Raspberries, Babies, Peaches and Apple Pies

Friend, 2nd Mom, Mentor, Teacher, Counselor, Traveling Companion, Adventurer.

These are a few words that describe my relationship with my wonderful mother-in-law, Jan Marler. At her passing, I want to share a few of my thoughts about her; her kindness, her love towards me and my family, her example to us, and how she always loved me as a daughter & friend.

When first married, Jan was a great teacher and exemplar in my life. Jan taught me how to become a good homemaker. On vacation in Idaho, she taught me how to make raspberry jam using her mother's recipe. I still make homemade raspberry jam to this day. She taught me to make strawberry freezer jam also, and I have passed down that very important skill to my daughters, in fact my grand kids won't eat a PB&J Sandwich without "Grandma's Jam."

Jan also taught me to can, we bottled peaches, pears, and made apple sauce with fruit from Julian or Utah. And apples...we made apple pies year after year, 20 or so each and put them in the freezer. That still wasn't enough to last through the year. That pie crust was the best ever, and I still use that recipe as well.

When my first baby, Becky was born, I had no idea what to do with her. Her first bath in the sink, was given by her Grandma Marler. I watched as she gently held and loved my little girl. Afterwards she ran next door to her house and brought up a cute little outfit that had been Melissa's, for Becky to wear. She was so adorable with that little curl on top of her head. Jan taught me better ways to put on a diaper and not stick myself with pins...it was hard work pushing them through those layers of fabric. And Jan loved babies, she loved to rock and hold them for hours, in fact over the years, she has spent hours and hours rocking and loving her little grand babies.

As Kurt and Don practiced dentistry together, we had the opportunity to travel to dental conventions together, we went to New York City, Washington D.C., Miami, Orlando, San Francisco, Boston, Anaheim and Hawaii together. Every time we would get on a plane she would ask me, "are you ready for an adventure." We always had one too. One of my favorite memories was going to the everglades and southern Florida with Jan and Don. While our husbands were in class we would go shopping, read by the pool, or drive around looking for an "adventure." As we were driving one day, we decided that we wanted to walk through the jungle and just see what was out there. We parked the car along side of the road and started our "off road" trek...within minutes we were surrounded by the biggest spiders and spider webs ever. As I recall, this was one of our shortest adventures ever, as we walked with great speed back out of the forest.

Mom loved Hawaii, I think those were her favorite vacations. The balmy weather, the relaxed lifestyle, time to read, walk to waterfalls and menehune ponds, and being able to swim at any time were the things she enjoyed most.

When I married Kurt, I was a fairly new member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Jan was the person who escorted me to the temple, and taught me reverence for the temple. She taught me to be a good member of the Church, how to serve in the Church and how to serve others. She was always making an extra meal for someone, tending extra children, and loving the Mia Maids or Seminary students she served. I followed her example in these areas, the way Kurt and I serve today, is a reflection of his parents love and devotion to our Savior, Jesus Christ, and to their service in the Church. It was always easy to follow, with the Marler's in the lead.

Mom was always there to give me great advice, to help me with a problem, to just love me. She was ready with kind words, a TL (trade last), a little instruction on being better, and a hug. She helped to keep me grounded over the years, and always focus on the things that are the most important: our family and our faith.

I will miss her, I will remember and strive to live the principles she taught me, and I will look forward to seeing you again. I love you.