Grandma Elaine

My Grandma Elaine passed away peacefully at my parents home last Sunday morning, September 12, 2010. Just a day after my birthday. She has had Alzheimer's and for the last 5 years she has been living with my parents.

How truly blessed I am to have known this great woman. I have many fond memories of her. I loved how she made macaroni and cheese, our late night runs to Harmons to get gallons of ice cream, powdered milk (she never bought regular milk), the farm, picking strawberries, mixing orange & cherry kool-aid, the letters she wrote to me when I was young, I could go on. She will be dearly missed, but what a wonderful reunion she must be having on the other side.

Mary Elaine Wheatley Bawden, Brigham City. Mary Elaine Wheatley Bawden peacefully left this life on Sunday, September 12, 2010, at the home of her oldest son, Orin H. Bawden, in Brigham City, Utah.Born just 10 miles north in Honeyville, Utah, to George Harold Wheatley and Dagmar Carolyn Jensen Wheatley on February 4, 1923, raised on a dairy farm and worked hard in the field crops, too. Known as Elaine, she lived her married life in Granger, Utah (now West Valley). While serving in the Women's Army Corps (WAC) in World War II at San Antonio, TX, she met and later married a Utah boy, Henry Helm Bawden. Married in the Logan Temple on June 8, 1949, together they forged a wonderful partnership while having seven children. Their second, Henry Lane Bawden, died shortly after birth. Served in the PTA, as a substitute teacher and active in the LDS faith as a teacher and leader. She was a sower of seeds and a sewer of clothes. She quilted, crocheted afghans, baked bread and cookies, and made a great stew, She instilled a love of music, books, poetry and art in all of us. And she loved the grandchildren. Survived by her six children: Orin H. Bawden (Dixie), Brigham City, UT; Lawrence W. Bawden (Donna), Kearns, UT; C. Dagmar Bawden Becerril (Sergio), Magna, UT; Marilane W. Bawden, Wendover, UT; Robin W. Bawden (Wendi), Riverton, UT; Peggy P. Harnish (Jay), Cheyenne, WY; 25 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren. Living siblings: Janet A. Marsh (Phillip); Gwendolyn D. Burnett (Floyd); Daniel M. Wheatley (LaNae); Peggy M. Nelson (Rodney). Preceded in death by her husband Henry, her son, Henry Lane; great-grandchild, Jordan; by her parents; and two brothers, George and Theron. Services will be held on Friday, September 17, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. in the Brigham 3rd Ward Chapel, 203 North 200 West. A viewing will be held on Thursday at Gillies Funeral Chapel, 634 East 200 South, Brigham City, from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Friday at the church from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. Interment will be in the Elysian Burials Gardens in Salt Lake City where military honors will be accorded at approx. 2:00 p.m. email condolences to the family at http://www.gilliesfuneralchapel.com/

On Friday we had the opportunity to attend my grandma's funeral services. We had the viewing and funeral at the Brigham City 3rd ward chapel. The funeral was so nice. Some of my dad's siblings spoke and I along with some of my sisters and cousins got to sing. We sang "When Joseph Went to Bethlehem" and "Where Love Is". They were some of my grandma's favorite songs.

After the funeral we had the family luncheon and then we traveled to Murray for the graveside services.

My Grandma wore Army Boots. Literally!! She was a WAC (women's army corp) in World War II. She was an x-ray technician. She was very proud of that, and we were proud of her. So for the funeral services the American Legion, along with my brother in law Kole (who is active military) did the ceremony.

The flag ceremony and final salute where amazing. I bawled when they played taps. It was so wonderful that they payed tribute to my grandma this way. She would have loved it.

They fire 3 rounds as a final salute.

Kole presenting the flag to my dad.

After they gave my dad the flag the military gave the family a little speech.

Tabi, Trinity, Kole, Paige, Brock, & MaKady

Me, My Aunt Peggy, & cousin Alisa (I haven't seen them in a very long time)

Kole & Tabi

Ava, Julie, Hannah, Brittney, Paige

William & Katie

Wendy, Jake, & Robin (my dad's youngest brother)

Jay, Peggy, Tricia, Alisa, & Curtis (Peggy is my dad's youngest sister)

Watching as they lower the casket.

Tori