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Dora Lane Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Decatur Herald & Review.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
September 21, 2021
Rob Lane Jr
January 21, 2016
We All Love and miss you very much Grandma. I hope to see you again oneday My Angel Above...
Rob Lee Lane
January 21, 2016
Rob Lee Lane
January 21, 2016
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Rob Lee Lane
January 21, 2016
Rob Lee Lane
January 21, 2016
Rob Lee Lane
January 21, 2016
Rob Lee Lane
January 21, 2016
Rob Lee Lane
January 21, 2016
Rob Lee Lane
January 21, 2016
Rob Lee Lane
January 21, 2016
Rob Lee Lane
January 21, 2016
Rob Lee Lane
January 21, 2016
Rob Lee Lane
January 21, 2016
Rob Lee Lane
January 21, 2016
Rob Lee Lane
January 21, 2016
Rob Lee Lane
January 21, 2016
Rob Lee Lane
January 21, 2016
Rob Lee Lane
January 21, 2016
Rob Lee Lane
January 21, 2016
Rob Lee Lane
January 21, 2016
Rob Lee Lane
January 21, 2016
Rob Lee Lane
January 21, 2016
Rob Lane Jr
January 21, 2016
A light for you to read by... I miss you Grandma...
David Lane
July 31, 2014
The schwan man was here. Bought some bomb pops, sitting here eating one and thinking about mom. Almost ten years since she's been gone. Think about her all the time. Funny how little things bring back a flood of memories.
Carly Goodman
July 31, 2013
Thinkin bout you late tonight gma biscuit :)
Amy
December 26, 2012
Missin my mommy and gramola at Christmas and always!! Feels like a part of me is missing. Love you ladies.
Vi Lane-Richardson
September 9, 2012
Carley, I haven't been to this Guest Book for a long time, and since I just got back from VA for a reunion, I had Mom on my mind, so I decided to re-read some of the entries in it. Carley, your entry is so sweet it brought tears to my eyes. Those are such precious memories you have of Grandma Biscuit and you will be passing them along to your kids someday and that way she will never be forgotten. Thanks for sharing this.
Carly Goodman
June 16, 2012
Aahh! I have never been on here before but let me tell you why I am now. The other day I had a dream about my grandma biscuit. I dreamed that I was on my way to see her at her grave. When I got there, she was standing, waiting for me to talk. She had flour on her shirt. She was upset and telling me that Simone was removing her grave to replace it with there own. I hugged her and I wouldn't let ago. My phone rang and I woke up but my dream was still very clear. I can't stop thinkin about my dream and what it could mean. But i felt like she was trying to talk to me. So today I decided to snoop around on the Internet to see what I could find. I never knew this guest book was ever here. But while I'm on it, I'd like to tell everyone and my grandma a few things.
Grandma Biscuit,
The reason I call her that personally was because I could never remember which of my grandmas were which. But I knew every time I visited my grandma, she always made biscuits, so simply, that's how I described her. I was young when she passed, and didn't understand that I would never see my grandma again. However, I still think bout her sometimes and when I look back, everything is clear and I remember her perfectly. I liked feeling her earlobes because they always felt like her biscuit dough to me. I remember staying the night at her house ad I was always too afraid to sleep in her back room because of all the dolls. So I slept on her couch. Every time I came, we would eat/make biscuits and play yatzee or farkle or bingo. She thought me how to snap my fingers and how to whistle. To this day, no one can make biscuits that tasted like hers and the whole family knows that haha. But cracker barrel is one of my favorite places because their biscuits come the closest. Grandmas are still better. But since no one can make them like her anymore, cracker barrel is my second option. When my mom for back from the hospital, I remember thinkin, grandma was so little and skinny and she got around great. She didn't need a cane or wheel chair or a walker or anything so why did she pass,? I remember asking Gid that question. No one else would answer it for me. I thank God that I had that dream the other night. My grandmas mmemory was fading inside of me and I feel I had that dream for a reason. I needed to remember my grandma again. :) gone but certainly not forgotten :)
May 9, 2010
Mothers Day, 2010
If you want to be reminded what Mother's Day is all about, read back through all the entries in this guest book! It certainly made me remember what an awesome mother we had. I do not know what we did to deserve such a precious person for a mom. As so many have said in their entries, I feel her presence know as much as when she was here. As I am getting ready to retire I remember how proud she was when I gratuated, and how honest she was. She had told several people she didn't ever think I would carry through with my plans and become a teacher. She apologized for doubting me. I told her she had every right to doubt, for I had never given her any reason to think otherwise. And the wonderful thing is, if I had flunked out of school and never did anything i said I would, she would still have loved me unconditionally!
David Lane
April 16, 2010
As the years have passed by its hard to believe how much my life has changed, but it many ways it has stayed exactly the same. Thoughts of what mom would do or say are always in my mind. I would give anything just to sit and talk with her again and ask her advice. But I know what she would tell me. She raised us well and we all know what we must do. Missing her is part of life and the memories we have will never fade away.
Viola
April 15, 2010
It has been said that if everyone lit just one little candle, what a wonderful world it would be, so I am lighting this one little candle. May the flame burn bright with your sweet memory.
Kathy
February 23, 2010
ITS BEEN ALMOST SIX YEARS SINCE THIS SPECIAL LADY PASSED AND HOW I WOULD LOVE TO GO DOWN JUST TO TALK AND GET SOME WONDERFUL WORDS OF WISDOM. OH HOW HER ADVICE HELPED I WAS SO BLESSED TO HAVE KNOWN HER. THERES NOT TO MANY DAYS THAT GO BY I DONT THINK OF HER. DORA I WILL NEVER FORGET THE KIND OF GRANDMA YOU WERE TO OUR CHILDREN AND WOW, HOW THEY MISS YOU. I SO WISH YOU WERE HERE SOMETIMES FOR ZACH YOU WERE HIS BIGGEST FAN. UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN LITTLE WOMAN I LOVE YOU FOREVER. KATHY
February 20, 2010
It has been a long, hard winter and we are all looking so forward to spring. I remember how much Mom always looked forward to and loved spring, so, since tomorrow would be her 87th birthday, I will let her tell us in her own words so we can all reach back into our memories and picture her sitting in the swing in her yard,watching the birds fly overhead and parting back the grass to see the first flowers peeking their heads out after the snowflakes have melted and the raindrops have stopped falling.
RAINDROPS
by Dora Matney Lane
When you see the raindrops fall
from the clouds so gray and cold,
it's hard to believe that, nor far above,
is a sky of blue and gold.
When the nights are long and dark
and you think the dawn will never come,
it's hard to believe that day begins
with the rising of the sun.
And, when the snowflakes fall so fast, it makes your memories spin,
It's hard to believe that Spring will come
and the flowers will bloom again.
SPRINGTIME COMES
by Dora Matney Lane
Springtime comes and birds return
to build their nests and hatch their young.
They sing sweet songs to you and me
that make us glad that we are free.
They feed their young by morning light
and they cover them with their wings at night.
And God does the same for his own little flock,
As he leads them through the valley to the mountaintop.
SIGNS OF SPRING
by Dora Matney Lane
Look out your window.
What do you see?
There's a robin hopping around,
and see that crocus over there
just peeking through the ground?
And look, what's that?
Could it be buds on that Dogwood tree"
And today, I saw some geese flying North.
I counted forty-three.
The wind is blowing from the South
and the sun is shining bright.
It makes me feel so glad inside
and the whole wide world seems right.
