JOHN'S EULOGY FOR MOTHER
JULY 30, 2011

Ruth Marie Howard Grogan. Better known simply as: Ruthie. 

How to begin to describe the long and happy life of this extraordinary woman? Let's see. Perhaps we should start with the feather. Mom kept one handy so each morning when she came in to wake us for school, she could have a little fun. Sitting on the bed beside me, she would tickle the feather beneath my nose as she invoked the name of a girl she knew I would rather die than admit liking. Now, Johnny, she would say as she traced the feather across my face. If you don't like Suzie Summerville just a tiny bit, keep a straight face. Of course, with that feather flicking away, it was impossible. Once she had reduced me to helpless squeals, she would move on to her next victim.  Now, Timmy, if you don't like ...  this is just how we thought all kids woke up.

Yes, Mom was a practical joker. Through her pranks and good-hearted mischief, she taught her children to laugh at life -- and ourselves.

To the kids in the neighborhood, she was Mrs. G., or Aunt Ruthie, and they all adored her, even if - or because - they too were targets of her pranks. A new kid would drop by after school, and Ruthie would ask: "Have you ever seen stars through a coat sleeve?" The kid would give a blank stare, and she would say, "Oh yes, it's magic." She would coax the unsuspecting victim beneath her winter coat, peering up through the long sleeve. As the rest of us, already having been initiated, circled around, Ruthie would ask, "See any stars yet?" and then pour a glass of water down the sleeve and into his face. I always told kids, "She only teases you if she likes you."

Even in her last months of life, Mom retained her sense of humor. One day I called her room at Lourdes Nursing Home, and after many rings, she picked up the phone. "Joe's Bar," she said. "What are you drinking?"

And oh, what a storyteller! She could spin a tale like Mark Twain, and right up till the end entertained her family and friends with funny, finely woven accounts of the colorful characters and events of her most memorable life. She liked to say that maybe a wee bit of her gift of gab wore off on us kids.

I'll never forget the time I went to her, convinced I was dying of cancer. I'd always been chubby, and now suddenly, at age 14, I was shedding weight at a precipitous pace. There was only one explanation. Convinced I had only weeks to live, I went to mom and broke the bad news. She just threw her head back and laughed. "Aw, honey," Mom said, wiping her eyes. "You're not dying of cancer. You're just losing your baby fat." Once again, Mom was right.

Mom was always our biggest fan and cheerleader. Only once did she humble me. I was home from my first year of college, thinking I was very smart indeed. I had a summer job in the mailroom of the local bank and worked beside an older man who had never finished eighth grade. I came home one day, mocking my simple coworker.

"John," Mom said, a rare look of disappointment on her face. "Be thankful for the mind God gave you, and don't use it to make fun of those who aren't so blessed." I was ashamed, and the lesson has stuck to this day.
Her heart was as big as the Michigan sky. She was always baking a casserole for someone, and always looking to help the underdog. During the Detroit Riots in 1967, her brother, Fr. Vin Howard, who was pastor of two inner-city parishes, called with a favor to ask. He had a rectory full of children in need of a safe place to ride out the violence. Without hesitation, Mom said bring them out. For the next week, our house was a chaotic dormitory of children, and Mom cared for each of them like her own. I heard from one of those children recently, now a middle-aged woman. She wanted me to know she had never forgotten Ruthie's kindness. Of course, she remembered the water-down-the-sleeve prank too. 

I would be remiss if I didn't say a word about Mom's underwear. There were times I swear she was running a black-market religious supplies store out of her brassiere. You never knew what she might pull out: a rosary or two, a St. Christopher medal, a crucifix, a prayer pamphlet, even a bottle of holy water. Ruthie was a good Catholic girl. She wanted to keep the Lord close to her heart.

And she was a good Catholic mother. Her moral compass was strong and unwavering. And she was never shy about keeping her flock pointed in the right direction. Agree with her or not, you always knew right where Ruthie stood. 

