Wedding, Blessing, Funeral

We traveled to Utah to witness and celebrate my brother  Gordon's wedding. He married Catalina Dayton in the Draper Utah Temple on April 14, 2012. We shared some of their sweet sweet moments in the temple and at the family dinner the night before. Nancy and I finally finished off the striking quilt we pretended to slave over for more than a year. Nancy had started it back in her college days and finally decided that my brother would make a good home for it and the wedding was a necessary deadline. I said my prayers when Nancy dropped it off at my house the day before we left on their way out of town. I was responsible for binding it. Whelp, I did my best and I think it will hold together for them. The report is that they are finding it useful around their apartment. (I write this in August.)

The timing for the trip was ideal. Spencer arranged to have Heidi's Baby Blessing in the Oak Hill's 7th Ward, his parents' ward the Sunday after the wedding. Both of Heidi's grandfathers, Jon Green and David Steele, were able to participate and a few of Spencer's close friends. My mom and sister could be there and many of Spencer's family member. Some of my friends and extended family attended as well. It was so wonderful to see them all. Such dear people have really enriched our lives and continue to be rays of sunshine whenever we think of them. Mamma Green made some lovely pork sandwiches and Diana made some delicious cupcakes modeled after our wedding cake she crafted. So thoughtful. Diana's baking is masterful. 

Aunt Diana with Heidi at bath time. So cozy and clean!

Uncle Gordon holding Heidi for the first time and soon to be Aunt Catalina with her bright smile. 

The happy couple getting ready to debut their declaration of love music videos. They are so talented and technically savvy. They were sure looking forward to the next day at the temple. Sharing memories was so sweet and a fun way to get more acquainted with Catalina. 

Heidi and cousin June at the pre-wedding family dinner.

Heidi waited with Aunt Annie in the car while Spencer and I went into the Draper Temple for the wedding. 

We are a happy family.

Aunt Annie and Heidi with their beautiful smiles on blessing day. 

Heidi wore this darling simple dress from Aunt Kristin for her blessing. 

Cousin Dylan taking a photo op.

Uncle Soren cradling Heidi with two hands-tiny baby, but she sure grows fast. 

Grandma Beth Houk and Aunt Nancy and Cousin June stuck around for a sweet photo. And we all wore royal blue. I guess we brought a few options to match the wedding colors. 

Soren, Annie, Grandpa Jon Green, Grandma Karen Green and Aunt Diana. Looking good.

Ricky Rick Rick sharing some grins and some good times. 

Another blessing, was that we were able to attend my Grandpa Robert Que Steele's funeral the next day. A few years ago when I was living in Utah going to school, I visited Grandpa on Father's Day. He was already in bed for the day/night. I remember the sun was still out, but it may have been getting on to the evening. I visited with Grandma for a while in the front room and then I went in to see Grandpa. He had been going down hill after strokes and various health issues and grew increasingly tender hearted/weepy and dear. But I believe his grip grew stronger, probably from shelling walnuts in front of the TV. It was when he was grasping my hand as I sat next to him at the edge of his bed that he asked if I would sing, "How Great Thou Art", at his funeral. I was choking on my emotions and I think he was too. But he was also apparently about the business of getting his will for his funeral recorded and he called out his signature, "Lucile!" to make sure she wrote down what he had arranged and I had agreed to. 

Since singing for my dear Aunt Gwen's funeral last October, I've had funerals on my mind from time to time and I recall wondering where we might be when it would be time to celebrate Grandpa's life at his earthly journey's end. I am so grateful that all of my family was able to be there. He passed away the Wednesday we were traveling to Utah. I think my Dad left a message on my phone or sent a text initially. What a dear, good, hardworking man. I loved hearing more stories from his kids about the great teacher he was for them as their father. He and my Grandmother established a family that is sprawling and faithful. Their thrift and industry is remarkable and has brought many blessings to their family. The serious loving ties that they fostered in the Steele family is a huge strength and something I hope to emulate in my own family. We love you Grandpa. See you soon! 

  

My Grandpa's Obituary: http://www.tributes.com/show/Robert-Que-Steele-93624242

Robert Que Steele
December 9, 1927 – April 11, 2012

On Wednesday, April 11th, Robert Que Steele returned home to his loving Heavenly Father. Que was born on December 9, 1927 in Sandy, Utah as the first child of Robert Steele, and Geneva BlackSteele. Que graduated from Lincoln High School in 1946 where he met the love of his life, Lucile Moon.

Que served his country as a soldier in the United States Army in World War II and the Korean Conflict. Upon returning home from World War II, he and Lucile were married in the Manti, Utah LDS temple on April 19, 1948. Que calls his marriage to Lucile "The best thing that ever happened to me." Que and Lucile had 10 children together.

Que accomplished many things during his lifetime. He was a talented athlete. He had a love for animals and raised many different animals throughout his life. Que studied vocational agriculture at Brigham Young University, and then transferred to Utah State University in Logan where he received his B.S. degree. Que then became an educator and taught Vocational Agriculture at Union High School in Roosevelt for 2 years. Que and Lucile then moved home to Orem where he taught at Lincoln & Lakeridge Jr. High.

Que was an active member of the LDS church throughout his life and served in many church callings. He also had the opportunity to serve as a missionary with Lucile in the England London mission after their children were grown.

Throughout his life Que demonstrated the importance of hard work and devotion to his family. There was nothing more important to Que than his children and grandchildren. A constant highlight in his life was the cabin he and his family built together in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho. The Steele Family have had many family reunions at this cabin and shared many special times together there. Que looked forward to visiting "Steeleaway" even up until the last years of his life.

Que is preceded in death by his Mother and Father, his brother Murray Frost, his infant sister, Kathy, his infant son, Matthew, and two granddaughters—Whitney Steeleand Michele Tucker. He is survived by his wife, Lucile, and his children Coreyne (Val) Mortenson, Lorraine (Gayle) Davis, Brigg (Janet), Erwin (Barb), David (JoDee), Beth (Brad) Gale, Robert (Laurel), Frost (Marie), and Samuel (Keri) Steele. He is also survived by his sisters GenaVee (Lee R) Broderick and DaNec Lyman Watts. He will be fondly remembered by his 51 grandchildren and 88 great-grandchildren.

The family would like to express hearfelt thanks to Marcus Dela Cruz for his tender care and dedicated service. They would also like to thank the hospice staff who helped keep Que comfortable these past few months.

There will be a viewing Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Walker Sanderson Funeral Home at 646 East 800 North, Orem, from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will begin Monday, April 16, 2012 at 11 a.m. at the Sunset Heights Stake Center, 1260 S 400 W, Orem. Friends may visit with the family prior to the funeral from 9:30-10:30 a.m.