October 3, 2009
I'm glad to see some activity on here for a change! I love reading everyones stories and thoughts about mom/grandma. I had a conversation with Joe Weikle the other day when he was here. He said he can't remember what grandma looked like but he remembers the stories he's heard about her. I told him whenever he is at my house to go to the refrigerator and check out the pictures of her. So he went in there and stared at them for several minutes.Then he asked me to tell him some stories about her and I did. That's how we keep her alive in our hearts and minds. Let's all make sure that our children and grandchildren know her story and can pass it on to a whole new generation.
Marsha
Rob Lane
September 28, 2009
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009
Rob Lane
September 28, 2009
As the days pass they get easier to except the fact that your gone here on this earth. But youll never be gone from my heart.... I so miss you Grandma. With so much Love Your Grandson, Robbie
Amy Goodman
September 21, 2009
I sure didn’t get the poetry gene from my mother or my Grandmother, but I enjoy putting my thoughts to verse from time to time. I jotted little bits and pieces of this one together about a year or so after Grandma passed away. As I was lying in bed, all these words came rushing into my brain and I grabbed some paper and started writing. I laid it next to the bed and somehow it became buried under all my stuff and this morning as I was looking for my lint roller it was sitting right there as if to say, don’t forget about me! All of a sudden, I have this urge to share this great feeling I have with everybody!!! We are all blessed to have known such a wonderful, kind, loving woman.
Memories I’ve made with my Grandma with pleasure
Forever and ever I will always treasure.
Like the times we spent making dinners for all
Or folding up paper and cutting out dolls.
Playing Yahtzee, Sorry, Farkle, Scrabble, Phase 10,
Enjoying the Apple & Pork festival or tending to the garden.
The one that keeps coming back to me, one she shared with so many
I’ll call it Grandma’s Biscuit Legacy.
We’d roll out the dough, and cut it with the rim of a glass
Hoping our biscuits would soon pass
The visual test that she used a great deal
She’d sometimes say “that one looks like someone’s ole heel!”
Making sure they weren’t “pitiful” and they browned just right,
They were baked to perfection so fluffy and light.
Nothing was better when we’d break it apart,
Slather on apple butter and begin to savor
Not only each memory, but that down home delicious flavor!
I remember my first occasion I tried with no luck
My kids all laughed as I served up twelve hockey pucks!
Next time was better, not too many complaints
But still, they said “They're not as good as Grandma Lane’s!”
Those memories she passed on to my children as well
When we make biscuits we’re making memories they can tell
To their kids and their kids and on down the line
Knowing she’s right there with us all of the time.
September 18, 2009
If anyone has any pictures they would like to share, please add them! There are so many of us and I'm sure each of us have at least one picture of Mom that the rest of us haven't seen. This way we can all share them. The cost is minimal and the value is priceless! (Click on the picture in the Sept. 15th entry to inlarge it.)
Viola Richardson
September 15, 2009
As we near the 5th anniversary of Mom going home to Heaven I think we are ready to embrace this poem she wrote a few years before she left us. It is a message in her own voice as to how she wants to be remembered.
SPIRIT ROAMING FREE by Dora Devoda Matney Lane
When I'm dead don't weep for me.
Just think of me as being free
from earthly pain and misery.
You'll see my face in morning light,
You'll hear my voice in the darkest night.
You'll see me in the early Spring
and in the Summer's gentle rain.
In the Autumn you'll hear me call
in the still of the day as brown leaves fall.
In the Winter in the fallen snow
you'll see my footprints come and go.
So you see, there's no use to weep for me,
For my spirit will be roaming free.
Marsha Weikle
September 24, 2008
Mom has a new little angel in heaven to keep her company! I have no doubt that when Shepard was birthed into eternity, his great grandma was there to welcome him home! Praise the Lord that all of us can be there some day to share in God's glory with them. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life!" AMEN
marsha weikle
November 9, 2007
The recent fire that destroyed the M and M cafe has unearthed many memories of all the good times our family had there, and of the person who got us going there in the first place! Don't we all have some precious memories of our beautiful matriarch who was bent on keeping the family together? Everytime I entered the door of the M and M for whatever reason, a flood of memories would wash over me. Now that place is gone forever, but we still have the memories and we will be making more in a new place. I remember so clearly mom saying that when she was gone none of us would ever get together again. I think she is probably up there shaking her head and thinking, "Those kids sure proved me wrong!"
Homer and I have rented the old grade school gymnasium for Thanksgiving. We will pay the deposit. We will get all of it back except for about $50. I figure it's worth that much to get to see all of you guys again! So don't change your plans! The Lane family holiday tradition lives on!
Mary Berg
November 9, 2007
"What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others."
--Pericles--
I saw this quote in the paper recently and, of course, thought of Mom. I think it reiterates what Vi so eloquently expressed.
Love to all,
Mary
Viola Richardson
November 6, 2007
I have been thinking about what the death of a loved one has the potential to teach us, once we get past the grieving process and are able to look back with objectivity. I have concluded that Mom did not relinquish control over her life to the power of death. She acknowledged that death was close at hand, really only one lost breath away and she chose to stare death down and not give in to fear. She chose to celebrate the life she had lived up to that point and to rejoice in the last vestiges of life she had left. She also rejoiced in the life she knew she was going to experience after she bid us all goodbye. She gained control over death. Death had the power to kill her physical body but could not rivet her, silence her, or drive her from her humanity and her quality of life while she still lived. The only way we can give death power over us is when we work to ignore death, to blind ourselves to its closeness; even as it creeps up right beside us and when we imagine we have the power to stave it off forever. Death can only rupture everything we know, paralyze us and cause our remaining days to be lived out in fear when we choose to ignore its emmence. Ignorance is death to the soul, even as the physical body is still alive. Mom did not give in to death. She allowed her body to be given over unto death, but her soul, instead of kicking and screaming, "went gently into that good night."
Vi Richardson
April 6, 2007
I have a small dining room on the east side that I call "Mom's Birdroom." I have all my potted plants sitting around. I have a buffet with a hutch, and have things that belonged to her sitting on the buffet. When I am taking care of Daniel and Abigail while Shelley works or goes to school, we eat in there. When the kids come to my house, they ALWAYS want macaroni and cheese. We were talking about "Grandma Biscuit" and how all the grandkids called her that. I showed them a pencil drawing that Wilson drew of "Grandma Biscuit" at the table making biscuits in her wings, and Wilson watching her, and he has wings also. I want to find a way to make a copy of it but it is large and wouldn't fit on large copy paper, and the pencil lead is very light, so I don't know if it would show up. But it is very good and looks like Mom. Anyway, we were talking about that, and I told Daniel and Abigail that, since all they want to eat at my house is macaroni and cheese, and they are always trying to help me make it, they should start calling me "Mammaw Mac-n-Cheese!" They got a big laugh out of that.
My mobile has an almost familiar feel about it because the kitchen counter and sink is very close to what Mom's was and the living room is paneled in the same paneling, and Mom's couch and love seat are facing the same way they were at her house. I have a fairly decent sized yard and the swing is sitting out there. Me and the kids sit in it when its warm enough, and listen to the birds singing and talk about Mom and how she loved the birds.
Marsha Weikle
June 8, 2006
I'm not mom, but I'd like to wish you happy birthday! You know she would not want you to feel sad on this day, or any other day.
I still miss her terribly. But I find myself remembering and smiling a lot more, too. That helps make the missing more bearable.
On Memorial Day we went to the cemetary with Skip and his family.I asked Joe what he remembered about grandma. Of course, he said she made the best biscuits in the world, but that she also let him help make them. That meant more to him than eating them!
Sarah has started a memorial garden at her house in mom's memory. She used the old metal birdbath we had given mom and put these pretty white rocks all around it. We gave her an old flower hook that mom had and hung a red geranium on it. One time Sarah had made this big red construction paper flower for mom and it was laminated and on a stick. She stuck it in front of the birdbath. The little garden is so sweet. Now Joe and Stephen want to make one so I am going to find some stuff that was mom's and help them.
