http://www.jg-tc.com/articles/2009/02/24/news/doc49a3686a532b8329084780.txt
http://www.jg-tc.com/articles/2009/02/24/features/doc49a36ccc09b6b908732145.txt
Here are a couple of links to the Times Courier Tribute to Grandma Coartney and her last article. On Wednesday we were talking about an article for Tuesday's paper and she said to me that the Stairway article would be a fitting last article. As my 5 year old granddaughter said "Grandma's writing the letter in heaven now".
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Grandma's Dancin' in Heaven
Dear Loved Ones,
It's Sunday evening and I have just arrived back in Champaign with Mom. I am sure at this point most of you have heard that Grandma Coartney went to be with Jesus, Grandpa, Aunt Mary, Mike, Uncle Bob and Uncle Jim along with a host of others at about 3:45 p.m. this afternoon. Her passing was peaceful and quiet, Kathy and I both took a minute to tell her that we ALL loved her and that Grandpa was waiting for her, and most importantly that she had shared and taught us to love one another and to lean on each other and that we would be OK. She opened her eyes wide and looked straight into Heaven and within 10 minutes she had left this frail body and was welcomed into to the arms of our Father. As hard as this is on all of us it is truly a joyous occasion for Grandma and we now get to celebrate her wondrous life. Grandma's Pastor Zach came and shared a prayer and this small family circle of life embraced each and everyone of you across the many miles of this vast country. Of course today didn't happen without a little bit of humor, at one point the nurse came to Uncle Ronald and told him that he could expect a call from the organ donor association to discuss the possibilities to which he answered "I think.. they are all used up."
Arrangements are still pending and will be finalized tomorrow so please look for details to follow. If you are traveling to join in the celebration of this awesome Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, GREAT GREAT Grandmother, Aunt, Sister, Friend's life please be safe and know that you have been touched by a spectacular lady who loved and cared for each and every one of you.
Please take special care and be safe as you travel.
With Love,
Rue Ann
It's Sunday evening and I have just arrived back in Champaign with Mom. I am sure at this point most of you have heard that Grandma Coartney went to be with Jesus, Grandpa, Aunt Mary, Mike, Uncle Bob and Uncle Jim along with a host of others at about 3:45 p.m. this afternoon. Her passing was peaceful and quiet, Kathy and I both took a minute to tell her that we ALL loved her and that Grandpa was waiting for her, and most importantly that she had shared and taught us to love one another and to lean on each other and that we would be OK. She opened her eyes wide and looked straight into Heaven and within 10 minutes she had left this frail body and was welcomed into to the arms of our Father. As hard as this is on all of us it is truly a joyous occasion for Grandma and we now get to celebrate her wondrous life. Grandma's Pastor Zach came and shared a prayer and this small family circle of life embraced each and everyone of you across the many miles of this vast country. Of course today didn't happen without a little bit of humor, at one point the nurse came to Uncle Ronald and told him that he could expect a call from the organ donor association to discuss the possibilities to which he answered "I think.. they are all used up."
Arrangements are still pending and will be finalized tomorrow so please look for details to follow. If you are traveling to join in the celebration of this awesome Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, GREAT GREAT Grandmother, Aunt, Sister, Friend's life please be safe and know that you have been touched by a spectacular lady who loved and cared for each and every one of you.
Please take special care and be safe as you travel.
With Love,
Rue Ann
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Oh When the Saints Go Marching In
Dear Family, Cousins, Aunts, Uncles, Friends, and Loved Ones,
I am hoping by forwarding this from Aunt Martha's email I am able to capture more of you but.... if as you read this you see someone that I have missed please send this on.
It's Sunday morning and about a quarter of this crazy loving family is here at the hospital the rest of you are in our thoughts and prayers and we are wrapping our arms around you across the miles. Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Janice got in on Friday evening, and Uncle Ron and Aunt Donna got in Sat. afternoon around 3 p.m. Grandma has talked with Uncle Lester by phone so she has touched each of her children and has talked to lots and lots of Great Grands. Uncle Jim and Aunt Janice spent the night last night so Mom and Aunt Martha, Kathy, and Linda were able to get some much needed rest. Steve, Brenda, Stephanie (Muffy) and Stacy have been here since Thursday evening and even had a pot of chili made for when their Mom and Dad got in from Florida. Kent and two of his girls came down from Chicago and ALL of Aunt Martha's have been here. Rusty has been in and out and Kristen has been a huge support to Mom and Dad.
We have laughed and talked, reminised, and shared stories about so many things from the stairs at the old house, corn cob fights in the barn, Christmas's with flannel night gowns, and John Deere Tractors, and many many stories about Door Knobs, Noodles, and Mashed Potatos. NO ONE has been left out so... know that you ALL have been apart of this very special time. We have listed and counted and double checked and decided that there are 116 of us in the immediate family we have added these names to Grandma's Journal along with all of the calls and visitors who have taken the time to check in. Up until early last week Grandma was still writing notes and even made sure that there was an article for the paper this week. At some point we will send these over the air ways so you can all share in her thoughts.
