Vallis's mother, Grace Davis, wanted the quilt square to feature a caduceus because Vallis was a medical doctor. Grace also wanted it to be stitched in gold. Vallis's sister thought gold would show up well on deep purple. The colors chosen are only significant because they are beautiful and Vallis's family wanted for her life and her donation to be remembered as a thing of beauty.

“It’s not what he had, nor what he did that expressed the worth of the man, but what he was.” Tim lived each day like it was his last. Just like the song, Live Like You’re Dying, Tim went “sky diving, rocky mountain climbing and went two point seven seconds on a bull named Fumanchu. He loved deeper, spoke sweeter, and gave forgiveness.” He was proud of all of his accomplishments: U.S. Army Airborne, Vietnam Veteran, college graduate, Mason and Camel Herder, Timbo the D.A.R.E Clown, Deputy Sheriff, son, brother, father, grandfather and husband. He believed in friends and family and often entertained them with his God give gifts. The memories of Tim will always bring a chuckle to his friends and family. And, true to his character, he continued to give through the LifeShare Program.

We chose to make our memorial quilt block our of fabric with a Western theme, most especially cowboy hats. For as long as I can remember, wherever he went, my dad, Floyd Bese, always wore western boots and hat. Even before he was the owner of The Horned B Ranch, a small cow/calf operation southeast of Guthrie in the 1960s and 1970s, right up to driving the 160 mile round trip almost every Thursday evening to attend Chisholm Trail Cowboy Church west of Enid in the months before he passed away, he always wore those boots and hat. He was a Western Man through and through. AS our family was recently told by the manager of a motel Dad used to stay in when visiting family in Colorado, he remembered Floyd as “the happy cowboy guy.” This is the way we will always remember him: cowboy hat, boots and a great big smile, and we know that many others will also.

Cliff was the kind of man that surrounded himself with family and friends. He never met a stranger. He had a successful fussiness and worked hard until his health turned bad. He had three children, one son and two daughters. We had been married nearly 38 years at the time of his death. He had five grandchildren and we have been blessed with another. Cliff never complained about his health even when in pain. His quilt patch has the names of his children and grandchildren stitched in red because that was his favorite color. His truck and trailers were red, so it seemed the right thing to sign his patch in red. It was stitched together by our daughter, Sissy. We miss him very much and are proud to know he still lives on by helping someone have a chance at life. We love him and we are proud to have his patch on the Donor quilt of life. – Pat Parks

Mickey J. Miller was born in Borger, Texas, April 26, 1940. He was raised in the area and graduated from Borger High School. Even though we were married in Texas, we lived in Oklahoma the 40 years of marriage. Mickey was proud to be a Texan and never gave up his love for his Texas sports. He was a big fan of the Texas Longhorns. I decided that I wanted the quilt block to represent something that he was proud of and loved. – Sandra Miller

I was very happy and grateful when Cairlyn Combs asked me to design and create this quilt block. I chose purple, it was Paul Joseph Combs’ favorite color. We never truly understood his reason, it was just “his color”. Gold thread was added to signify that he was more precious than gold to all of his family. The grape vine represents the “true vine”. In John 15:1 Jesus says, “I am the true Vine and my Father is the Gardener.” Paul truly loved the Lord and did his best to follow him. II Corinthians 9:11 states: “Yes, God will give you much so you can give away much, and when we take your gifts to those who need them they will break out into thanksgiving and praise to God for your help.” Paul was always a giver. It was his desire to give all he could for he understood that no earthly goods were worth taking with him. He would be pleased to know that he had helped make even one person’s life better. If just one of the recipients praised the name of the Lord as a result of Paul’s gift, his joy would be complete. Thanks to those who piece together this quilt in honor of the donors of life. May God, our Father and his holy son, Jesus the Christ, be praised – Velma Harding

