Where the Roses Never Fade

Jane’s mother passed away this morning at about 9:00.
She slipped away peacefully, beautifully, as Jane sang to her about roses that never fade.

Mom was a rose — beautiful, enduring, inspiring, fragrant, growing. She made life better for all who knew her.

She knew little more than to serve and to pray and to seek the Lord and His way of truth and wholeness.

Because of that, she was a flower – a rose – that brightened and colored our lives.

The centerpiece on the family table.

That she was and so much more.

And now she is in that land we all long for – a land where roses, and all things, never fade again.

Heaven is sweeter for her passing.

We would so appreciate your prayers for Jane and all of her family during these days.

Mom reading to our son Lawrence.

Where the Roses Never Fade

I am going to a city,
Where the streets with gold are laid;
Where the tree of life is blooming,
And the roses never fade.

Here they bloom but for a season,
Soon their beauty is decayed;
I am going to a city,
Where the roses never fade.

Loved ones gone to be with Jesus,
In their robes of white arrayed;
Now are waiting for my coming,
Where the roses never fade.

Here they bloom but for a season,
Soon their beauty is decayed;
I am going to a city,
Where the roses never fade.

Here they bloom but for a season,
Soon their beauty is decayed;
I am going to a city,
Where the roses never fade.

1. Mary Ellen Huff Says:
   May 12th, 2008 at 12:51 pm e

   I think that’s the first time I’ve seen an older picture of her - Jane looks sooo much like her! What a lovely looking lady.

   I am so sorry for your loss as a family, and especially for Jane. Please give her a big hug for us. I know her Mom was incredibly proud of the wife and Mother Jane is, and the kind of person she is in every way. I am doubly sorry her Mom passed away on Mother’s Day. Even though she knows her Mom is in heaven I’m sure that from now on Mother’s Day will be bitter sweet.

   When is the funeral?

2. Randy Says:
   May 12th, 2008 at 1:08 pm e

   Thank you so much, Mary.
   The funeral is Thursday, May 15.

3. Anita Says:
   May 12th, 2008 at 2:27 pm e

   Please pass on my condolences to Jane and family. I’ve been through this recently and will keep her in my prayers.

4. Steve, Rebecca & Family Says:
   May 17th, 2008 at 1:31 am e

   We are so very sorry for your loss!! We will be remembering you all, Leisa, and the rest of the family to our loving Father!

5. Jane Says:
   May 21st, 2008 at 2:17 pm e

   Dear Family and Friends,
   Thank you so very much for all the cards, flowers, calls and prayers during this time. I am so glad that I got to stay with mother in the hospice section of the hospital - technically it isn’t called that but it is much like one. There are no words to describe our days together…I was given a precious gift of time, service and in some sense, too, releasing mother to Jesus as she took her last breath, knowing that her next breath was in a land beyond our understanding. Heaven will surely be worth it all!
   Love to all,
   Jane

Timesof Life

Jane’s Mom with Lawrence. She has been a great,
loving Grandma and wonderful mother-in-law.

Mom with her own Mother and my Bride on our wedding day.

Early last Tuesday morning we received a call, one of those calls we know will come sooner or later yet we can never seem ready for them. Jane’s mother had suffered a severe stroke and was taken by ambulance to an ER near her home in Indianapolis. Jane left right away for the four hour drive to be with her.

Later Tuesday she was able to see Mom and spend some time with her. The stroke had been devastating, she was not responding, things did not look good. At age 83, having suffered nearly six years with the effects of a previous stroke, the doctors gave the sober news we didn’t want to hear. Mom’s body was beginning to shut down.

Jane and her siblings have been saying good bye. Mom raised eleven children, lost one, loved and worked like a humble champion and will be remembered with a forever love in the heart of each of her children. She will always be with us in memories of her cooking, her prayers, and her gentle, compassionate care.

These are times of life that remind us to consider what matters, hold our loved ones closer, set our hearts more toward heaven.

And these are times of life when we ask for your prayers. The Lord is with the family, sustaining and giving a beautiful and gentle grace. We do ask for your continued prayers as we say goodbye to a mother, a mother-in-law, and Grandma.

1. Jay Says:
   May 2nd, 2008 at 11:26 pm e

   You’ve got ‘em. We love you guys!

2. Dale Says:
   May 3rd, 2008 at 12:27 am e

   Our love to you. God’s grace and peace be yours in full measure.

   Dale and Deb

3. Jason Miller Says:
   May 3rd, 2008 at 12:21 pm e

   Love and prayers from our family to yours.

4. Stephen Says:
   May 4th, 2008 at 10:22 pm e

   Randy, praying for God’s comfort for you and your family (2 Cor. 1:5)

5. Randy Says:
   May 7th, 2008 at 5:48 am e

   Thank you Jay, Dale, Jason and Stephen for you interest and prayers. We have been very aware of God’s comfort and enabling through these days. Jane’s mom is in hospice within the hospital and not expected to be with us much longer. Jane is still there with the family and we are very grateful she can be.
   We appreciate your continued prayers.

6. Chris Says:
   May 9th, 2008 at 12:10 am e

   Hey, we are praying for you and the family… God Bless!

   Chris and Hsin