Visiting Mom's Grave

The day after the funeral a few of the kids took Dad over to visit Mom's grave. Dad cried and had some alone time. I think it made him feel better. We all visited for a bit and then we went to Lunch at "the Magic Wok" where Bobbie works. Steve, the owner, paid the bill. It was really nice.



The marker near the grave.

Barbara Jean Steen Obituary

Barbara Jean Steen 1941 ~ 2008 Our loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Barbara Jean Steen, age 67, passed away peacefully on August 21, 2008 surrounded by her loved ones. Born January 8, 1941 in Great Falls, Montana and later married Kenneth Steen in Montana on August 19, 1959. They later moved to Salt Lake City, Utah where she was employed by Pyketts Manufacturing and Schmidt's Mobile Homes. Barbara is survived by her husband, Kenneth; children: Lorna (Ken), Kenneth David, Darla (Quinn), Roberta (Ron), Marty (Jamie) and Billie Jo; 14 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. "You will remain in our hearts forever. We love you mom." Funeral services will be held Wed., 12 noon, at the Jordan Parkway Ward, 3935 S. 1500 W., where a viewing will be held from 10- 11:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment, West Jordan City Cemetery. Arrangements under the direction of McDougal Funeral Home.

Barbara Steen's Funeral - August 27, 2008 - Family Pictures

Ron and Bobbie Cameron
Devin and Kristen Gray
Junior and Kelly Lopati
Phillip and Kim Neilsen
Lorna and Ken Clark
Derek, Brandon, Troy and Billie Jo Breeze
Kenny Steen and Billy Jo
Zach, Colby, Sage, Jamie, Chelsi, Cameron, Marty, Jessica, Abby and Salvador.
Darla and Quinn Scott
Chad, Darla and Quinn Scott

Funeral of Barbara Steen - August 27th 2008

The funeral was very nice. My family jumped in and were all willing to help in any way they could. Marty asked my brother Lee to speak and he asked our family to sing. Erin sang a solo, "El Shaddai" that she had sung for Barbara many times before and Tracy, Erin, Jared, Brayden, Lee and I all sang a hymn. It was nice. I said the opening prayer and Sage said the closing. Marty spoke and then Kimberly, Kelly and Kristen talked about their grandma. Those girls, Marty's nieces had put together a video tribute to their grandma that had everyone in tears. It was very special. It was playing at the church entrances as people came to the viewing. I think Barbara would have been very pleased.

Barbara Steen's Funeral. (the days before)

The first few days before the funeral was like a big family reunion. As family came into town we were able to visit and catch up. It sure made everything easier to have some fun family time.

Marty and his Aunt Kathy.

Jamie and Marty's sister Bobbie. Bobbies daughter-in-law Andrea in the back.

Andrea and Mike (Marty's Nephew)

Marty's Sister Darla and her husband Quinn Scott

The gang's all here. Makenzie(neice Kelly's daughter), Jamie, Marty, Kenny Clark (brother-in-law), Marty's Dad Ken, Darla (sister), Kenny(brother), Lorna (sister), Kristen (neice), Billie Jo (sister)
Ken (marty's dad) and his sister-in-law Claudia Steen
Ken with Barbara's mom Marion
Claudia, Kenny, Terry(Barbara's Brother-in-law) Darla, Tex and Anna (Barbara's Sister and her husband)
Juanita barbara's sister

Celebrating Retirement

Dad officially retired today. Last night the temple had a retirement party for him at the Nauvoo Hotel. It was really nice and they said some really wonderful things about dad. Marty and I were invited because we are dads kids. We were seated at the table with the temple president, President Peterson. He said some wonderful comforting things to Marty at dinner that I know will really help Marty get through the death of his mother.
Mom and Dad were a huge comfort to Marty in his time of great need. I am so glad that they were there for us this on last and most important time. We needed them so much and just like always they were there.
Dad and mom left today to go to Texas to see Uncle Bob and then they will be off to visit all of dad's siblings and then all of the kids before they finally end up in Washington with Grandma and Grandpa Dickson.What a fun way to begin retirement. We are going to miss them so much. It has been so fun having them next door. We love you Mom and Dad. Thank you for EVERYTHING!!!

