~ 0UR MOM ~    ~ OLIVE M. LUTZ ~  click to hear music   October 7, 1909   *   *  January 21, 2000   GOING HOME Please don’t mourn because she’s gone for she goes to her reward.              Which for many years she’s worked for, and her steps have pointed toward. Just remember what she stood for and what she meant to everyone. Her life no longer bro’t her joy, her earthly race was run Just remember all the things she did and her little words of cheer. Her ready smile, her graciousness to those that she held dear. She was a mom in every sense, that we can all be proud we had, For many years she had that role without the help of dad. Her life was never one of ease,  she worked hard every day She kept us fed and clothed and not the easy way.         She carried coal and kept the fires.    She  swept  her  floors with a broom. She cooked and canned on an old coal stove.  in a  90  degree room. She always fixed us breakfast before we went   off to school. “Behave Your-self” she told us, that was a standing rule. We knew if we got in trouble, just what awaited us. It wouldn’t be too pleasant when we got off the bus! She was a mom who was always there, when we came in the door.                           “Did you see any real old people?  She’d say , “And don’t throw your coat on the floor” “Don’t take any wooden nickels”, (if you know what I mean) “Don’t be hasty”, ” keep your shirt on   and  “ keep your noses clean” “Pretty is as pretty does”, she’d say when we despair.               If our dress was not just what we liked,  or we fussed too much with our hair.  You boys had better bring in wood and you girls should set the table. “ If a jobs worth doing, do it well” and  “ so do it while your able.    Each week she baked delicious bread and rolls, we couldn’t wait to eat. When they came out of the oven, they were a favorite treat. She made the best fried chicken, her lemon pie was great. Her roast beef” melted in your mouth”. It was the best I ever ate. She planted a great big garden so her family would be fed. She canned and froze the stuff she grew for the winter that was ahead. Her hands were never idle even when she sat to rest She was writing a letter to someone, and her letters were the best.    They were full of news of family and what was happening out her way. And her thoughts, about some scripture, that appealed to her that day. She tried to teach us how to live and if things turned out wrong. She didn’t offer sympathy, “you have to cope and then go on”.             She meant something special to each one, she had friends from far and near.             Her children, grandchildren great  &    great ~great ~were to her very dear. She sent cards for each birthday and for every wedding date. As long as she was able,  and they were never late. Today we say our last good-bye, from her earthly body we must part. Through whatever time we have left, she’ll live with in our heart.   Written by; J. Gray 1/23/2000      It is with great pleasure I add this tribute to My Aunt Olive She was my mother's oldest sister. click on the bluebird to get                            back to my homepage