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Note: Eulogy: I’m Becky Pettet and I am honored to say I amDelores’s Grandchild. I would like share with you the story of Delores: Deloreswas born in Jordan, Minnesota on August 6,1921 one of nine children. Her family life was forever changed by the death ofher mother Julia Boeckman when was only 13. Delores and the older siblingshelped her father Henry raise the younger siblings. Delores had a love oflearning and attended St. Johns Catholic school. This love of learning carriedthroughout all her years and her greatest pleasure was reading the Sunday paper. She eventually moved to a home in St. Paul, where she did house work in exchange for roomand board. Delores learned how to rivet in World War II, and was proud of her work for northwest airlines. Orville and Delores met at a dance. Apparently shewasn’t put off by the fact that Orville would walk in to the dances backward sothey would think he was leaving and he wouldn’t have to pay admission. They married March 14, 1944 when Orville was on leave from the Army. They bought thefarm in Credit River, MN,They made a living farming and milking cows. They had 8 children, 6 boys and 2girls. The family grew to 28 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren. Allbecause Orville kissed Delores one night after a dance in 1942. When I think ofmy 93 year old grandmother I think of a quiet strength, and I think of all thethings that she has seen happen in this world. Most of all it’s an honor to stand before you all today and say she was grandmother. She was so much to somany people and she will be dearly missed. I would like to share with you anote I sent to my mom after she called me Monday morning with the news that Grandma had passed. So it's 6:02 am and I'm awake. I got the call half hour ago that grandma passed. It's a blessing. She was in a sorry stateyesterday. I'm happy forher because she is reunited with her husband, sisters,parents, and countless other people that have gone before her. She finally left that shell of a body and is free. But I'm still sad. Without her there would be know me, and how do you thank someone for such a precious gift? I guess living each day to it's fullest in gratitude is how I honor her and my other ancestors for giving me a chance at this life. It puts things in perspective as death often does. What matters and what doesn't. What matters is the people and animals I love and that love me. That's what we take with us, not houses, cars,material items. They are all here and stay here, but one takes a legacy with them and what could be more valuable than that? “In her later years we would talk to Delores on the phone and she would say: Well, I guess I don’t knowanything else? And that was our cue that the conversation was over. What Iwould like to leave you with is her famous quote that we as a family heard every time we visited, well, if I would have known you were coming I would have baked you a cake. As a family we would like to thank you for helping us celebrate Delores and her life.
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