Mistie's funeral

My brother, who lives out of state and was unable to attend, wanted details about the funeral so I thought I would share some here in case there were others that were unable to attend, but would have liked to.


Sharla, Carmell, and Cheri talked about her ability to make everyone feel included and welcome. How you felt as comfortable at her house as you did your own. How she made every niece and nephew feel like they were the favorite. They talked about her thoughtfulness; she was always thinking about other people and had a way of making everyone feel important and loved.

They talked about how she was always busy. How she always had a project or craft going and made sure everyone was involved, including the little ones. She was innovative and could make something out of anything. Her sisters talked about their adventures dumpster diving and her amazing ability to turn trash into the most amazing decorations and treasures. Sharla told a funny story about how they went to a construction site to retrieve cast off wood for a project. Just as they were almost to the car a voice called out, "hey!" Not knowing what to do they froze and Mistie whispered, "should be drop it and run?" Then the guy called out, "Can we get your numbers?" Sharla said that was a common occurance and guys would come up to Mistie everywhere they went to ask her for her number.

Carmell told about her giving nature and how she and Russ helped them out when they were struggling financially. She also talked about what a hard worker Mistie was and how as kids when they were digging and building their own pool she could be seen out there scrubbing down the cement with a toothbrush and bleach. She also talked about her eye for things and how after spending so much time at the hospital she had so many ideas about how the space could be used better and things could be arranged better. So when someone called doing a survey about her stay at the hospital she gave them an earful about things that could be done to make it better; and then they built a new hospital.

Cheri told a story about a painting how-to video they made and quoted Mistie as saying, "With the right paint and technique you can make any space beautiful, (and pointing to Travis' antlers hanging up), even with an elk head on the wall." She said she was sure that heaven wouldn't need a makeover, but that if anyone could do it Mistie could and that she was probably trying.

Uncle Jim talked about her desire to be able to raise her boys and how prayers were answered and she was able to be here long enough to get Calvin to the age of accountability. He commented on how each of the boys are like her in different ways; how Derick exemplifies her creativity and spirit, and Calvin her kindness and ability to see beauty in everything. He talked about how each child is a gift and that the most precious gifts are never lost. When Heavenly Father gives such a gift he gives it forever.

Russ was the final speaker and among many other things told the story of how they met at a school dance. She had asked him to dance and then it took months afterward for him to get up the courage to talk to her again and to ask her out. He was sure the only reason she had asked him to dance was on a dare or for a young women's project to "make some dorky boy feel special." He spoke of their courtship, of the dog (remember Rusty?) that he got her to keep her company while he was on his mission, about the strength of their friendship, and that not only were her sisters her best friends, but over the course of the last year through their love and support they have become his best friends as well.

Funerals are not something to look forward to, and to be honest I don't like attending them, but this was a wonderful tribute to Mistie and her life. It was good to reflect on her life, to remember her example, and to laugh about the good times even though dealing with the pain of her loss. I was amazed by the strength of her family; and it was nice to be able to gather and find strength and comfort in each other.