Book of Memories for M. Edith Avery

Photo shared: An old photo

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:10:15 EST

Condolence From Terry Basye

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:43:25 EST

I am very sorry to have lost one of my favorite aunts. She was always kind to me and treated me with respect. Although I have not been close to her for several years, I will always keep her good memories in my heart. For my cousins and other family members I offer my sincere condolences.

Story shared: Mom is a winner

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:32:02 EST

I guess one of the first things I can remember about mom was when she had me tied to a chair with one of her stockings. I asked her about this one day recently and she said that we didnt have baby sitters back then, so this was her way of keeping me out of mischief while she worked around the house. She was so inventive and smart. I said one day that I couldn't remember being held when I was little. Mom said that with five of us kids and dad hurt so many times in the mines, she worked so much and didn't really have time to hold us kids very often or very long. But we know she loved us. I can remember her taking us kids and picking blackberries in the summertime. She then would make blackberry pies and jam. She canned many, many quarts of blackberries. As she got older she and dad finally got time to enjoy themselves and traveled with their travel trailer. They came out west to Colorado via the long way and really had a good time. She and dad went fishing in Canada quite a few times and I remember once when I took mom and had her gear fixed for bass. She caught several nice smallmouth bass and really yelled and hollered and enjoyed fighting the bass as they jumped and ran with the lure.I was glad to see her enjoy herself. When I was a teenager, I remember coming home from school and holding a flashlight and carrying a basket while she took frozen clothes off the line outside. She worked in a sewing factory and I worked part time in a filling station for forty cents an hour. I was glad that I was able to see her enjoy herself as she got older since she and dad both worked so hard in their early years. We love you mom. You helped all of kids become good citizens and hard workers. Your oldest son, Chas

Story shared: How Mom changed as I grew older

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:49:52 EST

As a teenager my Mom was the meanest in the world. I even thought that I must have been "adopted" or she wouldn't be "so mean" to me. After all she wouldn't let me do things that the other teenagers did. I probably didn't think she was very smart because she never went to High School. How that changed after I matured, had a family etc. I came to realize that her and Dad's discipline or "meaness" was to protect me. And how smart she suddenly became! She couldn't follow a crochet pattern from a book but she could look at "pineapple" doilies and crochet one just from that. She made clothing for us when we were children without a paper pattern from a store. She knew the names of so many flowers (not the names that we call them but the "scientific" names). It didn't matter how old I was, I still would call her for recipes or many other things. How I will miss her. But I know that I will join her and Dad someday. I love you, Mom.

Photo shared: Nanny and Pappy

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:47:56 EST

Visiting in Ohio

Condolence From Nyssa Kirkpatrick

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:42:55 EST

My Nanny was a strong woman, smart, hardworking, and with a sense of humor I grew to appreciate as I grew older. She made us good food to eat when we were with her and quilts that kept us warm and reminded us of her when we were apart. As a junior in American History, I was given the assignment of interviewing my grandparents, in order to make things like the Depression and WWII come alive by hearing about these times from family who had lived through them. I don’t think a school assignment ever ended up meaning so much to me. Memories of childhood and her early marriage deepened my understanding and appreciation for Nanny as a woman. She told of living through many hard times, raising and loving her family, persevering… I saw her piece crazy quilts with the scraps and bits of material that she was given, that others would discard, and I realized the life experience behind that quilting. That was what Nanny was good at – making something beautiful and useful out of what life had given her. Her example encourages me as I face challenges, and I many of her qualities living on in the daughters I know best, my mom and Aunt Lois. I love my Nanny. I miss her. I wish we had lived closer and had shared more times together. Many thanks to the family who lives close, who showed their love and care, especially in the last month.

