My Grandma Merla Lee

My Grandma Mert passed away the morning of January 15, 2014. She had fallen a few days prior and had broken her hip, arm, and some ribs. I'm so sad to see her go. Although, she was in a lot of pain the last couple years so now she doesn't have to suffer anymore. 

She was really the best Grandma you could ask for. She had a passion and enthusiasm for life that I wish I could have more of. 

I remember playing card games with her and any other game for that matter. She always was the life of the party and was always ready to partake of any fun being had. 

I remember her cooking. She was the BEST cook. I will always remember her carrot cake, halibut chili, baked beans, fruit cake, and fish fries. Anytime you went over to her house, she would be sure to load you up with any yummy food she could find. I loved it when we had fish fries and she would make beer battered halibut fresh from Alaska with homemade tarter sauce. (My mouth is watering right now) 

I remember how she never missed a birthday or Christmas. She gave the best gifts. At Christmas, I will miss the box of fudge, chex mix, kitchen towels, fruit cake, and cheese balls.

I remember how she loved to garden. She always had a beautiful yard and a beautiful garden full of fresh vegetables. 

I remember going camping at Red Fish Lake in their motor home. She loved the outdoors. she was always fishing and boating. She taught us grandkids how to water ski and fish. 

I remember her yelling and cheering when we watched sports on tv. I remember how she never missed one of my sporting events even when they were out of town. AND I could usually hear her cheering in the crowd. 

I remember the chocolate marshmallow cookies she made when we would watch fireworks on her deck on the 4th of July.

I remember how grandma was a shopper and how she used to buy me clothes from garage sales that I didn't really like but would take them anyways. I remember how she always had the cutest outfits on. Even when I knew she didn't feel good, she would have her hair done and look so cute. 

I remember how she would make you feel like a million bucks when you would tell her exciting news. "Oh my goodness!! That is just WONDERFUL" she would often say. 

I remember when I was struggling to make a car payment when I was a poor college student. She called me up and said she had already gone to the bank and made my payment for me. Or when Cole and I moved to Boise and didn't have jobs and were struggling to make ends meet. They didn't really know that we were struggling, but she sent us a check for $200 just to help out. She always said: "Life has treated us well. Now it's our turn to help out". 

I remember her getting after grandpa to get something done constantly. I remember how much they loved each other. They were great examples of a good marriage. They were married for almost 70 years. They weren't always active in the church and were sealed in the temple later in life. 

I remember how it cracked me up and took me off guard when we were eating pizza one night and grandma said "man, an ice cold beer would be so good with this pizza right now".

Grandma loved life and she loved people. She made everyone she knew feel welcome. Looking back on memories of her life makes me want to be a better person. I need to be more passionate and be more loving to everyone around me. I will miss her dearly!! Even though Quinn probably won't remember, I'm glad she got to meet her. I love you so much Grandma Mert! I was so lucky to have you as my grandma.

Until we meet again!