All kids think their mom is the world's greatest, but in our case I'm pretty sure it was true. Mom nursed us through illnesses, counseled us through crises, kissed our bumps and bruises, and offered us the happy, stable home every child deserves. She made the world's best oatmeal cookies, and her care packets once we left for college were legendary. Mom was a hostess extraordinaire and could throw a party for 80 people without belying even a quiver of stress. She somehow made each of her kids - and her husband, too - feel like the most important person on earth.

Faith and family: It is what she dedicated herself to. She did it selflessly and with an optimism and zest for life, even into her sunset years, that were enviable.

Ah, Ruthie. What a wonderful home you gave your family; what a loving companion you gave your husband; what a magical childhood you gave your kids. And what a loyal and true friend you were to the many whose lives you touched. 

Ruthie, how we love you. And how we will miss you.

August 8, 2011

Dear Family Grogan,

Please accept my sincere condolence for the passing of your mother. Ruth was a dear and very good friend and I fondly remember her great sense of humor.  I'm sorry I was unable to make it up to Michigan for her Mass, but you must know she was in my prayers.  
 
Fondly,
Maura Rosser

7-26-11

Dear Mary Jo, Tim, Mike & John,

Our prayers and thoughts are with you.  We all have such wonderful memories of our large family.  

 God bless from the Howard clan in Arizona and Oregon

The Passing of Ruth Grogan
by Michael Grogan

Mon, 7-25-11 

Friends & Family, 

My mother passed away very suddenly at 12:30 this afternoon. What a difference a day makes! At 7 a.m. this morning, she was fine. Last night at 11 pm, I got a call from Lourdes saying that she had had a difficult evening, nausea, a little vomiting, a little trouble breathing. But by the time they called at 11 p.m., she was doing much better, very comfortable, even smiling and conversing with the nurses. 

Then at 11 a.m. this morning, Janie, her nurse, calls again. At 7 a.m. she was fine. 99 degree fever, tested positive for another infection, began her on antibiotics, but otherwise fine. At 8 a.m., they checked again. Her fever had spiraled to 103. She was now on IV antibiotics and being hosed down with ice packs. Now, 11 a.m., breathing very fast, this has become critical. I am pouring sweat, in the middle of a workout. Let me shower and I'll be right over. 11:15 a.m., another call. Her breathing has now become erratic, they think she's in the final stages. I am out the door and at Lourdes at 11:50 a.m.  All the way to Lourdes I am praying, "Please let her live until I get there. Please let me be with her when she dies."  

When I enter her room, Mom is unconscious and the chaplain is in the room saying prayers. Either the chaplain or one of the nuns has been holding vigil at Mom's bedside ever since 8 a.m.  A few minutes later, the priest comes in to anoint her. The priest, Fr. Larry, tells me that, even though she's unconscious, it's important to talk to her, let her know I'm there. She's aware of my presence and she can hear me. Tell her that we're going to be okay. It's very much a comforting thing for parents to hear their children's voices at this time for them to know that life will go on, everything will be okay.

While the priest is with her, I duck out of the room and phone John to let him know the bad news: Mom is going to die today.  He'll let the others know.  

For the next half hour, I hold Mom's hand and tell her that I'm there and that I will be there for as long it takes. I'm not leaving her. But I know from past experience that this can go on for hours, even days. But I will stay with Mom until the end. 

At 12:30, Janie comes in and checks Mom over. "Oh, she's much cooler now. And her breathing seems more regular now. She may just pull out of this." 

"That's what I'm hoping for," I tell her. "I'm not ready for this today. On the other hand, are you ever ready for something like this?"

Janie smiles at me and nods agreement, leaves me alone with Mom. 

No sooner does Janie leave the room when Mom takes her last breath. She's definitely in the final stages. This went on for hours with both Dad and Fr. Joe. In fact, I remember Fr. Joe going as long as 15 minutes between breaths during his last few hours. 

