helen hansen 90th birthday memory book

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This book was created In Celebration of Helen Naegle Hansen 90th birthday, and is filled with memories and sentiments about her life as a sister, friend, sweetheart, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother.What a monumental accomplishment to reach the age of 90, having seen and witness so much of life.

TRANSCRIPT

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In Celebration of Helen

Hansen’s

90th Birthday 2014

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“The family is one of nature's masterpieces.” George Santayana

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“You may not realize it, but you're a rich person.”

Yes you! You possess a huge vault brimming with treasure, and you can open it,

withdraw assets from the vault whenever you want—at absolutely no cost.

Where is this vault? It is inside

your heart and mind. And what

treasure resides there?

Memories. Memories are

pictures of past events and people

that can powerfully affect your

present and future. There are

those funny memories that make

you laugh, even now, though the

incident may have taken place

years ago. Then there are those

embarrassing moments that flash through

your mind at the oddest times, even

causing you to blush.

But there are certain kinds of memories

that glisten like diamonds. They remind us

and remind you that your life is rich with

meaning and purpose—that you matter to

other people and other people matter to

you.

Memories of special moments when love was exchanged and cherished, when a

significant relationship took a big step forward, when delicious laughter cheered

your soul—these precious moments are all waiting for you to pick them up, and

dust them off, and bring them to life once again.

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So when your heart is heavy and you're feeling all alone, open the door… go

ahead. Dig in. Make all the withdrawals you want. You can't deplete the supply.

In fact, you may find that you are so rich you can loan some of your wealth to

others.

Oops, look. You got a little Gold dust on your smile.

-- John William Smith

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A Daughter

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Dear Mom: I thought it would be nice if I had

something to share with you from your parents on

this special birthday of yours. But really didn’t

have anything they’d written to you to pick from.

But while working on this book on February 10th I

did a search on Bishop George C. Naegle in The

Improvement Era, Volume 24, July, 1921—the

Editors were Heber J. Grant and Edward H.

Anderson. There on Page 769, to my surprise, was

a poem written by your father. It was as if he

handed it to me to share with his little Helen.

--Suzanne

Take Courage

Never bend low to sorrow or frown, Though misfortune came to you, But hustle, and keep on the “go”

That’s the only way to get thought.

Never lie down to fate or to foe, Undaunted straight-forward, just go;

Ben moral, and deal on the square, For this course will win everywhere,

Be humble and hopeful, trusting in God, Be valiant while onward you plod.

Should reverses come to me or you. Lament not, not sit down and whine

With courage and pluck just hope for good luck, And just paddle your own canoe.

Never give up in the cause of right

But struggle on with all your might, Till you and your Braque on the shining shore,

Want and sorrow to know no more.

Love, Dad

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A Sister

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February 12, 2014 Memories, Memories …. So many Memories, Hennie…. You were in High School when I got married.

When Marion was sent overseas in 1944, and I didn’t have any place to go, mother (Jennie) and TK found a little apartment and said they would pay part of the rent. You and I each paid $10 and TK paid the rest and furnished our milk. We moved into this little apartment upstairs on 3795 S. 7th East and shared the bedroom. But when Marianne was born, it was hard to take care of her without disturbing you, so you suggested that you’d move into the living room on Jennie’s wooing couch and it worked out great.

You entered the house in a foyer and

then went up 2 flights of stairs and you

were in our apartment. No door at the

top. Had a bedroom, a bathroom and

a kitchen. Downstairs was Mary and

her family.

Mary Cannon had 2 little boys then she had a little girl 2 weeks before Marianne

was born. She was about my age, and thought that the name Marianne should

be reserved for her little girl, so she named her Marian.

Easter 1945. Marianne and I think you’re

the one taking the photo.

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Every Sunday morning we would give Marianne a bath and try on all the clothes in the cedar chest to see what she had grown out of. Then we would take pictures to send to Hoc. Do you remember on VE ( Victory in Europe Day), when the war ended we looked

out to see all the bells and horns but there was dead silence, so we decided we

would bake a cake, take a picnic, go up to Fairmont Park and have our own little

celebration. We spread a blanket and took a picture of Marianne sitting on the

rock wall of the park.

When Hoc came home, we went right on living like we were, except we had our own quarters. It was lots of fun. We lived like that until Hoc got the job in Boise with the Forest Service and we moved out leaving you to live in the apartment by yourself. It’s wonderful to celebrate

another birthday with you.

