From: Kevan Anderson

Well everyone has put together so many great memories of mom. A huge thanks to each of you for sharing your best memories. It is a strange thing, as Tim mentioned, that the more time moves away from an event, like losing someone close to you, the more the frail human mind tends to forget even some of the most poignant of memories.

When I was born, my mom made me a very special blanket that I dubbed my “blanny”. It was a fluffy white blanket with lace trim and was very soft. I was virtually inseparable from that blanket from the time I was born until about 7 or 8 yrs old, not unlike Linus from “Peanuts”. My blanny was an embodiment of my mother and her love. I don’t know what detergent my mom used to wash our laundry but every time that blanket came out of the dryer, it always smelled the same, like my mom. I eventually wore that blanket out and mom had to wean me from it, or I’d probably end up a wack-job today, even more than I already am. Still, I wish that I had my blanny, just to smell it to try and capture the faint scent of mom again.

I grew very close to both mom and dad through my drowning experience. I remember waking up in the hospital and seeing mom there. Dad had rode with me in the ambulance to the hospital in American Fork, and I remember wanting to see her very badly. She never left my bedside the three days that we we’re there. It was only a few weeks before school was out, so essentially I took the remainder of the year off of school and we had spent a lot of time with each other for the next couple of months. In addition, over the next 10 years I had many doctors appointments to follow up on my recovery, so I got to take many days off from school and mom & dad would take me out to eat and spend special time together.

I had a great love for rollerblading/roller skating when I was growing up. I used to spend hours on a daily basis skating on our street. Mom used to come out and watch me and I’d show her new tricks that I was learning how to do. I think that after the drowning, the falling out of the car, the near hanging, and getting hit by a car, mom was a little over protective of me. It probably scared the crap out of her to watch her “Miracle kid” out there putting his life on the line again, day in and day out on rollerblades. The summer between 8^th and 9^th grade, I finally talked my mom and dad into letting me play hockey. They let me because, it was no contact roller-hockey. Mom absolutely fell in love with the game and following the summer, they let me play my first season of ice hockey. In my 4 years of hockey, she never missed one game and was at most of my practices too. During that time she was really struggling with fibromyalgia and cold environments we’re painful to her but she was always at the games in her blanket.

Among my favorite memories with mom, are the times that I would go and see her at Clair Optical. Many of you have talked about how cool mom was. Don’t share this with my kids, but I used to sluff school and go to her work to hang out there. She would give me the old grandma Rudd finger shake, but She loved it when we would pop in. I loved taking my friends there, because they would always tell me how cool mom was. I usually tried to make it there for lunch. She would always order some wicked nachos from Cancun Mexican restaurant. To this day, when I go there I order the super nacho.

The last couple years of moms life we’re hard for all of us to bear, but the last six months her old spark was re-ignited. My last favorite memory was during Halloween. She and Jill’s mom went with us to a witch festival. As many of you know, mom loved to go to boutiques. Jason was only 9 months old. It was a very special moment to me to be able to have a night to spend with mom and have her as herself one more time before she passed away.

Thanks for teaching me to enjoy life and not be afraid of going after my dreams, mom. I love and miss you!

Kevan Anderson

By: Jill Anderson

I feel like I didn't get enough time with Holly, I only knew her for about 4 years. I went back and read through my journal about that time in my life when Kevan was on his mission and I would talk to Holly and hang out with her. At the end of nearly every journal entry written about Holly it says something about how she made me feel so much better. I obviously went to her when I needed advice or guidance. In the short time I knew her I trusted her as someone I could talk to about anything and everything. She never judged me. She just loved, unconditionally. It makes me sad that my kids never got to know her, she was a great grandma! One of the things I most admire about Holly was her ability to be her kids best friend. That's something I strive to have with my children and hope I can achieve the kind of relationship like she had with hers. I love you, Holly!

From: Bree Anderson

I was listening to my MP3 player one day. It was on shuffle and it brought up one of my favorite songs... It was called "Running Through My Mind", by my uncle Tim. He wrote it when my grandma died in 2004. When it first started playing, many different memories started running through my mind...

It was around January of 2003 and I remember the phone call I received from a forgotten someone. I was playing with my little sisters, Hailee and Aspynn, when I heard the phone ringing. I called to my mom, "I got it!". I picked up the phone, "Hello?" An unfamiliar voice answered back, "Is this my little Bree Ann?". I was confused, "Yes, who is this?". There was a slight pause, but the voice asked for my dad so I gave up, knowing I would find out who the mystery person was sooner or later. I gave the phone to my dad and returned to my little sisters playing upstairs.

