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Mother's 88th Birthday

July 23, 2012

On Mother's birthday and with great respect and love, Alee, Monica and I took her to her favorite restaurant, We ordered her favorite foods and celebrated her life.  We talked about how much we miss her but how lucky we were to have had her for 87 years. We laughed and we cried.  We know she would be glad that Tom was home from Afghanistan. We will always miss her and her great spirit. No one loves us like a mother does.  We miss that so much!  After lunch we took her for a ride like she used to love to do.  Mother always enjoyed seeing the crops in the fields,the pecan orchards,  the blue sky with white clouds and the beautiful mountains.  These things gave her peace as they do us. We love you mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. We know you are in heaven and at peace.

Her Birthday Weekend

July 22, 2012

It's bittersweet...Glad to know she lived 87 years with her family and friends beside her...but wish it could have been at least one more year...  I'm missing her a lot this weekend...just the way she said my name, I miss.  I love you Goose.

A Birthday Remembrance

July 21, 2012

Aunt Iva Mae is especially in my thoughts today. She would have been 88 years old. Wish she was here to hug and take to Kelly's Restaurant for a birthday lunch and buy her a piece of coconut cream pie which she enjoyed so much. That's what we did on her birthday last year. Byron has some special childhood memories of Aunt Iva too. She made the very best sand tarts. God's Blessings to all of the family and her friends as we remember her birthday today.

Love,   Janie and Byron (Scooter)    

Kimberly Hegwood

May 9, 2012
You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough."  - Mae West Richard, Friendly reminder: Sunday is Mother's Day. Do with this what you will :). I do hope you can make her (and the other mothers in your life) feel special this weekend. Or, if she is no longer with us--that the other mothers in your life felt blessed. Look, I normally dislike "Hallmark Holidays", but there really is something very beautiful and right about honoring mothers (and fathers too). They deserve more than a one-time, greeting-card-fueled day, of course ... but at least it is an excuse for all of us to open our eyes to the vital work of Mommyhood. Spring is funny sometimes, isn't it? It can heighten the sense that everything is bursting with newness and life ... or, well, it can sometimes make things feel worse. And I KNOW that our clients and friends face the same "junk" every season -- doubt, fear, worry. And finances can play such a big role there. (By the way--this is something that even the wealthiest among our clients *still* deal with.) Do not believe the hype that having more zeros in your bank balance eliminates all of your problems. Instead--pick up, pray, do what you need to do to dust off the detritus of fear and doubt ... and step into what you were made to do. That's my shot in the arm for you today, Richard. And while I have you, I wanted to encourage you to make the space to "step up your game!" It is something business owners are routinely encouraged to do ... but it works for families too. My family's lawyer.

Charlotte Barkmann

May 7, 2012
Sorry to read about Sammy’s Grandma.  My Daddy was a regular coffee drinker at their Drug Store back in the day.  He remembers Iva Mae and of course, Dick well.  He told me that Toke did some work for my Daddy’s cousin, Henry Williams, when Henry was building the Tall Timber Apartments.  I never connected Sammy to Dick Alexander.  I bet she has good stories to pass down. Please give her our condolences.

Ginger and Betty

May 7, 2012

Ginger Schettler

Shared by Sue Fries on 05/05/2012

Loved knowing your mother, Sue. She was quite a woman and so very special. We'll all miss her. I treasure the memories we share-----especially of these last several months.(ie. Wash, DC!) You and your family have been and will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Love to all, Ginger

