This past month my grandpa Hodges became very ill. He had been living in a rehab facility trying to recover from a femur fracture when he developed pneumonia and just couldn't fight anymore. My aunt Tana called and told us that the end was near so my mom and I went to Rupert for the weekend to say our last goodbyes. My grandpa was a wonderful horseman and had his sense of humor till the very end. He woke up everyday asking for this hat (in the picture below) if it wasn't already on his head. He requested it specifically because there was a horse on it and I think he figured it was the closest thing he was getting to a cowboy hat while he was lying in bed. The day before grandpa passed away he was reaching for something while I was at his bedside... I said , "Grandpa, do you need some water?" in a quiet, yet ever so joking tone he said, "Naw.. Whiskey". I think I will always remember that about him! He always did his best to tell us that he loved us when we visited and even more then that, he always made us laugh.
Grandpa was very blessed to have all of his children there with him before he passed. My uncle Shane came from Rhode Island,and My aunt Sharrel from Wyoming to be there.
Steven and Randy were even able to stop in on there way home from drill weekend to say goodbye. They got stopped by a police officer for driving 105 miles an hour from Ogden, Utah to Burley to make it in time.
My grandpa passed away on March 11,2013 at the age of 94. I along with my cousin were able to be with grandpa as he passed. I'm so grateful for the time that I had with him and for the love that he showed, even when it was difficult. I will greatly miss him.
My grandpa was a courageous man who served in World War 2, he was badly wounded; shattering his pelvis and told that he would never walk again. He did however, he used to say that he walked into the army and he was walking out of it as well. It only seemed fitting to give him a full military honor guard at his funeral.
He loved these cowboy boots, they were his favorite!
21 Gun Salute
Steven presenting the flag to my Uncle Shane. He and my grandpa were the only ones to share the Navy connection so it seemed fitting for the flag to be given to him.
The veterans from the local VFW saluting the boys.
As part of the funeral procession Grandpa's saddle rode in the back of the truck, for one final ride.
We thought it would be nice to get a picture of the babies together.. We pulled up the little chairs and sat the boys down without a problem but Gemma didn't want to leave her mama! I love this picture of her jumping ship! Cracks me up!
Grandma and her children.
Grandma and her grandchildren.
Four generation picture!
The whole family
