Heartbroken...

This isn't the first time that I have had a broken heart, and it probably won't be the last. I got a text from cousin Brenda about ten o'clock Monday night that my Aunt Bernice had passed away.  It wasn't unexpected, she had been very ill for a few months. She had liver failure last Spring and has been on dialysis. She has had other complications that effected her overall health. But she is Federer strong and fought to get better with all she had. All of her siblings have passed except Aunt Kay. She was able to catch a quick flight from California to be with her. Aunt Kay arrived late Saturday night. They had a pizza party at the hospital on Sunday. They laughed and talked throughout the day. The next day Aunt Bernice was unresponsive. She passed away that night. 

 Aunt Kay ~ Aunt Bernice

She really was a dear friend. We talked about everything. I always knew how much she loved me, always. I looked forward to anytime we could be together. She was so witty and smart.  She enjoyed reminiscing about life on the ranch. She really loved my Dad and he loved her. What a grand reunion they must have had.

 Dad and Aunt Bernice

I am grateful to know that I will see her again. I believe that loving relationships continue beyond the doors of death, and family ties will endure. This gift is made possible through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I want to be worthy to live in God's presence and be with my family forever. 

 Grandma ~ Me ~ Aunt Bernice

My Grandma loved poetry and quotes. I have collected quotes and written poems through the years as a way to honor her. A few days ago I wrote a poem for Aunt Bernice and I finished it the night she died. 

For Aunt Bernice

You are my beloved aunt, my confidant, and friend
You are always there for me with advice to lend.
You’re have been a constant guide in my path
And can always find a way to make me laugh.
I love to hear the stories you have to tell
You remember important details so well.
Talking on the phone was something I look forward to
Making dinner could wait so I could visit with you!
I was on my way to Oklahoma for your 80th birthday bash
But a tornado blew in and my plans changed with a crash.
Family reunions and a party for Uncle Dale were so fun
Being together gave us memories that can never be undone.
You love to cook and make beautiful things
Your thanks was seeing the joy that brings.
You worked hard all your life, it’s true
There really wasn’t anything you couldn’t do.
In your heart children held a special place
And you took care of them with patience and grace.
You love your brothers, sister, mom and dad
And never forgot to be grateful for all you had.
Your husband, children, and grandchildren brought you so much pleasure
Family is something you will always treasure.
You recognized the hand of the Lord in your life
And would offer a prayer for help in times of strife.
I have loved you like a mother
You have blessed my life like no other.
I have felt your unconditional love for as far back as I can remember
All through the years from January to December.
The hardest part of losing someone is not saying goodbye
But rather living without them, but I will have to try.
I know I have another guardian angel that will be near
With you looking down I have nothing to fear.
We will have heavenly reunion that will last until nigh
There will be hugs, tears, and of course strawberry rhubarb pie!

My cousin posted this:
The sun rose and set with you in her life. You are truly a genuine loving and caring person. You were there for her as much as she was there for you. You must be missing her. Wonderful poem! 

I wish I could have gone to the funeral with my brother Lloyd, but the road conditions across Wyoming were not safe. 

Bernice Louise Wilson 
1933-2017 

Bernice Louise Federer was born to Theodore and Edna Federer on May 30, 1933 in Cheyenne, Wyoming where she grew up on the farm and ranch that her father homesteaded. She was the 6th of 8 children. 

Bernice was married to David Wayne Wilson on Dec 17, 1955. They raised 2 children, Cynthia Sue (Wilson) Waters and Brenda Kaye (Wilson) Benne. They moved from Cheyenne to Carpenter, Wyoming where they purchased a farm and raised Galloway cattle and later changed it over to a dairy. 

Bernice was a homemaker but also worked outside the home at a variety of jobs. She worked at a land office, Cheyenne Federal Credit Union, Safeway, Hereford Bank, and then the Wyoming Highway Patrol. Bernice also made custom drapes for Montgomery Wards. 

Dave and Bernice, along with their grown children, moved to Edmond, Oklahoma in 1978. Bernice began cleaning houses and babysitting children for other people as well as her grandchildren. Later she became a full time house sitter and nanny for several different families. She has said many times that it was one of the most fulfilling things she did in her life and really became part of the families that she worked for. 

Bernice died at Mercy Hospital on Jan 2, 2017 surrounded by friends and family. 

She is preceded in death by her mother and father, Theodore and Edna Federer, brothers, Ernest Cecil, Clarence Russell, Marion George, Ivan Lester, Merlin Dale, and Carl Lewis Federer.
She is survived by her husband David Wayne Wilson, sister Kay Dangerfield, two daughters, Cindy Waters, Brenda Benne and husband Douglas, grandchildren, Chauncy Waters and wife Liz and their children Kiley Maull & husband Austin, Zoe Waters, & Asa Waters, granddaughter Codi Waters & husband Mike Yandell, their children Dylan & Lola, grandson David Benne and wife Kelli and their daughter Emily & granddaughter Katie, grandson Robert Benne & wife Jolene, grandson Jesse Benne and wife Kristin & their son Max. 

Bernice is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. She is loved and missed by all. 

Public viewing will be from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, January 5th at Matthews Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 6th at Waterloo Road Baptist Church with burial to follow at Gracelawn Cemetery Edmond, Oklahoma.

My thoughts and prayers with Uncle Dave, they were together for 61 years.  

I am grateful for an eternal perspective that offers peace "that passes all understanding."

  I love you Aunt Bernice, 

until we meet again...