Just out of curiosity I check for Mom's pulse. I can't find one. But then I'm hardly an expert in finding pulses. I wait until 12:35. Mom still hasn't taken a breath. I go to the nurse's station and ask Janie if they're monitoring Mom's heartbeat from the station. She says they are. "Well, are you getting a heartbeat? She stopped breathing five minutes ago and I can't find a pulse."

Janie immediately comes into Mom's room with a stethescope and spends the next couple of minutes pouring over Mom's chest listening for a heartbeat. There is none.   I phone John and tell him Mom stopped breathing five minutes.  The nurses are in there right now trying to find a heartbeat and cannot.  I go back in the room and Janie tells me she's gone and declares time of death at 12:37 p.m. It is over. 

It was almost as if Mom was just waiting for me to get there, it was as if as soon as she knew I was there, it was okay to take her eternal rest, to give up her spirit and leave this world.  How grateful I was to be able to give her this final consolation.  I would miss her greatly, but would always treasure this final moment.  

A few minutes later, Fr. Dutton, one of the residents who lives just a few doors down the hall, comes in and anoints Mom again. Two of the nuns come in and pray the rosary. I've already made some phone calls to prepare the family. Now it's time for another round of phone calls to tell everyone that the end has mercifully come. 

Since 1998 when Mom was first diagnosed with Alzheimer's, we've all been praying that she dies peacefully in her sleep before the Alzheimer's drugs wore off. The Aricept was only supposed to last for five years. However, there have been so many cases of patients going beyond five years, some considerably beyond, that a couple years ago I was told that they're no longer putting expiration dates on these drugs. Some people have gone well beyond ten years. In Mom's case, it was 13 years. We had all prayed that she would not have to suffer through the catastrophic plunge that her body would be going through for weeks or months once the drugs wore off and she was finally forced into the depths of the Alzheimer's. We had been praying that she would die suddenly and peacefully in her sleep from a heart attack or stroke before that happened. 

Our prayers were answered. We could not have asked for a better death. She got a fever and it consumed her in a few short hours. She did not suffer at all. This was better than dying in her sleep. This way, I was able to be with her when she died and I was able to say goodbye to her. I will be grateful for that the rest of my life. 

She died exactly the way we wanted her to die. As I write this, her body has already been transferred to Pixley Funeral Home and her belongings have been boxed up. We are shooting for a Friday visitation and Saturday funeral and burial. There will more details coming as I get them. 

Your friend, cousin, nephew, colleague, brother, relative .... 

Mike

Sat, 7-30-11

Tim's Eulogy for Mom's Funeral: 

In the eulogies that follow, you will hear of Mom's great faith and strong belief in the power of prayer.  You will also hear that she was a great storyteller and accomplished writer.  It should come as no surprise that she combined these two passions .  

Mom kept a journal on her meditations on The Life of Jesus and Mary Poems and Prayers. We thought it would be appropriate to begin with one of the Ruth's own prayers.  

"O my Jesus, You are Lord and God - you are mighty and glorious - wonderful and just.  You created me from nothing - you infused in this body my soul.  Your breath has given me life - and I will live forever.  Thank you God for giving me this life."

JOHN'S BLOG TRIBUTE TO MOM: 
August 8th, 2011 at 8:14 am 

ON THE PASSING OF MY MOTHER

My extended family converged on my old hometown of Orchard Lake, Michigan, two weekends ago to say farewell to an incredible woman, my mother, Ruth Marie Grogan.

Many of you who read my memoir, “The Longest Trip Home,” have written me over the last few years to say you felt as if you knew my mother through my writing, and so I thought it only fitting to report on her death. It was a peaceful end on the morning of July 25 – two weeks ago today. She had been in a nursing home since my father's death in December 2004, and while she still maintained a decent quality of life, she was wheelchair-bound and tired and had let us know she was ready. Mom was a firm believer in heaven, and she died knowing she would be joining her husband, parents, and other loved ones who preceded her in death.