A little while later, I heard my dad call me and my sisters down to talk for a minute. He announced that we were going to a movie that weekend with our grandma. We started cheering and getting excited, for we thought it was our Grandma Judy who loved so dearly. But my dad said, "It's not the grandma you know". He turned to me, "It's the one you haven't seen since you were very little, Bree Ann." It was all a blur, as I searched my memory for my grandma I haven't seen in years. Then, the picture came into place. "Grandma Holly?" I asked. My dad grinned and nodded his head.

It came so quickly. First, I was thinking about how wonderful it would be to see my grandma again after all these years. Then, before I knew it, I was giving her a big, huge hug while walking into the movie theaters with her, my dad and my little sisters. Mom had to stay home because she was pregnant with my next little sister. At the time, I thought it would be exciting to have a bunch of little sisters! And with the four of them--I was right. I love my family! Anyway, grandma had bought us tickets to see the new Peter Pan that had just came out into theaters. We had a great time.

Time flew by, and Christmas time was here again. Grandma Holly decided she wanted to spend the holidays with us. We were so happy to spend more time with her. It was nice. She gave me a present in secret, she said not to tell anyone about it. I was a beautiful box. On the outside, it was gold and there was a gorgeous painting of an angel descending out of heaven. And on the inside, there was a mirror. She said to always look at it and see a gorgeous me to match the gorgeous angel. I was so happy... But happiness doesn't last forever.

It was a school day. I woke up at about 9:45 and I was freaking out because I was late for school already. I ran down stairs and I saw my parents crying. I didn't think I should bring up that I was late for school, so I just went over, sat down and asked what was wrong. When I heard the news, I ran to my room and couldn't come out for a while. My grandma had passed away... Even though I only got to see her a couple of times, that was enough to become close to her.

My uncle Tim wrote a song about her so we will always know that she was a great person, and she will always be in our hearts... She will always be running through our minds.

Bree Anderson

From: Jeremy Anderson

Dear Mom,

Six years ago today you left on a journey that you won’t be returning from, and not a day has not gone by that I haven’t thought of you in some way or another. I sure miss you. I really, really need You a lot of the time... For advice, or to talk about just nothing... the way that we used to. The others do too. I try to keep in touch with all of them as much as I can... I try to call each of them at least once a week or more... They need someone to fill your shoes... I can’t replace you... But I try to keep all of us close together like you did.

Trace and the kids miss you too... I think that is one of the things that saddens me most often is that my kids don’t know You the way I knew Gramps and Grandma. I know how much fun they would be having with you. You would be such a great Grandma... You were to Bree and Hailee. I will never forget the last times they shared with you in your life. We had a great time going the Peter Pan movie with you and having you over on Christmas morning in the Townhouse. Every time I hear the Build a Bear’s songs when the kids push their bear’s tummies, or the Beauty and the Beast toy plays its tune... I miss you, and remember those specific days. I cherish my last times with you more than you know, and I wish with all my heart I could have one last hug or to be able to look into your beautiful eyes and tell you “I love you Mom”. I just didn’t expect that you were going anywhere... any time soon.

I’ve wanted to thank you for all that you taught me in my life. I had a wonderful 30 years with you. I’m thankful for my youth and for the early years especially. I can remember The Village; at the U of U. I really do remember bits and pieces of those days. I can remember riding down the hills on my big wheel, and Dad doing homework. I remember my preschool. I’m thankful for those special early years. You were such a great mother... always patient, kind, and caring. I was a tough child, and somewhat clumsy... always breaking a bone or breaking something around the house, but you were always understanding and forgiving. I’m grateful for that. As a parent now I understand how tough it can be, and I’m more thankful now... than I was then.

I’m also grateful for all of the wonderful years we had after settling in the Murray house. I had great friends, and even though I felt like I struggled to fit in at school. I was always grateful for your loving guidance and advice... I’m not sure how much you knew that I really needed it. It was a struggle to be the oldest child... I didn’t really know who to follow, or who to be like. I wanted to be cool and fit in, but I didn’t know how. I just had a hard time being confident in whom I was sometimes, and I’m thankful for the ability you had to “push me out of my shell”.

Thank you also, SO MUCH, for bringing me up in the Gospel. My life has been so wonderful and so blessed. I haven’t always chosen the right paths in life, as we all do sometimes, but I know where I’m going, and I’m so thankful for the choices you made in your life to do that. I have such a strong testimony of the truth of the Church and it has made all the difference in my life... I’m so grateful to you for teaching me those principles.

As I reflect on the last sixteen years of my life, I am so grateful for the role you played in my dating years, and ultimately the courting and marriage of my beloved Sweetheart. I know how much Trace loved you, and how much she appreciated your kindness and making her feel welcome into our family. We both miss you more than ever as we raise our children. As we visit your gravestone, she often shares her memories of the special times we had with you, and I know she misses you and loves you as much as I do. Your absence is felt by her just as much as it is by me. We truly miss your Sunday dinners and sitting on the deck afterward talking and laughing with you. I sure miss your laugh... that is probably what I miss the most about not having you here with us... You would light up the room just by laughing because you were so much fun to be around.