Derek was born to Neal and Lynn Chowning in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Feb. 12, 1985 and died in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on August 19, 2004. Derek had on brother, Daryl, who was 4 years older than him. Derek was our third grandson. Derek was a very loving person and never met a stranger. He liked having his family and friends around; he like holidays and birthdays and all the family getting together and he was always ready to entertain or clown around and he got along with everyone; both adults and children. I asked our grandson, Corey Vanover (17 years old), to draw me a sports picture and this is the block I did from that picture. Corey is also a ball player so he and Derek had a lot in common. I chose a baseball quilt block because Derek played baseball and talked baseball from the time he could walk and talk. I used yellow as the background fabric since yellow was Derek’s favorite color; the “P” on the hat stands for Patriots; he played for his high school – Putnam City West Patriots. Derek loved baseball and played until he hurt his arm throwing. He knew all the players and plays, and would narrate a game as if he was a sports announcer or out there playing the game himself. Derek’s smile and love will always be missed by everyone that knew him. Derek will always have a very special place in our hearts. – Dale Vanover (Granny)

This quilt square is designed with a baseball theme. Derek was an outgoing, fun-loving, young man and he loved his baseball. He played the game from the time he was in little league through high school. He followed big league baseball and knew all the stats and names of the players. Derek was an exceptional player and his hopes and dreams were to pitch in the big leagues, but injury to his elbow cancelled those dreams. In tribute to him, we will surround his name with objects of the game he loved so much. We all love Derek and miss him not being with us so we can touch and hug him. – The Chowning Family

Nancy was loved very much by all her friends and family. She was a very beautiful woman.

Calvin made a double wedding ring quilt for his daughter, Debbie Crouch. This is an extra block of it. He used old scraps from clothes of daughters Rosia, Debbie and Della and son, David and a shirt of mine and his. I quilted it. – Ailene Pennington

Perry, the love of my life. If love was a staircase And memories were a Lane, I’d walk right Up to heaven and Bring you home again! Thank you for an awesome 48 years of marriage. – Nancy

This quilt square was created in loving memory of Brandon Magalassi. Brandon touched so many people, both in life and in death. Each part of this quilt square represents that connection. Fabric Colors of blue and green: Blue and green represent Brandon’s peaceful nature, and they were his favorite colors. Blue heart surrounded by white edge: Brandon donated his heart, as well as one lung, pancreas, liver and both kidneys. The heart encompasses most of the square to represent what a “big” heart he had in caring for others. Brandon was pure in heart as represented by the white edge. Deer silhouette: Brandon’s love of deer hunting and the outdoors is represented by the deer silhouette. Hunting trips were special times for him and his father, Billy, his brother, Justin, and his uncle, Brian. Brandon was also a great animal lover and could connect with animals in a special way. Arrow shot through another arrow: Brandon was a skilled marksman by an early age. During target practice one day, Brandon shot an arrow through another arrow already on the target. These arrows represent all of Brandon’s skills, both academic and physical. Brandon achieved high grades in school and was a member of the National Junior Honor Society. He also loved playing football for the Owasso Rams. Multi-colored circle: The family bond is represented by the multi-colored circle. Brandon, in eternal life, is represented by the white dove. The dark blue sections represent the bond of brothers, both Brandon and Justin. The dark green and pink sections represent Brandon’s father, Billy, and mother Michele, respectively. Cross: Brandon’s faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ is represented by the cross. The cross, placed in the center of the multi-colored circle, is symbolic of the faith that the family bond cannot be broken, even in death. Birth and death dates: Brandon’s birth and death dates mark his lifetime on earth. Brandon’s name: Brandon will always be remembered by those who knew him and love him. – Dad, Mom and Justin

I Samuel 2:2 and I Samuel 16:7 Many things in life are hard for me, Many things can pull us down. I don’t understand why I do what I do. How could I take my eyes off you? After all you’ve done for me and after all you’ve done for me. It’s by your grace and love I am saved. It’s by your grace and love you’ve forgiven me, and by that love and grace I’m amazed. It’s by your grace and love I am free. I am free. And it’s by grace and love that I am free. I live with you Eternally. I thank you Lord that I am free. I thank you Lord for loving me. I thank you Lord for dying upon the tree of Calvary. I thank you Lord for loving me. I thank you Lord for dying for me. Because it’s by grace and love I am saved. It’s by your grace and Love you’ve forgiven me, and by that love and grace I am amazed. It’s by your grace and love I am free. I am free. Matthew was very active and loved attending church, working on cars, riding his motorcycle, his camaro, skiing on this boogey board and just having fun. Matthew’s oldest sister picked out the song “Grace and Love” that is below his collage of pictures from a group called Kutless. Matthews had the scriptures highlighted in his bible, so she added those also.