Just as we had hoped for her, she drifted into a deep sleep, and then unconsciousness, and an hour or so after that she simply drifted away. No drama, no trauma, no long descent, a final blessing to a long, and mostly blessed life. Ninety-five years, all but the last six of them independent and brimming with optimism: You can't ask for much more than that.

I write about my father's death in The Longest Trip Home, and the painful but necessary decision to put Mom into a nursing home where she could get the care she needed. In the years that followed, she lived as good a life as can be hoped for at that stage. The drug Aricept held her Alzheimer's disease in check, and she enjoyed visits from her kids, grandkids, and old neighborhood friends. Her four grandchildren had an especially strong restorative effect on her. She would light up when she saw them and find new vigor. Maybe it was the thrill of a new audience to spin her tales of childhood mischief. Ruthie, as we all called her in later life, loved nothing more than a good story, and boy, could she tell them. Just the week before her death, she was out with my brother and sister for a prime rib dinner, which my brother reported she thoroughly enjoyed.

The visitation at the funeral home was more like a reunion than a wake. Many of my cousins, whom I had not seen in years, were on hand, as were old friends of mine from high school and college – and even two of my high school teachers. When a person lives a life as long and full as my mother's, there is much more to celebrate than mourn. Back at my childhood home later that evening, we toasted Mom with cold beers and told stories about her many memorable moments.

At the funeral the next morning, my brother Tim recited a prayer my mother had composed in her journal. My sister Marijo read the Prayers of the Faithful. Mike and I gave the eulogy in two parts – Mike covering the biography of her life and I focusing on her warmth and sense of humor. And now she is resting in a lovely wooded cemetery in her hometown of Ann Arbor, right beside her husband and with her brothers, sisters, and parents – and the little girl, my sister Mary Ann, she lost at birth – surrounding her.

In my eulogy, I noted that all children think their mom is the world's greatest, but in my case I am pretty sure it was true. She dedicated her entire adult life to her husband and children, making each of us feel like the most important person in the world. She happily made sacrifices at every turn for our betterment. I will miss her, of course, but mostly I will celebrate the positive mark she left on the world. I will think back on her wit, warmth, and wisdom, and I will smile.

7/25/2011 10:45 P.M. 
 
Hi Mike: 

I am so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. What a treasure to have been with her during her transition...a gift of love for both of you. Please know I'm thinking of you, your mom and your family, and sending prayers your way.


Warmly,
Susan

7/27/2011 10:21 A.M. 
 
Hi Mike, 

I'm so sorry to hear about your mother. My entire world shifted after my mother died. I hope your journey is a good one.

Warm regards,
Miriam

7/27/2011 7:59 P.M. 

Mike,

I am keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.  I am so sorry about the death of your Mom but I do believe she is in a better place, no more suffering......We never want to lose our parents, but when they are not living a full life it is hard to hang on.  I just want to let you know that I will be here for you.  When everything is over, you will need a lot of support, and I hope I can help you by being there for you.  There was only one Aunt Ruthie and I feel I carry a little of her in my daily life, she was a true inspiration to me and I hope I can be as good of a Mother as she was to my kids.  We have truly been blessed.  

Love you, 
Mary

7/27/2011 1:39 P.M. 

Blessings have been shared with the poor in your honor.  In memory of Ruth Grogan for her favorite charity. May she rest in peace and happiness with the Lord. 

From the North Carolina Howards (Don and Helen Howard, Mark, Ann and Jim Dooling and Jim and Nancy Howard

7/26/2011 2:35 A.M. 
 
Dear Mike, 

Thank you for sharing this. I am so very sorry for your loss. I'm glad she went peacefully and you were able to say goodbye. But your mother is your mother always, and it's a hole that is never quite filled. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Love,
Maria

7/25/2011 7:22 P.M. 

Hi Mike,

I am shocked and saddened by your mother's death.  I loved Aunt Ruthie very much.

She was always very special to me.  Much love to you and the family.  