Sometimes I have dreams of you, and I’m glad that I do, because they feel so real. I feel a little guilty when it happens because it’s almost like I get to spend time with you again. Other times it feels like your presence is often near me at home, and I kinda hope it’s you watching over us... I believe in that sort of stuff. I hope you know how much we all love you, and I hope you are in a good place now... I’m happy and content with life as of now... having a great time with Trace raising these 5 wonderful girls. We miss you, but for now we will press on, looking forward to the day when we will meet again...

With much love, your son

Jer

From: Jenny McGinty

I was so shocked when we heard she had passed away. We were across the street neighbors for several years. Holly and I had many chats outside on warm summer evenings (and many other times) when you kids were young and so were mine. We compared notes, frustrations and highlights. Her children were her pride and joy. We helped her through a few rough times. :) She was such a sweetheart. She loved to cross-stitch and I have a few things she made me for Christmas gifts and think of her each time I pull the out them out at Christmas time to display. You children are making her proud and I'm sure she is very aware of your love for her.

Jenny McGinty

From: Pam Anderson Crosby

I met Holly in 1970 while she was in high school, just after she had started dating my older brother, Rick. My first impression was that she was the epitome of classic female beauty: crystalline aquamarine eyes, lush sweeping lashes, porcelain skin, and luxuriously thick, black hair. At age 11, I was surprised and flattered by her kind attention and sisterly affection toward me, especially since Rick's previous girlfriends had rarely even acknowledged me before. She had a genuinely blithe disposition, a frequent, contagious laugh, and a courageous androgyny that fascinated me. As feminine as a delicate flower, she was the first "frilly-girl" I ever knew who truly enjoyed the unsettling adrenaline rush of driving fast cars, and could ram a stick-shift into overdrive at break-neck speeds as well as any guy. I was amazed and impressed. I encouraged my brother to marry her.

And when they did get married the following year, Holly graciously invited me to be among her bridesmaids; an extremely exciting event for a 12-year old, and my first experience as part of a wedding line. She knew that I would be thrilled to get to wear regal, deep-purple velvet, three-inch heels, and to have my hair ratted up into a formal, high-bouffant style. For two full weeks prior to the wedding, I enthusiastically stumbled over my own feet for hours at a time, until I was finally able to execute "the processional walk" flawlessly in real high heels--a glorious right-of-passage for which I give profuse thanks to my generous sister-to-be. And when the day arrived, and I watched Holly emerge from the bride's dressing room in her luminous organza gown and veil, I was mesmerized by her effervescent presence: Holly was not just visually beautiful, Holly embodied and animated beauty--giving it an innocent and joyful radiance that charged the room with energy--and captured my adoration forever after.

We became fast friends. I spent much of my spare time in their painted-cinder-block U of U student housing apartment when Rick was in school. We'd picnic on the lawn, watch home movies (8 mm reel-to-reel projected movies back then), discuss schoolwork, decorate for Halloween, wrap Christmas presents, tell jokes, drag State Street, flirt & flee, and laugh until our cheeks and bellies ached. Due to her inherent propensity to embrace life with optimism, exhilaration and laughter, Holly was delightfully fun, and I could not help but continually gravitate toward her engaging presence.

Throughout my young-adulthood, Holly was my mentor; an admirable one whom I continue to emulate as well as I can. She taught me how to cook, to fold laundry, to make a bed properly, and to become a wife and mother. She allowed me to rock her babies to sleep and taught me how to care for their needs. When she lost her first-born, she poignantly illustrated for me the intimate meaning of grief, as well as an extraordinary resilience beyond it, in spite of its crushing pain. She taught me how to act professionally, how to run a business, and how to balance a career and a family with aplomb. Her gifts to me have been numerous and fundamental to my development as a genuine human being. More than anything else, Holly was completely authentic; vibrantly alive and optimistically open to the challenges that life placed before her. She was both vulnerable simultaneously stalwart in the face of adversity, unconditionally nurturing and embracing, uniquely witty and amusing, and dependably exuberant. While without her, the world has lost one of its most dazzling sunbeams, we are blessed to have had the fortune to witness such radiance, and to discover how its life-affirming power has cultivated her finest qualities within ourselves.

With inexpressible gratitude,

Pam Anderson Crosby

From: Lisa Dickman

If I had to use one word to describe her it would be FUN!!

I remember hair as thick as a warm winter sweater. I was always jealous and wondered why my mom got stuck with the thinnest hair on the planet and feared that I would not be blessed with good hair.