Happy Birthday dear

Hennie,

Love your big sister.

Helen and Rosie at Tony’s funeral luncheon in

Saint George, Utah, 1 August, 2002

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A Friend

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Ruth and Husband

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An Aunt

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February 6, 2014

Dear Aunt Helen, Congratulations on your 90th birthday. That is quite a milestone and how wonderful that you and Uncle Virg have been able to be together and both have celebrated this time. You two are wonderful and amazing. I have been trying to figure out when my memories began, as you were there from my birth, but only you would remember that. I have lots of good memories

of you and at your home with my cousins. One time, we came to Blackfoot for Easter dinner and you had blown out a bunch of eggs and filled them with Jell-O and then cracked the shells off and put them around a salad. I thought that was the most clever thing someone could do. Another time, I remember you fixing French

toast with raisin bread and it was so delicious. I love how you always remembered my birthday, either with a card or a phone call. You were always glad to see us and made us feel welcome. Even when I brought you a carton of raspberries and spilled it in your front entry. I remember one time you two came to Soda Springs, and I had gone to get Dennis from work. I had spent the day deep cleaning and none of the beds had sheets on them, but I had lots of laundry on the lines. I was so embarrassed that you wanted to see our new house, and Shelli showed you through and it was such a wreck. I always hoped you would come back, but you didn’t. I hope you know it wasn’t always like that…often, but not always. I enjoyed being around all of you sisters when you were together. I remember a lot of laughing, visiting and love. I always wanted a sister to have fun with, but I got 4 daughters and we have had a great time.

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I think it was wonderful that you could live with Mom while Dad was in Italy when I was born. I have heard fun stories about the things we did, and I am sure it was a special time for the two of you. You have been a very special part of my life and I love you very much. I hope you can have lots more good years so we can enjoy you. Love, Marianne

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February 12, 2014

An auntie who was just about my size! What a wonderful milestone you have reached in your life--and Uncle Virg, too.

Congratulations! I remember when I was young; I thought it was so fun to have

an auntie who was just about my size! And I remember how kindly you always

spoke to us, sweet things to say and a sweet tone of voice.

One of my favorite memories is a picture of you in our front yard at 908 N 18th.

David --before he lost his hair-- has picked you up in his arms. Our dog, Ruff, was

there and maybe Dave was protecting you, but you were both smiling and it

seemed that you weighed next to nothing at all.

Wish I could find the picture to add to this note, but someday I will dig to the

bottom of all of my treasures, which now include my Mama's treasures, so you

know that the pile is huge, and I will find it and send you a copy.

I know what a great blessing your grandchildren have been in your lives, and mine

are to me, as well. Every day is fun.

I hope Doug and I will get to come your way for a visit this summer. I am retiring

from teaching preschool at the end of May, so that should free up our lives at

least a bit. Stay well and happy, dear one. Why did they call you Hennie?

Love,

Marilee

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Grimm Brothers: Jacob Ludwig Carl

Grimm is born January 4, 1785, in

Hanau, Germany. Wilhelm Carl Grimm is

born February 24, 1786, in Hanau,

Germany.

For Aunt Helen at 90

With love, Judith

A lively, shiny cloud of hair . . . the most beautiful smile, wide and warm and

welcoming . . . large eyes brimming with laughter and love. It’s wonderful to me

that these, the image and words in my mind when I hear the name Aunt Helen,

also describe the image radiating from my computer screen in the announcement

celebrating this important birthday so

many years later. Aunt Helen, this lovely

essence of yourself hasn’t changed,

doesn’t change. It is, as it has always

been, you . . . unique and special you.

In the German fairy tales that are part of

our family’s heritage, the youngest child

is often an enchanted being, given

responsibility for rescuing or saving

others, sometimes through deeds, but

equally as often simply through his or her

pure existence. I like to think of you, the

youngest in your immediate family, in

that way, giving off goodness just by

being yourself. I remember our visiting

you once in Idaho when I was quite young

and your children very young. The picture I was left with in my mind was of

airiness and light throughout the house, and the children sitting quietly together

in a dining nook, happily and fully engaged in some kind of craft, I think maybe

carving from soap. It’s a picture I’ve remembered often.