Ginger and I have been friends for 30 years. I always tell her we are such close friends because we have a history! Ginger does more for other people than anyone else that I know! She exemplifies to me how God would want us to serve others and how to be there for them. God really blessed me when he gave me Ginger as a coworker and friend. She is a gift to anyone that knows her and so is Betty Champion. Betty and Ginger volunteered at Jardin de los Ninos with me. They were my decorators and that little thrift store was decorated as if it was done by professionals. Betty and I worked at Sierra Middle School together. She was the best librarian I have ever known. I use to love to visit her library to see what new decorations she had put in the shelves....for example she would put a medical skeleton in the section for science books about medicine, a ballet costume in the dance book section, and on and on. It was a library showplace and the kids loved it.
.Ginger surprised me and came to Tom's promotion ceremony in Arlington, She said that you don't get those invitations to a General's promotion every day and she wasn't going to miss it for the world...She has kept Alee during the school days so that Joe and I could go and help Tom when he was in Tucson. She taught me that you don't have to be invited to someone's home, just show up and be there and do what you can. She visited mother often bringing flowers and her genuine loving presence which  brought mother such joy. Mother loved her dearly. Ginger would drop by with a roasted chicken, french bread and truffles for Mother (white chocolate) once a week the last two weeks when mom was so ill. She would say that she was just walking through Walmart and thought we could use a meal since we were so tired. (She knew that we were getting up with Mother three times a night). Ginger would say,  " Just add a few veggies and you have a meal" She and Betty Champion also brought a delicious barbecue dinner one night for Joe and I. They called daily to see what they could do to help us. Betty gave me a foot and leg massage one day while we visited. She could tell how I felt and wanted to help me to be calm and relaxed. Both of them were so there when I needed them! Betty called the morning mother passed and came immediately to do what she could to help. I will never forget the lessons they taught me on how to be there for a friend. What a blessing they were to all of us. I thank God for them. My mother loved them too. She was grateful that I had such friends. I am forever grateful for these two sweet friends and the wonderful example they are, to me and to others, about how to do God's work.!.

Robin and Mac Snedden

May 5, 2012

Dear Sue,

We are sorry for the loss of  your mother.  You were such a blessing to her, truly a saint.  Every mother should have a daughter like you.  If I can be any help to you in the coming days or weeks, please call. I hope to see you soon. Take care of yourself.

Love, Robin   


Robin said that when she saw me in church the Sunday after mother passed that I looked more rested.  She complemented me on what I said to our church about my joy in my mother's passing was knowing that she was a Christian and that she had gone to a better place and that was Heaven. I thanked the ladies that made the prayer shawl and Nema (our Lay Minister) for taking it to mom in the hospital and for praying  with her.  Mom told Nema that she was ready to go. I thanked my church for all their prayers and their love and support to me and my family.  Robin said that I made her cry by what I said to everyone.  I was happy that I could do that so soon after mother passed. I asked Jan and Richard to pray for me that morning so that I could get up and speak and not break down to the point I couldn't talk.  I asked God for help too before I spoke.  The strength came from deep within me and I got through it.  God is so Good!    I am so grateful for the love of my church. .

Marilyn Rohner

May 5, 2012

Thank you for sharing your sweet Mom with me.  We had a special friendship.  I will miss her.  Know that I am thinking of you and praying that you find comfort in the beautiful memories that you have of her.

Love, Marilyn 

Marilyn's Haircare  

Mother and Marilyn were friends for many years! Mother and Toke went to Marilyn to have their hair fixed when Marilyn had her shop in her home. They loved Marilyn's kids too. Mother loved Marilyn like a daughter! When they would talk, mother always gave Marilyn advice as though she was her daughter. They had gone through a lot together over the years and their friendship was very special. Marilyn wanted to help my mother in any way that she could when she was ill.She did her hair many times when mom was in the nursing home in Webster. All of my family love Marilyn and appreciate the friend that she was to our mother!

Mary Curry

May 5, 2012

Dear Sue:
May the Lord shadow you under his wing this morning as you feel the heat of sorrow in your heart.  Yes, your mother was ready for heaven, but our hearts are never ready to release our mothers.  You have been such a faithful, loving daughter to your sweet mother.  She leaned heavily on your strength and compassion.  You thought you were serving her.  What you didn't realize was that you have been modeling for me the selfless love that pushes on when you think all strength is gone.  May God bless you for suffering for doing good,  I Peter 3:8-22.
My little mother is 85.  She is fighting to stay cheerful in her state of confusion.  It tears me up daily.  The good part is that she cant remember her suffering from moment to moment.
I am sending you this picture of zinnias, taken at the Botanical Garden in New Zealand.  Paul and I had a wonderful two weeks touring the country and hunting the red stag.
Love, Mary

Beverly Straughan

May 5, 2012

"Thinking of you as you honor your mother. 
You'll never forget your mother's face, the sound of her voice, the gentleness of her touch....they let you kinow you were loved.
You'll never forget the stories that she told the traditions she handed down...they let you know who you are. 
You'll never forget the lessons she taught, the things she stood for...they are her gift and your legacy.
You'll never forget, and you'll always know that you honor her every day in how you live and who you are."  