I remember freckles, dark black eye make-up and her hair that was always changing.

I remember BBQ's at your house, illegal fireworks gone awry, black and white flooring in your kitchen, and Christmas parties in the basement.

I remember visiting her at her eye glass shop job.

I remember Holly always being the "life of the party" in the group. She was always laughing (really loud) and had a magical way of bringing out my mom's fun side. She wasn't afraid to be a dork if it meant fun and endless laughter.

I loved her a lot.

Thank you for reminding us to remember her.

Love,

Lisa

From: Kristie Rudd Liston

• She broke my heart when she went to school......I was alone.
• How all us girls would sleep in the same bed on Christmas night and I always had the middle in between twin beds, and how Holly scooted over so I didn't have to sleep right in the crack.
• Watching Saturday cartoons together sitting in an ugly green recliner, and during the commercials we would either hit each other or hug each other
• She told her teacher she took tap lessons and was in a tap number at the Christmas program...(she didn't take lessons)
• Playing Vickie and Susie with Holly and Nan
• The play house, swings and long summer nights with her
• I cried when I noticed she was becoming grown up and hitting puberty...
• She didn't want anyone to know she was liking boys...and when the bus dropped us off when I was in 7th grade and she was in 9th, we had to unroll our skirts down before Daddy saw us, and she took her make up off.
• How she really never liked the idea of going to 3 different high schools, and how her heart was always at Jordan.
• She laid many a tire on State Street in Daddy's black and white Toranado. It was fun and safer to drag state then and everyone knew who she was on state street.
• Once when your dad and my boyfriend were at your Grandma Ann's house, your dad played the guitar and my boyfriend played the drums........and they made us pretend we were the fans
• The moment I found out her baby died
• The moment I found out she was pregnant with Jer.......we were picking out my lovely bridesmaids dresses
• Your parents getting sealed in the temple
• How she called her kids "pallie or pal"
• Never seen a new born baby look more like her mother than Tiff did
• When The Anderson's surprised the Listons on an Easter.......and I was so happy a sister came to see me

I miss my sister. I miss my nephew's and niece........time is flying by and I know my mom will see her Daughter very soon. She had some insecurities......but she was a good woman, and she loved her kids.

I love you guys.....keep in touch

Kristie

From: Vern Dickman

Your mother was always happy to do something with her sisters. She and her sisters were going on a trip. Now, you know your Aunt Char--she is a little reserved...but when she got around your mom I would see a different person. One time they were taking off on a trip and they put duck feet or duck slippers on and started running like crazy ducks down the driveway...It was very funny. Your mother always brought the fun side out of people. She was a joy to be around. I do miss her...

