In Memory of Grandma

Today was the memorial service for my loving grandma, Jenny Belle Ashcraft. Asked to write out some memories, this is what I came up with. It's been a good day.

"Grandma"

Recollections abound. I’m sure you recall too.
These memories of grandma—I’ll share some with you:
Food is a memory not quickly forgotten
Pot Roast, mac-n-cheese, and corn kernels for poppin’.
Pickled pig’s feet, ham salad and limburger cheese
That one’s for grandpa—smells horrible, you see.
Coffee is best when it’s been percolated.
Water cup’s on the sink if you need rehydrated.
Cheese spread with pimentos and liver with onions.
Fiddle Faddle as well, along-side the Funions.
Neapolitan ice cream in mugs, just don’t drop it.
I want the strawberry—give Tyler the chocolate.
Dr. Pepper and root beer were things not to touch.
Most people enjoy them—JennyBelle—not so much.
Now on to the games and a few other things:
Yahtzee and books made from clipped magazines.
Green light signals go—run as fast as you can.
Try to stop when red’s called. Good luck with that, man.
Gin Rummy and puzzles, and time on the swing
Choosing cars on Decoursey was quite the big thing.
Picking up twigs and leaves out in front of the house.
Hearing stories of grandpa, who just trapped a mouse.
Gathering seashells while off on vacation.
She’d send me a postcard, I’d read with elation.
Her necklace with gold flakes through glass I could see
When sermons at church weren’t of interest to me.
Music was always a thing well displayed,
From guitars to pianos, which everyone played.
Time for bed—brush your teeth. When you flush, shake the handle.
Wash your hands, then come watch scary movies with vandals.
Try to sleep after that as you stare at the wall.
That makes eyes go buggy—worst wallpaper of all.
We’d walk to Latonia—with a stroller for miles.
By Bob’s Five and Ten, and we’d get lots of smiles.
She came out to visit California’s Pacific
When we moved way out there—our time was terrific.
There are things we all miss and it seems so unfair,
That we’re now without, while she parties up there.
But it won’t be too long ‘til again we all meet,
And walk, looking for treasures, on an upgraded street.

Obituary from Cincinnati Post:

TAYLOR MILL, KY - Jenny Belle Ashcraft, 81, died Monday, Feb. 23, at Rosedale Manor, Latonia.
She was a homemaker and member of Calvary Baptist Church.
Her husband, Thomas Jewell Ashcraft, died in 1991.Survivors include her daughters, Linda Williams of Kenton County and Roxiena Hanks of Ryland Heights; sisters, Roxiena Cook of South Bend, Ind. and Mary Pat Van Denplas of Rock Rapid, Iowa; six grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be 9-10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 27, with service following at Swindler & Currin Funeral Home, Latonia. Burial will be in Floral Hills Memorial Gardens, Taylor Mill.
Memorials: Calvary Baptist Church Mission Fund, 3711 Tibbatts St., Latonia, KY 41015; or Campers for Christ, P.O. Box 15038, Covington, KY 41015.