Remembering Mims: From: Kristie Rudd Liston

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.

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.