Mary Ruth Van Fliet, Mary Ruth Clark, Chub. Girl, Daughter, Sister, Woman, Wife, Mother, Grandmother: so many different facets. I stand amazed and in awe when I ponder how one small woman took on all these roles so effortlessly; refined. This woman we all honor today was my Grandma!
When I was little, I just expected Grandma to do it. She was somehow Super Human and able to do almost anything…well, maybe not dunk a Basketball like Grandpa. But man, she sure moved at lightning speed! She would “fly” up to Michigan with Grandpa on the speedy exhaust fumes of their Ford Taurus, take in a grade school performance or game and be back down to Garrett, crafting her magical applesauce, all within a few hours span. Who did things like this? GRANDMA.
She would tuck her 12 grandkids in at night but instead of going to sleep, they would be transported off to a far away mystical land of adventure, suspense and a bit of mystery. Who could do something so amazing? GRANDMA.
This woman could do it all! She birthed six children, was grandmother to 12, she was a master chef, could cross-stitch anything, “sing-up” a good old-fashioned lullaby, was basically a novice builder, electrician, plumber, etc. You name it, she could do it! Wait! She really was Super Human, IS Super Human. I just realized. If you’re Super Human then you live forever, right?! You’re indestructible; impenetrable. Here I thought my analogy to Wonder Woman was going to end. But it doesn’t, because Grandma was a lover of CHRIST and so she lives on right now. She transformed; morphed into something new. She’s GOD’s new creation, dancing on a cloud in Heaven. I can only imagine how awesome she is now! WOW!
Thank you, Grandma. Thank you for leaving this GODLY legacy behind. Look at the fruit’s of all your labors! I will miss you and anxiously await our meeting again on the other side. Until then… Corey
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Becky
There are so many memories of you, Grandma, I don’t know where to begin. Of course all of the grandchildren loved bedtime at the lake and your stories. I don’t know I ever heard an entire one through, but they were a highlight of the weekend. And then there were mornings at the lake: the wonderful scrambled eggs which could only be topped by a Tom’s donut. I also remember running back to the fridge in the store room and being the first to grab a coveted Faygo Red Pop. There were never enough of those and to be stuck with a lemon-lime was shame and disgrace, but the holder of the Red Pop was envied.
Probably my favorite memory of you involved the green boat. I don’t know why Lori and I were there when you and Grandpa put it in, but we were. Grandpa lowered the boat in from the ramp as Lori, you and I climbed in. Much to our dismay, the rope securing the boat to the ramp broke as he launched it, leaving him on shore. He waved to us as we floated into the channel. You looked at us and said, “Well, girls, I guess you’ll have to help me drive this.” I think I was six. Wow! I don’t know if you were humoring us or you really didn’t know, but we proceeded to give you instructions like, “First he pushes that thing down and we go forward and then he pushes it back and we go back…” all the way across the lake. I think he beat us back to the cottage, but we made it without a scratch…on us or the green boat.
No member of any crowd could mistake you as anything other than proud. Your cheers and coaching could be heard at performances, competitions, and contests. If we all had a #1 Fan award to give, Grandma, you would win it every time. You believed we could make foul shots and hit high notes when no one else did and you could coach better than any of the “experts” our schools could find. You weren’t afraid to say so either.
Your support didn’t end when the competitions ended, though. We all received care packages with individually wrapped cookies and brownies while at college and you babied us again when we came for visits, offering chili or egg salad, whatever you had just “whipped up.” Of course, none of us can mistake your pride in hearing about our latest accomplishment, promotion, raise, position, or project. And we’ve all seen the joy in your eyes at watching our children enjoy your applesauce just as we did when we were their age.
When I think of you, Grandma, that’s what strikes me most of all: your unconditional love and support for all things yours. It has shown in how you have tirelessly served all of us our entire lives. Consider the words of Proverbs 31 and think of your own life:
Proverbs 31:10-12 and 25-31
A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm all the days of her life.
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
No doubt your fingers were sore from all of the cross-stitching late into the night, but you have left us all with physical reminders of your love and devotion, selecting the right verse for each life, each adventure, each chapter we enter. There’s nothing I thought you couldn’t or wouldn’t do for me and you always spoke honestly and from your heart. You have used your life to bless and serve your family and we thank you.
Probably my favorite memory of you involved the green boat. I don’t know why Lori and I were there when you and Grandpa put it in, but we were. Grandpa lowered the boat in from the ramp as Lori, you and I climbed in. Much to our dismay, the rope securing the boat to the ramp broke as he launched it, leaving him on shore. He waved to us as we floated into the channel. You looked at us and said, “Well, girls, I guess you’ll have to help me drive this.” I think I was six. Wow! I don’t know if you were humoring us or you really didn’t know, but we proceeded to give you instructions like, “First he pushes that thing down and we go forward and then he pushes it back and we go back…” all the way across the lake. I think he beat us back to the cottage, but we made it without a scratch…on us or the green boat.