Photo shared: Nanny's Birthday

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:00:13 EST

Nanny's birthday at Lois'

Photo shared: Four generations

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:53:44 EST

Four generations of the third child

Story shared: Memories with Nanny

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:10:12 EST

I was very lucky growing up that despite being an Army brat I was able to visit my great grandparents quite often. When I was 5 I went to Disney World with them and my Aunt Sis where I learned to ride a three wheeled bike. I know from people telling me that on this trip I was quite a little devil and wandered off in Disney World just like I was told not to, and got quite the slap for it (deserved). What I actually remember from this trip though is that Nanny fell down in a parking lot and cut her chin and had to be taken away in an ambulance. Everyone told me she would be alright, but even at that young age I knew that an ambulance was serious business and that old people weren't supposed to fall down, that was for kids. I remember being really scared she was going to die. But she didn't, she was absolutely fine and continued living and giving me memories for over 2 more decades. I will never forget what a wonderful cook she was, what a great quilter/crocheter she was, and how many precious skills she had that I wished I'd had more time to inherit from her. I will miss her dearly.

Condolence From Ned Kirkpatrick

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:10:36 EST

When I was a young boy Nanny knew how to put the "fear of God" into me when I broke one of her rules. This was necessary for a young boy who was very ornery and full of mischief. We were not fortunate to grow up close to Nanny and Pappy, but we were fortunate enough to go on many camping trips with them during the summers. There were some summers that we spent at their home and those trips were always fun as well. I remember Nanny cooking for us and I remember the quilts that she made that kept us warm in the winter. Going to Pinchot and fishing with Nanny and Pappy and spending time with our cousins was always a treat. Nanny was undoubtedly one of the hardest working women I have ever known. When we were camping she was always able to make do with whatever was at her disposal. She was a woman with an amazing inner strength and warmth as well. As I grew older, I realized what a kind woman she truly was and that her sometimes gruff exterior was only necessary to keep little boys out of trouble (including Pappy!). Our home today is filled with quilts that she has made for us and our children. They keep us warm at night and they will be cherished. I regret not having been able to make it back for Pappy's ceremony and I regret not having taken more time to visit them with my own children. I am thankful that those regrets are only temporary. I am looking forward to being reunited with them both in heaven. I have tried to imagine what it was like when Nanny and Pappy were reunited in heaven…my mind is unable to imagine what that must have been like. As Donny said they were pieces of a puzzle that fit together. Their lives touched the lives of many people and their children (including my mother Eileen or "Leenie") carry on their parents love for Jesus, their hard work ethic and an amazing inner strength. A strength and commitment that kept Lou and Edie married for 77 years. That alone is an amazing feat in today’s world. I am thankful that Nanny was able to spend time with her family and loved ones this past year after Pap died and that she was able to pass through death to her home in heaven with her daughter at her side. You will be missed Nanny and Pappy. I love you. Your Grandson, Ned

Condolence From nykki dunson

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:58:44 EST

Nanny was a very special lady. She sometimes seemed quiet or more severe than Pap when i was a child... but as I grew up, I realized that she also had quite a sense of humor. She never tried to compete with Pap who told lots of jokes and stories, but she quietly loved us all and took care of everyone, feeding us and making countless quilts and throws. As long as I can remember she was always working and seemed to have an amazing energy. I am so glad that she was in a real home and surrounded by love when she passed on. Being comforted by loved ones and having nurses to help ease her pain was the least that she deserved. A special thanks to Lois and Jake. We will all miss Nanny and she was dearly loved.

Condolence From Eileen Kirkpatrick

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:47:14 EST

One of the words to describe Mom would be RESOURCEFUL. She used everything at her disposal. She was extremely efficient and very hospitable...always providing coffee and food for her guests and family. She created beauty in her afghans and quilts which she made for children, grandchildren and countless others. The greatest compliment I could receive is being told - "you are just like your Mom". How we love her! She was a grand lady.

Condolence From Lois Avery Jacobs

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:47:12 EST

My dearest Mom. I loved and love her. She was so smart, so hardworking and so generous to others. Mom's flowers were always the prettiest. She taught us to work hard and lead an honest life. I will miss her every day. I know she is happy with Dad. Love from Lois

Condolence From Kim Kelly

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:49:58 EST

Terri and Family, My deepest sympathies are with you all at losing your family member that you loved so much. You will all be in my prayers.

Photo shared: Avery_001.jpg

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 21:55:42 EST