Sue, you and your family are in my prayers.  I enjoyed seeing your mother when she was able to attend church. Blessings and love, Beverly Straughan    

Charlotte and John Mathis

May 5, 2012

"I'm sure you'll miss her.  The very one who rocked you in the beginning needed you most in the end. You were there with your tender heart and your steadfast loyalty, doing the right thing exactly the way she would have hoped, exactly the way she taught you to do.  What a beautiful tribute to your other.  We are so sorry for your loss."

Dearest Sue and Joe, What can we say esxcept we love you both very much and we loved Iva so we share your loss.  You were a wonderful daughter and son-in-law.  I know how much Iva loved you and appreciated all the care you gave to her. Our love always!
Charlotte and John


Charlotte and John have been our friends for 30 years.  They are like our family. Charlotte would call almost daily to check on mother and us.  She was a huge support during the difficult time I was caring for mom near the end of her life.  She would listen to me and give me suggestions of things to try since she had been through so much of this with her mother.  John would always want to know how things were and give me a hug with his kind expression and put his head down and  that said "I care about you, Joe and Iva." . We spend most of our holidays with the John and Charlotte.John and Joe are old (many years) hunting buddies.  Charlotte has always rememberd mother at holidays and birthdays. She made chicken salad and Aunt Pealr's pie (which is one of Joe;s favorites) and brought them to us while we were still in sort of shock.  I also appreciated the sweet book of poems that she gave me.  Charlotte never sees anything new that she doesn't think of me.This woman has a great big, kind heart for eveyone.  Charlotte is my sister in so many ways.  We will always love each other very much.  I am thankful for both of  them.

Paula Whatley Spicher

May 5, 2012
For your family. Peace and Love are hers. http://youtu.be/556E2_S52i4 On the Other Side Video Dailey & Vincent Dailey & Vincent 1st music video from their 2nd Rounder recording, Brothers from Different Mothers, one entitled On The Other Side

Karen Masterson Warren

May 5, 2012
  Karen wrote: "Sue, i totally agree with Linda's eloquent words! My thoughts & prayers are with you! It's hard even if we know time is short!!!"

Linda Smiggen

May 5, 2012

    "My amazing and wonderful friend, Sue, I am so sorry about the loss of your mother. You were such an incredible caretaker and I know she appreciated everything you did. I am honored that I was able to know your mother and her strong religious beliefs, her courage and her spunkiness. What a beautiful and special little lady. I love all the stories and will never forget her. Thank you for sharing her with us."

Sue, this is just lovely. What a wonderful website for your mom; beautiful photos too. I miss that feisty little woman with a soft spot in her heart.  Love you, S.S.  

Linda is my stress sister.  We have quite a history. We taught together and I taught her only son, Scott, in the third grade.  Scott is married to Christine and they are expecting their first baby.  Linda took care of her companion, Eddie Chavez his last three years. During that three years he suffered a stroke, lost a son and had lipoma cancer.  Eddie had such a spirit and Joe and I tried to help them in any way that we could.  Mother loved Eddie too.   I saw how Linda gave so much of herself to help Eddie keep living.  As I would get tired from getting up with mom at night, I remembered Linda sleeping on the sofa so that she could hear Eddie during the night when he needed help.  She just inspired me to want to do for my mom as she did for him. Linda showed me how much of one's self  you give when you love someone.  While i was taking care of mom, Linda did so many things to help us.  She would bring mother flowers, make her chicken soup with everything cut up so small in it so Mom could swallow it.  She called daily and when she would call me from the grocery store to see if there was anything we needed.  Linda bought many cartons of yogurt for Mother and wouldn't let me pay a dime.  Linda also helped me in my spiritual life.  She is the reason I went back to my Methodist church instead of watching church on TV.  So we are church buddies too. She is Lutheran but she goes to our later service when she cannot attend hers.  Linda would call and ask if I wanted to go to church each Sunday and that's how we became church buddies.  Everyone needs a Linda in their life.  She loved my mother and showed mother her love in every way that she could.  I love my stress sister and always will. Her friendship is a true blessing to me.