No member of any crowd could mistake you as anything other than proud. Your cheers and coaching could be heard at performances, competitions, and contests. If we all had a #1 Fan award to give, Grandma, you would win it every time. You believed we could make foul shots and hit high notes when no one else did and you could coach better than any of the “experts” our schools could find. You weren’t afraid to say so either.
Your support didn’t end when the competitions ended, though. We all received care packages with individually wrapped cookies and brownies while at college and you babied us again when we came for visits, offering chili or egg salad, whatever you had just “whipped up.” Of course, none of us can mistake your pride in hearing about our latest accomplishment, promotion, raise, position, or project. And we’ve all seen the joy in your eyes at watching our children enjoy your applesauce just as we did when we were their age.
When I think of you, Grandma, that’s what strikes me most of all: your unconditional love and support for all things yours. It has shown in how you have tirelessly served all of us our entire lives. Consider the words of Proverbs 31 and think of your own life:
Proverbs 31:10-12 and 25-31
A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm all the days of her life.
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
No doubt your fingers were sore from all of the cross-stitching late into the night, but you have left us all with physical reminders of your love and devotion, selecting the right verse for each life, each adventure, each chapter we enter. There’s nothing I thought you couldn’t or wouldn’t do for me and you always spoke honestly and from your heart. You have used your life to bless and serve your family and we thank you.
Lori
Dear Grandma,
Proverbs 31:28 - "Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also, and he praises her..."
You have done well. You have raised children who rise up and call you blessed, and you have twelve grandchildren, and at least 16 great-grandchildren who adore you. That is truly an amazing thing. Thank you for giving of yourself so readily over the years, for continually pouring out yourself into the lives of your children and grandchildren, for your unceasing prayers for us before the throne of our God. What a legacy.
When I think of Grandma, I think of the numerous stories you told all of the cousins who were snuggled in their sleeping bags. You took us to far away places and captivated our imaginations. I think of sitting at the counter in your kitchen and talking. We'd cut up fruit and cheese or we'd sit and watch you make a big pot of chili. I remember dipping pretzels in white chocolate and letting them dry on wax paper. I remember your gigantic meatballs and tons of spaghetti. I remember your laugh when we'd tell you a story, and I remember listening as you would talk about your mom and days when you were small. I remember stories of Grandmother Harsh and how thankful I was to be able to call you, "Grandma" and not worry about being proper. I remember walking around the neighborhood chatting.
As a child, I hated vegetables, but you understood and worked on ways of getting me to eat vegetables...and it actually worked sometimes. I remember days at the lake when we'd be waiting to eat Tom's donuts, and you would make perfect little eggs topped with cheese. We could either have an egg or eat a bowl of cereal...to be sure we had something healthy before consuming our sugar.
As I grew up, my friends were welcomed at your house. I remember picking apples with you and bringing along a buddy. We had a ball with you in the orchard that day. And how many performances of mine did you attend, not including the ones in the basement of the old house and the screened in porch at the lake? When I turned 21, my friends and I came up to the lake. You fixed us a big pot of chili. Grandpa took us out in the boat and let us all try to ski. How many 21 year olds want to hang out with their grandparents? That says a lot about who my Grandma and Grandpa are.
When Ryan's parents got divorced, you wanted to be sure Mandy had a fun/good place to come and celebrate Christmas, and so we brought her up to celebrate Christmas with all the cousins. She still talks about that.
Then, I had kids, and you and Grandpa managed to make it down to meet each one. You always had a cross stitch in hand specifically made for each grandbaby. They still hang in their rooms...gifts of love from Grandma...cross stitches and applesauce. One of Noah's favorite things about visiting is getting to taste Grandma's applesauce. He knows when we see Grandma Clark we'll come home with a jar of applesauce.
Grandma, thank you for creating an environment to foster memories, family and relationships. Thank you for your unconditional love and prayers. Thank you for being a wonderful Grandma to me.
I love you,
Lori
Proverbs 31:28 - "Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also, and he praises her..."
You have done well. You have raised children who rise up and call you blessed, and you have twelve grandchildren, and at least 16 great-grandchildren who adore you. That is truly an amazing thing. Thank you for giving of yourself so readily over the years, for continually pouring out yourself into the lives of your children and grandchildren, for your unceasing prayers for us before the throne of our God. What a legacy.
