This post will be lengthy--not because a funeral is especially long--but because of the people that were there and the time we spent together.
My Grandma Gay Banner Allred passed away in February of 2019. She had been fading physically but mostly mentally for the past several years and finally decided she had enough of this life. She passed on with her husband Richard at her side. I can only imagine the reception she had as she passed through the veil to be greeted by her three sons, all of whom proceeded her in death. While that reunion was surely joyful to behold, her departure from this life was hard on everyone.
Valerie and I boarded a plane on February 24th to join the Allred family in Utah to celebrate Grandma's life, leaving George to man the house and the five other kids.
We landed and met up with Aunt Linda, Jason, and my mom. We were able to spend some time together before heading to Logan for Grandma's viewing.
Facetime with Lexi. Poor girl is attached at the hip these days.
We made it to Logan and to the funeral home where we were able to pay our respects to Grandma along with so many of our extended family and many many of Grandma's friends.
Chad flew in from California!
Allred cousins
Benjamin and his family
Nathan and his family with me and Valerie
Mom was amazing. She had been in Utah for a couple weeks helping Grandpa while Grandma was about to pass. She was exhausted, but someone managed to be the pillar of strength for Grandpa.
Glenn is such a good man. He has always been positive about Dad and has developed a beautiful relationship with Grandpa over the years. They truly love each other.
My beautiful Grandma.
Aunt Dorene with some grandbabies
The next day, we held the funeral at their local church building. Amy, Stephen, Laura and Tyler flew in to be there. It was neat being in that room with Grandma surrounded by her posterity.
We each took our turns talking to Grandma and telling her we love her.
Until we meet again...
One last good-bye
The funeral was a simple and beautiful affair, well attended by the many friends Grandma and Grandpa made while living in Logan. I loved being surrounded by their love and feeling how much Grandma meant to everyone. To be reminded of how funny and sharp she was, so kind and calm. I miss her.
All of Grandma's grandsons were her poll bearers: Chad, Benjamin, Caleb, Nathan, Stephen, Jason, Thomas, and James.
The whole group!
We were treated to a wonderful luncheon by the Relief Society.
It was so good to see all the family. Growing up, we didn't get to see our Allred cousins very much since we lived on opposite sides of the country. I missed them and wish we could have lived closer.
Afterwards, we drove up the canyon with Laura and Tyler to see Bear Lake. Look at all that snow! It was crazy cold and windy.
That evening I soaked in as much time with Grandpa as I possibly could. Valerie and I were flying home very early the next morning and I don't know when I'll see Grandpa again.
Our plane ride home was uneventful.
While Valerie and I were landing in Virginia, the rest of the family was driving to Burley, Idaho to lay Grandma to rest.
Thank you, Grandma, for being such a good example of faith, of love, and of hard work. You and Grandpa gave your lives to help others and to share the Gospel. I hope you are loving being with Kirk, David, and little Stan once again. Grandpa is patiently waiting his turn to be with his family, but we're not ready to give him up yet. Until we meet again, Grandma. I love you.