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The first “honor” I ever received was being the flower girl at your wedding

reception. In that event and in the gatherings that surrounded it I saw you with

some of your closest friends, and was aware even then, being eight years old ,

that I was observing aspects of adult life worth seeking for and emulating. The

happy give and take among you and your bridesmaids generated an atmosphere

of pleasure and warmth that I loved being part of, and I remember holding my

bouquet, the stems of the flowers wrapped in something like tinfoil, and hoping I

was looking like you and the bridesmaids who were so individual, but so similar in

their smiles.

Thank you, dear Helen, for being my enchanting Aunt, and for being you.

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Dear Aunt Helen

When I think about Aunt Helen and Uncle Virg, I've never been able to

think of one without thinking of the other. Two particular experiences

come to mind.

Some years ago, Helen, Virg, Aunt Rosalie and I were visiting in Salt Lake. The four of us drove around the Avenues and Sugar House to

see the homes they had lived in while they were growing up. I have

often wished that I had had a tape recorder and could have preserved

their conversations that day as they reminisced about those days.

The second experience was during the summer of 2009. Judith and I,

along with my daughter Emily and her husband, Clayton, were

returning from a trip to Oregon and stopped in to see Helen and Virg.

We had a delightful visit with them, and got to hear all about their prowess with a Wii game of bowling. They were champions not just at

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their retirement home, but also in a league with others. It was clear

that they not only were happy to have us visit, but also happy just to

be with each other.

If I were to try to characterize my Aunt Helen and Uncle Virg, the first thing

that comes to mind would be "tenderness." In all the times I have seen them together, I was always struck by how much they cared for each

other. It was clear that theirs was a special love that remains so to this day.

Love,

Stephen Moss

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Dear Aunt Helen

Suzanne emailed about your recent fall. I do hope you're feeling better.

I wanted to give you my best wishes for a great 90th birthday.

I have very

warm and loving

memories of you.

There are all the

childhood ones of

being at your

house with such

great cooking

smells - especially

homemade

bread!

I remember

seeking you out

when we were

over there

because you gave me your full attention and I certainly enjoyed that, when the

kids and I visited.

I think my mom had just died. You were so warm and welcoming to us. During

that visit, you took time to show me some family genealogy and show me pictures

that I had never seen before. That was very important to me and I really

appreciated it.

Thank you being a wonderful aunt and although we don't see much of you and

Uncle Virg, you are in my prayers and my thoughts.

Love you,

DeAnn

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Dear Aunt Helen

Best Wishes on your 90th birthday! It was wonderful talking with you and Virgil

today!

Aunt Helen you are so

sweet dear to me, and

I have many memories

of my childhood visits

to your home, that

still fill me with

comfort and warmth.

I loved being with you

and Uncle Virgil and

your kids, and I always

felt welcome.

When you were living in Black Foot I remember that you lived is a cutest houses.

Thinking back, I remember looking at Uncle Virgil wonderful artwork that was

hanging in your home, and it seemed to give me more of those warm feelings

inside as I stood and gazed at each picture. I love his artwork. He’s so talented

that way.

An image of an old galvanized metal washtub comes to mind. I think we were

spending the night, and after lunch and you filled the tube that I think it was in

your basement was at your house. And you announced to us kids that we all

going to take a bath in that tube in the same water. We’ll,’ I never seen a

galvanized metal washtub for one thing, and I’d never taken a bath in the same

water used by others before.

So I remember feeling very comfortable with the whole thing. Well I think I was

the middle child on the list and when I walked over and look down into the water,

there were floaties! Ewe yucky I thought.

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I didn’t want to get into the tube… but I think as a kid I thought to myself… you’d

better do it or else! Don’t know that we kids felt we could say how we felt.

So I climbed in and the water was cooler than I was used to.

After that you had us all lay down for a nap.

Funny how we remember certain things when thinking back trying to remember

back to retrieve the memories of bygone days.

Thank you, for the all the special fun times, so long ago.

Happy Birthday, dear Aunt Helen.

Love,

Lorna

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A Sweetheart and Wife

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Dear Helen

Hello my love, my life, my heart I knew I loved you from the very start.

Through ups and downs and round again

You are still my lover and my best friend.

We are two hearts that beat as one

As love grows between us second to none.

Nothing is perfect and neither am I

But we work at things and maybe that's why

This love has survived through thick and thin

Another Valentine's Day, and birthday has come 'round again.

So I say to you my better half of course

Dedicating my life to you I have no remorse.

