Grandma Gene celebrated her birthday this month on the 22nd. Born in 1896 in Nounan, Idaho. She lived a full life until passing away in 1971. She was a great storyteller, crochet and knitter, quilt and dress maker, farmer's wife and more. Raising a family of seven children during the depression, she met challenges head on. Sending four sons to war wasn't easy, but she was proud of them and wrote often.
Not quite five feet tall, with a 5 EEE shoe size, she didn't let anyone take advantage of her. A braid wrapped into a bun on the back of her head, kept her three feet of hair tucked away. Only occasionally would she take it down for us to see. An apron was always protecting her dresses, which were all the same style. Sometimes her apron was the same fabric as her dress.
She set a goal to make a quilt for every grandchild that graduated from high school. She even asked our favorite colors to incorporate into it. I was lucky enough to receive this beautiful Texas Star quilt from her. It is one of my most cherished items. She had several quilt tops ready to be quilted for many more that graduated after her passing.
Even though Grandma had cataracts and very poor vision, she kept going. She suffered many other health issues, but between every good moment and speck of sight, she sacrificed to make a quilt for her beloved grand children. Thank you, Grandma. We love you forever!!
