GREAT Granny

What a wonderful life you led that 83 years will never be enough. It's amazing that two teenagers sneaking off to secretly marry would end up creating a huge family tree that laughs through the tears, that loves fiercely even in times of struggle, and that has defined family to go beyond biology and include those who come through marriage & adoption, all alike.  

I was blessed to spend 18.5 years as your granddaughter. I loved to tell people that I wasn't Mrs Beckstead, and neither was Sandra. That title belonged to you. My coworkers thought you were Brandon's mom, as you were way too young to be his grandma.

I know you prayed for me, years before we met, just like you spent years praying for our three beautiful blessings, who are old enough to remember the memories they made with Granny for the rest of their lives.

We are blessed beyond measure that you loved us, spent time with us, traveled with us, attended school functions, brought chocolate chip cookies to Saturday fight night, and more. Being a Beckstead means that bushels of people show up to support you and no one goes through life alone. You were so proud of your 4 children + spouses, 10 grandchildren + spouses, and 25 great-grandchildren (or is it a few more)?

Brando & I cherish the time we spent with you making memories househunting and twice buying, viewing close to 100 homes. 

I'll miss your warm hugs and kisses and the joy you found in loving all of us. Thank you for the gift of having another grandmother for almost two decades of my adult life. 

While we'll miss you fiercely, we find joy and peace knowing that you stepped into the loving arms of Jesus, who healed your pain, and reunited you with Pappy, your parents, and many more family members. As Pappy says in his last message to us, "See ya."