I will love you 'til my dying day

For here in your arms I choose to stay.

Love,

Virgil

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A Mother

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Dear Mom,

The first and greatest blessing I have had in my life is you, Mom…for I would not

be here without you. I am so grateful to you and honored to have you as my

MOM. You have been a steady, choice influence to me…and I always knew you

loved me and delighted in me.

My earliest memory of you was your response to my sneaking out of my bed one

night and down the hall where you and dad were sitting in the living room at 1070

10th Street in Idaho Falls. It was near Christmas time and I guess I just didn’t want

to go to bed. Kathy

had not been born yet

so I must have been

almost three years old

or so. I remember a

knock on the door. Dad

answered the door and

in walked Santa Claus.

I was not too young to

know who he was, and

he asked for me. You

said, “I’m sorry Santa,

he’s in bed.”

It was then that I

gleefully jumped up

and out of my hiding place in the hallway and enthusiastically exclaimed, “No, I’m

not!”

I can still remember to this day you breaking out in your trademark laugh and

giggle. If it had not been for Santa, I might otherwise have been in trouble that

night.

When Kathy was born and came home from the hospital in your arms; you sat

down on the couch to show me. I remember standing by you gazing at the new

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bundle. I must have felt in that moment a little displaced and insecure, for I asked

you, Mom: “Aren’t you glad you have a big boy?”

I still remember your reassuring and warm reply. “Yes, I am.”

I’ve never felt displaced, ever, not even for a moment from your heart nor ever

separated from your love. Know that you will always be in my heart. And on this

occasion of your 90th birthday celebration, I will share some if those endearing

memories that will always hold you close. There are many, but here are just a

few.

My friends always loved

you and coming over to

our house because you

made every one of them

feel welcome in our

home.

I treasure the times you

turned our house into a

wonderful gourmet

restaurant in which my

friends and our dates

could dine. I discovered

how delicious stuffed,

baked Cornish hens were with sparkling grape juice—everything prepared

with elegance and “good taste.” You wowed us all with your kindness and

loving service.

I remember being out too late so you came and got me. I appreciated it and

was not embarrassed, because I knew how much you cared about me. At

least you knew where I was. That says we had a pretty good relationship,

huh. Sorry you were up so late, because of me.

I remember you coming to things I was in like plays and events, and you

and Dad having to leave the dance our band was playing at because it hurt

your ears. Sorry.

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When I was playing Cassias in the Shakespeare play Julius Caesar in the

theatre in the round at Ricks College, I remember how you let out a gasp

and rose to your feet as I was “run through” by my partner on the stage.

Back stage the guys commented on my acting, “Did you see that woman

react to your death scene?” I nodded and said, “That was my mother.”

Then they all nodded their understanding. Moms are like that, even if it was

a play.

As I served a mission, I know you worked at least three jobs to help support

me. I was so honored to serve a mission and to know you were proud of

me. In fact growing up, I never ever wanted to do anything to disappoint or

hurt you so I was a pretty good boy.

I remember the loving acceptance you showed for Suzanne, and how you

loved her from the start. Me, too.

You have loved and honored our kids. I know you pray for them as you do

their kids.

I’ve appreciated your life-long example of living the gospel and the love you

have for the Lord.

And you’ve succeeded in being memorable for our kids by singing your age-

old favorite to them that made me laugh until I cried, “He that has Clean

Hands and a Puuuurrre Heart.”

So that is a description of you my dear mother—clean hands and a pure

heart….and LOVE for everyone, especially for me.

I love you dear Mother, and wish you the most happiest of birthdays.

Your loving son,

Michael

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February 6, 2014

Dear Mom;

Happy, Happy 90th Birthday!!! What a

great milestone and we are so grateful to

still have you in our lives. As I look back, I

would say you are the best teacher I ever

had. You taught me all of life's lessons.

You taught me to cook, sew ( you were

also a great nurse when the sewing

machine needle went through my thumb)

to can our fruits and vegetables

(remember when the pressure cooker

blew up!) to clean and wash clothes.

I appreciate the

values you instilled

in me and I love

you so much for all

you did for me.

Thank you for

putting up with me

when I gave you

TROUBLE. Thank

you for letting me

have my pets:

birds, cats, fish and

a cute red puppy

Have a great Birthday Mom and a happy year!

All my love, Kathy

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Dear Mom,

WOW Happy Birthday! 90 Years Young!

