Rasmania 101: Grandma Rasband--Funeral

It seemed like a long week but there are good things about a funeral. #1 Elise was able to bring Beverly and come for a short visit, and #2 We had a wonderful reunion with our family--our immediate family, and also Nan's and Al's families. We are able to see Nan's family occasionally, but Elise commented that it had been 20 years since she'd seen some of Alan's kids.
During the week I spent time practicing the violin for one of the musical numbers for the funeral, and handled more water aerobics classes than usual.
On Thursday, we headed down to Provo for the viewing. All of my grand kids were there except Mav and Max who stayed in Texas, and Ori and Effie who stayed with her Pederson grandparents for the viewing, but were present at the funeral. It was a party for them because they not only had their cousins, but quite a few 2nd cousins to get acquainted with. It didn't take long for them to make friends and begin playing. Although they are little, they seemed to have some idea of what was going on and they all made efforts to comfort their great grandpa by climbing on his lap and giving him numerous hugs.
Doyeon was adamant she not look at grandma, but curiosity soon got the better of her and I saw her peering into the casket. She made several return trips after that.
The funeral started with Caitlyn and I playing the violin with Adrienne accompanying. We played, "Be Still My Soul."
Nan spoke first. She shared tender feelings and memories about her mother. We had a 2nd musical number with all the grandchildren and great grandchildren singing a primary medley. I worried a little bit about this number as it was my idea and there was no way to practice beforehand, but it worked out. Alan was the 2nd speaker. He also shared a few memories. Tyler Theobald sang "Going Home" and Roy was the concluding speaker (other than the bishop). He kept his talk brief, sharing a couple of memories and touching on the Plan of Salvation.

After the funeral we had a nice luncheon that the Relief Society of the Grandview Hill ward had provided, and then we went to Midway for the interment. We were blessed to have had the snow storm the previous day (and blessed that it wasn't as bad as expected), and blessed to have quite a beautiful drive. The only bad thing that happened was that Ruby really wanted to go with me and Roy, and who am I to turn down such a request. Unfortunately, no one thought to remember that Ruby gets car sick and she got sick in the canyon. Oh well, I've handled a lot worse before.

Following the interment, most everyone went over to Becky Theobald's home in Heber for hot chocolate and more socializing. It was a beautiful way to end the activities of the day.

I love watching the love the cousins have for each other.
Above: Effie, Ori, Ruby and Yuna.

Roy in the hall with family watching memories
of grandma that Tara and Becky put together.

Lots of Beverly time for all.

Just one of the many hugs given to grandpa Rasband
Ollie, in this case.

At the cemetery:

Hyeji and Ori

Jennie with Effie and Grandpa R. It was cold, but we were prepared and
there were a few blankets available. We stayed just long enough for the dedication
of the grave and for Tara to take pictures of the families.