In loving memory of my brother Samuel James Pierson April 18, 1925 – March 31, 2004 I miss you Jim and always will. You were always so good to me. It would take a book for me to tell how loving, good and kind you were to everyone. A husband, father and grandfather and brother, also friend to so many. You will always remain in my memories. Your loving sister Maxine P. Jones

Building cabins or making forts, Finding materials of all sorts In the mud and in the dirt- A little mess wouldn’t hurt. Crawling, running, jumping, biking Basketball, soccer and prairie hiking. Wresting with Dad, sisters and friends The search for adventure never ends. With heroes like Crockett, Glenn or Boone Exploring frontiers or trips to the moon. From a very active imagination Fun was available for creation. This is how David played. Solving a science mystery, Reading a book about history, Hands-on projects, arts and crafts, Silly songs and lots of laughs. Experiments and nature study, Re-enacting history with a buddy, Asking questions of Mom and Dad Thinking over the answers they had. Acquiring new responsibilities, Gaining skills and expertise. A quick mind that was eager to grow, Enthusiastic for all he could know. This is how David learned. Boundless curiosity For every outdoor opportunity. All of nature to explore How could anyone ask for more? Tracking wild, furry things, Catching creepy bugs with wings. Watching birds up in the sky, Wondering if maybe he could fly. Clearing brush and blazing trails Followed by happy wagging tails Of dogs, and younger sisters, too. He was always leader of the crew. This is how David explored. A broad grin and twinkling eyes, Always anxious for a surprise. With a twittering giggle or hearty roar Laughing until his sides were sore. Enjoying goofy knock-knock jokes, Squirmy tickles and playful pokes. A tricky riddle or clever pun Always added to the fun. Engaging in tickle monster games, Making up different, silly names. Ready to play and quick to tease, Mugging for pictures with a big “cheese”. This is how David laughed. With family, friends and strangers, too It seems he just sort of knew How to show them that he cared Through words, deeds and time they shared. Willing to serve and eager to please He spoke to others with relative ease. From his heartfelt embrace To the smile on his face He communicated kindness And a desire to bless. This is how David loved. In memories that we hold so dear David had an impact while he was here. With compassion and maturity He had a strength and security Knowing he was loved by the Lord He lived according to God’s word. He chose to ask Jesus into his heart, Never holding back a part. Now he’s sort of a pioneer Exploring a home that is far from here. Encouraging us all to join him some day When home to Heaven we’ll all fly away! This is how David lives on. By Stephanie Weckler

A Glimpse of Dan When you try to describe Dan Wink, it is like watching a video on fast forward. His thirty-nine years were over before we had the time to fully appreciate this man who found the time to share his life with so many. So where do I begin. Who and what were his greatest priorities. One of Dan’s frequent says was “Who is Daddy’s favorite in the whole world.” Megan, his daughter would reply, “It’s me Daddy.” I would have to say that being a father was Dan’s greatest joy in life. He filled his life with God, family and friends. You wonder how he found enough hours in the week to do everything he enjoyed. Dan collected ball caps, which he wore on a daily basis, particularly his blue Colt’s cap. A variety of hats were worn in all his activities. He was vice-chairman of the Paris Council, extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, visited the homebound for Saint Benedicts Church and was a religious education teacher. He gave of his time to All Saints Catholic School where he was president of the Advisory Council and also volunteer basketball coach of his daughter’s team. Devoting time to organizations in his church gave him great pride and satisfaction. He was an active member in the Cursillo Movement in the Diocese of Tulsa and the Knights of Columbus. There was always time for enjoying ballgames at his Alma Mater, OSU and Dan loved to revisit his fraternity Kappa Sigma. He remained a Husker fan having spent his first twelve years in Nebraska and never lost the Big Red fever. His love of sports kept him playing basketball, softball and golf. He always videotaped the games he would miss while attending those many meetings. In his extra time he referred children’s basketball games. So when you glimpse at Dan, whom do you see? A devoted father, a loving son, a brother, a fervent Catholic, an untiring friend and a man driven to be there for those in need. It shouldn’t have been a surprise when the call came on the morning of Dan’s death that he wished to be an organ donor. It said so on his driver’s license. So when you have shared your life with so many while living, why not continue sharing your life after death. Of course, I knew that was what he truly wanted, to just go on sharing.