We have had a lot of time to create memories, but I think the most prominent

memory for me would

be what a fabulous

cook you were. I never

knew what processed

food was until I was on

my own, and you gave

me a can opener. And

still today, it’s the

most valuable kitchen

gadget I own. How else

would I get into those

marvelous creations

preserved so well in

those little cans! I do

regret my lost

summers because you

peeled, snapped,

husked, cored and canned EVERYTHING.

And we helped (reluctantly)! But I didn’t regret slurping your canned Tomato

Soup, (you could show Campbell’s a thing or two about Soup making), totally

enjoyed all the fruit, jams, & juices that you worked so hard to provide for your

family. And oh my gosh... Cinnamon Rolls, Bread & Rolls! Best EVER… could that

be because you even ground your own wheat for flour?!

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And still today when I hear the word “FUDGE” it creates an uncontrollable licking

of the lips. And every time I pick up a piece of Chocolate Heaven that others call

fudge, and anticipate

the creamy

yumminess I am

completely

disappointed. The

flavor & texture is all

wrong! I don’t know

what you did different

for the rich

chocolateyness (that’s

not a word, but it

should be!), but I

know the creamy

texture came from

you kneading it!

DELISCIOUS! I have

never ever tasted fudge like yours.

It was truly a sad moment for me when you invited us over to dinner and while

we were all seated at the table watching you twirl around your kitchen getting

things dished up & on the table, and making sure that Dan had his favorite Salt &

Pepper shakers sitting in front of him, you announced that you were retiring from

cooking! GASP! Oh please say it isn’t so!!! How can you hang up your apron? WE

ALL WILL SURLY PERISH! It’s been quite a while since your retirement & we all

seem ok so I guess we will survive! Job well done for too many years to count!

Congratulations on this milestone!

Love,

Dan & Connie

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A daughter from another Mother!

Dear mom, better

known as Granny,

Happy 90th Birthday!

Wishing you a

wonderful day fill with

joy, health and

happiness.

I’d like to write more

and will try to send it

later.

Love, Anna

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Dear Mom, well you have been….

More like a Mother than Mother-in-law

Right off I was impressed you’d play games at the dining room table with family

and friends. And you still love playing games to this day. It just seemed right to

call you mother, after I married Michael. I’ve always appreciated your love

kindness. I remember well when you came to help when little Jenny arrived.

Being a new mother was truly a new adventure for me. And although we lived

above that crazy Pleasant Grove Police department, trying to make ends meet

while Michael was attending BYU, you came making the adjustment a bit easier.

Michael and I both loved the wonderful

cinnamon rolls you baked. They seemed as

large as a small dinner plate.

While reminiscing there were many fond

memories that come to mind, like during

one of my visits right after marrying

Michael, when I asked you if you like your

upstairs bathroom, the old fashioned,

Victorian bathtub, and you said, “Yes”

Virgil and I tried that out together, and it

worked nicely.”

Then there were your visits to Utah,

yummy homemade meals when we visited

Idaho, complete with layered jello and

homemade breads.

I loved how you preserved finger prints on your back, glass storm door at the

house on Bremer Dr. I loved our trip to the Mormon Miracle Pageant in Manti

Utah…and so many more.

But I think one memory that was very special was…The Big House Adventure.

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I remember how you expressed to me a longing to visit the Big House, and at the

time I didn’t exactly know what the Big House was. I asked more questions. I

became more familiar with how that fit into your family tree.

As I recall, you felt there was no way of getting inside to view the house, but how

you expressed that it was one of your few lifelong wishes.

I didn’t even know where the place was, but soon discovered it’s located on South

Toquer Blvd. (Main and 5th Street) at the south end of Toquerville, Utah.

I remember thinking, “This wish can come true. It can happen.” We had a couple

of phone conversations, where I asked more questions and you mentioned the

house had been empty and Annaley Redd had fixed it up and made it really a nice

house, and it was now in the care of her daughters. This was shortly after Annaley

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Naegle Redd had died in 2000. You were unsure if the home was still in the family

as you had heard mentioned that it was going be sold.

Heber Naegle, George C’s brother was Annaley’s father. Annaley married Charlie

Redd in 1931, and they together had eight children. Charlie was a successful cattle

rancher so Annaley had the means to acquire and fix up the Big House that

eventually went to her daughters. At the time you didn't know exactly how to get

a hold of any of the daughters, but told me about her family a bit, and so I started

phone calling to try and see we if we could link up with them.