 


Paula Whatley Spicher

May 5, 2012
    "Your love for your mom was so great and I know she is with you in spirit. People who do not experience your great friendship together don't know what they are misssing in life. You are the lucky one and she is with her Lord and Savior and she is better off than us. Prayers for both of you in your loss. You and Richard are strong because of your Mom and Dad's care for you and your upbringing. Alot of people do not have that. Love to you"

Christi Sides Roberts

May 5, 2012
"Richard, my sincere condolences and prayers for you on the loss of your mother. I looked through your pictures with her and your family and could tell that she was a very vibrant and beautiful woman! Bless you and Jan and the girls:)

Glenda Anderson Brown

May 4, 2012
"Sorry to hear of your mom s passing She was always so nice to me and our family. My sympathy to you and your family. I remember her potato soup! Sincerely , Glenda"

Bobby Anderson

May 3, 2012
Richard and Sue, I find it hard to find the words to express my feelings.  Your Mom was always a sweetheart to me.  She loved life and loved you dearly.  To me she was so loving and caring.  A second mother.  I know that each of you know where she is and probably feel she is better off with her heavenly father.  Each of you also know that it just a short time for your separation from her.  Being part of the body of Christ you will join her to live forever in peace and harmony and love.  Her physical absence involves a deep emptyness and pain within the heart, but the memories in the mind will live on and give you joy in her absence.  Remember her during her good days and the happiness and love she gave to you.  Remember her when she gave you the strength to continue on your life's journey when you thought it impossible. Love to you and your families and you will be in my prayers. May God Bless and comfort you. As Always, Bobby

Beth Diehl

May 3, 2012
Richard, We are so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. Rick was just telling me how he has great memories of your parents pharmacy. He says your mom was a beautiful woman!! May God continue to wrap His loving arms around all of you as you deal with this huge loss!!! We love you!!!! Beth

Loretta Theriot

May 3, 2012
Sorry to hear of Mrs. Alexander's passing. I worked for them at the Drugstore behind the soda fountain. God Bless the family. Yesterday at 9:40am · Like

Karen Sandberg Thomas

May 3, 2012
Iva, or Mrs. A as I remember her, was one of my grandmother 's best friends. My grandmother died several years ago. What I remember about the two of them is their gold shoes and hand bags, of course those were in at the time. Those two were such a pair. Iva even went to visit my grandmother in the nursing many times and they would make each other giggle like school girls. Sorry to hear of her passing as another generation is now gone

Cyndi Neugent DePalermo Cano

May 3, 2012
I did not know of her death...i just remember her as a little girl at the drugstore she always wore her hair up in a tight bun and always looked so nice and pretty and several years ago I saw her and she was still pretty and looked the same.

Joe Cortez

May 3, 2012
I worked at the pharmacy,mr alexander let me eat lunch and breakfast on credit,he took it from my ck. and at the end of the week,I owed him money

RICK DIEHL

May 3, 2012
I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR MOTHER. SHE WAS SUCH A SPECIAL LADY. I HAVE FOND MEMORIES OF HER AT THE DRUG STORE .  I KNOW THE SHE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED BY ALL. I AM SURE SHE IS HAVING A GREAT TIME RIGHT NOW WITH JESUS! AGAIN, SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.

A Gacious Lady

May 2, 2012

I was so sorry to hear of Iva's passing.  She was one of the extended Mothers (along with Mrs. Walding and Mrs. Doty) who was present in my growing up years and then later through her friendship with my Mother, in my adult years.  She was always so sweet to me when I spent the night with Dickie Sue and even on a trip I took with the Alexander family.  She was such a beautiful woman, and I didn't realize how much Dickie Sue favored her until I looked at the photo album.  I always appreciated her friendship to my mother, especially in their later years.  I'm so glad that Dickie Sue brought her to our last reunion so that we could all spend some time with her.  She lived a long and full life and will be missed by many.

Don't Duck cont.

May 2, 2012

The way that I remember that story is that we both were spanked because it took two to make a fight. I got it for throwing something at you and breaking the vase and you got it for ducking while fighting with me. Can you imagine kids being spanked?

Don't Duck

May 2, 2012
My Mother was not home and my sister and I were fighting. My sister picked up something and through at me. I ducked and missed me and broke one of Mother's hand painted antiques. Well of course, I thought she would be in trouble when Mother returned home. hehehe. But when Mother found it broke and that I had ducked so that it missed me. She wanted to know why I ducked and gave me a spanking. Sister won again!