Kevin was 23 and an outgoing, hardworking, hard playing young man. He would do anything for anyone that needed help. Kevin’s first love was bull riding. He followed the bull riding Circuits-PBR and PRCA, and he rode bulls himself. He also liked car racing. He raced factory stock racecars at a small local dirt track. On July 11, 2004 he had an accident that eventually took his life on July 20, 2004. It never occurred to us not to donate his organs. We knew that he would be helping others by doing so and that was the kind of person Kevin was. We believed that would have been what Kevin wanted us to do. In coming up with the design for his section of the memory quilt, I knew what I wanted. His square has a bull rider in front of a cross. This is a drawing (similar, but not an exact replica) that someone did of Lane Frost, a world champion bull rider that was killed at a young age by a bull he had just ridden. After Lane’s death his parents wanted to make sure people also knew that was not only a great bull rider but also knew Jesus. He took the drawing and put it on front of the New Testament Bible. They still, 16 years later, send it out to anyone that wants one for a nominal fee to cover postage and handling. This bible is also called the “Cowboy Bible”. Kevin had the “Cowboy Bible” and took it with him everywhere he went. It was in his gear bag when he went to bill ridings and it was in his truck when he went anywhere else. A friend of Kevin’s told me that when they were driving to and from bull ridings and were getting tired, Kevin would be reading his “Cowboy Bible” and he would say “Hey, you gotta listen to this.” This drawing meant so much to Kevin that he had it tattooed on his arm. The background material of his square is a piece of one of Kevin’s shirts, one of his favorites. The following poem reminds me of Kevin. Near the end of the movie “8 Seconds” (one of Kevin’s favorites) Lane, Tuff and Cody are flying over the Cheyenne arena, and Cody reads a poem entitled “Cowboy is His Name” written by Baxter Black. Cowboy is His Name There’s a hundred years of history And a hundred before that All gathered in the thinkin’ Goin’ on beneath this hat. The cold flame burns within him ‘Til his skin’s as cold as ice And the dues he paid to get here Are worth every sacrifice. All the miles pent sleepy drivin’ All the money down the drain, All the ‘if I’s’ and ‘nearly’s,’ All the bandages and pain, All the female tears left dryin’ All the fever and the fight Are just a small down payment On the ride he makes tonight It’s guts and love and glory, One mortal’s chance at fame. His legacy is rodeo And cowboy is his name We miss Kevin each and every day, we hope his is still “living” every day to its fullest, maybe hanging around with Lane and Freckles if riding bulls or Dale Earnhardt if he feels like racing. I know he is in good company with lots of heroes, friends and family members around that he can keep entertained. We love you, Kevin Mom, Dad and Katie