It never ceases to amaze me how that quiet, unassuming little woman still has such an impact on her family. I urge all of you with little kids to tell them grandma stories and keep those memories flowing!
And, Vi, please remember she is not really gone, she just lives in a better place now. And someday we will be there with her. Won't that be awesome!
Vi Richardson
June 7, 2006
Today is my birthday but I am not feeling any joy. Something just does not feel right. I got dressed and came to work feeling depressed and blue. My eye was caught, as I sat down at my desk, by Mom's picture that I have on the wall by my computer. Then it hit me. I won't go home tonight and find a card from Mom in the mailbox. Every year, since I can remember, there has been a birthday card from Mom in the mailbox. No matter if no one else remembered that it was my birthday or not, I could always count on a card from Mom to make my day. The card usually started out with, "Daughter," then there would be some appropriate verse, then it would always be signed, "Love, Mom." What's more, Mom would always call me sometime during the day of my birthday just to wish me Happy Birthday in person and let me know that she was thinking about me. I will always remember all my birthdays growing up. Mom usually didn't have money to get a present, but she would make my favorite kind of cake and my favorite food for dinner if she had the ingredients. My favorite was meatloaf, mashed potatoes and biscuits and gravy. There were always candles to blow out and everybody sang, "Happy
Birthday." So today I will just have to remember those times and count myself lucky that I had a Mom who cared enough to make me feel special and loved on my birthday.
marsha weikle
February 4, 2006
I was glad to see what Erin wrote because I am still feeling pretty much the same way. We went to a concert of Ernie Hause and Signature Sound and I just kept thinking how much she would have loved that good old southern gospel music! Many of the songs they sang are ones I heard her play over the years. The Old Rugged Cross and I've Got a Mansion were two of them. It hit me that she has her mansion now and she has probably planted flowers all around it! Betcha there's a birdhouse or two hanging around.
What makes losing her bearable is the certain knowledge that some day I will be reunited with her in heaven. Praise the Lord!
Erin Walker
February 2, 2006
There isn't a day that goes by that I still don't think of grandma at least once a day. If I'm struggling with a problem, I wonder what grandma would have to say about it. If Grace is sick and I'm looking for advice, I'm sure grandma would have been able to tell me the remedy. I still cannot believe sometimes that she is not here with us anymore. It is very difficult for me when I come to Maroa and see her home with other people living there. I still expect to walk through her front door and for her to be sitting at her kitchen table playing Yahtzee or doing a crossword puzzle. I miss seeing everyone in the family at her house like we used to do on Sundays, but most of all I miss seeing her and hearing her stories and listening to her laugh. She is still missed very much.
Viola Richardson
December 20, 2005
I just wanted to remind everyone we will again do the Donation Tree this year in honor of Mom. Just to refresh memories, what we are doing is making a donation in Mom's name to an individual or charity of your choice, writing the name of the individual or charity on a Gift Tag, and hanging the tag on Mom's little tree that will be set up on a table at the Community Center. I also have angel cards for each family member who is no longer with us and those are set up around the tree. There will be extra cards in case I left anyone out. I hope everyone will participate this year. It is a good way to honor Mom's commitment to helping people worse off than we are and to keep her spirit of giving going forward. Thanks,
Vi
marsha weikle
November 23, 2005
Can it be possible that this is our second Thanksgiving without mom? I was thinking about the Thanksgivings we had with her and how blessed we were to have had so many of them. I'm sure each of us has some favorite memories.
I was also thinking about how much a part of my life she still is. Often when I am trying to make decisions about something I ask myself what would she have done, or what advice would she offer me if she could. Sometimes I can almost hear her voice saying, "Now you know right from wrong. Do what you know is right."
One of the greatest things about mom was her capacity to love us even when we messed up big time. While encouraging us to do the right thing, she also let you know she would love you now matter what choice you made. Often, doing the right thing was easier because I wanted her approval as well as her love.
I figure mom is the greatest cheerleader up in heaven. No doubt, she is rah-rahing for us when we make good choices and shaking that sweet little finger at us when we are crossing the line! You go girl!!
marsha Weikle
October 2, 2005
I would imagine I spent September 25 in much the same way as the rest of you. It was a day of quiet introspection as I looked back over the year since mom went to be with the Lord. There has not been one day go by that I have not thought about her. Not one day that I haven't wished I could see her one more time. Would I bring her back if I could? No, because I know that she is in heaven and has not one care. To bring her back would be selfishness on my part, not what would be best for her. And reflecting on the past year I realized I have come a long way. When I think of her now it is with a smile, as I remember the good times and the funny things that we shared. Things that used to bring pain, now bring acceptance. There are still only two things that I cannot do because of the memories. One is watch Wheel of Fortune and two is go to the Apple and Pork Festival. During this next year, maybe I can learn to let those go too!
Mary Berg
October 1, 2005
A few days ago Rhiannon gave me a look that made me feel like I was looking into Mom's eyes. I still miss her so much, so of course it made me want to cry. As I thought about it later, though, I realized it was just another legacy she left us. We are, as she was, human, with human failings. Yet we should seek out the many good qualities of ourselves that came from her...and we should be thankful that we can see her in our children's and our grandchildren's eyes.
May God grant us all the peace we seek. Love, Mary
Viola Richardson
September 25, 2005
Our dear, sweet little Mommy departed this earth and went to Heaven Saturday, September 25, 2004. She was eighty-one. We were not ready to let her go, but she was ready to go. She was in such good spirits all day, cracking jokes and laughing; and, as usual, putting us first and trying to make us feel better. I read somewhere that COURAGE IS NOT LETTING ANYONE BUT YOURSELF KNOW THAT YOU'RE SCARED TO DEATH. That's how she was. Her last concern was for us, making sure she let us know how much she loved each and every one of us. She had sacrificed her whole life for us and didn't regret one minute of it. That is quite a legacy to leave your loved ones.
It has been one year ago today since I wrote the above paragraph and one year ago today that she left us. Everybody dies. It's a cruel fact of life. That being said, though, we are SO lucky to have had Dora Devoda Matney Lane for our Mother. I went to her graveside last Thursday and, as I told Mary, it was impossible for me to come to grips with knowing that she lies beneath that stone. I will always see her in Maroa, in the trailer, making biscuits for supper, then clearing off the table so we could play Balderdash. That will always be my memory of her, sitting there with tears of laughter running down her face at some of the silly definitions we made up. That sparkle that made those beautiful smoke-colored eyes twinkle and shine will light up my heart forever.
anonymous
September 19, 2005
She Is Just Away
You cannot say, you must not say
That she is dead,
She is just away!
With a cheery smile
And a wave of the hand
She has wandered into an unknown land
And left us dreaming how very far
It needs must be
Since she lingers there.
So think of her as faring on
As dear in the love of there
as of here.
Think of her as
still the same and say:
"She is not dead, she is just away.
Just Sleeping
Now that the laborer's task is over,
Now that the battle day is past,
Now upon the farther shore
Lands the voyager at last.
There the tears of earth are dried.
There its hidden things are clear.
There the work of life is tried
By a greater judge than here.
"Earth to earth, dust to dust,"
Calmly now the words we say,
Left behind, we wait in trust
For the Resurection Day.
Father,
In thy gracious keeping,
We leave thee now thy servent sleeping.
marsha Weikle
July 30, 2005
Vi, you are quite right, we would not mind at all if anyone or everyone wanted to add a little something to the spirit garden. That's what I am calling it now, because so much of her spirit is there. You are all also welcome to come help weed it, although Patrick might fight you for that job. Please come see us. We will sit outside and watch the butterflies and share memories.
