Arthur Watkins Viewing and Funeral

Friday, March 2, 2012

I want to remember how good Arthur looked, so I am posting a picture of him at his viewing. He looks so peaceful and is finally with Ruth, with his brother, Don, who he missed so much and his parents, sisters, and all of his other loved ones who have passed on. What a happy reunion for all of them!

 Sweet Holly, Jeff, Claire & Ethan drove all the way from Iowa to the funeral. It took them 24 hours each way and they only had 2 days in Utah. They felt very close to Grandpa because they were able to live with him when they were first married - soon after Ruth had passed away. They loved their time with him and feel blessed to have had that opportunity.

 Bryan's siblings: Bryan, Lynn, Annette, Laurel, Denise, Marie, Ron, Paul

BJ and Shannon also drove out for the funeral - I didn't get a picture of them at the viewing. Tyler and Sadie came with Bryan and I, and Tiff stayed home with Kylie and Lexi because they couldn't miss any more school. Michael and Mallory weren't able to be there either, but they had just visited Grandpa the month before, so they were thankful they were able to do that.

Saturday, March 3, 2012

The funeral was held on the same day my father passed away 4 years ago. It brought back a lot of memories of that day and made me reflect on my dad's life, as well as Bryan's dad's life during the events of the day. Bryan and I are blessed to have been born to such wonderful parents.

My sweet Mom and my sweet sister and her husband let us invade their homes. THANK YOU, Mom and Kathy & Dennis for letting us stay with you!
Here are all the kids eating their breakfast at Grandma Clark's house before the funeral.

 And BJ and Shannon cooking breakfast.....

Since the funeral was in the afternoon, BJ, Shannon & kids, Holly, Jeff & kids, Tyler, Sadie and I were able to make a trip to the cabin in Provo Canyon on Saturday morning. I didn't get any pictures of this, but it was quite the adventure. There was a lot of snow and we had to walk down to the cabin from the main road. Sam and Brodi haven't been around snow much, so they kind of had a hard time, but it was a fun little walk. Luckily, Hannah was at home with Grandma Clark, sleeping peacefully!

The funeral was very nice. Lynn, Denise, Marie and Annette spoke. Bryan gave the opening prayer and Laurel gave the closing prayer. Paul gave the family prayer and Ron dedicated the grave. There were musical numbers by Staci Watkins and by Jeff Howlett. 

Arthur was buried at Orem City Cemetery. I thought it was such a great idea to have the grandsons stand in a line as the sons and sons-in-law carried the casket. It was very moving.

Since Arthur was a veteran, he was able to receive full military rites at the cemetery, which was amazing.

I can't listen to 'Taps' without shedding tears. I found out that one of my distant relatives wrote 'Taps'. It always reminds me of police funerals and I don't like to think about those - it hits too close to home.

Folding the flag

Presenting the flag to the oldest sibling - Annette

Tyler and Sadie

All of our family who was able to attend the funeral

Jeff and Claire at the family dinner, which the Ward was so gracious to prepare for such a large group!

And here is a picture of all the immediate family who was at the funeral! I can't remember the exact count, but it was close to 200. Amazing posterity!

 We drove back to the cemetery the day after the funeral and this is how the grave looked. BYU donates a 'Y' wreath of flowers to people who have taught there.

The talks and the music at the funeral were all fabulous and for the most part, everything went forward without a hitch. Bryan has a wonderful family and it was a great reunion - what a way to honor his dad!

We were also able to visit my Dad's grave the next day. Here is my Mom with BJ, Sam and Brodi.