The Patch – It was a pleasure to create a patch honoring our brother, Glen. The background was chosen because it is a copy of one of Glen’s original compositions, “Life’s Journey”. The photograph was put on the patch because it was Glen’s latest musical instrument of choice. He purchased the piano about a year before his death and was extremely proud of it. Glen’s first instrument was the trombone. The picture of him playing was chosen because it shows him doing what he loved to do most—play jazz. We loved to see Glen with a big smile on his face; so that picture was used because that is the way we want to remember him. Glen’s Siblings Perspective – There is a hymn entitled “I Was There To Hear Your Borning Cry”. It is assurance of God’s presence throughout our lives from beginning to end. Huretta thought of this song when we learned of Glen’s death because he was born at home and we were all there – unlike the other births when we were taken to the home of relatives to spend the night and came home the next day to find a new brother or sister. On this night the doctor and nurse came and some time later we heard soft crying that sounded like a kitten; however, we didn’t see him until late morning. Because Huretta was the oldest and a girl, she had to stay home from school for a week to help our grandmother and aunt take care of things at home. The visiting nurse came by everyday to check on Glen because mother had complications and was hospitalized. She told mother she sure is spoiling him – Huretta was holding him and rocking him. Each time she came mother’s reply was “Well I sure know how to unspoil him.” She was not successful! Mother held him during the day and put him in the bed with us at night. We were available to him. At an early age he had corrective surgery on both legs at the same time and had to wear casts. We couldn’t do enough for him. Wilbur remembers looking at him as he sat in his high chair and saying, “How are you doing little sugar?” Glen’s interest in jazzy music began early. Hugh remembers Glen listening to Wilbur’s records and he began to listen too. “Making music” became his career. Glen could listen to music for hours. He organized several musical groups, among them “The Glen Walker Trio” and The Vintage Jazz Quartette, which played in festivals in and around Oklahoma City – Charlie Christian jazz festivals, Memorial Day festivals in Edmond and Jazz in June in Norman. His two sisters looked at each other in amazement when they first heard him as the leader of a group and said, “We’ve never heard Glen talk so much, ever!” He was so alive when he played – he wanted to play. He was uncompromising on the kind of music he wanted to play. Glen was a kind, gentle, and caring brother to Huretta. Sometimes he’d call and ask if everything was okay, if anything needed repairing and if there was he’d establish a time and date and would be there (EARLY)!! Huretta says many times she’d attempt to pay him and he’s ay, “No! You’re my sister.” Glen was a man of his word. Glen looked like our dad and he had many of his traits, especially when he was working with his hands. If things weren’t working out right, the corners didn’t miter, the mirror didn’t hang straight after careful measuring and the wall paper border was cut too short; the next sound you might hear would perhaps be grumbling followed by an expletive for good measure. Then, he would correct the error. With that being said, Glen enjoyed the challenge of new experiences such as installing a French drain, crown molding, putting in kitchen cabinets and tiling mother’s kitchen and hall. He was so pleased when any project was complete. Glen had an especially close relationship with our mother. I am reminded of the children’s book “You Are My Baby and I Will Love You Forever”. In the book, the mother does all the things mothers do for their young and tell the child-teenager-adult, “You are my baby and I’ll love your forever.” The mother gets older and he does for her what she did for him…he then tell her “I am your baby and I’ll love you forever.” The fourth verse of the hymn mentioned in the beginning reads: “When you find someone to share your time and you join your hearts as one; Ill be there to make your verses rhyme from dusk till rising sun”. Marjorie is that person. He simply loved her with his whole being. They were a joy to watch. Our brother, William, would sometimes call and ask, “Are Glen and Marjorie still grinning at each other?” We’d say, “Oh, yes!” Huretta remembers them holding hands at church with mother. Hugh remembers their laughs together as they commented and editorialized on TV shows. His sister Joyce and her husband William remember his hearty laugh at William’s embellished stories. Joyce remembers how he taught her about the Dremel tool and how surprised she was when he installed an electrical outlet in her hallway. She wanted and expected to see a typical flat outlet. She was quite surprised and disappointed to see a large, white, rectangular box on the outside of the wall. She never let on how disappointed she was. She is now quite happy with the large box because every time she looks at it she thinks of him. Joyce also remembers when she and her husband William drove to Washing D.C. in the 1960’s to visit our brother, Wilbur. It was our first long trip and Glen accompanied us because he had decided to move to the east coast. Glen did not like a lot of controversy and as all married couples know anytime a couples goes on a long trip there will definitely be controversy. When we arrived at our destination, we could see the relief on Glen’s face because he had just endured a most frustrating journey. Wilbur tried to give him advice on the lawn and Glen let him know that he was on top of it. His brother William remembers their last laugh together. It was glen’s 59th birthday and it is X-rated. We all found Glen to be very appreciative person for the smallest deeds extended to him. He was a person reluctant to seek and ask for help when needed. He was a sensitive and humble man whose life was often like the monuments in a great musical piece. We learned from his life: ask for help if you need it. There is sacredness in the exchange. Be grateful in and for all things. It takes courage to be uncompromising in your beliefs and courage to be compromising. The last verse of the hymn states: When evening gently closes in and you shut your weary eyes. I’ll be there as I have always been, with just one more surprise. In Life and Death we belong to God and He has promised to be with us unto death. The surprise for Glen will be in seeing our mother again. Thanks be to God. Glen played “Love is Here to Stay” at our mother’s 80th birthday celebration. Because our family believes in life, love and hope; we chose to donate to LifeShare Transplant Donor Services of Oklahoma. Glen’s Nieces and Nephews Perspective – Four words – quiet, reserved, talented with a capital T and even grouch are all words that could describe our Uncle Glen. He was a person who made a lasting impression on all of his nieces and nephews. Becoming an uncle at age seven, Glen practically grew up with some of us. He taught us how to play checkers and was more of a playmate than a babysitter. He also had father-like qualities even though he had no children of his own. He taught Cheryl, his first niece, how to tie her shoes. When Natalie was seven years of age and had lost her first tooth and was feeling a bit like an ugly duckling going through that awkward phase of life, Uncle Glen comforted her by saying, “Well, why don’t we just call it the generation gap?” When Natalie was thirteen and attended her first boy/girl party and Glen heard that she had gotten home around 10:00 or 10:30 he somberly asked her “Have you heard of a curfew?” A master trombonist and pianist, Glen inspired the next general musically. We all loved to support him whenever he played in various events such as “Jazz in June” and the Deep Deuce Jazz Festival. Our support would turn into mini family reunions whenever we knew he was playing somewhere in the metroplex. Glen introduced his grand niece, Camal and Cameelah, in their pursuit of musical mastery of the piano. Our Uncle Glen was always readily available to help his family. He was a regular maintenance man at his niece Cheryl’s house – painter, plumber and electrician. He helped his niece Natalie to upgrade her wooden floors. He was frequently at Grandmother’s house working on her never-ending list of things for him to do. Ronnie personally took pride when he was mistaken for his beloved Uncle Glen. Glen set an example of persistence. He will be remembered for his infectious smile that was even more radiant while being accompanied by the love of his live, Marjorie. He will always be remembered for his great love of music and deep compassion for his family. Glen’s Soul Mate’s Perspective – A Tribute to Glen L. Walker – My Knight in Shining Armor from Marjorie The years we were together were immeasurable. I cherish every moment and I think of various segments of each day. Some days I smile; some days I laugh; and some days I cry. I miss you very much. Thank you, my Knight, for your loyalty, sincerity, honesty, commitment and love. Glen your musical talent was superb! The music will never stop. My Knight is now my shining star-shine forever, Glen!