Love,
Kathy

7/25/2011 10:14 P.M. 

Mike,

Thank you so much for your beautiful words.  They gave us comfort to know Aunt Ruth had a relatively peaceful passing and that you were with her in her last moments.

I will always remember Aunt Ruth's wonderful laugh and sense of humor.

I know the many beautiful memories you and your siblings have of your Mom will bring you peace, comfort and strength in these days ahead.

God bless, and - as your uncle Tom used to tells all the time - Keep The Faith.

Jim, Mary Kay, Tom and Erin Hogan

8-11-11  8:34 a.m. 

i`ve worked at lourdes for the past 7 years. it was an honor to all of us at lourdes to take care of and love ruthie. we all loved her greatly. thank you and mike, and tim, and marijo for sharing your mother with us, it truly was an honor to have her part of our lourdes family.

Julie
Lourdes

25 July 2011

Dear Mike and Family,                                 
Dear Ruth's death is very sad but a blessing in the peaceful manner of her passing.

As you stated, with the sudden downturn in her health, your prayers were answered with the peaceful end.
 
At this time it seems the best course of action, for Anita and I, is to celebrate her death with prayer and thanksgiving from our home here in Rock Hill. 
 
We will keep you and the family in our thoughts and prayers.
 
Thanks Mike , deepest sympathy to you and all the family.
 
God Bless!
Uncle John and Aunt Anita

Dear Mgrs.Howard,Marijo,Tim,Mike,and John,
As one of the five Andrade kids from St Catherine's Parish in Detroit that Mgrs. Howard rescued from Van Dyke during the "67" Riots in Detroit and brought to your Mom Ruth to put us up for a while until the smoke literally cleared, let me just say how kind and warm and generous it was of her and your whole family to aid us in our hour of need. We felt very welcomed and had such a great time at Orchard Lake swimming, biking,watching our brother Chuck, teach John how to draw cartoons. My family and I will forever be grateful for the kindness Ruth and your family showed us that summer of 67. God has a very special Angel in Heaven now and she will always hold a special place in the hearts of The Andrade Family.

Marijo, Tim, Mike, and John,
From my childhood days in Detroit, I have such fond memories of visiting Uncle Dick, Aunt Ruth, and my cousins.  Whether it was the frequent visits to the house on Pembroke by Pitcher Woods or stays at the house by Cass Lake, seeing everyone was always special and something the Hogans would look forward to.  Uncle Dick and Aunt Ruth were always such loving, fun, and caring people.  Jane and I have such fond memories, and I only wish that Daniel and Michael had had a chance to know both of them as I do.

The good news from Aunt Ruth’s passing is that she has completed living out her long life of faith, that she is at her eternal resting place, and that she is sharing that place with Uncle Dick.  She will be remembered with so much love by everyone in the Hogan family.

Patrick (and Jane, Daniel, and Michael)

Ruth Grogan was a classy lady, a Cristian, a Catholic, a care-giver, a true follower of Jesus Christ and a faithful daughter of His Blessed Mother.
She will now share eternity with her beloved husband, Dick.  Together they were a formidable couple.  I thank God for putting them in my life.

To Marijo, Tim, Mike & John,

I and all of the family were saddened to hear of your Mom's death.  But I cannot think of loss without remembering all the happy times we shared with your Mom & Dad and each of you - weddings, new babies, First Communions, birthdays, graduations, special holidays to name a few.

Time will soften the edges of your sorrow and for now know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

All my love, 

Aunt Jeanne

I was saddened to get the news that Aunt Ruth had passed away. I remember as a child staying at your house on Orchard Lake. An afternoon of swimming, was always followed by a warm and hearty welcome from your mom. There was such a sense of fun and joy that radiated from Aunt Ruth. Lots of animated stories, wisecracks, and good food. She was a natural hostess, and made everyone feel so welcome. I loved staying at your house!!! She always had that "twinkle" in her eye! With much love and warm memories~Nancy(Hogan)Dalbey and Family

Dear Aunt Ruth,
I know your in heaven telling stories to all the angels. Your loving and caring soul has always shined a light to the lord. Tell all the family we'll be there soon and to save us a spot at the table.
Love,
Vinnie

It was my pleasure to have taken care of Ruth while she was at Lourdes,,, her smile brightened my day, God bless her family, and bring them peace.