When I think of Grandma, I think of the numerous stories you told all of the cousins who were snuggled in their sleeping bags. You took us to far away places and captivated our imaginations. I think of sitting at the counter in your kitchen and talking. We'd cut up fruit and cheese or we'd sit and watch you make a big pot of chili. I remember dipping pretzels in white chocolate and letting them dry on wax paper. I remember your gigantic meatballs and tons of spaghetti. I remember your laugh when we'd tell you a story, and I remember listening as you would talk about your mom and days when you were small. I remember stories of Grandmother Harsh and how thankful I was to be able to call you, "Grandma" and not worry about being proper. I remember walking around the neighborhood chatting.
As a child, I hated vegetables, but you understood and worked on ways of getting me to eat vegetables...and it actually worked sometimes. I remember days at the lake when we'd be waiting to eat Tom's donuts, and you would make perfect little eggs topped with cheese. We could either have an egg or eat a bowl of cereal...to be sure we had something healthy before consuming our sugar.
As I grew up, my friends were welcomed at your house. I remember picking apples with you and bringing along a buddy. We had a ball with you in the orchard that day. And how many performances of mine did you attend, not including the ones in the basement of the old house and the screened in porch at the lake? When I turned 21, my friends and I came up to the lake. You fixed us a big pot of chili. Grandpa took us out in the boat and let us all try to ski. How many 21 year olds want to hang out with their grandparents? That says a lot about who my Grandma and Grandpa are.
When Ryan's parents got divorced, you wanted to be sure Mandy had a fun/good place to come and celebrate Christmas, and so we brought her up to celebrate Christmas with all the cousins. She still talks about that.
Then, I had kids, and you and Grandpa managed to make it down to meet each one. You always had a cross stitch in hand specifically made for each grandbaby. They still hang in their rooms...gifts of love from Grandma...cross stitches and applesauce. One of Noah's favorite things about visiting is getting to taste Grandma's applesauce. He knows when we see Grandma Clark we'll come home with a jar of applesauce.
Grandma, thank you for creating an environment to foster memories, family and relationships. Thank you for your unconditional love and prayers. Thank you for being a wonderful Grandma to me.
I love you,
Lori
Beth
One thing that I love about Grandma is her creativity and story telling. I have such fond memories of all the cousins laying in their sleeping bags all cozy together and Grandma telling us a story. Each story was so unique and creative. She was able to capture each of our hearts by her expression of love to us. I love and appreciate how she loved us by wanting the best for us. One example of that was when she would tell us that we had to eat some cereal before we dug into a Tom's donut. Of course, we didn't really want to eat the cereal first, but she knew what was best for us and I'm sure our parents appreciated that too. Finally, I love the quality time that she gave me. I remember sitting in the front seat of the cadillac between her and Grandpa. She would talk with me and give me mints. She made me feel like I was the most special little girl in the world. I have so many more fond memories of Grandma, but what I am most proud of is how she walks out her faith. She is an inspiration by being devoted to us and praying daily for each one of us by name. I love you, Grandma, you are a wonderful blessing to me!
A letter written to Grandma from Beth- Last night I had a dream that Grandma was just fine and talking with Grandpa and me. It was so real. It was like she was never in the hospital or sick. It just makes me realize that someday we will see her again in heaven. Healthy, talking, and just the way God made her. I am also reminded that she will be reunited with her little boys that she lost so early in their lives. I can't even fathom the great tragedy of losing two toddlers. It makes me so happy to know that she will get to see little Jimmy and little Bruce again. She will be able to start the relationships that she has missed all these years. Then I think of her mom and dad that she hasn't seen for a long time and all her other relatives that she will get to be with. I also think of the most important relationship that we are all waiting to be with--in the arms of our Maker. It will be a glorious time for her to be connected face to face with the Lord of Lords and our Heavenly Father. Even though this is a sad time because we have to wait to see her again, I will have to remember that it won't be long when we will meet up with her. The eternity that is written on all of our hearts will make this earth experience seem like a blink of an eye.
Love Beth
A letter written to Grandma from Beth- Last night I had a dream that Grandma was just fine and talking with Grandpa and me. It was so real. It was like she was never in the hospital or sick. It just makes me realize that someday we will see her again in heaven. Healthy, talking, and just the way God made her. I am also reminded that she will be reunited with her little boys that she lost so early in their lives. I can't even fathom the great tragedy of losing two toddlers. It makes me so happy to know that she will get to see little Jimmy and little Bruce again. She will be able to start the relationships that she has missed all these years. Then I think of her mom and dad that she hasn't seen for a long time and all her other relatives that she will get to be with. I also think of the most important relationship that we are all waiting to be with--in the arms of our Maker. It will be a glorious time for her to be connected face to face with the Lord of Lords and our Heavenly Father. Even though this is a sad time because we have to wait to see her again, I will have to remember that it won't be long when we will meet up with her. The eternity that is written on all of our hearts will make this earth experience seem like a blink of an eye.
