Grandma Charlotte

My Grandma Charlotte passed away last Thursday the 9th.  She was 87 years old.  Grandma was spunky, loving and a great cook.  I have such fond memories of Grandma and Grandpa.  Since they only lived 1 hour away we were able to visit often and they came to our 4-H events, school events, etc.  Grandma always took us shopping, which was so fun.  She helped pick out my prom dresses and even bought my jewelry for me.  Grandma was always trying to get us to eat more food. After a meal she would offer sandwiches just in case anyone was hungry.  She will be greatly missed as she was the glue that held the family together.  I was able to travel back to SD and Iowa for her visitation and funeral.  What a great time it was! I was able to see all my aunts and uncles, most cousins and their children.  The boys had a good time and were so happy to see Nana and Papa!  Even though it's sad to lose Grandma we were happy she was able to meet Jesus in heaven and were happy she did not have to suffer through a long illness.  My Grandma and Grandpa (who passed away in 1995) had 6 children.  Christmases were wild at Grandma and Grandpa's house in Sioux City.  The kids loved to play together on the 3rd floor and the adults liked to drink together. Just kidding. We would go on Christmas Eve every year and knew we would see everyone.  Some Christmases we were graced with extra pet dogs.  3 strange dogs in the house always created quite the ruckus.  Some years we all went out and looked at Christmas lights which turned into a laugh fest.  Some years the women had to call the bar for their husbands (I think this was pre-children.)  What was cool about Grandma is that she had twins too!  Her oldest daughters are Nan an Lyn, my aunts.  My Grandpa Bob, her husband, was also a twin.

 My mom, Bobette, Aunt Lynette (twin to Nan), Uncle John Held, Aunt Jill, Aunt Nanette (twin to Lyn) and Aunt Amy.  My Aunt Amy is not much older than my oldest cousin!

 Getting a large family ready can be quite the challenge!

 The entire Held family all the way down to great grandchildren.  What a treasure.  My 11 cousins are in this picture, too.  My sister and 1 cousin were not able to make it.  Actually one other cousin, his spouse and kids left before this picture was taken at the visitation.

Grandma Charlotte, myself, the boys and Mom in 2008.