Mom and Dad celebrate Mother's 87th birthday with Reta Jane and Antonia.

My dear neighbor Harriet has been such a wonderful friend at some of the most difficult times for me.  She too recently lost her amazing Mother Thelma, so we find ourselves sharing pictures, stories, and of course our pain and loss.  We also share hopefulness and joy knowing that our Mothers go before us on a new journey - and perhaps might even come to know each other now - and perhaps have a few stories of their own to share about their willful (but wonderful - as only a Mother's love can filter) daughters.  Thank you so much for your friendship and these lovely orchids.  They are so blessed - like you!

Mother's Obituary from Topeka Capital Journal.

*** In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a memorial donation to one of Mom and Dad's favorite shelters - "Prairie Paws Animal Shelter" in Ottawa, Kansas: http://prairiepaws.org/honoriam-memorials/ ***

Prairie Paws Animal Shelter Inc. is a rural no-kill shelter that has served Ottawa and the surrounding counties for over 60 years. In that time, they have cared for countless lost, abandoned, stray or surrendered animals and promoted adoptions.

In 2010, they moved into a brand new facility located at: 3173 HWY K68 Ottawa, KS 66067 to better serve the community and the animals they care for. Prairie Paws Animal Shelter Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit so your donations are tax-deductible.

Our family have been members of Faith Lutheran Church for over 45 years, and we are truly grateful and cherish the Faith community's love and support.  

Many thanks to Pastor Jacob "Jake" Wampfler for his ministry to our family during this difficult time.  Over the years, he has made the time to come out and see our Mother on numerous occasions, pray with her, make himself available to our family at a moments notice, and was by her bedside in her final days.  We are so grateful.  Our most sincere thanks to Pastor Jake!

Lu-Ann, Thank you so much for your support through both of my parents' illnesses. You are the most amazing manager I could ever have and I am forever grateful.  Thank you so much for your flowers.  They were lovely and so very appreciated!

Thank you so much for your support, prayers and amazingly kind words of condolence . Your flowers were very thoughtful and we are so deeply grateful.

A portrait of all of Oliver and Stella's children.

Mom and Dad's wedding announcement.

Siamese cats were Dad's favorite breed.  Siamese cats became our parent's constant companions through the years.  This is a picture of Dad's beloved feline companion, Mozart "Mo" Bishop.

Siamese cats were Dad's favorite breed.  Siamese cats became our parent's constant companions through the years.

Daughter Reta Jane and Dorain share quality coffee time with Father Francis. Lawrence, Ks.

Father Francis shares a story with Antonia.

Daughter-in-Law, Antonia "Toni" Bishop-Kirui. There is SO much that can be said about our family's angel Toni.  She meant the world to Mother Ruth and Father Francis in their elder years, and was their constant loving companion during their last years here on earth.  Much more a cherished daughter than a daughter-in-law,

 

The family that drinks coffee together - stays together!  Coffee Time at PT's Coffee shop, Topeka, Kansas

Faith Lutheran Church portrait of Mother Ruth and Father Francis

Stewart takes Mom and Dad on an amazing vacation through California.  Truly one of their favorite vacations ever.

Left:  Mother Ruth with Sister-in-Law Catherine.
Right:  Son Stewart and Father Francis.

Dad Francis, Mother Ruth and Son Stewart on vacation.

Estes Park, Colorado Crockett Family Reunion

Mom Ruth with Daughter Reta Jane

Crockett Family portrait.

Siblings Daughter Reta Jane and Son Stewart.

Mom Ruth, Daughter Reta Jane, Son Stewart and Father Francis.

Daughter Reta "Jane" Bishop came along in 1960.

Dad and Stewart plow their way through a typically snowy Kansas winter.

Pictures of mentors and dear family friends, Walter and Annie Schmidt.  They were pivotal in providing guidance to our family shortly after they moved to Topeka, Kansas.  They were life-long friends and members of St. John's Lutheran Church.

Family portrait, Father Francis, Mother Ruth and son, Stewart.

Picture of Stewart, Cousin Cindy (Aunt Arlene's daughter) and Father Francis.  Lawrence, Kansas.

Family life with baby Stewart.

Mom and Dad with their darling baby, Stewart.

Picture of Ruth and Francis, expecting their first child Stewart.

Early married life:  Mom and Dad camping in Colorado.  

Side note:  Prior to getting married, Mom spent many of her summers during college in Colorado with Aunt Vel.  They would ride the train to Denver, find an apartment and a job for the summer - and spend their time having such fun.  This was a very fond memory for her.

Early married life:  Mom and Dad camping in Colorado.  

Here are some Honey Moon pictures of Ruth and Francis.  They loved the Missouri lake region and spent their honeymoon in Lake of the Ozarks.

Some "casual" pictures from Ruth and Francis' wedding day.

Extended family portrait.

Mom and Dad get married in 1951.

Grandfrather Oliver, Grandmother Stella, Ruth, Francis, Sister-in-Law Catherine Bishop and Father-in-Law Frank Bishop.

Mom and Dad get married in 1951.

Picture of Ruth and Francis with friends - shown here on college steps, 1949/1950.

Here is a group picture Ruth and Francis with Mom's family out on the Crockett family farm in 1951.

Back Row:  Brother-in-Law Ralph, Sister Velma, Grandmother Stella, Ruth and Francis.
Front Row: Sister Arlene and Sister Nadine.

Here is a shot of Ruth and Francis attending Mom's elder brother Olen's wedding with his lovely bride, our Aunt Verlys.

L-R:  Mom Ruth, Dad Francis, Sister Velma, Sister-in-Law Verlys, Brother Olen, Grandmother Stella, Brother Robert "Bob", and Sister Arlene.

Mom and Dad had many fun times throughout college.  Here are a few pictures of them - so young and in love.

Dad cut a dashing figure.  Here he is back home in Canada with an elderly neighbor who clearly adored him.

Mom met a dashing young man named Francis while attending college.  Dad Francis was from Andover, New Brunswick, Canada and was brought down to Missouri by his elder brother Charles.  

It was practically love at first sight for her.  One of the stories that she told was being taken on a plane ride by Dad on their first date.  One of Dad's passions was flying, and he got his pilot’s license at a very young age.  

Pilot’s license

In college, Mom blossoms and makes many life-long friends.  This is a picture of Mom with her life-long friend Dortha Martin.

Central Missouri State University Marching Band with Mom as majorette.

Mom continued her illustrious twirling into college and lead the band as their high stepping majorette.