Love Beth
Brian
I don’t believe that any particular memory of Grandma Clark stands out for myself, rather it’s a series of smaller recollections that really defined what an amazing woman she was to me. I remember her companionship of Grandpa, the way they always did most anything together, especially when they were a bit younger and would work together on some project. She always seemed to be by his side, ready to go fetch a particular tool that Grandpa needed, folding up extension cords (she taught me the proper way to wrap up them up – elbow to wrist – and I still do it that way without fail), or just helping pack everything up when the job was finished.
Some of my fondest memories growing up were without question the visits to Grandma’s and Grandpa’s, and nothing was better than the love and care with which she made breakfast. I think it’s fair to say that I’ve never ever had anything close to the kinds she used to make, with shredded cheddar eggs, that thin wheat bread perfectly toasted, and of course, the Brown Sugar Pop Tarts. Grandma seemed to spend so much time in the kitchen, working on something or other, and it was so apparent the amount of love and care that went into it all.
However, I think the thing I will remember the most was just talking with Grandma, those times when we shared with each other the moments of our lives. Whether it was catching up on family history with her after a family meal, filling the empty spaces while watching a ballgame together, or sharing the latest news of the happenings in my life, Grandma was always interested, ready to gently give advice and abundantly dispense her approval. I don’t know that a grandchild could ask, or receive, anything better.
Some of my fondest memories growing up were without question the visits to Grandma’s and Grandpa’s, and nothing was better than the love and care with which she made breakfast. I think it’s fair to say that I’ve never ever had anything close to the kinds she used to make, with shredded cheddar eggs, that thin wheat bread perfectly toasted, and of course, the Brown Sugar Pop Tarts. Grandma seemed to spend so much time in the kitchen, working on something or other, and it was so apparent the amount of love and care that went into it all.
However, I think the thing I will remember the most was just talking with Grandma, those times when we shared with each other the moments of our lives. Whether it was catching up on family history with her after a family meal, filling the empty spaces while watching a ballgame together, or sharing the latest news of the happenings in my life, Grandma was always interested, ready to gently give advice and abundantly dispense her approval. I don’t know that a grandchild could ask, or receive, anything better.
Patti Clark Zeis
I first met Mom in 1967 when I was 17 years old. A year later she welcomed me into the Clark family as her first daughter-in-law. Although I was a clumsy insecure bride, Mom took me under her wing making me feel accepted and loved. Over the years, I learned many things from mom: cooking, cleaning, changing diapers, her silly sense of humor and even how to wrap garbage in a neat paper package tied with a string. Whatever Mom did she did with commitment and she did it well. I knew I could never do anything as well as Mom did (especially wrapping garbage). As Mom and I grew closer over the years, I realized the best things Mom did was not just keeping a top notch house, but she really excelled at “giving and loving”. For many years Mom and Dad provided clothing for my family; care packages came regularly for birthdays and holidays, and we were always sent home with egg salad, chili and applesauce. Nobody could cook like Mom! Mom gave fully of herself and didn’t expect anything in return. I can’t remember hearing her complain or criticize. She showed me what “self-less giving” truly was as a wife, mother and grandmother. Our relationship began to change over the years and Mom became a true friend to me. I found her to be a woman of great faithfulness. Like Christ, she could love unconditionally. In my heart I rejoice knowing we will meet again. I thank you, Mom…my mother in law, friend, and sister in Christ, for the many ways you touched my life.
Bonnie (Steve)
To Grandma,
It has been a pleasure to know you and to call you Grandma for the past 6 years. I have loved your sense of humor, your honesty, and your complete and unashamed bias for your family. Being far away from you and the family has been tough for me but especially Steve over the past few weeks. We’ve been comforted by an excerpt from the book Crazy Love written by Francis Chan, he writes: “….God doesn’t need us but still wants us….He treasures us and anticipates our departure from this earth to be with Him…” We have complete confidence that Christ is confessing you to His father today. We love you!
It has been a pleasure to know you and to call you Grandma for the past 6 years. I have loved your sense of humor, your honesty, and your complete and unashamed bias for your family. Being far away from you and the family has been tough for me but especially Steve over the past few weeks. We’ve been comforted by an excerpt from the book Crazy Love written by Francis Chan, he writes: “….God doesn’t need us but still wants us….He treasures us and anticipates our departure from this earth to be with Him…” We have complete confidence that Christ is confessing you to His father today. We love you!
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