Life after Tom

Mom and Dad had been married 51 1/2 years when he died. I read in her daily record book that not long after Dad died, some neighbor women invited her to an event at their church. The program was entitled, “Lord of My Rocking Boat” and it was about disappointment, loneliness and illness. I often think about Mom’s ability to steady a rocking boat by her faith and attitude about life. I believe that it was these factors that allowed her to accept the loss of Dad and move on with her life.

Only a few months after Dad’s death in 1987, Mom met Flossie Gertner at church. Flossie had just moved to Jackson to be closer to one of her daughters. Flossie and Mom discovered that they had a lot in common as they both enjoyed traveling, reading, writing, keeping up with current events. They were both former teachers. Flossie and Mom gave a presentation together at Friendship Club at church on their travels to Australia and New Zealand (Mom & Dad had traveled there in 1977 and Flossie in 1987). They enjoyed a rich friendship for many years as they went to activities together or enjoyed a cup of tea and a cookie at each other’s homes.

Mom and her cousin, Laverne Rasmussen, had similar personalities and were always close but became even closer in later years when they were both living alone. They called each other most every morning to check that the other one was OK and to visit.

Mom continued a close relationship with her brothers and their wives (Art & Ruth and Gordon & Grace) - getting together and calling on the phone. Neva Ringkob and George & Ella Ringkob were having some health issues at this point but Mom visited with them regularly either on the phone or in person. Mom and Catherine Rinkob (lived in Baraboo, WI, and later Cable,WI) exchanged frequent letters. I remember in 1994 when Julie was 3 years old, I took Mom and Julie to visit Ella (now living by Rochester with her daughter Lorna and family) and Catherine at her home in Baraboo. Mom and I really enjoyed that trip.

On the home front, Mom continued to be active in church - attending every Sunday she was able, going to workshop to sew quilts for missions (they sometimes completed 35 quilts in two days), attending circle (Bible study) and Friendship Club. Mom served as the historian for the church women’s group for a number of years - taking pictures and cutting articles from the paper - to preserve their history.

Sewing quilts at the church (1992)

But probably her greatest joy during these years has been following the lives and travels of her children and grandchildren. John and Mark were especially close to Grandma as they lived the closest and would stay with Grandma when their parents went on winter trips. Mom would fly to Casper and Reno to visit Kathy & Jim and Tom & Paula and their families. I also remember driving to Casper with Mom and Julie for Keri’s confirmation and graduation and David’s confirmation. Mom could drive alone to Huxley to visit us - however, sometimes Katherine Alstad would ride along as she had a son that lived in Huxley. Also she would ride with Kent and Debi when they were coming to Ames to visit John and Mark when they were students at ISU. Her last trips were to Reno in 1999 to see Tom and Paula’s new home and to Ames in May 2000 for Keri’s graduation from ISU and Adam’s high school graduation.

Mom treasures the visits, phone calls, pictures, postcards & notes from her children and grandchildren. Her family has literally traveled the world and she has enjoyed following each and every one of them.

In between times, she made quilts for the grandchildren (twin bed size), wool crazy quilts with decorative stitching, and other needlework projects. She also spent time writing and reading.

In 2001, Mom’s health began failing to the point that she was not able to live alone in her home. She entered the Jackson Hospital in October after a reversible stroke and then spent time in the JMC Nursing Home before an apartment was available at the Pines Assisted Living. She moved to the Pines in December 2001. An open house was held in the dining room at the Pines in January 2002 to observe her 90h birthday with many friends and relatives.

90th Birthday Open House (2002)

A big job after moving to the Pines was going through all the contents of her house at 160 Circle Drive. Her sister-in-law, Ruth, came frequently to take Mom to the house so she could sort through things. All four children came and helped with the project, each receiving treasures to take home and several items were donated to Fort Belmont museum in Jackson. A household auction of remaining items was held on a very hot July night in 2002. It was a big relief when this task was completed and the new owners were able to take possession of the house.

In 2006, Jackson celebrated 150 years. Mom was in the parade as the oldest Jackson High School graduate attending the festivities! (JHS Class of ’29)

As I write this, Mom is 98 1/2 years old and continues to live at the Pines Assisted Living Community in Jackson. She receives wonderful care from the staff that work there. They are currently bringing her breakfast and supper to her apartment but she goes to the dining hall for the noon meal. They have an “Over 90’s Club” with special programs and recognition that Mom and several other residents enjoy. Mom has been the “resident of the month” a few times - pictures of her and her family are posted on the bulletin board. She continues to read a daily newspaper (Worthington Globe) and write checks to pay her bills. And for the record...... she continues to write in her daily journal!
-Marita