Grandpa Heaton

My maternal grandfather, Israel Heaton, passed away last Monday and his funeral was today in Provo. I wasn't able to attend his funeral, and even though I wanted to very much, I don't think I needed to in order to help my grieving. He was 96 years old and lived a good, long life. He passed away of natural causes after his health rapidly declined over the past few years and so it is easier to deal with his death knowing that he is free from his old and broken body. I love thinking of him with my mom and my brother Curtis as well as most of his siblings and his parents. What a wonderful reunion it must have been!

Last year my aunt put together a collection of memories about my grandpa from his children and grandchildren. I reread mine and it brought back lots of happy memories. I am grateful for the knowledge I have about the plan of our Heavenly Father - I know that our birth is not the beginning and our death is not the end! The Atonement of Jesus Christ makes it possible for me to be with my family forever. Our Savior's gift brings me such hope. As one of my favorite hymns declares, "I know that my Redeemer lives! What comfort this sweet sentence gives."

Grandma and Grandpa Heaton

With my grandparents on my wedding day

Memories of Grandpa Heaton - written on May 24, 2007

When I was young and my family lived in New York, my favorite place in the whole world was Grandpa and Grandma Heaton’s house. I loved our summer vacations visiting there! I remember Grandpa teaching us grandkids how to play the table games on their back patio. I always loved playing with him because he would give me tips on how to be better. I remember helping him in the garden – pulling weeds or picking up rocks. He always seemed to take great pride in taking good care of their yard.

I remember Grandpa Heaton singing songs (“The Burglar Boy” is always the first to come to mind) and telling funny stories. As I got a little older, he would give me number riddles and I would spend quite a bit of time trying to figure them out. Some of them I still don’t understand! I also remember him teaching me how to play marbles.

After we moved to Utah when I was eleven, I saw Grandpa much more often. We went over to his house every Sunday night with all the cousins, and he and Grandma were at our house often for dinner or some other occasion. I always appreciated Grandpa’s efforts to be there for things going on in my life. He was there for birthdays, basketball games, and Honors nights. He was there for my graduation from high school and at the Missionary Training Center when I left on my mission. I remember him being in the sealing room when I was married to Peter, and I am grateful that he has met my daughter Megan.

Through all my life, I have never doubted that Grandpa loved me and that he has a testimony of the Gospel. I have never even heard him speak an unkind word. I am grateful for his example and his legacy of steadfastness and faith, and I will pass these on to my children and grandchildren.