Grandma Charlie

Jon's Mom passed away August 13th. To be honest, most days I "forget" (for lack of a better word) that she is gone. Moms are just something that we assume to be around forever. I feel very fortunate for the time we had with her before we moved. We stayed with her for the 4 days before we moved and we are so grateful for that time. Not many people get to say a real goodbye to someone before they pass. I feel lucky that we did even though we did not know that it would be the last one in this life. My final image of her was at 5-something in the morning, standing at the end of her side walk in her blue flowered night gown, waving goodbye. I like that memory.

A few things I want to remember~ Moved in on Monday~ Found out she had fallen while in California on Thursday~ Jon flew out on Saturday~ She passed away on Monday~ The kids and I flew to Utah on Monday~ Jon flew to Utah on Tuesday~ Funeral was on Saturday. ~In between her accident and her passing we told Bennett that she had hurt her head and that we needed to pray for her. We did a few times throughout the days and at nights. When she passed away and we had to fly back to Utah I told him what happened and where she had gone. He took it as well as a 4 year old would, confused, still oblivious. I talked to him about it throughout the day to make sure he knew what was happening. He seemed to. When we were landing in Utah he sighed and said, "I hope Grandmas head is feeling better." Through my tears I told him that it was not able to get better and she went to live with Heavenly Father. Later as I was retelling that to my family someone suggested that I tell him that she is better because in Heaven you don't hurt anymore. OF COURSE! Why would a 4 year old know that she is not hurting anymore just because she died. All in all he has taken it well, he never has shown much sadness but I think he just doesn't know that he should be sad. It is great the perspective that kids can add to things. We talk about resurrection and being with Heavenly Father as a happy thing, so why should he think of it any different. He knows that Poppy died so the concept is not new, but he still prays for her head to get better, maybe out of habit. ~The theme was bright and cheery which is so fitting for her, and we all dressed accordingly. ~Each grandchild shared a memory at the funeral. Bennett bravely talked in the microphone about the toys at Grandmas house, the army guys and the matchbox cars. We tried to get Libby to talk about the cookies at Grandmas but she just held the microphone and gave everyone her classic Libby glare. ~She was born in CA and died in CA. I am sure that California girl would have had it no other way. ~So many flowers, big displays of beautiful flowers. She would have loved that.

Charleen Mayne 1943 ~ 2012 Our beautiful, beloved mother, sister and grandmother, Charleen Ruth Mayne, age 69, passed away peacefully at a hospital in Modesto, California on Monday, August 13, 2012 due to injuries sustained from a fall a few days earlier. During her final days many loving family members surrounded her. A friend said "The sun is a little dimmer today because Charleen passed" and we couldn't agree more. Charleen was born in Huntington Park, California on June 25, 1943 to Ruth and Charles Wilson. The oldest of 3 daughters, Charleen was the original "California Girl". Charleen attended Fullerton High School during which she was head Yell Leader and the Pow Wow Queen of 1961. Upon graduation from high school, Charleen attended Brigham Young University; Provo, Utah where she met David Ray Mayne and was later married in the Salt Lake Temple. Charleen is the mother of six children, David Jr. (Naomi), Matthew (Michelle), Jason (Ginni), Charee Thorn (Jeffery), Jonathan (MarKey) and Mitchell (Holly). Charleen's life has been made complete with 17 grandchildren. The family dinners where we shared "stories about mom" have brought much laughter to our lives. Family gatherings were always fun with Charleen because they involved laughter and great food. Charleen was beautiful, optimistic and fun loving. She had experienced many of life's challenges but her perspective was always positive. Family and friends were her source of happiness and fulfillment. A friend said "Charleen saw the real humor in the little things in life, so she could make any of us smile and even laugh through our tears as well as during the happy moments". You can see it every day in the lives that she touched. Her testimony and faith helped her through life's struggles and her relationship with her Savior helped her find happiness to overcome those challenges. Charleen was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had a firm foundation of the gospel and was proud of her pioneer heritage. She was privileged to serve in many capacities from Primary President, to Seminary teacher. Many of those whom she served have fond memories and a great love for Charleen. Charleen was a loving, kind mother who spent endless hours supporting her children in all their endeavors. Her most important accomplishment in life was being a mother and grandmother. Growing up in the Mayne household could be described as Grand Central station with Charleen organizing and making sure each child was at their practice or game. She attended everything she could that her kids were involved in. She not only attended, but also cheered louder than any other parent. As a grandmother, she could frequently be found on the sidelines or in the audience supporting a grandchild. Charleen loved to serve; whether it was at home, church or in the community, she liked to get involved. One of her most recent interests was in the Mitt Romney campaign. Charleen was passionate about being involved in her local community. She set the example for her children and grandchildren to get involved and that no one is too small to make a difference. Charleen had an artistic flair and she used her talents to establish a successful catering company for several years before health issues forced her retirement. Special thanks to the wonderful hospital staff at Dr. Hospital in Modesto CA for their kindness and care during her last days. Charleen was one of a kind - there is no other like her. Her personality was infectious - she made you smile. We know that we will see her again. We are grateful to have her in our lives and the legacy of love and happiness she left for us. Proceeded in death by her parents. Survived by all of her children and their spouses, grandchildren, sisters Pam Reese and Jill Youkel, Stepfather Ralph Michael. Come celebrate Charleen's legacy with us - Funeral services will be on Saturday, August 18, 2012 at 11:00 am at the LDS Stake Center, 587 S. Saratoga Rd, Saratoga Springs, Utah.