On Thursday evening Grandma asked us all to come to her room (28 joined in) for a prayer meeting. Kent read the 23rd Psalm, Ronnie lead us in prayer and we sang Amazing Grace, The Old Rugged Cross, and others with Grandma singing right along. Friday we pulled together again and Kent lead us in prayer and we sang the songs that Grandma taught each of us in Bible School. Again she joined right in and smiled the entire time. We are all smiling... now because it is taking me 2 plus hours to finish this but that's ok because we have made several trips down the hall to check on Grandma and share some more. We just got back from spending some time in her room where we sang some more of her favorite songs and then finished with the Lords Prayers. Some of you will especially enjoy this... when we sang How Great Thou Art we all stood on the last verse. Grandma used to say "I just hate that..." so there have been lots of tears and lots of laughter. For others of you we also sang He Lives and Aunt Martha helped so it sounded exactly like it used to at Enon.
Today they took away the oxygen because it has been frustrating her and at this point not doing any good so she is resting. She will open her eyes slightly but hasn't really communicated since late yesterday afternoon. Although... we all believe she knows that we are here and especially feels your prayers and thoughts lifting her up.
So, as I close this know that none of us are alone in this process and the best part is that Grandpa, Aunt Mary, Mike, and the list goes on and on are waiting to welcome our beloved Grandma with open arms.
With Love,
Rue Ann (Granddaughter #1)
p.s. If you are one of the 17 Grand's you might want to pull out a copy of "Oh When the Saints Go Marching In?" More details to follow.
I am hoping by forwarding this from Aunt Martha's email I am able to capture more of you but.... if as you read this you see someone that I have missed please send this on.
It's Sunday morning and about a quarter of this crazy loving family is here at the hospital the rest of you are in our thoughts and prayers and we are wrapping our arms around you across the miles. Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Janice got in on Friday evening, and Uncle Ron and Aunt Donna got in Sat. afternoon around 3 p.m. Grandma has talked with Uncle Lester by phone so she has touched each of her children and has talked to lots and lots of Great Grands. Uncle Jim and Aunt Janice spent the night last night so Mom and Aunt Martha, Kathy, and Linda were able to get some much needed rest. Steve, Brenda, Stephanie (Muffy) and Stacy have been here since Thursday evening and even had a pot of chili made for when their Mom and Dad got in from Florida. Kent and two of his girls came down from Chicago and ALL of Aunt Martha's have been here. Rusty has been in and out and Kristen has been a huge support to Mom and Dad.
We have laughed and talked, reminised, and shared stories about so many things from the stairs at the old house, corn cob fights in the barn, Christmas's with flannel night gowns, and John Deere Tractors, and many many stories about Door Knobs, Noodles, and Mashed Potatos. NO ONE has been left out so... know that you ALL have been apart of this very special time. We have listed and counted and double checked and decided that there are 116 of us in the immediate family we have added these names to Grandma's Journal along with all of the calls and visitors who have taken the time to check in. Up until early last week Grandma was still writing notes and even made sure that there was an article for the paper this week. At some point we will send these over the air ways so you can all share in her thoughts.
On Thursday evening Grandma asked us all to come to her room (28 joined in) for a prayer meeting. Kent read the 23rd Psalm, Ronnie lead us in prayer and we sang Amazing Grace, The Old Rugged Cross, and others with Grandma singing right along. Friday we pulled together again and Kent lead us in prayer and we sang the songs that Grandma taught each of us in Bible School. Again she joined right in and smiled the entire time. We are all smiling... now because it is taking me 2 plus hours to finish this but that's ok because we have made several trips down the hall to check on Grandma and share some more. We just got back from spending some time in her room where we sang some more of her favorite songs and then finished with the Lords Prayers. Some of you will especially enjoy this... when we sang How Great Thou Art we all stood on the last verse. Grandma used to say "I just hate that..." so there have been lots of tears and lots of laughter. For others of you we also sang He Lives and Aunt Martha helped so it sounded exactly like it used to at Enon.
Today they took away the oxygen because it has been frustrating her and at this point not doing any good so she is resting. She will open her eyes slightly but hasn't really communicated since late yesterday afternoon. Although... we all believe she knows that we are here and especially feels your prayers and thoughts lifting her up.
So, as I close this know that none of us are alone in this process and the best part is that Grandpa, Aunt Mary, Mike, and the list goes on and on are waiting to welcome our beloved Grandma with open arms.
With Love,
Rue Ann (Granddaughter #1)
p.s. If you are one of the 17 Grand's you might want to pull out a copy of "Oh When the Saints Go Marching In?" More details to follow.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Grandma Coartney
Note from Rue Ann - I left out all the medical stuff. But as you can tell we needed to surround Grandma Coartney.
Dr. Schwing has known Grandma for a long time and said that after speaking to her she was comfortable and ready so we needed to come. So, I've picked up Mom and Dad we arrived at Sarah Bush right behind Aunt Martha's. Both Grandma's and Aunt Martha's pastors have been here and were able to spend some time with her before heading back to their busy lives and families. They are trying to get her into a private room and hope to do this in the next couple of hours so the family that is here can be with her and for those of you who are many miles away KNOW THAT YOU ARE HERE IN HER HEART!
