Remembering Dolly

I can't believe it's been two months since I've posted on my blog. I don't really have a great excuse other than life itself seems to get busy and I haven't made my blog a priority. During the month of November, Bob & I found ourselves dealing with the loss of his grandmother. It was unexpected and relatively quick, which if you are 99 years old is a blessing. I want to share with you the obituary that Bob wrote about his grandmother.
   

Dolly was born on March 20, 1914 in Oregon City, Oregon to Alfred & Dolly (Bair) Newton.  She passed away on November 9, 2013 just 5 months, 11 days shy of her 100th birthday from complications of a stroke.
   Dolly graduated from Cottage Grove High School where she participated and excelled in many sports.  During and after high school she, with her very competitive spirit, won many championships and sports awards, especially in Badminton.   She was a Badminton instructor and medalist in golf tournaments as well as a master Bridge player.
    From a previous marriage, she was blessed with two sons, Robert N. Hoaglin and Alfred T. Hoaglin (both deceased).
    At the beginning of WW II she was introduced to a handsome airman ready to leave for combat who became smitten with her.  With his charming letter-writing from afar, and constant persuasion, he became the love of her life.  She married Kenneth E. Omlid on August 17th 1944.  He went on to serve several terms as Lane County Commissioner & Assessor, during which time she enjoyed entertaining.  This true love affair lasted for over 66 years until Ken passed away in 2010. They were a match made in heaven.
    Dolly had a very quick wit, keen mind, and impeccable fashion sense until the very end; she managed her shopping, home upkeep, finances, and always had a list of daily chores.  She was an excellent seamstress and knitter and loved to create gifts for family, friends and acquaintances.  She loved crossword puzzles, bingo, Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune.
She was blessed with and cherished the many loving, caring friends who were consistently there for her.
    She is preceded in death by all brothers, sisters, two sons, two grandsons and survived by five grandchildren, many great and great great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
    Special thanks to Marie, Liane, Emmy and nephew Lee Omlid.

That picture was taken on her 99th birthday. Still dressing as the classy lady that she was. Although the obituary mentions she was survived by five grandchildren, Bob is the only family that she acknowledged. Family dynamics are weird and complicated sometimes, and Bob's family is on the extreme side of this. It makes me realize how lucky I have been to have a close knit family my entire life.

I'm thankful that Grandma had these wonderful women (Marie, Emmy & Liane) in her life that would watch over her and keep us informed about her when needed. They were also an awesome support system for Bob while he was at the hospital with Grandma during her final days. 

Dolly's nephew, Lee, and Bob became friends immediately, almost like brothers.

Lee and Trudi were a great support for Bob too. They also spent a day with us to show us around Florence.

This photography girl definitely wants to go back there and visit again!

My downfall whenever we would go to Oregon to visit Grandma, was that I always wanted to get out and photograph the sites. Grandma was no fool, she knew this and the last couple of visits asked Bob to come alone so that I would not distract Bob from visiting her. This trip was no exception, I had to get out and explore.

Found this historic home nestled into the hillside in the middle of old downtown Eugene.

Typical Oregon fog and mist on the McKenzie River.

And finally, the truck I love to find on a windy mountain road every time we visit.

Our family ties to Oregon are no longer there, but this place will always hold a special place in my heart.