Judy Statz
I hadn't even processed the news that Diane had passed when I got word that Jo Ann had joined her in heaven. I can't even comprehend what the family is experiencing at this point. So much loss with Diane and then to add mom and grandma to the mix is horrible. I remember growing up with Jo Ann as my second mom, seems like I was at their house more than my own. I was always helping Linda in the garden pulling weeds before Big Jim got home. Boy, why did I fall for that trick? Can't play until the weeds were pulled and what a great way to get the neighborhood kids to help, or was it just me that was so gullible? Diane always had time to show Linda and I how to put make-up on, always interested on how she did this. Jo Ann always around to give us snacks and cooking a meal. Seems like she was always in that huge kitchen cooking, baking, or canning. The potato collection in the basement, WOW.
One of my worst memories is attending Linda's funeral. Hearing Big Jim talk at the cemetery ... loosing his Daughter-In-Law and Son-in-law and now his own daughter. It was heart wretching to hear. The tears rolling down everyone's cheeks, especially moms. Too many losses, so many young people stolen from us. Memories of all the kids; Tom, Diane, Tim, Linda, Laurie and Pat will forever be ingrained in my memories. The loss of loosing both parents, a sister and in-laws is heart breaking. The exhaustion from all the emotion these last two weeks is so draining. I am SO sorry for this pain to all of the Deist family and extended family and friends. Hugs and happy memories will sustain us all. God Bless, Judy Statz