I was finally able to contact one of the daughters to see what the possibilities

would be of staying in The Big House. She was sweet and kind and we had a great

conversation, and she shared how her mother had loved the house and worked

so hard to remodel it. She loved to go and stay there.

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She said they were very willing to allow us to stay as long as we’d like. I was

excited and started talking with Michael and my kids about arranging for the trip

to Toquerville.

I called you—then I thought how wonderful it would be to include others. I called

Toni, Rosie, Kathy. and Connie to see if they like to go. Jenny and Julie thought it

would be a great family outing. John was off working selling pest control and was

unable to join us. We discovered that Eric, Julie’s husband had roots in that part

of Utah as well.

You and Dad came from Idaho. It was a chance for you to see Jaden who was just

5 months old and Jaycee and Houston were just little. We loaded up and left for

Touqerville

on

Memorial

Day

weekend

2001.

I

remember

well the

day we

reached

Toquerville

and were

met by

Annaley’s

daughter.

We unloaded luggage from the cars and went inside the Big House. There was a

nice modern kitchen on the left hand side of the entrance way.

The sun was coming in the windows over the sink, and all seemed nice and clean

and everyone brought their luggage in and looked around.

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It was determined that everyone would

stay upstairs except me. That’s where all

the beds were. Because of my wheelchair,

I slept in a downstairs study by myself.

Little Houston was really into to spoons at

the time and loved carrying them around

where ever we went.

Jaycee was excited and curious and loved

going up and down the stairs inside the

house. I remember hearing her giggling

upstairs as her parents were trying to put

her to bed one night.

What a blessing it was to be together,

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experiencing the blessing of family, and

family history together. I loved it.

The kitchen was homey and nice. We

spent time together there eating and

preparing homemade meals together.

Before our trip began, I’d contacted

Cherrie Naegle, who had been working

on the John C. Naegle History. She was

doing it for her husband, trying to find

other Naegle’s in the area in hopes of

having a Naegle Reunion of sorts.

We created somewhat of an open

house where others could come inside

of the “Big House” and visit.

Our plans were to go to the cemetery,

and we discovered they were having a special memorial for John Conrad Naegle

on Memorial Day. John had been buried in Mexico, but a headstone was being

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placed in the Toquerville cemetery in his memory. We all got flowers and

attended an early morning ceremony at the cemetery. I can still see little Jaycee

crouching down beside the headstone memorial that had been placed there for

John C. Naegle her great, great, great grandfather and the one for her great,

great, great, grandmother, Rosanna Zimmerman Naegle

Do you remember singing the

“Naegle family song” while

Michael played it on his guitar

and Cherrie Naegle taught it

to all of us as we sat in the

large sitting room inside The

Big House. A good time was

had by all.

You, Dad and Michael and I

took a day to visit your

brother Tony and his wife.

They were unable to come to

visit at the big house while we

were there.

So it was decided that we would

visit him. Rosie met us there and

we had a good visit, and I

learned more about your family,

and some of your experiences

growing up. Then Tony and

Janette invited us to have lunch

with them, so we gathered

together in the dining room and

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had a fun lunch together.

I’m so grateful for all those memories we had being together, and the chance I’ve

had of meeting and getting to know members of your family.

And I was grateful that angels were nearby helping, as desires were expressed to

connect family and visit a historical building associated with your ancestors, and

share a part of the Naegle family history with our children and grandchildren.

Truly we were blessed to have this once in a life time experience together. Thank

you for sharing your passion for ancestors, and the things that you treasured and

shared about their lives with us.

As Alex Haley wrote, “In every conceivable manner, the family is link to our past,

bridge to our future.”

I think we both could agree with Brad Henry when he wrote, “Families are the

compass that guides us. They are the inspiration to reach great heights, and our

comfort when we occasionally falter.”

Thank you for your love and influence in my life. What a blessing to have you in all

our lives! Happy 90th!

Love,

Suzanne

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A Grandmother

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Grandma, Grandpa Hansen, and Jenny in 1985 in Yellowstone Park,

during a Hansen family Reunion.

Dear Grandma

My memories of you

include many things like

your delicious rainbow

Jell-O and of course

snickerdoodle cookies,

attending the Idaho Falls

temple, and of course

writing letters to each

other.