Viola Richardson
July 29, 2005
I hope anyone who has not seen the Memorial Garden will go see it. It is a very nice tribute to Mom. Also, I'm sure Marsha would not mind if each of us added some little momento to the garden so that we each will be a part of it also. Thanks, Marsha and Homer, for giving us a permanent place to honor Mom.
marsha weikle
July 1, 2005
I don't know about the rest of you, but mom has been on mind a lot lately.I think it is partly because this is about the time she got sick last summer. It is hard to believe we have been without her for almost a year.
Homer came up with a great idea that we have been working on. It is a memorial flower garden for mom. We have tried to put things in it that we know she enjoyed. It has been a labor of love and even the grandchildren have all had a hand in it. I have felt such peace when working on it, or just sitting enjoying looking at it. It is not quite done, but we would like to extend an open invitation for anyone who wants to to come by and see it. We can sit in a comfortable lawn chair and have a glass of tea and share memories of the great woman who meant so much to all of us. Please tell others who may not have access to this web site.
I assume we are getting together on the fourth, so I hope to see you all there.
Angela Koertge
May 8, 2005
Today is Mother's Day. I thought I would share one of my favorite poems, which has been comforting for me, especially on the "special" days.
Ever Close in Mind and Heart
No further away than a picture,
A smile, or remembered phrase,
Our loved ones live in memory--
So close is so many ways.
For how often does a sunset
Bring nostalgic thoughts to mind
Of moments that
our loved ones shared
In days now left behind!
How often has a flower
Or a crystal autumn sky
Brought golden recollections
Of happy days gone by!
Yes, memory has a magic way
Of keeping loved ones near--
Ever close in mind and heart
Are the ones we hold most dear.
Marjorie Frances Ames
Viola Richardson
April 16, 2005
LEGACY
May each recollection
remain a happy one,
A reflection of smiles
When the day is done;
An echo drifting
softly down the ways,
whispering the story
of our shared days.
May grief's tears reflect
Spring's soft sunlight,
shining bright with love
to light up your night.
Please, as you travel
along life's many miles,
keep close to your heart
the gift of my smiles.
anonamous
March 21, 2005
Dora was a lyrical and spiritual individual who could give and receive love in both the best and the worst situations. All who knew and loved her should follow her lead.
anonymous
March 16, 2005
Like a bird singing in the rain,
let grateful memories survive
in times of sorrow.
Robert Louis Stevenson
Marsha Weikle
March 1, 2005
My friend Judy's mom passed away in January. This poem was on her memorial card. It reminds me so much of mom, maybe because she loved nature so much. The poem has brought comfort to me. Hope it will do the same for you.
As long as you remember me,
my memory will live on.
My spirit will be there with you
at every breaking dawn.
I'll sing to you through birds in spring,
and whisper through the trees,
I'll bring you gentle comfort with
a warm, caressing breeze.
As long as you remember me,
my love will fill your heart
and help to ease the sorrow
that you feel while we're apart.
With thoughts of me, perhaps
you'll see
the wonder of each day,
the joy of sunlit afternoons,
and nature's grand display.
As long as you remember me,
I always will be near
to lend you sweet tranquility
as nighttime stars appear.
The bond that we have shared
will be a link from me to you,
to give you hope for brighter days
and strength to see you through.
Mary Berg
February 14, 2005
Marsha, I've been thinking we should get together or something for Mom's birthday, too. I also miss calling her for advice or to tell her when something happens, good or bad. I finally went back out to the cemetary and saw the stone. It is really beautiful. I know she's not really there so I have mixed feelings when I go there. David, I know mom really liked being out there with you in the garden. You will miss that this summer. There are so many firsts to get through (first Christmas without her, first birthday, etc.). Vi, I know Mom enjoyed sharing our ups and downs. Maybe she would have wished for more ups, but she was realistic about life. I wish I had given her more and taken less. There are things I wish I had said the last time I saw her but I was in denial. I hope she knows all this. Anyway, I'm glad we have this forum to talk about her and how much she meant to all of us. Love You All, Mary
Marsha Weikle
February 14, 2005
Mom is still so much on my mind, too. Vi, I have that picture you gave us for Christmas on my refrigerator and sometimes I stand there and talk to her. Is that crazy? Several good things have happened lately and I have told her all about them! I know she is watching over us. Her birthday will be a difficult time for us. Maybe we should all get together and celebrate her life. Any suggestions?
DAVID LANE
February 10, 2005
I think about her everyday. I think about mowing the yard and she would come walking around the trailer with a glass of tea for me. We would sit in the swing or on the porch and talk. In the spring she would come out and help with the garden as much as she could. Thats one of the main reasons i would put out a garden,she loved to help and she enjoyed watching things grow and really loved the green beans. I will continue to plant a garden in her memory. There are so many things to remember about her,and although she is gone physically as Vi said her spirit will be with us forever.She is still here for us to talk to.Keep her in your heart and she will be with you always.
Vi Richardson
February 8, 2005
I was just wondering if anyone was feeling the same way that I am feeling. I know it's been almost five months since Mom left us, but it does not seem real to me, even now. Everybody knows what an emotional head case I am, and there are so many times that I just need to call her up, explain what is going on with me, and ask her to take her best shot of telling me what I should do. I know she would tell me the right thing to do, and in all probability, I wouldn't follow her good advice because I'm an idiot and stubborn that way, but eventually I would come around to doing what she suggested and things would be better. Now, I can only look at her picture and know the answer is there someplace, but I'm going to have to figure it out on my own. I know that sounds selfish, but it really isn't because I know that she valued so much that we all came to her for advice and that she was usually able to help us sort things out. She was happy that we still needed her even though we are all way past grown up. It will be very hard when her birthday comes, but I am okay knowing that she is in a better place now and that (I think so anyway) she can still guide me spiritually even though she is physically absent.
David Lane
December 28, 2004
I went to the cemetery yesterday and they have Mom's stone up.I started crying before i even got out of the car.It's very beautiful with the engravings and the verse on it. I guess,for me it just made everythig final.I cant believe how much i miss her,but when i start thinking about her,i focus on all the good things.Christmas was good and I,am thankful for everyone. I missed Marsha,Homer,and Rob not being there.I hope everyone has a great new year.I know mom had a great Christmas.She,s looking down and saying good job everyone.
Marsha Weikle
December 24, 2004
Here are a couple of letters I received in Christmas cards from some of our southern relatives. Thought it would be nice for all of you to see them.
The first one is from Rose's daughter Sandy.
Just wanted to let you know that we're alll thinking and praying for you, your brotheres and sisters. All of us know how hard it is when you lose a parent, and it's especially hard during the first Holiday Season.
Your mom was a wonderful lady, and always had a great sense of humor. She is missed, and loved, by each and every one of us, and she , along with everyone else would want her children to go and and be happy.
So, have a beautiful and Happy Christmas and New Year.
Thinking of you.
Always,
Sandy
The next one is from Aunt Mary in Baltimore.
Marsha, I am so sorry none of us could come to your mom's funeral, but as you know we are all old and sick, except for Frankie. I think she is still pretty healthy, but she's not young anymore either. I'm doing pretty good now. My biggest problem is my aching knees and they don't bother me much except when I go up and down the stairs. I had cataract surgery on my right eye and got my new glasses Thursday. Joe and the boys are doing ok.Joe is 81 now and he is going all the time. You would never believe he's that old. He doesn't like to stay by himself though, so if I had been able to come to the funeral I wouldn't have felt comfortable leaving him and Jimmy and I know he wouldn't have come with me. Marsha, Viola sent me a pretty picture of your mom with her Christmas card. I meant to thank her for it but I sealed her card up and forgot. So thank her for me. I really appreciate it. It made tears come to my eyes. It's so hard to believe she's gone. Tell the rest of the family hello for us and we would really love to see you all. I don't have everybody's address so I can't send them a card. I hope you all have a good and peaceful Christmas even though I know it won't be the same. I hope you all can get together just like you always have. I didn't mean to write so much so I'll close for now. Hope we can keep in touch.