Marty's mother passed away August 21, 2008

Barbara Jean Steen, Marty's mom, died yesterday of a heart attack. Marty was at work yesterday when his dad called, very upset , and said his mom had a heart attack and was being transported to the hospital. Marty was really upset and hurried home to tell me. We called the family and after a while discovered that they had not been able to revive her. It was a terrible shock to Marty and his whole family. Even though she has suffered with emphysema for years I think we just thought she would be around forever.
Marty, Sage and I booked a flight out for today but it was cancelled. Aftera lot of phone calls Marty left at 6pm from St Louis. Sage and I have a flight out tomorrow at 3:45. We drove Marty to the airport and are staying with Kim Matthews, Amanda's mom, cousin Amy. She has a beautiful home about 30 miles from the airport. Amy, her husband and 3 children have been wonderful and accommodating. We have been made to feel right at home. It's been a hard day and we are very anxious to get to Salt Lake to see Grandpa and the family.
I still cant believe she is gone. It just doesn't seem real. We love Barbara so much and it is hard to imagine not having her around. I am glad we have spent the time with her that we have. She was loved and appreciated and she will be sorely missed.

Mom and Dad's Farewell Party

Last night we went to a farewell potluck dinner for my mom and dad. Dad, David Wright, just retired as the Nauvoo Temple recorder. He and my mom, Vivian, will be leaving tomorrow to go live with my mom's parents, John and Helen Dickson, in Arlington Washington. My grandparents are getting older and my parents want to spend some good quality time with them while they can and they want to make things a little easier for them by helping around their place.

Nancy Campbell threw this wonderful party for them in her beautiful yard. It was a lot of fun and the turn out was great.

Lori Hardle, Bishop Chris Church, Me, Marcus Allen, Tom Adams, Melissa Adams, Dad, Bonnie Holliday

The food was so good and there was plenty of it. It was a perfect night for a party. I know my parents were grateful for a chance to say goodbye in such a relaxed setting.
Marty visiting with Peter Ivie and his wife Nichole
Me and Amber

Lacey and Lamar Gimmison

Lacey took pictures for me so I could visit and she got pictures of everyone but Sage because she left early. It was a super fun night and it felt good to see how much my mom and dad are loved and appreciated. I am going to miss them so much.
Mom visiting with Cliff Robinson and his family


Lana Parkinson and me

First Day of School 2008/2009

Today was the first day of school. Amanda Mathews, Lacey and Amber. Sage graduated last year so she is off to work as usual. Lacey starts Jr High this year. It is out at the high school but this year for the first time it is just jr high. Amber and Amanda get to go out to Warsaw to the High School. The jr high kids from Warsaw will be coming here. It's going to be new and interesting for everyone.

Mom and Dad are leaving in less than one week.

I keep telling everyone I am ok with mom and dad leaving but in Relief Society today they said good bye to her and I started bawling. Then eveyone started comforting me. I can't believe the wierd mood I am in. It's like today I didn't want to share mom with anyone. I just want her all to myself. lol I came home from church and slept a lot. I think I will be ok now....well maybe not. I think this is going to be a rough week. I cry everytime I think about it. I guess I better just quit thinking about it. (sob) I want my mommy.

Flying Over Nauvoo - Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad

Mom and Dad decided to go flying over Nauvoo for their anniversary. I got to go with them for my birthday since they will be gone by then. Elder James, one of the temple missionaries took us up.


Mom and Dad have been married 41 years.

On the Plane!!

The Nauvoo Temple from the sky.
Our house from the sky.
Nauvoo Restoration from the sky. You can see the driveway marty was working on and the parking lot. Now that is a lot of concrete.

After flying we went to Quincy shopping. Mom, Dad, Marty and I. It was so much fun. Mom and I had a great time trying on clearance items at jcpennies and kohl's. We got a lot of fun tops for very little $$$. Then we went to the best buffet and ate dinner. It is probably the only day we will be able to hang out before they leave so we just did it. I'm really going to miss hanging out with mom and dad.