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550206-\2

KR. G. Ber

Proun, Utah

February 6, 1955

Dear ann and James,

A belated thank you for the fidelity of your much enjoyed letters.
4iso, the delicious stuffed dates sent at Yuletime. The picture of the
kiddies was superb and we are proud of our grandchildren. Mother was

sufficiently alert when it arrived to be conscious of their being and smiled

with satisfaction when holding the photo. Have depended upon the letters
sent by Mary to keep you Kansas folk informed of the course of Mother's

lliness. Our daily record of her illness soon indicated a definite trend.

The period between the strokes or spasms created by new pressure areas formed

by the breaking down of the arteries became shorter as time went on, and |
the pattern well indicated what we could expect as her illness continued. |
Her vital organs all suffered from the initial stroke and especially her

throat, making it difficult for her to take enough nourishment (mostly |
liquid) to sustain her frail body. Her mind as well as her body deteriorated |
toward the last, so she reacted only through habit behaviour. ‘She talked q
not at all; lacked ccordination to read or recognize people; she alternated |
between periods of constipation and the opposite, which on the one hand |
made her toxic and on the other gave little chance for the food to be properly

assimilated. Previously to her passing, she was unable to take food or
drink--both made her choke and created mucous, which prohibited her normal
breathing. Breathing in the last three days was extremely labered and
cyanosis was prevalent which gradually dg@mveloped her. We are grateful
that she suffered little or at all after the initial stroke, and the end
and the beginning came without spasm or pains

The funeral, as the notice states, was private. There were few very
close friends cane, such as Dr. CO. Le Jones and wife. Callers before the |
service the previous day and Sunday included Don Daynes and wife, Dr.
Clarence Cottam, Dr» Tanner, and Dr. Hayward and his wife--all close friends

of Janese

fhe service was in the Culbertson tradition--scriptural passages dealing
with immortality and spiritual values-=not a single personal remark. Many
commented on its unusual beauty. Dr. Carter is a very finished scholar and
his readings impressed all. The selections chosen werencither too long or
too briefs No music to unduly upset your emotions. A little later I will
mail a booklet of those attending, pall bearers, biblical references which
will enable you to read the entire service. The dress and slippers were
selected by Phyllis and Mary and were in keeping with Mom's style of clothese
The casket, far from being ornate, was plain-of broadcloth with flesh-colored
lining--restful. Her corsage was pinned below her neckline. Floral blanket

of white cornations and red roses with varicus other pieces gave comforte —
‘Glose now, with love and kisses to all.