Scott was a vibrant young man with a bright future ahead of him. His life was taken by being stabbed nine times in an act of violence. The District Attorney in Muskogee County chose not to file charges against the murderer. Our family is fighting to seek justice in Scott’s murder. A grand jury investigation resulted in first degree manslaughter charges against the man who took Scott’s life. We are now waiting for trial. As we go through our battle with the judicial system, we spend many hours in prayer believing and trusting justice will be served. The Bible scripture we chose to put on the quilt square brings some comfort and hope that justice will be served not only for Scott, but also for other murdered victims and their families. Our family has been robbed of our precious son, grandson, brother and uncle. We find comfort in kowing Scott still lives through the lives of his organ recipients. We know without a doubt Scott’s death has not been in vain due to organ transplant. A part of him still lives in the lives of his recipients and he has touched so many families. We are honored we could share Scott with you and know he is still with us. Our prayers are with each and every recipient and their families. Pamela and Rusty Stonebarger (Mother and Dad), Glenda Green (Grandmother), Summer Carrier and Stephanie (Sister), Alan and Alexis Carrier (Nephew and Niece)

I chose this picture because he was a fighter pilot through and through. When he went into the Air Force, the Korean War was ongoing and he was trained as he used to demonstrate when talking with his hands, “there we were fence top level.” The Korean War ended before he graduated from pilot training. He taught others to fly and was Base Commander at three different installations. He was also in the Vietnam War. We spend 28 years in the A.F. He lived like he flew, careful, but aggressive, loved life and was well thought of and loved. I chose the color red because that was his favorite color. He liked anything that was red. Our Hero was chosen because he touched so many lives. His Family came first, then the Military. He was very patriotic, had great love for God and his country. His belief was a man should always take care of his family. He always said, “If I’ve got a dollar, we all have a dollar.” He was our hero because he not only took care of us, loved us, but he was a good man and cared for others and showed it.

