but I'm not sure it will be accepted. So here you go...
Happy Happy Birthday My Momma. How I wish I could tell you that in person. I am yelling it loud and clear though and I know that you can hear me. Every day is hard on us but the month of May is especially hard on the Gillis family. For that is the month that holds all of your special days. I would give anything if I could have 1 more birthday with you or 1 more Mother’s Day with you or 1 more day of any kind. You were and are my hero, my best friend, and the wind beneath my wings. When you left, my whole world was turned upside down. For me, the sun will never shine the same.
You are forever in my heart and soul. I love you.
Vet
Vet Ridgdill
May 12, 2006
Happy Happy Birthday My Momma. How I wish I could tell you that in person. I am yelling it loud and clear though and I know that you can hear me. Every day is hard on us but the month of May is especially hard on the Gillis family. For that is the month that holds all of your special days. I would give anything if I could have 1 more birthday with you or 1 more Mother’s Day with you or 1 more day of any kind. You were and are my hero, my best friend, and the wind beneath my wings. When you left, my whole world was turned upside down. For me, the sun will never shine the same.
Momma, this prayer is for you because you truly are my Angel from Heaven.
Dear Lord,
You gave me an angel from heaven,
Who tended to me every day.
She saw me through trials and errors,
Watched and prayed as I went on my way.
My angel protected me always,
And vigilant ever was she,
While fasting and praying for others,
And faithfully calling on Thee.
My angel from heaven did love me.
I was blessed from the day I was born,
For that angel was my precious mother;
And now, her departure I mourn.
So please, Father, give her that mansion
She talked about time after time.
Let her sing in your heavenly choir
among angels' voices sublime.
Please bless her and keep her forever
In heaven, away from all pain,
And help me to be much more like her,
So I can be with her again.
You are forever in my heart and soul. I love you.
Vet
Vet Gillis
May 12, 2006
Happy Happy Birthday My Momma. How I wish I could tell you that in person. I am yelling it loud and clear though and I know that you can hear me. Every day is hard on us but the month of May is especially hard on the Gillis family. For that is the month that holds all of your special days.
Momma, this prayer is for you because you truly are my Angel from Heaven.
Dear Lord,
You gave me an angel from heaven,
Who tended to me every day.
She saw me through trials and errors,
Watched and prayed as I went on my way.
My angel protected me always,
And vigilant ever was she,
While fasting and praying for others,
And faithfully calling on Thee.
My angel from heaven did love me.
I was blessed from the day I was born,
For that angel was my precious mother;
And now, her departure I mourn.
So please, Father, give her that mansion
She talked about time after time.
Let her sing in your heavenly choir
Among angels' voices sublime.
Please bless her and keep her forever
In heaven, away from all pain,
And help me to be much more like her,
So I can be with her again.
Amen.
You are forever in my heart and soul. I love you.
Vet
Eugene Gillis
May 8, 2006
Hey my Angel,
It was 5 months ago tonight that we last saw you alive & we all miss you as much today as we ever did.But you know I pray every night for strengh for not only me but for all our familys.And the one thing I know is that you are giving us the strength to go on with our lives.Tomorrow will be bad, the 12th will be bad & the 17th would have been 50 years for us. But you know what those days are no harder than any other day, it's just more days without you.
Oh yes, I finaly got the headstone last Friday after fighting with them for 5 months.
If you were here you would laugh at me. I bought a sectional couch & now we have 2 walls of couch, & no one to sit on it.Well it's time for me to go to bed, I have to get Jeremy up for school.I say my prayers every night & I only hope I can live my life good enough to meet you up in heaven when it's my time to go.I wrote this note without any tears tonight,so I know You & Jesus are giving me the strengh to survive.
I will always love & miss you & someday I will see you again.
Love You,
Your Loving Husband, Jack.