Uncle Vern

From: Nancy Rudd Acquisto

This is so hard for me to even write down just a memory of your mother. I have so many favorite ones and so many to chose from. So this is what I am going to do. I am going to put down just the title of the memory and maybe some of you or all of you will remember that same memory. I am also going to put down a few of my favorite memories of us as children if that is o.k. So here goes. Whenever I think of my sister Holly there is always a smile on my face most of the time. The reason for this is she could make me laugh no matter of what was going on in my life or hers. Oh what great times we had growing up all of the childhood memories of being on our farm. Those times that we would run away if we got into trouble by Grandma or mad at one of the other sisters. We would go into the Chicken coop that was empty at the time. We would get the feed bags that were empty and lay them down on the ground for our beds. Oh how we would be so determined that we were going to stay there over night. Well by the time it was getting dark or cold we would look at each other and say I want to go home. So we would pick up the bags put them back where we got them and got back into the house. It seemed like almost every Saturday you would find me and your mom sitting in the corner looking at the walls because we had gotten into trouble. We did not like to clean the house so we would give your poor little Grandma problems. We just wanted to play or of course some of the times we were there because we were either fighting with Aunt Char or Aunt Kristie. You would have thought that we would learn after a few weeks but no not us we were slow learners. Well as we got older Grandma would let us stay up really late on the weekends. Oh how we loved to watch Wrestling, or Nightmare. We thought we were so grown up and almost every week we would make homemade custard and eat it was we watched t.v. When I was able to drive I encouraged your mother to go with me up to see my boyfriend instead of going to Mutual. So almost every Wed. night we would tell Grandma goodbye and she thought that we were being such good girls and off we would go into Salt Lake. Well that was before the freeway was even built so we had to go on the main streets. I think that we were only able to be with my boyfriend for a few minutes and then we would go back. It was great until the day that we got caught. Your mom's Mutual teacher called Grandma up and said how sad she was that your mother wasn't coming to Mutual. Now can't you just see your Grandma saying this "Oh she is going every week her and Nancy leave just in time to enjoy visiting with their friends before Mutual starts are you sure she isn't going. Well then Sister Johnson says that your mom hasn't been there for awhile. Well we got caught and grounded for a few weeks and that ended my trips up to my boyfriends in Salt Lake. I always felt bad as I got older and served in the Young Woman's thinking about how I wasn't that good of an example to your mom back then. One time though on a Friday night your mom and I had to go up to our Grandma Rudd's to take care of our Great Grandma as our Grandma was out of town. Aunt Char was living there with our Grandma but had some place to go. So your mom and I went up there. First we stopped off to see our Cousins Wes and Terri. After we watched them fight we got in the car to go over to our Grandma's we were stopped at the light on 39th S. and 23rd East. I thought that I saw the light turn green and started to go. Well it was yellow on the other side and smack we were hit by another car that was speeding. Our car almost went around in a complete circle my door flew open and I was starting to fall out your mom grabbed my arm and pulled me back in. She broke off the gearshift with her leg she got hurt pretty bad because of that. It was kind of funny though because when the ambulance came they took the other boys that were in theother car and the one driver was our Uncle Jack he just left us there. So we tried to call our parents but they were out for the night. We then called our Uncle Cal and he took us to the Hospital. You mom had a horrible leg for a few weeks. She saved my life that night because of grabbing me. To think that we were doing the right thing when it happened was amazing for us. I could go on for hours at a time going over all of the crazy things we did as kids. Of course I have the wonderful memories of us being adults. All of the times we stayed with you guys when we lived in Calif. Then when we moved up here the times we would watch the Jazz play in the playoffs how your mom and I would run upstairs as the score got closer at the end of the game. We would go to the top of the stairs and listen we just could not handle being down there to watch it. Then of course those crazy times of spying on your dad. We knew for sure that one day we would become famous for being P.I.'s. With our costumes of course they were fun days. Then there were the sister's trips to Vegas and how your mom loved to gamble. She was in heaven then. I would love to watch her when she won but it was not a pretty site when she lost. We had great times on our cruises and I will always cherish those times. Oh how I miss that cute little woman who could make you laugh over the silliest things. Thanks for letting us all remember just how much we love her and miss her. She is one of a kind who had a great big heart and gave us so much joy.

Love you Mims.

Nancy

From: Jill Fairbourn Walton

I have several fond memories of my Aunt Holly. The favorite memory of her was that I could tell her anything, and I mean anything. She would never betray my confidence. I told her things because she would always understand me no matter what I told her, and she would never judge me. When I had my first real broken heart, she was the first person I told. When I got fired from a job, she was the first person I told.
I remember going on dates with Holly and Rick when they were dating, always tons of fun. I thought they were the two coolest people in the world and I bragged about them all the time to my friends.
Holly was the first person to introduce me to Rock Music. I hope this doesn't offend anyone but, she also taught me how to really use most swear words. She took me to drag state street with her when I was a very little girl. I think it was one of the funnest times I had in my life. Holly also introduced me to DOTS candy, an addiction I still have today, and I think of her every time I eat one. I remember how happy she was when her family was sealed in the Temple. But, I do remember that she had been embarrassed at the Temple prep classes. She had fed her baby (I do not remember which cousin it was) a lot of rice cereal. This was done to keep the baby quiet during the class. Instead of keeping the baby quiet it made the baby sick. The baby threw up all over her and all over Rick and all over someone else and on the floor down the
hall on the way to the bathroom.
When I think of Holly, I think of a free spirit who did things in her own way. I always looked up to her and admired her.

Jill

From: Julee Fairbourn Palmer

I have many wonderful memories of my Aunt Holly. She was very important to my and I always looked up to her. I loved going to her house and loved coming over and tending her kids. I remember when I was a little girl I just knew that when I grew up I would make my own halloween costumes, cook yummy shredded BBQ beef, and be able to drive really fast on the on and
off ramps of the freeway just like my Aunt Holly did. I loved her very much and am thankful that she always made me feel loved and I knew that I could always count on my Aunt Holly. I miss her and love her very much.

Julee

From: Tyler Dickman

I'm trying to think of specific memories that stick out and most of all I just remember your mom as someone that was always looking for fun. I remember her as having a lot of good times with my mom and I would say she and my mom had the most in common among all the sisters. It is really sad for me that I can't recall specific moments to share with you. It's just a lot of bits and pieces. I'm probably the worst person to ask, I have a horrible memory. I have a lot of memories of coming and hanging out at your house as a kid. I specifically remember her taking me, Jeremy and Bob to McDonalds and us thinking that was a pretty big deal. Again, most of all my memories are of her just having a good time. She always seemed to be one to dress up funny or get us into doing something to make the moment a joke!