Love,
Mary
410-889-8062
Angela Koertge
December 16, 2004
Aunt Vi's entry reminds me of a project Sandy did about a year ago. She was doing a family tree project and she was supposed to interview her oldest living relative. That was grandma. I've ve copied some interesting things she had to say, some of which I had never heard her tell before.
She went to Red Hill Grade School and only finished fourth grade.
Her favorite subjects in school were geography, spelling and reading.
Her favorite games to play were checkers, hide and go seek, and a game called "fox and geese".
Grandma said whe started making her own clothes when she was ten years old.
She had to do chores such as doing laundry and carrying drinking water.
She never got an allowance.
When she was eleven years old she broke her leg.
The only vacations she ever went on as a child were to stay with her cousins for two or three days.
Her fondest of memories of family life as a child were sitting around the wood burning stove and telling stories.
The inventions she remembers really changing things in her life were the refrigerator and washing machine.
She wanted to go to school to become a professional seamstress, but she didn't have enough education.
Her favorite president was Dwight D. Eisenhower.
She remembered Christmases when there were no presents because they were so poor, and one Christmas her only gift was a pencil-and she was thrilled to get it! She also remembered getting a quarter once for Christmas.
Her favorite gifts that she received were dolls.
The most important thing her parents taught her was to believe in God.
And the high point in her life was raising her kids.
I thought everyone, especially the "young-uns", might find these memories interesting. I'm so glad Sandy had the opportunity to do this project. She really enjoyed doing it.
Viola Richardson
December 15, 2004
I thought everyone would like to read the only entries that Mom made in a book that Shelley gave Mom to keep a record for her Grandkids in. I don't know the date she wrote these entries. I will warn you, though. Don't read this if you don't think you can handle it right now, because it will make you cry.
I was born:
"on Powell Mountain. Scott County Virginia USA" My birthdate is "Feb. 21 1923"
My parent's full names and birthdates are
"David Carroll Matney Dec. 29 1891. Amy Catherine Fritz May 28 1894."
They had the following occupations, Father:
"Farmer and blacksmith"
Mother:
"house wife and mother She never had a job outside the home".
Some things I remember doing with my grandparents are:
"I was only four years old when my grandfather on my mothers side passed away. My grandmother on my fathers side passed away when my father was a teenager. My grandmother on my mothers side wasn't a very talkitive person. My grandfather Matney never wanted anything to do with us".
Other members of my extended family who were important to me include:
"Cousins on my mothers side. The ones on my fathers side was like my grandfather, they never had any use for us. Bonnie Vaughn was my best friend for years. She is the daughter of Aunt Laura Vaughn, mothers sister."
They were important to me because:
"They visited us often and I could spend time at their homes. Bonnie stayed with us half the time. I had cousins on my fathers side that I never saw."
These were the first memories I have of myself as a child:
"I can't remember much before I was four years old. I was four years and two months old when my twin sister and brother was born. I cant remember much before that. I was short. My sister Rose who is a year and a half younger than I am was always taller than I was. We didn't have much. But we didn't know we were poor. Because everybody else was too. We had lots of fun playing. We didn't have any toys to play with. We made our own fun playing tag and blindmans bluff, and playing with our little dog."
My favorite meal my parents made, and what made it so special, was:
"We didn't have it very often but my favorite meal was fried chicken, biscuits and gravy and potatoes."
I have made copies of these pages if any one wants them since they are in Mom's own handwriting.
Marsha Weikle
December 1, 2004
Moving to Illinois:
I remember when we moved from Virginia to Illinois. I was only four but I sure can remember that trip. We were packed like sardines. I spent most of the trip in the space by the back window. Every time dad would put on the brakes I would end up on the heads of those in the back seat. I don't imagine they liked that much.
I can't imagine how hard it was for mom to leave the only life she had ever known and move to a place that must have seemed like a foreign country to her. She told me leaving mamma was one of the hardest things she had ever had to do. Yet she made a new life here, a life surrounded by her children. She shared with me several times that moving up here was probably the best thing for us kids. She felt if we had stayed in Virginia, none of us would have had much of a chance at a decent life.
I remember that first old house we lived in. I was the only kid not in school and it was so nice to have mom to myself all day! She would fix us scrambed eggs with corn bread crumbled up in it for dinner and I would watch soaps with her. I remember The Secret Storm and the Guiding Light. Mom would sometimes keep candy or cookies in the end of the buffet and sometimes for a special treat she and I would have a piece. And I remember hiding from her, even though I really didn't mean to. I was playing under the porch and she came out looking for me. I heard her calling and calling and just didn't answer her. She was scarded to death that I had taken off across the corn field. I used to say that if I went right across that field I bet I could get back to mamma's house. Mom thought that I had tried to do just that and was lost in the fields that seemed to go on forever. I don't know how long it was before I finally answered her call. I do remember she whipped the hide off of me and I so richly deserved it! Of course, I have always wished I could go back in time and have a "do over." I would never scare her like if I had it to do over.
Viola Richardson
November 27, 2004
I just wanted to share with everyone how I am handling Christmas this year as far as what I am doing with the gift I would have given Mom. I took a name off the Friendship Christmas tree at Country and I am buying the items the person asked for and giving the gift to them in Mom's name. I am bringing a small tree and putting it on "Mom's table" at the Community Center at Christmas. Everyone could wrap a tiny box and attach a name tag with the charity or person they gave a gift to in her memory and hang it on the tree. If there is anyone who wants to participate and can't be there, you can email, call, or mail me the name and I'll make sure your tag gets on the tree. I know Mom would love that we are sharing with others less fortunate than us in her name. I hope everyone will do this. It is a way to honor Mom and share with others at the same time, and have her "presence" with us at Christmas.
Viola Lane Richardson
November 23, 2004
Yes, I remember that Thanksgiving very well! If my memory serves me correctly, Sue had already left home, but I could be wrong. The way I remember it was that Wayne and I made that turkey, but, horror of all horrors, we forgot to take the giblet bag out of the cavity and cooked it inside the bird! I remember when Mom got home with David and we all ran out to the car and couldn't wait for her to get out of the car so we could get our hands on that baby! I remember Mom talking about that Thanksgiving many times and laughing about the giblet bag left in the bird. But it all turned out fine and the bird was done and we will always remember that Thanksgiving as being a very special time and that Mom enjoyed it for many reasons, one of which was that she didn't have to do the cooking that time!
marsha Weikle
November 21, 2004
The Most Memorable Thanksgiving:
That has to be the year David was born. Mom was bringing him home from the hospital on Thanksgiving Day. Since she wouldn't be able to cook for us, the older ones decided they would do it. Sue, Wayne and Vi were the chief cooks I believe. I think we had a duck or a goose, I remember it was greasy and not as good as a turkey. It probably wasn't completely done either! One of them made biscuits and there was mashed potatoes and stuffing. When mom got home, she had already eaten the nice Thanksgiving dinner at the hospital. But she could see all the hard work that had been put into the meal and later she ate again. I don't think she complained about the greasy meat or anything else that might not have been just right. I'm sure she was just greatful that she didn't have to come home and start cooking right away! Anyway, that was a special Thanksgiving since mom came home and we had a new little baby brother. Anyone else have a Thanksgiving memory to share?
Sarah Weikle
November 20, 2004
Every year we get out the dancing, jumping santas that grandma made. We put them on the wall by our Christmas tree. And everytime we see them we pull the string and make their little legs move. When I see them I think of grandma. I think about her a lot. At the funeral it really hits you but after that you kind of get over it. But then the sad feeling comes back when you don't think it would.