Vet Ridgdill
April 16, 2006
Happy Easter My Momma. I was thinking about when we were little and you and Dad would do the easter egg hunt. You would stick us all in the bathroom until the eggs were hidden. We always wanted to peek but were afraid we would get caught. Then after Easter we 5 kids would decide to hide the eggs in the house. How many times did we lose some only to start smelling them a few days later!
Momma, I still miss you so much and I hurt so bad every single day. As Cindy says...please give us the strength to go on.
Loving you with all my heart and soul.
Vet
cindy schara
April 11, 2006
Hi, Alyce
my first semester is almost over. I miss you. I am glad you still listen to me. I still here your words of praise before every test. I hope you listen for Kenny's music every saturday. we loe you and miss you, but we are still vey sad. Please give us the strength to carry on. Love you, Cindy
April 3, 2006
Hi Momma,
I just cannot get used to not being able to call you. Missing you dearly.
Love you,
Vet
Vet Ridgdill
March 31, 2006
Hi Momma,
I write you most every Friday and today is no exception. I just wanted to let you know that not a day goes by that I don't miss you terribly. Sending you all of my love,
Vet
Vet Ridgdill
March 24, 2006
Hi Momma,
Well it's been 15 weeks today. I am still having a very very hard time believing and accepting the fact that you're gone. Life just went by way too fast. I was not ready to let you go. I still get panicky and nervous when I think about never seeing you again. I miss you tremendously.
All my love,
Vet
Vet Ridgdill
March 13, 2006
Hi My Momma,
Well here I am. Another sleepless night. I can't seem to be able to turn my mind off to be able to sleep. I think of you constantly. I just miss you so much. And I don't know how to function without you in my life. No one will ever love me the way you did. Your love was always unquestioning and unconditional. Momma, the hole in my heart just seems to get deeper everyday. If I can ever get to sleep tonight, I hope to see you in my dreams.
All my love, Vet
Vet Ridgdill
March 9, 2006
Hi Momma,
Well it's been 3 long hard lonely months. I truly feel like when I lost you I lost my soul. And I'm not sure that I will ever get it back again. I just can't seem to find my way anymore. I'll love you forever and a day my Momma.
Vet
Jack Gillis
March 9, 2006
Hey Baby, It's been three months today since God called you home. I wonder if I will ever stop counting the days. I miss you as much today as ever. I feel like part of me is missing and I will never be the same.
I Love You,
Jack.
Vet Ridgdill
March 3, 2006
Hi Momma,
12 weeks ago today my life changed drastically. I'm not sure that I will ever quit counting the days and the weeks since you have been gone. I just try to get through one day at a time. I miss you more than I could ever say.
Love you forever and a day.
Vet
Vet Ridgdill
February 21, 2006
Good Morning My Momma,
As usual you are the last thing I think about before going to sleep and the first thing I think about when I wake up. I talked with Dad last night. We talked for over half an hour. He said that he didn't know how I had managed to keep him on the phone for so long. But the thing is My Momma, we get to talking about you and the time just flies. He and I both agreed last night that had we been able to hand pick a mom or wife we could not have picked a better person than you. In my eyes Momma, you were the perfect person. You were truly our Angel on Earth. If I can be half the person that you were that will be a huge accomplishment. I was always so very proud of you and so proud to have you for my Mom. The geatest compliment that anyone can give me is to say that I am little Alyce.
You had a way of touching everyones hearts that you met. That was evident by the number of people that paid their last respects to you. I don't know of many people that will have over 300 people pay their last respects. If everyone who's heart you touched had come, there would not have been a place big enough to hold them all.
I know that you are now our Angel in Heaven looking down on all of us.
I'll love you forever with all my heart.
Vet
Vet Ridgdill
February 17, 2006
"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain anymore" Rev. 21:4
Momma,
I do get some comfort in knowing that you don't have anymore suffering, pain or crying. I know that you are being well taken care of but I'm still missing you everyday.
With all my love,
Vet
Vet Ridgdill
February 15, 2006
Hi My Momma,
Sending a great big hug and kiss up heavens way just for you!
