Grandma Ouida May Matheson

On February 18th, our wonderful Grandma Ouida May Matheson died.  She hadn't been doing well for the past few years and then about a week before she died she had a stroke which made it difficult for her to communicate.  We were able to visit with her during that week on one of the days that she was more responsive and got to share smiles and hugs and a few words.  Grandma couldn't talk much but when she saw Camille she immediately started twirling her finger in a circle, closer and closer until it got to Camille's chin.  I believe the little rhyme that goes with that is "The bumble bee flies round the tree, Ka-zip, Ka-zip, Ka-zee."  Grandma always loved babies and that was one of the little games she'd win smiles with.

The evening of Friday the 17th, Alex had planned to spend some time with his brother Monte.  They ended up having dinner and then heading to see Grandma because she was doing poorly.  It was a sweet experience for Alex that he and Monte were the ones who got to be there with his Grandparents when Grandma died.

The following Saturday, February 25th was the funeral.  The night before, the Mulleneaux's had a family dinner at their place in Anthem.  It was fun to visit with out-of-state cousins -- including a couple that I hadn't met.  On Saturday we started with a little family-only service where Aaron & Stephanie Shumway sang one of Grandma's favorite songs "O Divine Redeemer".  Then there was the funeral, followed by a graveside service.  The ward provided a luncheon back at the church and we ended with the traditional talent show featuring many of Grandma's favorites including "In The Mood" (which I was asked to play impromptu & did not do justice to), poetry written by James Whitcomb Riley (which Grandma's family used to like quoting when she was a girl), Monte & his friends sang "If You Could Hie to Kolob", and we ended by dancing the Hokey Pokey, Virginia Reel & Put Your Little Foot Right Here.  We will miss you Grandma!

Here are some pictures of Mac & Ouida May Lofgreen Matheson through the years.

Dinner at the Mulleneaux's.  Maureen, Woody, Adam, Rod, Jean-Marc, Alex, Monte.

Camille at the graveside service.

Rod, Lauren, Norma, Jean-David, Bradley.

Grandpa invited all the grandkids & anyone else who wanted to place a flower on Grandma's grave.

Grandpa Mac Matheson giving his sweetheart a flower.