In Loving Memory of My Grandma...

Marjorie Ann Riess

May 8, 1920 - May 14, 2010

On Friday, May 14th, my grandmother went to be with the Lord. She was finally pain free, dancing with my grandpa, getting to see her three sons and seeing Jesus face to face. The day of her memorial service was a day of celebration of her life and the memories she helped make for all of us. My grandma was a great woman who loved her family, loved God and never met a stranger. One of her greatest desires was that all of her children, grand children and great-grandchildren would know God as their personal Lord and Savior.

During her service, it was so much fun to hear everyone talk about my grandma and the memories they have of the time they spent with her over the years. I have many great memories of my grandma that I will never forget. Although I will miss her greatly, I know that she is in a much better place and that I will get to see again one day!

Here are some final words from my aunt and mother about my grandmother:

"God gave us our mother Marjorie. We will remember her fondly with so many memories. She was kind, loving, and caring. Though she suffered the loss of her sons and a grandson, she continued her life with us, delighting in her surviving children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Towards the end of her life she would comment that death didn't frighten her as she had as many people waiting for her in heaven as she had here in this life. We are sad, but because of our faith in the triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we have the assurance that we will see her again in eternal life with God. The Holy Spirit comforts us until then and all because of Christ Jesus our Savior. See 2 Corinthians 1:3-7"

Grandma Marge's 90th Birthday Bash

On May 8th, my Grandma Marge celebrated a great milestone in her life...her 90th birthday. Family from near and far came to celebrate. Even my mom's cousins from Seattle made a special trip down for the party. With my grandma's health recently starting to decline, we were excited to have everyone together for her special day. This was the first time in a long time that almost all of the cousins (grand children were together). My grandma loved having her family together and enjoyed watching her great grandchildren play. Her children, grand children and great-grandchildren always brought a smile to her face.

The morning of her birthday I had gone to say hi and wish her a happy birthday. When I mentioned that it was her 90th birthday she smiled and rolled her eyes...almost as if she couldn't believe she had made it this long. This would also be the last day I would get to see her as she went to be with the Lord the following Friday. Grandma held on long enough to have one last party with the family and to make some lasting memories.

I Love Spending Time with My Niece & Nephew

In March I spent a long weekend up in Bakersfield with my sister, brother-in-law and the kids. When Elijah was a couple of months old I had gone up North to help my sister and spend time with them. I wasn't able to get up as soon as I wanted with Elsie but a little bit later is better than not spending time with her at all. Jen had to work one of the days I was up there so I took the challenge of getting both kids ready and going to meet her for lunch. Jen enjoyed being able to "show off" the kids to her co-workers and just getting to see the kids. After lunch, the kids and I went to see Grandma Marge. I think it was the highlight of her day! She just loved watching the kids and smiling at them.

As my Grandma's health started to decline over the past few months, I spent more time up in Bakersfield which meant I got to spend more time with the kids. Being able to see them every month for the past three months was a treat. They are growing up so fast! Elijah gives the best hugs and Elsie has the sweetest personality. Their smiles just brighten my day!