Grandma Noyes

My mom has always said "there is nothing more constant in life than change." But for my entire life thus far, one thing has not changed. I grew up in about 5 different places, I've had various family situations, (even a couple different husbands) but through it all the house at 323 N. 8th W. in Preston has always been my grandma and grandpa's house. It was my favorite place to be as a kid, and I was there every chance I could be (or at my cousins house next door). We spent almost every holiday there and my memories of the time I spent there are countless. My grandpa (who is truly one of my real life heroes) died 9 years ago, at the age of 92. Grandma had been living alone pretty much since then, and even though my mom spent every night out there, last October we decided it wasn't safe for her to stay there anymore and moved her to an assisted living home in Preston. It was sad to see things being given away and moved out of her house. I had a lump in my throat when Jay and I were hauling out the couches. It was sad and shocking to me when I went there with my mom once in November to get some things and felt the chill when I swung open the door to her house. I had never ever felt a chill like that in grandma and grandpa's house before. It was always filled with a warmth that was more than just heat.

At the end of January my grandma decided she was done living here on earth, and she refused to eat anymore. She rapidly declined and on February 4, 2011, passed peacefully away. I had decided since the death of my first husband that it wasn't sad when an old person died. I thought that you would be "ready" to say goodbye to them, like you had had enough of them and it was ok for them to die. I was praying that my grandma would die.....I knew her quality of life had greatly declined and she would be better off. Needless to say, since the time of her death, I have felt a profound loss.

She was everything you want your grandma to be. She was kind, she was funny, she was talented, she loved to celebrate, she took care of and accepted everyone, she made great food, and most of all, she loved me. I can still hear the way she said "hello Shaley" and I can still see her sitting in her chair reading her book. It is the end of an era for our family, and we all felt that deep loss at her funeral. When I think of the perfect life, I think of her and my grandpa. They came to earth, they worked hard, they raised a family, they lived the gospel, they stayed together, and they grew old and died. And if longevity can be inherited, I just might live forever. But nobody really lives on earth forever, that's not the way it's supposed to be. I realize what a blessing it has been in my life to have them as grandparents. I miss them more than I can say. And I know that I am one of the lucky ones to be a part of their great legacy. It's a legacy of determination, faith, and love.Grandma at her 94th birthday partymy mom and her sister, Marian, at the cemetary.
my cousin Daniel and Aunt ReneeMy brother, Jed, my mom, and nephew ColtenThe only "good" thing about her funeral was I got to see some of my cousins who live in Florida, and my Aunt who lives in Texas. My cousins Celeste & Stephanie, and Aunt Marian.
me and my cousin Jared.