Missing and loving you with all my heart.
Vet
Lisa Taylor
February 12, 2006
Uncle Jack and family - I know how much Aunt Alyce meant to all of you but I hope that you know she holds a special place in most everyone who met her hearts. I have many memories of her and they are always great. I never saw that woman have a bad day or heard her say a mean thing. She truly was a wonderful woman that I wished I had gotten to know better as an adult. Please know that as I read these comments I cried like a baby from all of the pain and love that is shown. If there was anything at all that I could do to help you I would. I have heard that when someone passes it is not them we grieve for but ourselves and what we have lost. Obviously the world has lost a lot with Aunt Alyce's passing. Vet hun, I wish you well and please know that I am here for you if you would like. Your posts made me cry thinking of my own mama's passing and I know your pain. I can tell you that life will soon start taking up your days and that you will not think of her every second of every day but it will never get easier when you do think of her. You will cry and ache but it will pass quicker than it does now darlin. I promise you this so please hang in there. Your dad needs you! Uncle Jack, you had better hang in there too as both me and Dad need you. You stay strong! I love you.
Lisa Dawn Gillis LeBaron Taylor
Vet Ridgdill
February 10, 2006
Hi Momma,
9 weeks today and still missing you so much.
"I miss you more than words can say.
My heart will NEVER heal…
It’s so hard to make them understand,
Just how bad this truly feels".
Rest in Peace my Momma.
Your loving daughter, Vet
Annette Wiggins
February 10, 2006
Dear Alyce,
Just wanted to let you know that Marty will always be yours and Jack's grandson. He loved you with all his heart. You ALWAYS put a Big Smile on his face. And he always has a big smile, I think he got that from you. I never seen you with out a smile. I remember the good times with you. You always made me laugh. You are truely missed by Marty and me.I know Jack and the kids are lost with out you. But, I also know that you are watching over them. love Marty and Annette
Jean Gillis
February 9, 2006
Dear Jack,family and all those who knew and loved Aly. I miss her but look forward to the day we will all join her again. Till then! Jean
Tim Kestory
February 5, 2006
Aunt Alyce, thinking of you often. I miss you. Love Tim.
Vet Ridgdill
February 3, 2006
Hi Momma,
Well it's been 8 weeks today. At times it seems like it was yesterday and at times it seems as if you have been gone forever. I talked with Dad tonight. And when I talk with him is really the only time that I feel at peace anymore.
Good night my momma. I love you dearly.
Vet
Beverly Biering
February 2, 2006
Dear Mrs. Gillis, I have known your precious daughter, Vet, for twenty years and I am hurting for her trying to deal with her loss of you in her life. She misses you more than she can describe and my heart breaks for her. Please send her your love and comfort to help her make it through these days without you. She has been so very brave, but it has been the most difficult thing she has ever experienced. I pray that God will continue to wrap His loving arms around her and your family in your absence. You must have been an awesome Mother to have been loved by so many. Love, Beverly
Vet Ridgdill
January 31, 2006
Hi Momma,
I miss you so much tonight. I miss you everyday but tonight is different for some reason. I just can't stand not being able to pick up the phone and call you. I don't know how I'm ever going to make it through this.
You're forever in my heart.
Love, Vet
Vet Ridgdill
January 27, 2006
Hi Momma,
Well it's been 7 weeks ago today that my world came crashing down. I just can't see that my life will ever be the same again. It's so lonely without you in it. I just want to talk with you and tell you that I love you.
"As is the mother, so is her daughter". - The Bible, Ezekiel 16:44
All my love,
Vet
cindy schara
January 21, 2006
Hi Alyce, I have made it through the first 2 weeks of class. My first test was very good. I was surprised. I think of you and it reminds me of how proud you are of me. Kenny met his piano teacher today so every saturday @ 9:30 am listen for his music. We love and miss you!