In some ways this is an awesome day because Grandma is alert and smiling and has known each of us as we touch her hand or say a soft hello but most importantly she is looking forward to going home. If this awesome lady has shown, lived, shared, and taught this extended crazy family anything it is her never ending faith in God and knowing that by his grace she has eternal life and will soon see Grandpa. So... this is a Great Day for Her and a very difficult one for each of us. She has told each of us that this is easy for her and that we need to lean on each other. So, know that we are wrapping our arms around each of you this afternoon. Of course she has shared a couple of funnies... she says that Uncle Jim always said that Carbolic Acid was "Good Bye" in every language. For those of you who may not get the funny Grandma has passed some gas and thought she had cleared the room. She went on to tell Kristen that when your eyes turn gray that's it. Kristen said Grandma your eyes are really blue.. We have pretty much taken over the 4th floor, They have us in the Resource Center (where I am writing you from right now), the vending lounge, the hall outside Grandma's Room and in the room as well. Just think this isn't even a quarter of us what would they do if we were all here...
For now there's not much more to say except why not stop what you are doing this afternoon and take a minute to think about this GREAT Grandma, Mom, Aunt, Friend, who always had a lap for one of us to sit on, an ear to listen, a story to tell, or a picture to draw and smile that would light up the whole out doors. She has loved each and everyone of us with all of her being and would like for each of you to know "I'll see you later".
Please take special care.
Love,
Rue Ann (Granddaughter #1)
Update from Rue Ann's note.
Last night about 5pm we all received a blessing so great you can't even imagine. Grandma called us in her room, 23 of us. She asked for a prayer meeting. Kent went and got his Bible and read the 23 Psalm. Ronnie lead prayer and then she requested a few songs, Amazing Grace, His Eye is on the Sparrow. She was even singing along. We were all touched by the spirit. Grandma had a good night. Mom, Dad, Aunt Janice and Rue Ann stayed the night at the hospital.
We do not know what is in store for any one of us but if we can all LEARN from Grandma, LEAN on each other and LOVE our Lord it will be ok.
Love you all,
Kathy (Granddaughter #2)
Yes we're numbered all 100 plus of us.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green [1] pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest [2] my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Dr. Schwing has known Grandma for a long time and said that after speaking to her she was comfortable and ready so we needed to come. So, I've picked up Mom and Dad we arrived at Sarah Bush right behind Aunt Martha's. Both Grandma's and Aunt Martha's pastors have been here and were able to spend some time with her before heading back to their busy lives and families. They are trying to get her into a private room and hope to do this in the next couple of hours so the family that is here can be with her and for those of you who are many miles away KNOW THAT YOU ARE HERE IN HER HEART!
In some ways this is an awesome day because Grandma is alert and smiling and has known each of us as we touch her hand or say a soft hello but most importantly she is looking forward to going home. If this awesome lady has shown, lived, shared, and taught this extended crazy family anything it is her never ending faith in God and knowing that by his grace she has eternal life and will soon see Grandpa. So... this is a Great Day for Her and a very difficult one for each of us. She has told each of us that this is easy for her and that we need to lean on each other. So, know that we are wrapping our arms around each of you this afternoon. Of course she has shared a couple of funnies... she says that Uncle Jim always said that Carbolic Acid was "Good Bye" in every language. For those of you who may not get the funny Grandma has passed some gas and thought she had cleared the room. She went on to tell Kristen that when your eyes turn gray that's it. Kristen said Grandma your eyes are really blue.. We have pretty much taken over the 4th floor, They have us in the Resource Center (where I am writing you from right now), the vending lounge, the hall outside Grandma's Room and in the room as well. Just think this isn't even a quarter of us what would they do if we were all here...
For now there's not much more to say except why not stop what you are doing this afternoon and take a minute to think about this GREAT Grandma, Mom, Aunt, Friend, who always had a lap for one of us to sit on, an ear to listen, a story to tell, or a picture to draw and smile that would light up the whole out doors. She has loved each and everyone of us with all of her being and would like for each of you to know "I'll see you later".
Please take special care.
Love,
Rue Ann (Granddaughter #1)
Update from Rue Ann's note.
Last night about 5pm we all received a blessing so great you can't even imagine. Grandma called us in her room, 23 of us. She asked for a prayer meeting. Kent went and got his Bible and read the 23 Psalm. Ronnie lead prayer and then she requested a few songs, Amazing Grace, His Eye is on the Sparrow. She was even singing along. We were all touched by the spirit. Grandma had a good night. Mom, Dad, Aunt Janice and Rue Ann stayed the night at the hospital.
We do not know what is in store for any one of us but if we can all LEARN from Grandma, LEAN on each other and LOVE our Lord it will be ok.
Love you all,
Kathy (Granddaughter #2)
Yes we're numbered all 100 plus of us.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green [1] pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest [2] my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Sad day in Oakland
This flag is flying at half mast on the Oakland square in honor of Jared Southworth. A fine young man, husband, father, son, brother, friend, soldier and hero. He was called home during his tour of duty in Afganistan. I thank him for his service and pray for his family. He will be truly missed by family and friends.
Psalm 46:1-2
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.
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