Tammi’s Quilt Square – The white dove represents a white pigeon dove that came to the window ledge and gave Tammi peace when she was in pain and not time for her medicine. The Dove represents God’s peace and Tammi said that the dove on her window ledge was sent from God. The basketball has Tammi’s jersey number in her school colors. She would have been a senior this school year. Tammi had two goals in life, one to be a basketball star and two to be a pediatric surgeon to help others. As a donor, she was able to help others and his legacy will live on. She loved her family and her animals. She had a smile that made all who she met feel good. Her gentle ways and kind words made it a pleasure to care for her. Tammi’s laughter and wonderful sense of humor still gives her family a smile and fond memories. We will miss her and wait for the day to come when we can all be together in God’s home. Given by her family in loving memory of: Tamara (Tammi) Anne Fancher May 25, 1988 – September 8, 2004

September 7, 1951 – July 15, 2004 Letters in Metal By Stephen G. Sisco “Our lives are full because of the love we share.” These are letters in metal Pressed upon her grave. They speak of us before, now and tomorrow. A simple truth that we learned to understand. They kept our days full and sweet And make her passing not a defeat. Submitted by Stephen G. Sisco

Date of Birth 03/07/1984 Died 11/20/2004 My husband, daughter and myself choose this piece because my son always wore a bandana folded. It had to be ironed and folded just right so he could put it in his back pocket and it had to hang out just so far. And if for any reason it was not he would redo it till it was right. Earl, Regina and Kyndyce Arnold Father, Mother and sister

July 17, 1995 to September 16, 2004 On July 17, 1995, our Angel, Dustin was born. Dustin was full of life and loved dearly from the minute he arrived on this earth, he was the best child any parent could ever ask for. He was always a happy boy who never met a stranger. He loved to talk and to tell stories about his cows, semi-trucks, his coon hunting dogs, the weather, or anything he could think of to talk about. If he couldn’t think of anything he would just make up a story to tell. Most people remember Dustin for his manners. He was always polite and well behaved but he also expected people to us their best manners toward him, if they didn’t he would let you know about it. Dustin loved being outside. He didn’t care how warm or cold it was he was outside. His favorite place to be was out in the filed with his cows. Dustin wasn’t a child who demanded toys, he really wasn’t that crazy about them. The only toys he really cared for were his toy semi-trucks and tractors. He had a collection of toy semi-trucks that could fill a whole room by themselves and he could identify the model of every one. He loved school and being with his friends. Dustin was very smart and had just recently been placed on the Fourth Grad Academic Team at Peggs School. Dustin always told us that he was going to be a truck driver when he grew up, we asked him how he was going to be a truck driver when he was President of the United States, he said he would just put the President’s sign on the side of his truck and do both. Dustin passed away after choking on a roll at lunch at school. Dustin was here on this earth a short time but he touched anyone who ever met him. He would never pass a person he knew without saying “hi”. He always left a lasting impression with his big voice, grown-up personality and loving nature. Dustin was so loving and caring we knew that he would want to help other if possible so the question of donating his organs was answered without hesitation. He will be forever in our hearts and missed more than words can express.

Mother loved yellow roses. She was also a quilter and for years she has a Japanese fan from a high school dance. So we chose a traditional fan design in the yellow colors. Two quilt blocks were made. One for the donor quilt. The other for the family to frame. From all her loving family. Karen Goins

