Orem, Utah November 21, 1994

Dearest John & Julianna; Roy, Patrice, Emily, Timothy & Jesse; Bob, Claire, Michael, Laura, Brett & Katie; Rick, Jean, Ricky, Barbara Jean, Mary Ann & Sarah; and Ron, Ann, Susanna, Jessie, Russell, LeeAnna & Jimmy:

This will be a short letter. It's about 7:30 a.m. and I received a phone call from Cheryl about 7 o'clock telling me that my brother Dee had died about midnight. Don and Cheryl had just returned from a trip to Branson, Missouri last night and as was the custom, Don called and talked to Dee - they have talked at least once a week for all their lives. Don said he didn't say anything that would indicate he was seriously ill but Judy said he had a stroke later and died about midnight. I really feel sad because he had just retired from teaching school and he was such a sweet brother. Their children are quite widely scattered from the East Coast to the West Coast so I imagine the funeral won't be held until Friday. They have eight children.

Dee has not been in good health for many years. I remember Bob telling me that he had gone to him for some kind of nasal surgery and Bob said he didn't want to do it without a note from his heart doctor saying his heart could take it. He seemed to be better lately and when we were with them at Don's son's wedding he joked when I got him to stand in the shade out of the sun saying, "I can die in the shade as well as in the sun". He would have been 64 in January.

I hope you are all ready for Thanksgiving. I am wondering about the Roy Mellors - I hope Suzie will be with them. The Woolleys are leaving for Jerome on Wednesday to spend Thanksgiving with Ron's parents and sister. I am looking forward to spending the day in Layton at Bob & Claires' home. Bob is on call that day so he won't be able to leave his home but all the others plan to go skiing at snow basin in the morning. I haven't talked to Claire but Jeannie tells me that we will probably gather about 2 o'clock and will eat dinner about 5.

We REALLY have an early Winter. I talked to Ann last night and she asked when I was going to put up my Christmas lights outside - I believe it is too late!!! I don't remember having this much snow in November since the year that Roy & Patrice came out to spend Thanksgiving and all the ski resorts were open. I LOVE it but I don't like to drive in it.

I had something on everyone last week and most of the evenings. I don't like to be that busy but I did fun things. I went to the Orem Women's Club meeting one day and that was special - to the Country Club for lunch another day - our Homemaking meeting was spectacular - ward conference yesterday was great too but we had meetings from 7 a.m. until about 4 p.m. and we didn't get a new Bishop like everyone thought we would. That's all the news - I believe I will get ready and go to Brigham City.

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