Texanna was my aunt (my mother's sister)   I admired her so!   She was always so much fun to be around.  Full of laughter, fun stories and a little mischevious!   I have only been to Oregon three times, but was blessed to visit with her each time I visited there.  I remember at her house we would pass a jar around with cream each taking a turn to "churn" the butter for her fresh biscuits.   AND OOOHHH  The white fudge was a favorite of mine.  She would send it to us every year at Christmas (or bring some when she came to visit) until she was not able to do so the last few years.   When we knew she was attending our son's wedding 10 years ago, we made sure to invite her to be there for rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner. When visiting here, she would stay with my sister, but would come down to my house for a visit &/or meal.  One time at my house there was a group of people and we teamed up to play Scattegories.  You would get double points if you used a letter twice.  We still recall & laugh about her answer in the kitchen category of "Noodle Net".   Her trips here are filled with memories of when we rode the Belle of the Ozarks, visited HarBer Village, Butler Hollow area,  Roaring River State Park, Shepherd of the Hills, Eureka Springs train, Van Buren train and the Great Passion Play  I loved her stories of her children, Phillip and Retha, as well as other stories from her childhood.  She helped me so much when my mother passed away, even returning later in the fall to be with us on our birthdays.  

I regret I will not be able to attend her memorial services that will pay  tribute and honor to her. I live  down Butler Hollow, just about 2 miles from where the house was located where she was born.  I plan to visit that area soon and release a balloon for her.   Texanna was the youngest of 10 children and only one sibling remains.  She was from a strong and loving and caring family.  Her postivie attitude, her choice to focus on the good times (not the bad siutaitons), to recognize someone's hurts and be supportive, and her faith and trust in God....that is the legacy she has left for me and many others.  I know it is said that we "pay our last respects"  but I will always love and respect my Aunt Texanna.