Micah was 19 years old when he died unexpectedly. He was fully of life, laughter and oneryness. He was so excited because his life was starting to change and expand. He was ready to tackle the world. He stood on the brink of adulthood. Micah wasn’t just our son, or brother, or adored uncle. He was our best friend, guardian, protector and confident. We would stay up all night talking about everything under the sun. He kept our secrets and our hearts He was very wise for his young years. He was an “old soul”. There was this feeling, he took care of us…looked after us, rather than us raising him. We all felt safe and secure with Micah. We miss our best friend, he bound us together. From out talks, I know he would be honored to be a part of a new tradition. We wanted something good to come out of his death. We chose to honor the memory of this kind, generous and giving spirit by donating his organs. We were honored to have been his family…to have known him, loved him in the time we had together. The design I created for Micah is based on the Native American Mandela. It is one of the most powerful American Indian items, being a descendant of the Plains Indian dance shields. Prayers for survival, for spiritual blessings, powerful visions, physical protection and long life go into the making of the traditional Mandela, as it represents the interwoven threads of Creation and the diversity in Mother Earth. Micah was of Seminole and Cheyenne descent. Micah’s Mandela is based on American Indian beliefs. The circle represents all of and everything in the universe, along with our Creator. It represents our cycles of live, the cycles/changes of the seasons, the path of the planets around our sun. It is a most sacred symbol among all Indian cultures. The dance grounds and drums are circular, and are considered holy ground. We dance in a circle, following the path of the sun. Our circles of Life are often interconnected with others. It is Life…never ending. I used a Medicine Wheel to create the borders and spokes. The Medicine Wheel, and the four colors represent the four directions, four corners of the earth and four different wisdoms. Again this is a very sacred and holy symbol to the Plains Indians. The bear was Micah’s personal totem, personal guardian spirit. Although, we belonged to the Tiger clan, in our Seminole culture…Micah and I shared an affinity, a connection with this guardian spirit. He had some bear-like characteristics. He was big, tall, very strong and agile. He was fearless. The bear paws symbolize great strength, great courage, bear-like ferociousness when provoked or threatened. Micah was fiercely protective of me, his sisters, his nephew, his father…his family. He had the heart of a warrior. The red hands are a symbol of strength and protection. The four hearts represent Micah’s family, me, his father, his two sisters. The hearts hold the great love, the bond our family has. The hearts are the love he takes with him. The teardrops within the hearts represent our sadness and grief. We know it was just as hard for him to leave as it was for us to let him go. The green growing leaves and vines represent renewal, rebirth, the Resurrection…new life. We know we will see him again. The greenery is lush, full, blooming and growing, never dying. The prayer birds, sometimes called rain birds, thunder birds, carry our prayers, our love, our wishes to the Creator. The birds remind us to keep our eyes Heaven-ward. That’s where we’ll see our loved ones. The stars symbolize the Milky Way, sometimes referred to as the Sky Path or Star path. Each star in the Milky Way is one of our ancestors or loved one, who’s gone on before us. It is a path that each of us will have to walk.

Precious memories of our healthy, happy baby boy who became a handsome, loving and productive young man. We will forever cherish the memories of Joseph’s love, laughter and companionship that completed our lives. As tears of grief still flow for our beloved son, we know there are tears of appreciation for Joseph’s Heart of Gold – “His gift of life.”

My mother was 55-years-old when we lost her. We decided to donate her organs when she passed on so that she could help others and also so that part of her would still be here. She always enjoyed helping others and doing what she could for everyone. She was the best mother anyone could ask for. She was always there to listen to me when I needed to talk to about anything. She worked hard all her life to get to where she was. I will never forget the days she worked at Pizza Hut to support us and when we lived in one of the worst houses possible. Our water pipes broke, our heater didn’t work in the middle of winter, and you could see your breath in the house. She managed to get us a nice two story house with three bedrooms, two and a half baths, and a big game room. We decided to make her quilt piece out of frogs because she loved collecting them and she had them all over the house. She had a frog blanket, a frog clock, tons of frog figurines, and many more frog items. When I was about seven or eight years old, I was playing outside and there was a frog. I took the frog and kept making it jump off my porch and then the frog got tired and I got angry and tried to shove a rock down its throat. My brother told me that I had killed one of God’s creatures and I ran inside my room and just cried and prayed to God to forgive me. My mother walked into the room and saw me praying for what I had done and then she realized how well she was raising me in church. She said that was one of the best things she had seen me do at that age. Then my best friend, who was like a daughter to my mother made me realize what F.R.O.G stood for. It stands for Fully Relying On God. My mother enjoyed reading her Bible and playing the piano at church on a regular basis. She was very active in the church. She attended church every Sunday and also helped in a program on Wednesday nights for the children. She wrote me a book from memories of her childhood and in it she wrote “The most I look forward to when I die and go to heave is when I will be perfect and can sing praises to God.” My mother is missed by many people and we will never forget her. But I am so thankful that she did not have to suffer and that she is in a much better place with God. We lover her a lot and always will.