My mom passed away recently. She was 99. This past weekend the family gathered for the celebration of life service. Our time together was filled with laughter, tears, and celebration. Mostly we were happy that she is now with so many who passed before her. Of course, grief is leaky, as my friend Jeff says. I’m sure there will be more tears to come.
Mom was a remarkable person. Her faith was profound because it was centered on love and thankfulness. At the bottom of this post is a link to something I wrote about her years ago, and it still resonates as deeply true.
Mom was born in the coal mining town of Lutie, Oklahoma. Her childhood revolved around the mine and all the people living in the small town. Her father was a mine foreman, and her mother was involved in the community, especially the church. She was the youngest of six – one boy and five girls.
At 18, as World War II broke out, she moved to California to live with her closest sister and brother in law. Her brother in law had a handsome younger brother, and mom married him (Ernie Goble) shortly after. He shipped out to war and officers school while she worked in the nearby factories. Thus she was a “Rosie” before the term was popularized.
After the war they settled in Northern California and started building a family. Geoff, Adria, and Marilyn were all born in quick succession, followed 9-years later by me. Mom would often help with the family business or take odd jobs for extra income, but being a loving mother was always her first priority. Later she poured the same love into her sixteen grandchildren and great grandchildren.
An avid reader, gardener, bird watcher, and traveler, Mom was a lifelong learner. She loved a good story, a clean joke, and long conversations. Her home was filled with mementos from around the world and she was well known for her beautiful collection of tea cups and nativity scenes. Mom’s cinnamon rolls were famous, as were her popcorn balls.
Her faith in Christ was at the center of her life. She was raised in the Baptist Church and joined the local church wherever she lived. Mom joined missions trips to Brazil, Costa Rica, Australia, Belgium, and other places around the world. Later in life she joined the Salvation Army and was an area volunteer. Over the years she led hundreds of bible studies and offered advice, insight, and love to thousands of people.
Below is a short photo memory of my mom, created by my son Jedd:
If you’d like to read more about mom, I suggest this post from 13-years ago.