Tyler

From: Jacque Fairbourn Crook

One of the last times I saw your mom was at a birthday party we had for Great Grandma Harmon's 100th birthday. I had gone early to help my mom and her sisters set up. Char brought an enormous, beautiful fruit platter. As I was moving the platter to the table it spilled. The whole thing spilled all over the floor. After a few (ok, more than a few), muttered profanities we began giggling. We all got on the floor and picked up all the fruit and put it into a bowl and served fruit salad instead of the platter. Yes....everyone that attended the party ate fruit that had been spilled on the floor! I just remember being on the floor with Char and Holly and laughing.

Its not a big memory, or a profound memory, or a memory of a huge event. But it is priceless to me. It was the last time I saw her happy, and laughing and letting go. It was the Aunt Holly I'd always known and loved. And it is always how I choose to remember her. I loved her so much.

Love,

Jacque

From: Robert Fairbourn

One of my Favorite times was when my mom, Julee, and I went to Lehman Caves in Nevada with your Family.
We all piled in the old station wagon with Aunt Holly driving. Rick and his brothers followed on their motorcycles.
In what should have only been a day trip turned into a very long day. The trip up was quick and then on the way back we got pulled over because Jeremy threw a can out the window just when a cop drove by so we had to blame Kris who could have only been 1-2 yrs old. After that Tim got sick and had a little accident, so we had to stop at a gas station to clean that up. Then Jeremy had a bloody nose that would not stop for anything. After all that we are driving down the road and we hear a big thumping noise. and my mom in all her wisdom yells look for the helocopter I think its right above us. We all get excited and Aunt Holly says its a flat tire you idiot. as they both laughed. So as we are waiting for the bikers to come rescue us a nice gentleman pulls up and askes if we needed help and Aunt Holly points and says we are waiting for them as these 3 bikers pull up.
So after a long day we stopped in wendover to eat and our Moms decide to play the slots. So they made us stand outside the casino and look through the window and watch them play. I will always remember my mom did not chher like Aunt Holly did. Who knew she got the gambling luck in the family. After all that I will always remember that as one of my favorite trips. I always loved the many times my Aunt Holly would make sure to have me come over to hang out or go on trips with them. I love her very much and miss all the great times we all had.

I can't help but mention the fact that my mom and Aunt Holly are the only 2 people I know of that were asked to leave the 21 table because they could not add fast enough!

Bob

From: Sam Acquisto

Unfortunately a lot of my memories have faded over the years since your mom passed away. But one of the memories that I have that I will never forget is when your mom and your dad were going through their divorce. Your mom and my mom (Nancy) would go spying on him like they were James Bond. They would just laugh and laugh so much because they thought they were so sneaky but there is no way your dad didn't know what was going on. Another thing that I remember strongly is how she had a closet in the basement just loaded with Halloween costumes. I thought that was so cool. In fact 90% of my costumes as a child came from that basement. I was Gizmo from Gremlins, a nun and an old lady, twice! All of which we're made possible by your mom and her love of Halloween and all things fun. I loved how she laughed all the time and was such a fun person to be around. I can't wait to read what everyone has written and hopefully it will bring back some memories I have forgotten.

Sam

From: Adrian Diaz

Wow...how do I narrow it down to one! Some of my best memories growing up were affiliated with your mom and family. So after thinking for a few days I have narrowed it down to 1 thing. I love the sound of your moms voice and her giggle. I remember answering the phone and hearing on the other line "your mom there?" Just the inflection of her voice spoke volumes of what kind of person my aunt Holly was. One of the sweetest, kindest and down to earth person I will ever know. Her laugh was contagious! You couldnt help but be happy when you heard the giggle. I still can think of it and hear it perfectly in my head! I cant believe its been 6 years since her passing and at this time I do think its best to remember her and the wonderful life she lived. I know she watches over you and your siblings and all of us who loved her and I know she is doing the Lords work above. I hope to see you soon and I hope this helped. I know that its not a lot but I hope it will help

Love,

Adrian

From: Steven C. Diaz

My Aunt Holly was very dear to me. When we first moved here to Utah she took myself and my family in. I spent more time at the Andersons house than I did at my own. In that sense she became kind of my second mom. She made me feel like a part of her family when myself and the rest of our family were so scared with living in a new state and having to meet new people.

I would always drive around the valley with her while going to different jobs with Rick and her kids. While driving I remember she would always show me new things in the valley. She showed me where the zoo was, where she grew up, and what the Copper Miine was. To this day, everytime I see or hear something about the Copper Mine I think of my Aunt Holly

We were always welcome at our Aunt Hollys house. I remember of course the time myself and Kevan burned the wall down, and I'm sure everyone else remembers it. But what I remember about it was when she tried to be serious talking to me and Kevan about what we did, but couldn't keep a straight face. Maybe it's because it was something she would have done.

