Laura Lois Crowther Stratford

I think I have made it clear, through the years, of my admiration, love and devotion for my mother-in-law, Lois. She has been in my life for more than twice as long as she hasn't. I wrote a tribute to her in this blog entitled, Memorable Chit-Chat With Lois. You can click on it "here." 

    

In her last few months of life, her health failed with all of the issues incident of old age. 

Up through age 94, she was the Gold Standard for aging. 

I think, watching from Heaven, she was pleased with her send-off. Each of her loving children picked a quality of hers and spoke of treasured memories. Great-grandchildren played violins, accompanied on the piano by a granddaughter; a great-grandson (our grandson, Josh) played a piano solo, "How Great Thou Art;" and a great-granddaughter beautifully sang the song she requested, "Somewhere, My Love."

She was taken to the cemetery in an ornamental, horse-drawn hearse that is owned by her son-in-law, Glynn, and her daughter, Chyrrl.

Pink balloons, her favorite color, were released in her honor.

Oh, how her huge posterity will miss her! She was bigger than life to each person's life she touched, making him or her feel as if they were her favorite.

Lois with her brother, Lorin

Lois with her only sister, Florence

Goodness radiates from her sweet face!

Lois and Keith, Roger and I and Mom and Dad are at our Wedding Open House in Caldwell

Keith and Lois

One of our cousins all got sweatshirts alike Christmases

Stacy's plan worked!

Lois was famous for her handwork - crocheting, hand-quilting, needle-point, sewing and so much more!

She absolutely adored babies and each grandchild, great-grandchild and great-great felt her adoration and love. She is holding her namesake, Laura Claire.

Many wedding and baby showers through the years for the grandkids and the greats were held at her home.

Stacy invited Keith and Lois to a 49er game in San Francisco when Steve was playing for them and during his glory days. This pic was taken in Steve's apartment.

They accompanied us on a trip to Israel when I sang with the Kay Henninger Singers for Lex De Azevedo's, "Hosanna."

We enjoyed many family dinners together at our home in Ogden

Here are some of the Mother and Son pics through the years.

This was taken at her favorite place for lunch, Chuck-A-Rama, just a couple of week before she died.

Here are a few shots of me with my favorite MIL through the years.

Keith and Lois treated us to a Caribbean Cruise and after Keith died, Lois took us on three trips: a Church history trip back east to New York, Washington, D. C., Vermont and Ohio; a trip to Ko Olina, Hawaii and on an Alaskan cruise.

I have put in a few pics to represent our many family gatherings through the years.

Lois with our three daughters at my Dad's funeral

Grandma and Grandpa came to St. George to support the marathoners.

My daughters, daughter-in-laws and Roger's sisters, Susie and Chyrrl, with Lois.

Here is a sampling of occasions Roger and I were with this Grand Lady.

We shared oh, so many Christmases together.

And we always had a big party to celebrate Lois's birthdays.

This is our last lunch out together. We are at her other favorite place, Pizzaria.

I am eternally grateful that the Lord gave me this choice woman for my mother-in-law.