And of course when you

sang "he that has clean

hands and a pure heart"

in a silly voice with hands

clasped in at your chest.

None of us knew those

lyrics came from Psalms

24:4: He that hath clean hands and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul

unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.”

You told us that you wanted

to give us something to

remember about you. We

sure have!

Your cute laugh, the color

purple, pansies! And the

kits that you sent my boys

to do an impression of their

hand with.

You like being called

Granny, and I know you love me--and I love you! Love, Jenny

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February 12, 2014

Dear Grandma I have a couple of great memories of you Grandma. One was meeting you for the first time when Jenny and I visited. It was about a month before we were married (March 1999) and you were so nice. You fed us and talked with us. Also remember visiting Grandma and Grandpa at Fair Winds, May 31st 2009. We visited in their apartment, went to eat lunch together in the cafeteria, and

watched you and Grandpa Play Wii bowling. I was shocked that they were so good at that game!

Happy Birthday!

Love, Steve

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Dear Grandma,

As I think back and remember

the times with we’ve had

together of course I think of

“Birthdays”!

Why? Because we shared so

many wonderful birthday

celebration together, that’s

why it comes to mind, and

with the best cake you

can ever sink your teeth

into, are at the top of the

list!

Summer fun together…

like the times when I

came to visit you.

You were great to always have plans for

the summer, beginning swimming

lessons, going to the sand dunes, and

then you’d take us to hi C swimming

park. Happy Birthday.

Love, Eric

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Dear Grandma

One thing I loved about you

is that beautiful laugh of

yours. When I or anyone else

would tease, you’d really get

rolling. You’d cover your

mouth with your tiny hand to

almost quell the laugher

coming out.

During the time when I was

attending

Ricks College,

I was blessed

with the

awesome

opportunity

to save a bit

of money and

commute to

Ricks and

work in Idaho

Falls. I

enjoyed

bringing friends over to meet you and you’d always comment on the females that

would come by and judge them protectively. Thanks for all your support while

growing up. I want to make you proud!

I love you Grandma, John

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Dear Granny,

Thinking back I

remember a funny story

about the stove! Eric was

up for a quick visit. It

wasn't shortly after you

had purchased that

stove. Making small talk,

Eric said, "Nice stove." or

something to that affect.

Right after he said that,

the oven door shattered! Really kind of funny!

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Being warm and accepting is one of Granny’s qualities. She and Will even have

special handshake, to show it!

Pictures….Who on earth would have even guessed it.

Memories, Memories and More Memories…..

“This was the funniest photo shoot! It just

wasn't meant to be that night! For starters,

Kailee had something crop up last minute and

she wasn't able to make it. Our photographer

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was late and that never happens.

She is always waiting on us! But we decided to try to get some pictures anyway.

We took a few, but then there is this sound...one you don't want to hear when

you are in the middle of an outdoor photo shoot. The sprinklers!!! It was chaos.

Will helped Papa off of the uneven ground while Korrey pushed Granny in her

chair! Our photographer ran from the water but then turned and snapped

pictures which I love!

Those are perfect pictures! Granny was howling with laughter and of course that

made us all laugh harder! I love the picture she got of Colby. Poor kiddo was left

out there to fend for himself! It was great! We called it a night and tried again the

next day! Great memories!

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I am not sure I can pick just one favorite memory! I will forever be thankful to all

the things Grandma/Granny has taught me. A lot of the things she taught me as a

kid, I teach my own children. I love how Granny is quick to share a story.

It is always fun to hear about her past. As a kid, I never remember her sitting

down! I am sure she did at some point but I remember her always busy...and

humming while she worked!

Korrey asked me if I remember playing the game 7up with her, and I certainly do.

She loved that game.

Love, Dawnie

PS. When I asked Will what his memory of Granny was he said he loved her laugh!

It's contagious; you can't help but laugh with her!

Will scaring Granny with a mask on….