I also cherish the memories of being at work and seeing my Aunt Holly come in to see me. It was like she went out of her way to see how I was doing. We would sit there and just talk for while about family members and of course Grandpa.

I had the opportunity to do some work around her house a few months before she passed away. I actually spent a few days a week there talking with her and laughing. No matter what, she always had that wonderful smile on her face.

She was a person that always supported everyone in all they did. Like I said she was like a second mom to me and I'm sure to others. I will always remember her and keep these memories of her. She is missed by everyone that has ever associated with her, she has raised wonderful children and I consider them all wonderful friends and not just cousins.

We love you Aunt Holly and we miss you.

Steven C. Diaz

From: Angie Diaz Nielsen

I have so many memories of my Aunt Holly, so many little things that make me think of her. My earliest memory is seeing her sitting in the black and white kitchen, with either a baby Tim or Kris on her lap. He was probably 9 or 10 months old and crying uncontrollably. She turned him upside down and bounced him on her lap on his head- and it worked, he loved it. I remember my mom and her laughing so hard. Of course, they were always laughing hysterically over one thing or another. I remember thinking how much fun her house was.

The smell of pickles makes me think of that black and white kitchen. The last Thanksgiving I spent with her ended with our moms cracking up over a jar of pickles they found. Don't really know why that was so funny to them, but it was. When I buy corn on the cob on the road I think of your dad running into the back neighbor's yard to take corn and your mom cracking up on the back porch, but trying to be quiet. I remember Yuma and her inspecting my mother's "hematoma" on her naked behind. Bumper and I laughed so hard because we thought she made that term up. It became one of our favorite insults (You are such a hematoma!). I can still picture Jeremy running into the room yelling "I saw mom looking at Aunt Nan's bum!"

I remembering her paying Tiffany and I to do chores around the house so we could get new outfits to go out "searching for men". She even gave us extra money for the tax. She always thought about the little details.

I always laugh thinking of the summer I came to stay and how she sent us to the school to have "boat lunch" everyday. I loved Boat Lunch!

I loved spending Fourth of July in Utah. I remember a flower firework "jumping" into the kitchen from the outside porch and Holly swatting it out with a broom.

Thanksgiving is not the same without her orange mashed potatoes and pistachio salad.

There were a million little things, but most of all I remember her laughing all the time. She made everything fun.

Love,

Angie Diaz Nielsen

From: Heidi Dickman Emery

Here are some of the fond memories I have of my aunt Holly.

1) When Holly and Rick got married they lived in the unfinished basement at three fountains with grandma and grandpa's house. I remembered their bed and that I knew naughty things happened there. Rick and Holly kissed a lot.

2) I remember my Aunt Holly's thick hair.

3) My Aunt Holly always made me feel comfortable, welcomed and loved.

4) She had a naughty sense of humar and I thought she was so funny!!!!

5) Holly gave me a beautiful shower at her home when I got married to Kenny. It meant a lot to me.

6) Holly wallpapering

7) Always laughing when she was around

8) Her friendships with her sisters

9) After she died the 5 were now 4. They lost their driver,prankster, adventurer, and things were never the same.

Holly was a wonderful Aunt. She never judged me. She loved me and made my childhood and teenage years were more fun with Holly around. She was the life of the party and I miss her dearly.

Love,
Heidi Emery

From: Jon Dickman

Most of my memories of Aunt Holly seem to have revolved around cars and motorcycles. I guess I would say I put her in the category of a "Cool Aunt" since she liked the same things I did. I also remember going to get fitted for my glasses from her and she was always smiling and fun to be
around. I always liked seeing her when we were together as a family.
One of the sweetest memories I have about your Mom though is how much she was loved by Grandpa Rudd. He always thought everyone of his girls were Angels.
I know she is smiling down upon you and all your siblings as each of you continue to grow and build lives of your own.

God Bless!

Jon

From: Charleen Rudd Dickman

Memories of my sister Holly

She was born just after Christmas and My Parents decided to name her Holly. What a beautiful little girl she was with wonderful dark hair. My parents were so happy to have this new little girl added to their family. She always has loved animals but especially cats. I can’t say I remember a lot about her when she was younger. I remember her with Nancy and Kristie, but not too much of her alone. Her best friend was Sherry Hyde. I don’t remember if she liked school, but she like being with her friends. We would have our cousins Wes and Terry over and she really liked playing with them. We all loved living on our Farm. We moved there when Holly was just starting school. It seemed to me that she didn’t seem to like school very much. We went to Crescent Elementary. I don’t remember if she liked Mutual (Young Womens ) or 4-H.

