Olive Rinehart

I was saddened and surprised to receive the news yesterday that my Grandma had passed away. It has been nearly three years since I've seen her, and was planning a trip out to Utah with my family this summer to visit her. Although I regret that we weren't able to have one more visit with Grandma on earth, I can rejoice knowing that she is with the Lord now- which is better by far.
My Grandma lived an amazing 95 years. Most of her life was spent on a farm in Ohio, but more of my memories with her took place in a small yellow mobile home with a black mailbox out front. My Grandparents spent the winters in Palm Desert, California allowing us to develop a close relationship with them.

Here are some of my memories of Grandma:
- never hearing her say "no" to anything, it was always "yes" or "maybe so" (this is a great Grandparent quality!)
- her impeccable memory, recalling detailed events fifty years back
- her deep love for America, history and literature
- the hearty appetite that allowed her to eat a 12 oz steak in one sitting
- the fierce love she felt for her grandkids, in her eyes we could do no wrong
- gumdrop cookies and jello fruit salad
- birthday cards with every other word underlined for emphasis
- the fearless way she drove her giant black Lincoln Continental around town
- visiting during college and being treated to 3 meals out in 12 hours
- talking til late at night about history and politics
- the way should could name every flower and tree we passed and took delight in their blossoms as if they were old friends
- the wrinkles that formed around her eyes as she laughed
- slide shows in the living room, I could probably narrate them myself
- watching Grandma play hymns in the tiny country Scrogsfield church
- hearing "oh, hi honey" come through the phone
- insisting that others take the best and putting herself last
- being given the nickname "cuddle bug" and confirming (even recently) that I'm not too old to be "her cuddle bug"

I'm so glad that I was able to know my Grandma. Knowing her has helped me to know myself and my roots better. I'm proud to be related to such an amazing woman and hope to be like her in many ways. She was hard working, self- sacrificing, loving always, and quick to smile and laugh. I will miss her deeply, but am happy she is home.