Remembering Mims: From: Charleen Rudd Dickman

Holly Rudd Anderson 01-27-52 ~ 02-17-04

Dear family and friends,

It has been six years--coming up to the day that my brothers, sister and I lost our mom. We have been strong. We accept that she has moved on to more important things and are happy for her. At times we miss her of course and prefer not to dwell on things of the past but find it healthy to take a moment every now and again to reflect on the happy memories we have been afforded. This leads me to the point for which I am writing you this note. Because life is moving forward and memories begin to distance themselves, it becomes hard to remember the unique attributes and characteristics that makes someone so special. Of the few times over the past six years that I have been able to spend with grandpa and grandma, my favorite question has been to ask, “Can you please tell me a story about my mom?” I loved to see their faces light up and an ensuing funny, exciting, mischievous story that so described my mom. For a moment I feel like I remember something that I had forgotten. When tragedy happens, to move on you try to forget the hopelessly despairing recollections and with that seems to drift some of the priceless memories that allow someone to live on.
More for my siblings but also for myself, I wanted to ask you to take a moment of your time and write down a memory about my mom. I know people ask this and sometimes you might say to yourself, “Give it a rest” or “that’s so cliche’” to be doing this but it would mean so much to me and I know my siblings that I couldn’t help but ask.
Aunt, sister, cousin, friend, whatever she was to you connects you with us. And with the way our lives continue to forge their way into the future, leaving behind the past, I am afraid that now is no better time to ask this favor of you. On February 17, 2010 I am going to have put together a blogspot with entries from family and friends with pictures, music--including songs that Kevan, Kris, and I have written, poems, etc. as a place where my siblings and I can go when those moments come where we feel like we want to be closer. She left a little early. I have a lot of moments where I want her to be there to congratulate me for achievements I have made or something to laugh at that I know she would understand. She was one of the closest people I have had in my life and one that I wouldn’t have to say anything and she’d understand. A mom is an important person you’d hope would never leave and would be there forever. And she is. I am happy she is where she is.
So, if you would please do me a favor and write just something--it can be anything, you would help me to give something irreplaceable to my family and I know they would appreciate it more than you would know. If you have any pictures that you could download, we always love to see those.
We (the Anderson’s) have been blessed with so many good family members and have more than we could possibly have asked for. I would like to thank you beforehand for your time. I really hope that you and your family are doing well. I am proud to be a Rudd--we are blessed to have had Sam and Marge in our lives and such a great link to keep us together. I’ll miss our reunions but remember the good times.

May this site be dedicated to the memory of a loved one who brought happiness into the lives of those around her. Holly Rudd Anderson came into this world January 27, 1952 to Sam and Marge Rudd. The sister of four, mother of six, aunt, and friend to many more, Holly became known a breath of fresh air. One who understood the needs of others and was always willing to be a listening ear. She always loved a good mischievous endeavor--anything to get a rise out of someone. She loved cars, clothes and loved being the center of attention. Her relationship with her sisters was inspiring and an example to anyone who observed. Many trips, lunches, and days out strengthened their bond and is something that will be missed by all. For the visitors of this site: if you have anything that you would like to express--memories, pictures, thoughts to the children, sisters, or those who loved Holly, or anything else--please send them to tanderson@hspest.com.

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