The one thing she did love were CARS. She loved to look at them and would always think what she would want when she was old enough to drive. One day I was in our kitchen and looked out the window to see our VW beatle going around in circles. It seemed to not have a driver and was going a little fast. We ran outside to see what had happened to this driverless car. As we got closer we realized that we could see the top of a head. It was Holly. She couldn’t see a thing but she was driving. I think that is when we realized how much she loved to drive. I was married before the 3 girls were in their Wild and Crazy High School Years. I know that Holly was always fun to be with. She was more like her Father in that respect. I remember the first time I met your Dad. We were up at Uncle Clyde’s home and Rick came to see Holly. He asked me if I wanted to go for a ride in his new car. I said of course and happily got into the back seat. Rick took off and floorboard the car. We were sailing along at a great speed when I looked over to see the two of them. They were both in their element and had huge smiles on their faces. I was so excited to have the car finally stop and know that I was going to live. It wasn’t long after that they were married. Their wedding colors were violet and light purple. I can’t say I remember much about it but Heidi was a flower girl and Jon carried the ring.

I remember how sad we all were when Jason was born and died. It was so sad for all, but my Daddy was so unhappy that his little girl had this to bare. When Jeremy finally arrived everyone was not only overjoyed but so thankful that everything was alright. Then as each one of you children came into this world we all welcomed you and loved all of you so much. You children were the most important thing in you Mother’s life. You were her world and I know that she would be so proud of all of you today.

When Grandpa and Grandma moved to Yuma it was so hard on all of us but I think your mother had the hardest time. That is when we started taking a trip together once a year. This is when I think our FAMILY really went together. We had such fun times and it was just Sam,Margie and their 5 girls. It was magic. We made fun of each other,our parents,our husbands,our kids-we just made a lot of fun. We couldn’t wait until our next family trip. We didn’t have to be anyone but ourselves and I think that is why everyone had such a great time. It certainly is when we all decided that we liked who we were and what we were (RUDDS) .

I hope that you 5 people learn to love each other and get along as good as the 5 of us did. If you don’t you are missing out on one of the best things this world has to offer you---

( a family that will always love you).

Please do Aunt Char a favor and get together and get a picture taken of all of you. It will help each one of you remember the great times and sad times you have spent with each other. It will help you to be stronger and accomplish what you want to in life and help you decide what is important for you to do. You will make a difference to many people if you want to.

Don’t forget your Aunt Char Loves you,

Aunt Char

From: Judi Rudd Fairbourn

I have so many wonderful memories of my sister Holly. For many years it seemed as though there was just her and I here during the winter months. We were very close and as a result our children were close and we did many things together.

It is hard to just write about one or two and to narrow it down has been kind of hard, Let's see, there is the great adventures in the old camper, a trip to Vernal and up Provo canyon with all of the kids stuffed in the camper, Timmy with the nines and Lisa breaking out with shingles. It took us literally hours to get there from Salt Lake. Oh, we cannot forget Leman Caves another exciting trip that took until 1:30 am to return home because we wanted to see all of the beautiful sights of the Nevada dessert. Even our short trips were huge undertakings. But looking back they sure were fun.

We were there for one another in those years and I will be forever grateful for the good times and closeness that we shared.

Grandpa and Grandma had a home in Midvale about 30 years ago . This was during the time that they were going to Yuma for the winters. One day we got a phone call from a neighbor who was keeping watch on their place. He thought things didn't look quite right and that Grandpas truck had possibly been broken into. Holly and I went over to see what was happening and when we walked into the house there were empty beer cans and other trash all over the house, it was definitely a crime scene . We called the police and started to check and see if anything was missing. Grandma had taken all of the valuables from the curio cabinet and wrapped them very carefully in towels and put them in a dresser down in the basement. Holly was going through those thing, carefully unwrapping and wrapping them up again. When she had checked every thing out she proceeded to close the drawer. She immediately put her head down and I thought she was crying, I ran to her side and said, "Oh Holly, what's wrong did you find something of Jason's ? She said, "No Silly, what would Jason have he only lived a few hours?" I heard something go crunch when I shut the drawer. As we carefully opened the drawer and unwrapped the contents we discovered a glass blown ship that had been made especially for Grandpa had not survived the inspection. We laughed so hard our sides were aching.

Soon the police arrived to investigate and as we were talking to him at the kitchen table, Kevan who was not very old looked up at the chandelier above the table,. The light bulbs were in the shape of candles and the little guy began to sing Happy Birthday , the policeman and both of us began to laugh so hard.

This may be one of those memories that you just had to be there to think if was funny, but to me it was a funny funny day. Oh I had some many good times with Holly, I miss her so much but know she is happy, doing well and keeping Grandpa in line.

Oh by the way it was found to be kids from nearby Hillcrest High School just making the empty home and Party Place .

Thanks for the many memories Mims.

Judi