Mona Lairscey

May 2, 2012
Richard, Royce and I were so sorry to hear about your mother. She lived a long and happy life and for that I am sure your are thankful; however I know that doesn't make this time any less difficult for you. I will keep you in my prayers. Love, Mona

Dave Gates

May 2, 2012
Dick and Iva Alexander were one of the truly handsome couples of the area...

Karen Sandberg Thomas

May 2, 2012
Iva, or Mrs. A as I remember her, was one of my grandmother 's best friends. My grandmother died several years ago. What I remember about the two of them is their gold shoes and hand bags, of course those were in at the time. Those two were such a pair. Iva even went to visit my grandmother in the nursing many times and they would make each other giggle like school girls. Sorry to hear of her passing as another generation is now gone.

Janie Tatum

May 1, 2012
What a wonderful tribute to your grandmother and my dear friend. I felt like she was my "Special Aunt" because of the bond we had and I loved her so much. I deeply miss her, as you do, but I have some very special memories of the good times we had that I truly cherish. She had such a good memory and sharp mind at her age. It always amazed me. You were blessed to have such a wonderful and caring grandmother. Byron grieves the passing of his Aunt Iva too. He said his visits, when he was a child, to Aunt Iva and the house on Pine Drive was one of his favorite places to go. One day we will all rejoice with her again. Our Sincere Sympathy to you and all the family. Love and Prayers, Janie

Paula Joyce Jameyson

May 1, 2012
Praying for a dear family, the Alexander Family. Richard Alexander's mother has passed on to take her place in the Kingdom of Heaven. Praying for the entire family and friends during this difficult time. May the Lord surround each one of you with His love and protection and give you peace to deal with your loss. Sending many hugs, lots of love and prayers to you Richard, Jan, Samy and Dona

Terry Anderson

May 1, 2012
Richard, I am sorry to hear of the loss of your mother (Granny Goose) as she was so fondly called. I regret I did not know her other than being friendly at a few family events, but I know she was a wonderful lady and her children and grandchildren are a testimony to that. Bless you and may you know the peace of God through the grace of Jesus....Terry"

My Goose

April 30, 2012

I have so many memories of Granny Goose, that I don't know where to begin. I always felt like I had a special bond with Granny..I think she had a knack for making all of the grandchildren feel that way.  I will miss her dearly.

Granny was always dressed to the nines, makeup done, hair up in a perfect bun, beautiful clothes with matching shoes and purses, jewelry and perfume.  You would rarely see her any other way.  In fact, in my life...I only saw Granny with her hair down one time.  She was standing at her dressing table in the old house on Pine Drive, brushing her long dark hair, then she quickly swept it up into the bun and pinned, pinned, pinned to make it stay perfect.  

She always cooked amazing food..For Sunday Dinners with the family she would cook huge prime rib roasts with homemade gravy, mashed potatoes, rice, fresh black eyed peas (that she would put on to cook at 5am), and plate full of sliced cucumbers and black olives and some sort of made from scratch dessert like Italian Creme Cake.  She also made some mean chicken 'n dumplins', smothered steak, and soup that we all asked for when we were sick....and that just a few of the wonderful things she cooked for us.  She love to feed us, and it shows..hahaha.

We had many family dinners, events and celebrations at Granny's house...and her house was always so beautiful with a perfectly set table with her china, silver and crystal.  Her beautiful little knickknacks perfectly placed all around her house.  As children we were afraid to touch anything, but oh how we loved to dig through all of her stuff when no one was looking.  We loved to put on her jewelry, scarfs, and other frilly stuff and pretend to be her.  We had annual Easter egg hunts in her yard at the house on Pine Drive where they hid plastic eggs stuffed with one dollar bills...and then there were the Legg's Pantyhose Eggs that were stuffed with bigger denominations.  I, being the youngest of the grandchildren, was often knocked down while trying to get the big egg...by mostly my sister, Samy.  I don't know why she knocked me over for it, Toke always divided up the money evenly when we were done.  haha.  I remember running in and out of her house all day long, and just like it was yesterday I can hear the "squeaaaaaaak-slap" noise that the porch door made each and every time we let it slam shut...and one of my favorite memories was me, Samy and Granny building a giant tee-pee back behind the garage. 

But most of all, I remember her making me feel very special and beautiful. She always told me she loved me, and I always told her, and she would say "I know you do, Dona.  I know you love me."  At least I'm at peace with the fact that I knew that she knew how much I loved her. 

I love you Goose.

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