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Grandma,

Happy Birthday! I love you and hope that you are doing well. I am so

grateful for you, your love, your example, and your strength. When I was young,

I couldn’t wait to come visit you home. You house was always neat and tidy;

anyone who walked into your home felt welcome and could feel the spirit. I

loved exploring your house and some of my favorite things was your recliner

chair, your pantry that always had gum on the lower shelves, your pencil drawer

with knick-knacks galore, your adding machine that we could pretend on for

hours, the sugar

bowl that was on

your table in the

morning for

breakfast cereal,

your magnet on

your dishwasher

that would show

dirty or clean, the

clock above your

television with a

fancy pendulum

that you couldn’t

take your eyes off,

the cross stitch

that Kathy made

that had undone

flowers, your beautiful room - decorated in white and purple and felt like walking

into a castle, the heater in your bathroom which was more scary when I was

younger, your giraffe measuring chart to see how much we grew since the last

visit, our own personal tooth brush in your hall closet because that is what we

always seemed to forget when we visited, your green thumb with all the

beautiful plants in your dining room, you could grow anything, your giraffe swing

that you so creatively invented, your organ which made us feel like a

professional players, your dining room table that wasn’t only for good meals, but

hours of fun when playing games, and your monopoly game which whenever I

came you and Rae-Dawn were always right in the middle of the playing. I could

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go on forever, but I can’t forget the beautiful glasses with carefully laid Jello that

delighted the eyes but also the taste buds. Even though all of things are

material, what made them special was YOU! Your touch, your creativity, your

love. You are what put the home into your house.

I admire your determination and courage, I have seen you overcome

many obstacles physically and you don’t let them stop you. I remember watching

you doing the dishes after your knee replacement resting your leg on an

ottoman, doing your physical therapy bands that were connected to the organ,

and working so hard so you could walk without a limp.

I am so grateful for you thoughtfulness how you remember dates, and

especially take the time to send birthday greetings and your generous 2-dollar

bills and occasionally a dollar bill shirt, which is incredibly put together. It says a

lot about you and how incredibly thoughtful you are.

One of my most cherished memories of you is when, (I know you are

going to say when you sang like that lady, which was also cherished but not as

much as this one.) you came to visit and we were traveling in our van. You

noticed that I had lost an eyelash. You carefully removed it from my cheek and

then place the lash between our thumbs. You told me to gently press and

whoever had the lash on their thumb would get a wish. When we moved our

thumbs the lash was nowhere to be found. Your giggle warmed my soul and

right there at the minute, I knew without a doubt you loved me with your whole

heart. You took a moment that was very special and I now take similar moments

with my children when there is an eyelash on the loose.

You are a darling, wonderful lady who I love so dearly. I am so grateful to

you and all that you have added to my life through your love, example and time.

You are precious to me.

Hope you have a wonderful birthday celebration,

Julie

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A Great Grandma, known as…

“Granny” “One memory that always sticks in my mind when I think of Granny is sitting out

front on the porch swing and playing the car game with her. We've played that

since I was just a little girl. It was always my favorite game.

Kailee Rae

Having a Great Grandmother means many things to many people… But to Kailee

and Korrey it means very special handshakes!

Korrey shared… ”My favorite memory of Granny has got to be all the times I spent

at their house. Especially when I got her to play Super Mario with me! Or when

we’d all play 7 up in the dining room!”

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From Suzanne: Not too many great grandkids get to ride a “giraffe”! But we did!

And it’s all

because

Granny came

up with the

idea… then

used her

imagination

and created

the very first

back yard

tame giraffe

pet! It was

the kind of

pet you could

ride.

All the great

grand’s love

it and

enjoyed

riding it!

Of course it

had stirrups

and rains,

because that

how you ride

a giraffe.

We’d all hold on and ride…all imagined different things, like riding in the Jungles

of South Africa. Or talked to their pet giraffe and they sat there. Thought the

sunshine and deep snow the Giraffe was a hit for all. Thank You for making life a

Joyous wonderful adventure… at your house …Granny

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Granny thank you for a lap to sit on, a tender hug, a loving embrace, and Love touch, fun stories

told, giggles, a hug a kiss, and always, yes, always a listening ear

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63

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When Jared came over we thought we’d make something from heart shapes. We

each took scissors and started cutting shapes. Jared first made a butterfly out of

elongated heart shapes. Then a spider… and when I mentioned your birthday was

coming and we worked on a flower picture together. When he saw how I dotted

the letters, Jared wanted to learn how to do that.

As you can see he signed his name using dotted letters.

--Suzanne

Jared getting out the Crayola’s ready to create something wonderful. He

loves to draw, paint, using his creative juices.

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3 Generations

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Granny, just look, how we keep on growing….and it all started when you and

Papa fell in love. We love you!

“Families are the compass that guides us. They are the inspiration to reach great

heights, and our comfort when we occasionally falter.”

Brad Henry