From: Rev. Protodeacon & Mrs. George Haloulakos, San Diego, CA

“O Christ, give rest to the souls of Thy servants with the saints, where there is no sickness, sorrow or sighing, but everlasting life.”
Prayer for the Departed – Eastern Orthodox Church

The photos of your family brought back memories of our days at Our Lady of Refuge School.  I am just now beginning to realize how important those days were!  Your mom was always active there and touched many lives. May The Lord comfort your hearts as only He can do.Big hugs, Patti Casstevens Tossey

Dear Micheal,  

Please accept my condolences on your mother's passing. Although you and I were not close I remember you well from school. I felt I got to know your family from reading your brother's books. My prayers to you and your siblings.

Keith Birchler

To the Grogan family, we will miss ruth and all her stories she used to tell us. Our prayers go out to the family.

~ St. Jude Afternoon Shift ~

To the Grogan family, Know of my thoughts and prayers.

Dear Grogan Family and Loved Ones, You are all in our thoughts and prayers.  Love and Hugs, Kevin and Carla.

To the Grogan family, I am so sorry for your loss. Ruth used to tell me stories and had such a great sense of humor. I really enjoyed taking care of her. She will be greatly missed at Lourdes.

Dearest Marijo, Fr. Vin,Michael, John and Tim,
So sorry for the loss of your Mother, which is primary and profound. However, the marvelous celebration of her life that is so vibrant in your chosen photos, is a magnificent tribute to her faith, fidelity, and fellowship. 
May the memories shared, and the continued graces of her life continue to console each of you now and as time progresses.
Marijo it was a privledge to have prayed and visited with you this week.
Know that each of you are in my heart and prayers during this part of your family journey
I remain as always, 
Your Sister in Christ,
All my love and prayers,
Mary Carey

 
The end of an era.  What a beautiful life your dear mother had.  Now she is in the loving arms of the Lord she had been so faithful and loving to during her years here on earth. A grand Grogan/Howard reunion is happening in Heaven. I treasure my memories of her and the friendship we've had since the 60's. I am with  you, Tim, and John  in spirit, these days, especially since I cannot physically be there in celebraion of your dear mother's life.
 
Love and prayers,
Marguerite

Morning – just wanted to tell you how sad I was to get the e-mail about Aunt Ruth. I really can’t believe she is gone and what a loss for all who knew and loved her. It was a blessing that she was taken in such a peaceful way and I know that is a comfort. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this tough time.
 
I wish so much that we could be there for the service.
 Take care of yourself and have a good day.

All our love
John/Cyndie & the clan

What a blessed gift of rest and peace for your mother. Loosened from the bonds of this earthly life, she is now soaring with the angels and seeing those dear ones that she has missed for so long!  My tears are happy. 
 In sympathy and love, Lorin

Dear Grogan Family,
I was deeply affected by the passing of Ruth.  She was a beautiful part of my early childhood in Detroit as our neighbor.  I regret that I cannot make the celebration of her life, but would love to connect  at a later date.
I have a beautiful story that your mother and I had long ago planned on putting into print. I have held onto it very dearly, and would like to give it to you.

It truly breaks my heart to miss all of you, as you were a big part of my youth.

Love, Di

I was so sorry to hear of the passing of dear Aunt Ruth- I remember her as such a wonderful woman, and what a cook! (Ok- this may sound REALLY strange…especially since I haven’t seen her in so many years, but I can still remember her scent… a certain kind of powder perhaps?)
 
The Smith family will be thinking of you all and keeping you in our prayers.