Vet Ridgdill
January 20, 2006
Mom,
I keep posting these poems because they say what is in my heart and I could not write any better words. So here you go:
I dreamed of you last night.
You stretched out your arms and hugged me tight
And just for a moment there it seemed
That your touch was real, not just a dream.
I had talked to the lord just hours before.
And told Him "Lord, there is nothing more
That could satisfy or comfort me
Than for my mother's face to see"
God heard my prayer and through His grace
I looked upon your face.
I felt your hug, your love, your touch.
The very things I needed so much.
There is a void in my life still-
A place that no one else can fill.
But precious memories I have of you-
And I have God to lean on too.
So Mom, until that glorious day
We walk hand in hand in Heaven I'll pray
That once again through God's loving grace
I'll feel your touch and see your face.
Love you always and forever,
Vet
Vet Ridgdill
January 14, 2006
Momma, This is for you:
They say memories are golden
Well maybe that is true
I never wanted memories
I only wanted you
A million times I've needed you
A million times I've cried
If love alone could've saved you
You would've never died
In life I loved you dearly
In death I love you still
In my heart I hold a place
No one could ever fill
If tears could build a staircase
And heartache make a lane
I'd walk the path to heaven
And bring you back again
The family chain is broken
And nothing seems the same
But as God calls us one by one
The chain will link again
I love you with all of my heart and my soul. Vet
Jack Gillis
January 14, 2006
To:[email protected].
Hey Baby, I know how much you loved your e-mail,I just thought I would send you one. I know if there is computers in Heaven you already have one.
Not a lot to say except I miss you so bad today. They say time heals everything, but you have been gone 37 days today, and today has been the hardest day for me so far. Maybe it will get easier as time goes by. I have just taken my meds and I will be going to bed soon.I love you and miss you so bad.
Good Night,
I Love You,
Jack.
Jamie & April Farley
January 13, 2006
To All,
We are so very sorry for the loss of Alyce. she will be missed for years to come.
Vet Ridgdill
January 13, 2006
Hi Momma,
Well it's been 5 weeks today. And believe me...it's not getting any easier. I am still having a hard time believing or accepting the fact that you're gone. And poor Dad...he's having to listen to me tell him everything that I would have told you on the phone. And you know he's not much of a talker so our conversations are not nearly as long as the ones you and I had. But he's a good sport about it!
You be good momma.
I love you with all my heart.
Vet
Vet Ridgdill
January 9, 2006
Hi Momma,
Well it's been 5 days since I last wrote to you but believe me...it's not because I haven't been thinking about you. Because I think about you everyday. And I miss you more than you can ever know. To be honest Momma, I am having a really hard time finding any joy in anything that I do. I just want to be able to pick up the phone and call you. And to be able to share things with you again.
I love you momma. Vet
Angela Cox
January 6, 2006
Dear sweet Alyce you gave so much to your family and to this town and you gave us our beloved Yvette how could we ever thank you for that? You bubbled with life and love and kindness and I know in my heart if love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.
Rest in peace knowing you were truly loved.
Your friend, Angela
cindy schara
January 5, 2006
Alyce, I will be starting school next tuesday. I am scared. I will remember how proud you are of me and that will keep me going. Thank-you for all your support.
love you, Cindy
Mom and Dad 20 years old
Vet Ridgdill
January 4, 2006
Hi Momma,
I just wanted to let you know how much I love you and miss you.
Even from heaven you are still working your magic momma. You are holding this family together. I now get email from Sandie, Delores and Jan. And I talk with Poppa at least every other day and the rest of the family every weekend. I know that you are making sure that we stick together. And we are.
Love you always, Vet
Vet Ridgdill
January 2, 2006
Well Momma, I guess by now you have settled in to that big buffett in the sky. I know that you have already been reunited with all of your loved ones up there. And I also know that you have managed to get all of the heavenly scoop!
