Grandpa Bill had been struggling with bad health for the past month. Really you could say that he hadn't been in good health for years but he always seemed to bounce back, no matter how bad it got. I guess we all thought that would be the case this last round when he was hospitalized with a pretty bad kidney infection. He ended up in the hospital for almost two weeks and when they finally released him, he was very weak and unable to sit up without getting nauseous - worse off then when he checked in.
I knew I should call my grandparents when they got home from the hospital to see how they were doing but kept putting it off all week. Finally, on Sunday night, I got a hold of them. Grandma was upset to see Grandpa suffering so much. She planned to take him back to the doctor on Tuesday since he wasn't improving. I talked with my grandpa for a little while and tried to give him encouragement. He was just so miserable but he tried to hide it on the phone. He talked about what a good life he had had, of how proud he was of his beautiful grandkids and great-grandkids and how his only worry was for Grandma.
I was pretty upset after talking with them. I love them both so much and hated to see Grandpa suffering! The whole night I kept tossing and turning. I kept thinking about Grandpa - of needing to take the kids down to see him - maybe taking school off on Tuesday to do it.
Unfortunately we didn't get a chance because he passed away early the next morning. I haven't been the best about going down to visit my grandparents as regularly as I should. I am just so grateful I finally got around to calling the night before so that I could talk with Grandpa one last time.
I know that Grandma is really missing Grandpa but is happy to not see him in such pain anymore. I'm not sure how she will occupy her time since, for the last few decades, she has been dedicated to taking care of him.
It was really amazing to see the number of people who came to pay their respects to Grandpa. There were many who drove down from Salt Lake, Logan and even Idaho who have known my grandparents for years. It was nice to visit with them and hear their funny stories about Grandpa. He was really loved and will be missed by many.
The funeral service was very nice also. Shannon gave a beautiful eulogy, Dad spoke and two of Grandpa's good friends were asked to pay tribute. Brandt and Michael offered prayers at the service, the grandkids sang a song and I had the opportunity to play a musical number. I think it all turned out nicely - a real celebration of Grandpa's life and we were grateful to be able to give one last offering of love and respect to him.
I knew I should call my grandparents when they got home from the hospital to see how they were doing but kept putting it off all week. Finally, on Sunday night, I got a hold of them. Grandma was upset to see Grandpa suffering so much. She planned to take him back to the doctor on Tuesday since he wasn't improving. I talked with my grandpa for a little while and tried to give him encouragement. He was just so miserable but he tried to hide it on the phone. He talked about what a good life he had had, of how proud he was of his beautiful grandkids and great-grandkids and how his only worry was for Grandma.
I was pretty upset after talking with them. I love them both so much and hated to see Grandpa suffering! The whole night I kept tossing and turning. I kept thinking about Grandpa - of needing to take the kids down to see him - maybe taking school off on Tuesday to do it.
Unfortunately we didn't get a chance because he passed away early the next morning. I haven't been the best about going down to visit my grandparents as regularly as I should. I am just so grateful I finally got around to calling the night before so that I could talk with Grandpa one last time.
I know that Grandma is really missing Grandpa but is happy to not see him in such pain anymore. I'm not sure how she will occupy her time since, for the last few decades, she has been dedicated to taking care of him.
It was really amazing to see the number of people who came to pay their respects to Grandpa. There were many who drove down from Salt Lake, Logan and even Idaho who have known my grandparents for years. It was nice to visit with them and hear their funny stories about Grandpa. He was really loved and will be missed by many.
The funeral service was very nice also. Shannon gave a beautiful eulogy, Dad spoke and two of Grandpa's good friends were asked to pay tribute. Brandt and Michael offered prayers at the service, the grandkids sang a song and I had the opportunity to play a musical number. I think it all turned out nicely - a real celebration of Grandpa's life and we were grateful to be able to give one last offering of love and respect to him.
This was the obituary and photo. This is truly one of my very favorite photos. It shows Grandpa as I remember him growing up. He always had that charming smile and sparkle in his eyes. You could just tell he was about to tell a joke or say something funny.
We love and miss you, Grandpa!
William J Strong "Bill", 83, passed away on January 10, 2011 at his home in Ephraim. Bill was born on May 26, 1927 in Alpine, Utah to William Strong and Evelyn Remington Iverson Strong.
Bill was raised in Alpine and graduated from American Fork High School. After high School, Bill joined the Navy and served his country in World War II. Upon his return, Bill met his wife Ellen Christensen. They were married on November 24, 1948 in Alpine, Utah. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake LDS temple. Bill enrolled in the LDS business college and later worked for the Federal Government in the US Department of Agriculture.
Bill was an active member in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints where he served in many callings including: Scout Master, High Counselor, Bishop of the North Rose Park 11th Ward, and member of the North Rose Park Stake Presidency. He was a dedicated temple worker in the Salt Lake and Manti Temples for 20 years. Bill loved hunting, fishing and vacationing to Jackson Hole and Yellowstone.
Bill is survived by his wife, Ellen, Ephraim; son, John (Donna) Strong, Sandy, UT; four grandchildren, Natalie (Jay) Rudel, Brandt (Soupie) Strong, Shannon (Larry) Curtis, and Michael (Nicole) Strong; and nine great-grandchildren, Collin, Sydney, Carlee, Tayler, Dresden, Logan, Savannah, Cole and Creed. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Gale Leatherbury and Roxie Heisy, and brother Creed Strong.
2 comments:
I'm so glad that you had the chance to talk to Grandpa before he passed away. I wish I had made it down there one more time, too. He was loved and respected by so many people. I'm glad for all the time we did have with him.
I love this post. Thank you for writing it, it is another memorial for Grandpa that we will be able to always have. I too should write something but couldn't do such a wonderful job as you and Shannon have already done. We love you and your family and can't wait to see you all again soon.
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