Funeral for Grandpa Jones

The funeral service for Grandpa was beautiful! His daughters Sue & Kathy collected and shared memories from their siblings and grand-kids. They told stories of how Grandpa used to play tricks and pranks, even on Grandma! I leaned to Spence and whispered, "So that's where it started!" Dad was a prankster. Spencer still is. And Kaden has started being one too. :) ha ha! We learned a lot about him from those stories. 
Aunt Julie gave the euology and Ardeth Kapp gave the talk. (She was the YW General President of The Church from 1984 to 1992. I got to talk to her a bit after and thank her for the YW theme and YW Value program she and her counselors set forth) Her talk was wonderful. She knew Grandpa & Grandma when they served together in their senior couple mission to Canada. She talked about God's plan and about the reality of the Spirit World. She recalled a moment she'd had after her father had passed away. She said, "One day I was alone and thinking of my father. I asked aloud, "Dad, are you aware of what I'm doing?" Her father's voice came to her mind and said, "You have your privacy, but I am aware of the important things you are doing." She said how it comforted her. Her words stuck with me and answered my own question I've had. I have been aware my mom has been present watching over me, but I wondered how much and when. Sis. Kapp's experience answered that for me.
I know Grandpa will be watching over all of us, but that he will be spending much time keeping Grandma company. They are best friends, true loves, and help-meets. Their love and relationship is what Spencer and I aspire to have!

Spencer, his brother Daniel, and their cousins were the pall bearers. The grave side service was touching. A soldier from the National Guard presented Grandma with the customary flag and said “On behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Air Force and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one’s honorable and faithful service.” It was moving and so touching. I'm glad i got this photo. It was my favorite one of the day.

Grandpa's funeral was such a wonderful reunion! The luncheon was a nice way to catch up with all the family. Our kids loved playing with and getting to know more cousins. Kaden was having so much fun, we couldn't find him when we took the picture of us with Grandma (right as we were changing clothes to start our road trip home). :( But we got a good group shot at least! We are so blessed to be an eternal part of this Jones bunch. While taking the big group photo on stage, Grandma Raya said, "They're all mine!" :) And we are so happy we are. We love her and grandpa so much! We are forever grateful for all that they have done throughout their exemplary lives. Families can be together Forever! I know ours will be as we follow God's plan for us.