Another special lady in my life passed away last week. It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that my dear mother-in-law, Inez, passed away quite quickly leaving her husband of 49 years, 3 children, and 11 grandchildren.

Mom was a beautiful woman, inside and out. Her greatest passion was to see people ministered to through prayer, practical helps and comfort. As a nurse for 50 years, she had a tender heart that wanted to ease the suffering of others.

There are so many things Inez taught me. Everything I know about canning, sewing, baking, and gardening came from her. We spent many long hours in her or my kitchen peeling peaches or apples to can and stock our pantries with. All the while, the kids were running around waiting for their favorite snack of graham crackers and milk in her inviting kitchen. I never once heard her complain about watching the kids again and again and again. She spent countless hours in her exquisite gardens, carefully tending her raised vegetable beds, dahlias, and deck pots. There was rarely a summer day where the dining room table didn't have a bouquet of her flowers on it.

Mom was an artist at heart. Not only did she paint and have an eye for photography, mom could also sew amazing dresses, skirts, purses, and fleecy winter hats and coats! The creative ways she decorated her home were both classy and artsy. She loved to turn her home into a festive place every Christmas with homemade garlands and decorations. Turning her home into a haven for those who needed rest or a temporary place to live was a gift she had as well.

I can't remember a time that Mom didn't step out of the house looking like a million bucks. She was one classy lady that was always wearing just the right color and style, with all the right accessories. Unless she was working in her yard, jeans just weren't her fashion.

Being outdoors in nature was her favorite place to be. She loved winter for the snow and skiing, and summer for camping and hiking. We took many trips with her, spending lots of long weekends at different lakes in the Oregon Cascades. Even on a Coleman stove, Mom could create a gourmet meal complete with berry cobbler for dessert.

And so, with so many fond memories, we have let her go into the Loving Hands of our Father, whom she served with a passion every single day. We rejoice to know she is with He whom loves her, but will miss her greatly!

Rest in peace, Mom! We love you!