You keep everyone on their toes up there and keep that beautiful smile going. Love you with all my heart. Vet
Vet Ridgdill
December 31, 2005
Happy New Years my momma! I can just imagine the celebration going on up there right now! And as usual, I know that you are the life of the party!
Love you bunches, Vet
Vet Ridgdill
December 31, 2005
Hi My Momma,
Well it's been three weeks today. These have been the hardest, longest three weeks of my life. Is it going to get any easier? Wonder if the pain will ever stop?
I love you forever and a day.
Vet
cynthia schara
December 30, 2005
Alyce, wanted you to know how much I miss you. I miss our friendship. It has left a big hole in my days. I will keep you in my thoughts and speak of you daily for your grandson Kenny. Thank-you for the time together.
love,Cindy
Vet Ridgdill
December 29, 2005
Hi Momma,
Not much to tell you today except that I love you and miss you tremendously. Someone told me yesterday that this is a temporary separation from you. And that, my momma, is what I choose to believe. We will be with you again.
My love is with you always.
Vet
Vet Ridgdill
December 27, 2005
Hi Momma,
I love you and miss you so much. My days are so empty without you. Although I feel you in my heart, I would give anything for a couple of minutes with you...to see your beautiful smile...to hear your voice...to hug you and know once again the feeling of a mother's love. I'm sorry for the things I didn't understand or didn't do and I am grateful for the things I did. I wish I had done more. I hope you know how much I love you. I hope you know that I would have done anything for you. Thank you for everything you sacrificed and thank you for everything that I am. Please give me the strength to go on. Somedays I just don't know how I'm going to make it. I miss you and pray to God that I will see you again. I love you. Vet
Todd&Susan Gillis
December 27, 2005
Uncle Jack,
With deepest sympathy we send this to you. We hope God grants you strength.
Love Todd and Susan Gillis
Roy & Pam Gillis
December 26, 2005
Dear Jack and family, just want you all to know how very much we love you. and to say we love you Alyce and hope you know how very much we will miss you. we will never forget you. Vet we love you too" . you all will forever be in our hearts and in our prayers.God Bless you all.
Mom 17 years old
Vet Ridgdill
December 26, 2005
Hi Momma, This is for you.
"Those we love are never really lost to us--
we feel them in so many special ways--
through friends they always cared about and dreams they left behind,
in beauty that they added to our days...
in their words we still carry with us and memories that never will be gone...
Those we love are never really lost to us--
for everywhere their special love lives on".
My love is with you for eternity.
I Love you, Vet
Dallas Nov 2003
Vet Ridgdill
December 25, 2005
Oh Mom...words can't even begin to say how much I miss you. But I know that you are in a much better place now.
I love you.
Vet
Jack Gillis
December 25, 2005
Merry Christmas Baby,
This is the first time in 49 years that I have not had you with me on Christmas Day. It sure was not a very good day.
Some one told me they hoped my next year would be better. How could it be any better ? I had you all those years,& it can't get any better than that.
I will always love and miss you,
Jack.
Jeanette Gillis
December 25, 2005
Dear Jack and Family,
How blessed we all are to have known and loved Alyce as our own.
Serenity isn't freedom from the storm, but peace within the storm. --Unknown
Praying for all of you. Love Jeanette and Family.
Vet Ridgdill
December 25, 2005
Merry Christmas my Momma! I feel comfort in knowing that the celebration you are having in heaven today is far grander than anything we are doing on earth. And you certainly are not alone for a piece of each of us went with you on the day you were called home. You are forever in our hearts...Your loving Family.
Vet Ridgdill
December 24, 2005
"As long as we can love each other, and remember the feeling of love we had, we can die without ever really going away. All the love you created is still there. All the memories are still there. You live on-in the hearts of everyone you have touched and nurtured while you were here. Death ends a life, not a relationship."
You are forever in my heart momma.
I love you...Vet
Vet Ridgdill
December 24, 2005
Merry Christmas my Momma! There is no doubt in my mind that you are with us in spirit!
All my love...Vet
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