I am so sorry to hear about your mom. She was one heck of a gal! She always treated us like her own grandkids! I have such great memories of her dressing up like a clown, taking us swimming, telling funny stories, sleep-overs at her house (and ending the night with a movie. She was fun, smart, witty and so faithful! She had a certain spunk that I loved...the perfect mix of sweetness and sassyness! I am picturing her now - reunited with her sisters! I can hear their laughter (as I did when I lived at Nana's). love, Missy
(Michelle), Seth and Isabelle

I was so sorry to receive the news of your mother's passing yesterday.  She was such a special person and such a large part of my life.  I will truly miss her.  I feel very fortunate to have known her and experienced her sense of humor and her love.  I have so many positive memories of the family get togethers and other visits with her.  And I will never forget how she stepped in to help care for my mom when she fell ill, and how much support and love she showed my father and me, too.  To think that she made a point of coming to my father's funeral just a few short months ago really speaks volumes as to how important family was to her.  She really led by example.
 
I can only imagine how difficult the last few years have been for you.  Through these difficult days, I hope you find comfort in the knowledge that she had such an impact on, and was love by, so many people.
 
You're in my thoughts and prayers.
 
Love,
 
Tim


Marijo, Tim, Mike and John,

I have so many wonderful memories of fun times with my Orchard Lake cousins and the special world of Aunt Ruth and Uncle Dick.  And I even have very clear memories of visits to your Pembroke house in Detroit (highlighted by scary stories about Pitcher Woods across the street.)  We always had such a great time when visiting your house, and the magic of your Mom's many stories, far-fetched tales and endless funny antics always made even the most ordinary things special and fun.  I treasure those memories. 

And it was so great that Vallie and our three girls all had opportunities to get to know her (and your Dad) too.  We had such a good time staying at 3535 Erie Drive on our return trip from Mackinac Island.  Good food, many laughs, costumes, talent shows, swimming....never a dull moment!

With love,

Tom (and Vallie, Katie, Suzanne, Jessica)

Hi Cousins, Your mother told me this story. She made a novena to St. Therese of Liseux after Fr. Joe died asking for confirmation of him entering heaven.  St. Therese will  answer the novena with a rose.  After the funeral, a woman came to your house delivering flowers to your mom and it was a bouquet of sunflowers ( I could have this wrong, but a pure bouquet of ONE flower) and the lady said to her, "Ruth, I bought this bouquet for you and as I was walking out of the florist shop, a man came running out of store and said, 'Won't this rose look beautiful in the center of this bouquet?' "  I love that story and have since asked for a "rose" when I needed a special answer!  And when I tell people this story, they either have a rose miracle to share or want to make a novena!  Your mom really had the hot line to heaven..!!!!

Ruth was always so bubbly and so kind.. she always said hi and just wanted you to sit and chat with her! She always had funny things to say to make you laugh! She will be missed! Grogan family you are in my thoughts and prayers! God Bless all of you...

Dear Marijo, Tim, Michael and John,
Your dear mother has been a treasured friend of mine for many years.  Not to be forgotten are her great sense of humor, her beutiful hospitality, her delicious recipes and most of all her deep faith.
Peace be to you.

 I have been singing to Ruthie:  "Blessings on your journey, Blessing on your journey, Blessings on  your journey home." 

Lynn Meadows (friend of Marijo)

I have been singing to Ruthie:  "Blessings on your journey, Blessing on your journey, Blessings on  your journey home." 

Lynn Meadows (friend of Marijo Grogan)

I will always remember Ruth and her and her quick come backs, when entering her room to assist her in getting ready for the day, or when a meal was served and she didn't care for it .. if you said to her that it looked good her reply would be then you eat it... That is the Ruth that we loved .. she will be truly missed around Lourdes..

To the Grogan family, I sorry to hear that Ruth has passed. I will miss her dearly. May she rest in peace. God Bless

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Ruth Ruthie M. Howard Grogan

15 avril 1916 – 25 juillet 2011

Family Funeral Care

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