Lexie Weikle
November 20, 2004
We had fun together playing games. I remember one time that me and grandma Lane and poppy were playing farkle. I think grandma won. I remember she gave me a baby doll that I could keep. That was the most specialist thing she ever gave me. I loved her.
love Lexie
Stephen Weikle
November 20, 2004
One day I was playing Sorry with my favorite grandma and I didn't know that I was going to burp in her face. I had been drinking orange pop. I said excuse me and we both laughed.
David Lane
November 16, 2004
The dancing santa's. I still have mine and the boy's have their's. They will have more meaning this year. Also, I still make the paper airplanes she taught us how to make. I remember when I was in school and I would make one alot of the kids would say how cool they were and would want me to make them one.I remember when I had a cold and would stay home from school mom would fix me a potpie and I would watch The Guiding Light with her. I would ride my rocking horse and she would play Gene Autry's Chritmas album for me, my favorite was Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.There are so memories.I hope that everyone comes to Thanksgiving next week.I know it will be hard,but we must continue to meet on the holidays and other occasions.Mom will be there in spirit wathing over us. Hope to see everyone.
Marsha Weikle
November 12, 2004
I remember the dancing santas, too. In fact, I can remember watching her make them. She would color til her fingers were sore!
When I was a kid I always got to play "santa's helper" at Christmas. Mom would go shopping and buy the gifts and when she came home all the presents were put in the middle of my bed. It was my job to wrap all of them. Mom always felt bad because she said it wasn't fair that I always new what my present was before Christmas. I didn't mind, in fact, I loved it! It always amazed me how much mom was able to get with so little money. We might have just one gift, but we could be sure it had been selected with love. I remember pretty dolls, beautiful brush and comb sets and sweet smelling dusting powder. I llked the boys' presents the best. There would always be toy soldiers, guns and holster sets with cowboy hats, and plastic cowboys and Indians. Mom knew exactly the right gift to bring smiles to the faces of all the kids in her family. We always got a brown paper bag with an apple, an orange, some nuts and hard Christmas candy in it. To this day, every time I smell an orange I think of those Christmas bags.
One Christmas, not to many years ago, mom decided she'd go through her books and give everybody one for Christmas. She gave a lot of thought to which book to give to which person. Mine was a Good Ole Days book about schools in the Olden days. Of course, I got to wrap all the books for her! Old habits die hard!
I have a ton of memories, as do every one of you. I am glad I have a year to write them all down!
It will take at least that long.
Angela Koertge
November 12, 2004
Grandma made my kids a "Jumping Santa", too. We've had them since the kids were pretty little. And we hang them on their bedroom doors every year. It will have an extra special significance this year. It also brings to mind the rag doll she made me many years ago, and the ones she made my girls when they were toddlers. We all still have them, and treasure them!
Another memory I've been thinking about lately is from when I was a kid and would spend the night in Maroa. I remember sleeping in the big bed in the front room on Walnut St. Grandma would put on her country music records for me to fall asleep. I most remember listening to Jim Reeves, who was one of her favorites at the time. It's funny how such little things stick in your mind after so many years, but they are vivid and precious memories.
Vi Richardson
November 11, 2004
"Did you have a Christmas stocking as a child or a special ornament?"
"My mom was very creative. She would take a paper bag and draw a pattern for a Santa Claus. There would be two arms with mittens, two legs with boots, a body, and a head with a beard and a hat. She'd cut her pattern pieces out and lay them on a cardboard shoe box lid and trace around them with a pencil. Then she'd cut out the cardboard pieces and make Santa Claus. She'd use crayons to color Santa's suit and hat red, his boots and gloves black, his beard white, and his face would be peach. She'd give him a red bow mouth and rosy red cheeks. She'd tie strings through the arms and legs, and when the strings were pulled, Santa's arms and legs would flap up and down. I still have the ones she made for my kids many years ago. I hang one up every Christmas and the grandkids love pulling the strings and making Santa do jumping jacks. I guess it's called a puppet, but Mom always calls it "Jumpin' Santa."
Dec, 1999.
This year, it will be very hard, but I hope we all get out our Jumpin' Santas and be taken back in time to where it only took something as simple as a homemade cardboard Santa to put sparkles in our eyes and a warmth in our hearts for a mother who made Christmas a happy time every year by making do with what she had and putting her heart into making us feel special.
Amy Goodman
November 11, 2004
Vi, I absolutely love reading your journal stories. I ask all of you kids to keep writing those stories. I would have loved to have known Grandma in those days too! Tell me more...Amy
David Lane
November 8, 2004
As many of you know I went to Virginia this weekend for uncle OE's funeral. I didn't realize how many memories It would bring back about our vacations when I was little and when I took mom down in 85'. I stayed with aunt Doris and we sat up late friday and saturday talking about mom. Doris had so mant great stories about her. She said mom was one of the best and toughest people she knew and was more like a sister than a sister-in-law. I didn't realize how strong mom had to be when they lived down there. I know she was a caring and loving person and I know she took good care of us all. I wish we could all go down there together and see mom's brother and sisters, and sit around and chew the fat. What a great time that would be!
Viola Lane Richardson
November 6, 2004
Another entry, "Tell me about a special outting you took with your mother..."
July 26, 1998
When I was around 6, a bunch of traveling entertainers with trained animals came to our school and put on a Monkey show. I was already at school and Mom came to watch the show with me. She brought my baby sister, Marsha, and our little neighbor girl, Button Rhoton. I remember how funny the monkeys were, but I remember more how happy I was to be there with my Mom. We had so much fun and we were all so close. When the show was over, we all walked home together, up the Jasper road.
Viola Lane Richardson
November 6, 2004
I have a journal called, Reflections from a Mother's Heart that Shelley gave me in '98, on my 51st birthday. There is a page titled, "Describe your mother in her best dress." This is what I wrote in '99.
"Mom had this dress that was white with blue-purplish flowers sprinkled on it. She wore it to the Smokey Mountains one year when we were down in Va. on vacation, about 1957 when Mary was a baby. I have a picture of her wearing it. My mom had black hair and it was very wavy. On that particular day, she wore it tucked behind her ear on the left side. It was kind of long and waved down the back of her neck. It was so pretty.
Mom always thought she was fat, but I thought she was pleasingly plump. I can see her in that dress now, sitting on the side of the hill under the Smokey Mountains, with the skirt spread out around her, looking like a mountain flower in springtime."
Marsha Weikle
November 1, 2004
Well, family, we have passed on of the many "firsts" that face us this year. Last night was our first Halloween without mom. I was telling my neighbor, as we sat on her porch handing out treats, that one wouldn't think Halloween would be one of the biggies. But for us it is because mom was so much a part of everything we did. She didn't really like handing out the treats herself, but she always made sure she had them. We would all pool our candy together and give a variety to kids that came. And there was usually something special for the family kids. It wasn't Halloween until you had been to Grandma's to show off your costume and gather your treat. We had a lot of good laughs. Remember the time Sue was pregnant with Andy and she dressed up? I can't remember what she dressed up as, but she was a big one! And then there was the time when Homer worked at McDonalds and I dressed him up as a woman. Mom about laughed herself silly when she saw him. Babies were special, even on Halloween. Whoever was a baby at the time would usually stay with grandma and a aunt or two while the bigger kids went out trick or treating. I hope you all started some new Halloween traditions this year. We stayed home and Connor and Patrick passed out candy and scared people by jumping out of the ditch at them. It wasn't as much fun as Halloween at Grandma's, but now they will have another set of memories to bring happiness to their lives.
