Remembering Mims: From: Judi Rudd Fairbourn

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.

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