Thursday, September 9, 2010

with a eulogy

back from the funeral, we sang "Lord, I Would Follow Thee." my dad gave a talk, my uncle and some of his friends sang "Will the Circle Remain Unbroken?" it was a family affair that was joyous and tearful all in one. here's the eulogy read by my cousin jessi. it was beautiful.


Nancy Jane Fraser Grua Vernal Utah "You shall go out in joy and be led back in peace; the mountains and hills before you shall burst into song and all of the trees of the field shall clap their hands." -Isaiah 55:12Nancy Jane Fraser Grua, 82, died in Salt Lake City on August 31, 2010, some two weeks after an early-morning traffic accident near Vernal, Utah. She was born on May 13, 1928, the adopted daughter of Martha Cecelia Richards and William Alexander Fraser. Nancy was the cherished companion of Thomas Edward Grua. They were married in Preston, Idaho on November 16, 1946 and were the proud parents of three sons, Corey, Kenton and Cliff. Nancy's family was her world. She was proud of her children's accomplishments and adored her eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Nancy attended East High School and the University of Utah where she was a member of the Delta Gamma sorority. She volunteered as a Cub Scout Den Mother for many years and as a Pink Lady at the Ashley Regional Medical Center for two decades. In 1997, she was honored as "Woman of the Year" by the Vernal Business and Professional Women's Club (BPW). Nancy held memberships in the Current Topics Club, the Uinta Basin Archaeology Club, and the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce. The chamber honored her with its 1998 "Outstanding Public Service Award" and the "Total Citizen Award" the following year. Employers included First Security Bank, Uintah School District, and Ashley National Forest in Vernal. Nancy leaves behind her sons, Corey William Grua (Marilyn) of Grantsville, Clifford Thomas Grua (Linda) of Vernal, and daughter-in-law Michelle Grua of Flagstaff, AZ, in addition to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is also survived by a close cousin, Joyce Romney Williams and cousins Pete and Joe Richards. Her parents, her husband Tom, and son Kenton Eric, predeceased her. The past eight happy years have included her devoted friend, Tom Anderson. Together they experienced the beauty of the sights and sounds of Diamond Mountain and many a Jazz game. Being outdoors in nature was one of her greatest joys. Throughout her entire life, she has shown a sensitivity and deep caring for all humanity. Her friends were many and strangers were few. A celebration of Nancy's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 8th at the Glines 5th Ward Chapel, 1270 West 1500 South, Vernal, Utah. Viewings will be held at the Thomson-Blackburn Vernal Mortuary, 15 East 100 North, Vernal, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on September 7, 2010, and from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. at the chapel prior to the funeral service Wednesday. Interment in the Maeser Fairview cemetery under the direction of the Blackburn Vernal Mortuary. The family is very grateful for the exceptional care given to Nancy by the University Hospital SICU staff. Those who wish may make a donation to the Utah State M.S. Society, Utah Chapter, 2995 South West Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah 84115. By Nancy's request, and in lieu of flowers, "Take a plate of homemade cookies to your neighbor."

8 comments:

Ally said...

Emily - I am so sorry for your loss. I hadn't realized that you lost her. The last I had read was the good news that her vitals were strong and she was focusing. What a lovely woman she must have been. I love the sentiment of not sending flowers, but being kind to your neighbor. How completely adorable.

Anonymous said...

I thought of you all day on Wednesday - prayers were constant, my friend. The eulogy was beautiful and I see so much of those same qualities in you. I pray you feel peace and joy in your memories of her. (((hugs))) until I see you and can give you one in person.

*Paula* said...

Hugs sweet friend.

Jennifer Evans said...

I am really sorry for your loss... my "Nana" is waiting for me in heaven, too. Sweet hugs!

Marti said...

(((HUGS))) Again, I am so sorry for your loss. I love the "Take a plate of homemade cookies to your neighbor." Such a beautiful tribute to an amazing woman.

alexandra s.m. said...

Bigs Hugs Emily ~

Celeste said...

sending you a big hug and a huge smile on my face for that last line. what a great lady!

Celeste said...
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