Erin Walker
October 26, 2004
Grandma taught me a lot of lessons about life, but the one I'll remember most is that "A person can do whatever they set their mind to." As a child, grandma always encouraged me to try new things. She was always supportive of whatever endeavor her grandchildren were involved in. When she was well, she attended countless voice recitals, ball games, and plays. As I got older and I learned how tough life really is, grandma was there to remind me that even though life gets hard, you can persevere. Knowing what I know about some of the obstacles grandma overcame during her life encourages me when I just don't think I can keep going. Grandma recently told me that she thought I could do whatever I set my mind to do when I visited her at the hospital and was discussing my fear of labor and delivery with my first baby. This puts my mind at ease when I think about experiencing it. Another important lesson I learned from Grandma is the importance of family No matter how tired grandma was she never complained when she had a houseful of people over at her house all day on Sundays. She loved to visit and see her family. Grandma always encouraged everyone to come to family gatherings on holidays and always said that when she was gone we probably would not get together anymore. I know I plan on proving her wrong. Grandma, thanks for always believing in me and instilling in me the importance of family.
Love always, Erin
Kevin Richardson
October 26, 2004
Dear Grandma,
It's hard as someone whose young to realize that our Grandmas and Moms might not be with us forever. Its still hard to believe that you are not with us any more, not physically anyway. I was thinking back to when I was little and came to spend the night with you. I remember that we would stay up half the night watching Gunsmoke and Bananza and you would pop me popcorn and let me drink all the milk I wanted. Then you'd tell me ghost stories and scare the pants off of me. The one I remember the most is the one you told me about when you were a little girl and lived in Virginia, and you had to go across a porch to get from the living room to the kitchen. One night after dark, you started across the porch and a cold, icy hand took yours and led you across. Then you found out later that your gramma or aunt or somebody had died about the time that happened. I was so glad that you left that little table lamp on all night long after we went to bed!
I also remember that every Halloween, we would all gather at your house before we went trick-or-treating and you'd have a treat ready for us and we'd get a popcorn ball or cookies, or something that you made special for us before we went around to the other houses in the neighborhood.
In the last few years when I would see you, I would tease you about being such a little woman, just like mom. I would hold my arm out and you could stand under it without having to bend over. I will miss you always, grandma, but I am glad you're at peace.
Luv you forever,
your grandson, Kevin
Renee McCarty
October 25, 2004
Dora was a very special person. She made everyone laugh. Dora was the strongest person that I know. Who could have ever thought that so many kids came out of such a small person. She will be missed by everyone who knew her.
Jane Tullis
October 24, 2004
I am a newcomer to the family. No, scratch that. You're part of the family immeadiately at Dora's house. What kind eyes!! What a smile! Total acceptance. No judgement. No conditions. Just love. Lots of fun.
On a balmy day when the wind touchs our cheek, we will know it is your spirit kissing us as you pass by. Time nor distance can take away the love we feel in our hearts. I wish it could have been a longer visit with you for me on this earth, but You earned your wings. Eternal joy. Love Jane
Marsha Weikle
October 23, 2004
Several time a day I check this guest book to see the new messages. Seeing mom through the eyes of those who love her brings me great comfort. When I logged on
today I was delighted to see that someone has sponsored her guest book and it will be online until October 27, 2005! Isn't that great? Now we can keep sharing our memories for a whole year. Whoever sponsored it, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Here are some of my favorite "mom stories".
Mom lived in Illinois longer than she lived in Virginia but she never lost her southern accent. Neither did she lose her southern knack for story telling. She used to tell me about this dream she had. She was running across this field that was just covered with snakes. As she said they were all "kiled" up getting ready to strike. She had ahold of my hand and was pulling me along behind her. She began to run faster and faster and soon we were flying. There we were, sailing across the field of snakes, our feet just skimming the ground. She never did remember how the dream ended. I am sure we made it safely across that field of danger. I think her dream was a forshadowing of the future. There were many times when she held my hand and ran through some, scary bad times with me. Somehow we always did make it safely to the other side.
A few weeks after she passed away, I had a dream about mom. Sue, Vi, Mary and some other women were standing in the kitchen talking, cleaning and cooking. I noticed one of them was mom. I kept trying to get the attention of the others. I was mouthing the words "She can't be here, she's dead," and making all these silly hand signals to them. No one paid any attention to me. But mom turned around and said to me, "It's okay. I will be here with you until you are ready to let me go." I tried really hard to let her go, because I wanted her to be at peace and rest. She started to fade away, and just as she was almost gone, I couldn't do it. I wished her back, and she came back. I told her I was sorry and she said, " It's okay. I will be with you for as long as you need me, no matter how long that takes." Then I woke up. You see, even in death, she is still pulling me through the tough times.
I will never think of mom without remembering all the old sayings that were so much a part of her vocabulary! She used to chide for running around barefooted. She would say " I bet your feet are as cold as a whet rock." I thought she was saying "wet rock" which made perfect sense. Later I asked her about that. After she got through laughing she explained to me the saying was cold as a WHET rock, not a WET rock. We laughed about that many times.
Like all of you, I have hundreds more stories to share. Now we will all be able to add to our memories of her by writing them in her guest book. I look forward to reading them!
Viola Lane Richardson
October 22, 2004
As my brother, David, has expressed, I think we all could write a book about how much our Mom meant to us and still not be able to express it fully. Therefore, I will try to stick to a couple of things I would like everyone to know about how Mommy influenced my life.
My earliest memories of Mommy are when we lived in Virginia and how she had to get up before daylight and keep going until late evening to get everything done that needed to be done. I have heard her say many times since then, that she would be so busy that she'd sometimes forget to eat! She had to cook three full meals a day, do the dishes afterwards, and have vegetables cleaned for the next day's fare. She had to wash mountains of clothes on a washboard in tubs of water, wring them out by hand, hang them on the clothes line, then iron them all when they were done. Depending on the season, she had to carry in wood, water and coal, or, in spring and summer, put out a huge garden, tend to it, then can hundreds of cans of vegetables to keep us fed in the winter. At the end of the day, when supper was over and the dishes washed, she would, in warm weather, gather us all on the porch. She'd sit in the rocking chair with the newest baby and entertain us by singing funny songs like, "Froggy Went A'Courtin," or, "Big Rock Candy Mountain." Then she'd sing us hymns such as, "I'll Fly Away," and "The Old Rugged Cross." When it was too cold to be outside, we'd all gather around the pot-bellied stove in the living room. We'd listen to the Grand Old Opery on the radio and she'd sing along. That's where some of us learned to love music and singing. When we were all falling asleep, she'd tuck us in bed and help us recite the little bed time prayer, "Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep." I can only speak for myself, but to this day, I STILL recite that prayer in my mind when I lay down for the night! We hardly ever went to church, but she made sure we knew the difference between right and wrong and that there is a God watching out for us and loving us. She continued that habit after we moved to Illinois. She'd keep the radio on WHOW in Clinton, and every morning, rain or shine, we had to listen to the Reverand J.C. Dove and his wife, Mildred. Reverend Dove would preach hellfire and brimstone and Mildred would sing all those tear-jerking hymns, and, speaking for myself only, I would say how lame it all was, and make fun of it. Secretly, though, I took all of it to heart and learned things that stay with me even now.
Mommy was very intelligent, in spite of her lack of formal education, and loved to read.She also wrote little poems and drew pictures. She made us rabbits and teddy bears from material scraps and I would bet that there wasn't one of us that would have traded them for store-bought. She sewed all our clothes, and cut our hair. She was very good at everything she did, and each of us, in our way, inherited our talents from her. I am so glad that I learned to love reading and writing because of her. I also cut my own hair and my kids' hair when they were growing up....Although...I'm not sure that they would agree that I enherited any of her talent in THAT direction!
She also had the great gift of common sense. She could figure out how to do anything and was just as good a woodworker and plumber as she was everything else.
Even though we were poor in an economic sense, we certainly weren't deprived! Poor people don't have any money, but deprived people have no knowledge of God and no thirst for that or any other kind of knowledge. She made sure we all benefited from her intelligence.
The second thing that I cherish about my experiences with Mommy is that she was always there for me, even when doing so put her in physical peril by her going against Dad to do it. When I was in labor with Kevin, Mom spent 12 long hours sitting by my side during excruciating pains that were 3 minutes apart the whole day, and she held my hand when I screamed at the top of my lungs. Then she went home with me for a week to help me care for two little kids and that new-born baby so I wouldn't have to go it alone. That is just one of the many times Mommy was there for me. There are so many more too numberous to mention and that evoke too much emotion for me to be able to relate without bawling my eyes out.
So, Mommy, I know you are up there right now, looking down on us from heaven and poo-pooing us for making you out to be a saint. We all know you weren't a saint. But we also know that you were the closest thing to a saint that we will probably ever encounter. I thank you, Mommy, for all your sacrifices and your unconditional love, and you will live in that room I have prepared in my heart for fondest memories for as long as I am alive.
I love you,
Your daughter, "Viddy"
David Lane
October 22, 2004
I could write a 10,000 word essay and still not say enough about our mom.She was the glue that held the family together in good and bad times. Her house was our gathering place and not only did she feed us with biscuts,soupbeans & cornbread but she fed us with her love. Her heart operated at 110% right up to the last. It's funny how you think about all the stuff thats happened over the years after someones gone,but thats one the blessings,all the memories we have of her that will be with us for the rest of our lives. I was tucking Ethan in bed and rubbing vicks on him.I told him how mom would put vicks on me and put a washcloth on my chest.She would put the vaporizer on a chair and make a tent with the covers to keep the vapors in.She was there when I went to sleep and she was there when I awoke.I could write story after story about all the things she done for us over the years.The greastest thing she done was love us.She taught us to be strong and be greatful for the things we have. I will never forget her.She will always be in my heart. Thank you for being my Mom for 42 years.Thank you for being a wonderful grandmother to my kids.Thank you for being a solid foundation for all of us. I will love you forever. Until we meet again in Heaven, your son,David
Pam Houser
October 21, 2004
It is difficult to explain just how much Grandma Lane has influenced my life. She was a woman of great tolerance and acceptance of others yet she was the first to tell you if she thought something went against the things she learned from the Bible. At times she seemed to bear the weight of the world on her shoulders and yet she very rarely complained about anything.
I always thought it was so unique the way Grandma measured things. If it were a small object she would use her pinky finger and mark the amount with her thumb on the same hand. If it were a large object she would use her arm and mark the length with the opposite hand. The day she passed away she used this special technique to show how much juice she had drank. It made me smile to myself.
I will also never forget all those relaxing Sunday afternoons at Grandma's house on Walnut Street. As I would walk in her house she would be busy pattying up the biscuits and I would tell her I had not eaten anything for 2 days. I'll never forget her scolding my mom and dad for "not feeding that poor child."
I will also never forget the adventures we had at the farm in Kenney. She allowed me and Uncle David the freedom to explore and have fun and down deep I know she was having just as much fun as we were. She'd smile and say, Them youngins' played all day and then set up half the night gigglin'"
She was definitely an angel sent from heaven and we are all so lucky to have been able to spend all these special times with her. I will miss her more than words can say. Pam Houser, Mansfield, IL Granddaughter
Homer Weikle
October 20, 2004
I was only a son-in-law, but Dora treated me like one of her own. We spent a lot of time together, laughing, talking about many things, and playing games.
No matter what she was doing, mom always had time to listen to you, no matter what you were talking about. It seemed that at that very moment you were the most important thing in her life.
Some of the things I will remember about her are her love of birds and flowers, her faith in God and her love for her family. She taught all of us many great lessons about how to love. Of course I will remember her great cooking.Almost everyone has mentioned the biscuits, but I also remember her great soup beans!
There are no words to say how much she meant to me. I loved her like she was my real mom. I miss her a lot. When I see her again, I hope she has some soup beans and biscuits ready!
Betty Lane
October 20, 2004
How could so much love come in such a small package! I can remember the first time that i ate with the family.so much food on the table you couldn't find things, I was having one of Dora's Biscuits and looked around to find the jelly. I didn't see it so i asked for the Jelly please. i thought i had said something wrong becouse everone looked at me.Dora told me she didn't have any jelly that everyone(The Lanes) used applebutter on their biscuits.I said that that was ok and ate the biscuit with butter.(Good even with out Jelly)the next time we came over to eat, Dora had Jelly. That was when i knew i was part of the family.It was little things like that,that Dora would do for everone, things that with no words spoken she would tell you that you were loved.What a great mother in law and grandmother you were to Joseph.You will always be in my heart on often on my mind.
You are deepley missed.
Betty.
Mary Berg
October 20, 2004
Mother/daughter relationships can be very complicated. As I reminded Mom when she was worried about being a bother to everyone, I gave her more than my fair share of "bother". She never, however, felt it necessary to remind me of that fact. As I became an adult and began to reevaluate some of the things I was so sure I already knew, she was always there to give advice when I asked, but never volunteered it when I didn't. When Bill and I were married, she made him feel like one of her own. She will always be his "ma". My girls feel so lucky to have had a grandma who made them feel loved and accepted always. My grandbaby, Rhiannon was just getting to know her great-grandma. My second granddaughter, Grace, due in December, will be the first great-grandchild born after Mom's death. Hopefully, some of the things Mom exemplified as a mother and grandmother will find themselves into my character. When I was a smart aleck teenager, I would never have imagined that I could love, appreciate, and depend on someone as much as I came to love, appreciate and depend on Mom. As an adult (some would still say smart aleck) I never would have dreamed that I could miss someone so much. I miss you, Mommy. I guess mother/daughter relationships aren't so complicated after all.
KATHY LANE
October 20, 2004
TO ONE OF MY DEAREST FRIENDS DORA LANE.ONE OF MY FONDEST MEMORIES OF HER WAS THE TIMES SHE SPENT WITH MY SONS. SHE DEVOTED HER WHOLE AFTERNOON TO THEM IF I BROUGHT THEM OVER. SHE PLAYED YAHTZEE WITH JOSH, COWBOYS AND INDIANS AND SORRY WITH ZACH, READ STORIES, PLAYED CARS, & LET ETHAN DRIVE HIS CARS THROUGH HER BISCUIT FLOUR. WHATEVER THEY WANTED TO DO GRANDMA DONE. SHE WAS A WONDERFUL ROLE MODEL IN SO MANY WAYS TO ALL OF US. I STILL REMEMBER MY WEDDING DAY. THE HUG SHE GAVE ME WELCOMING ME INTO THE FAMILY AND SHE ALWAYS MADE ME FEEL VERY WELCOME.THANK YOU DORA FOR YOUR SON DAVID AND ALL THE MEMORIES AND YOUR WONDERFUL SAYINGS. I WILL ALWAYS HOLD YOU VERY DEAR TO MY HEART. I LOVE YOU, UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN LITTLE WOMAN YOUR DAUGHTER IN LAW AND FRIEND KATHY
Sarah Weikle
October 19, 2004
I remember when I stayed the night with grandma. We stayed up till 12:00a.m. We played yahtzee two times. I won one and she won one. We watched T.V. I loved to go over there and listen to her tell stories. Whenever we would go over there she would always have something good to eat. She made me a doll years ago. I named the doll after her. I sleep with it every night and know I have Grandma near me. Love, Sarah Weikle
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