Born Winona Vennie Schriner on July 18, 1909 in South Dakota she was the essence of gentleness. She was my ideal of motherhood. . . Busy in our home...and I say that with the utmost emphasis...she truly enjoyed her role in life as a wife and mother.

Cooking, crocheting, quilting, sewing. . . Oh, I can still remember her warbling (yes, warbling: this is a very difficult form of whistling) as she lovingly created whatever task she was doing at the time! And I recall her beautiful voice as she would sing while bustling around our home. . . . .My Mother had a love of music that flowed from her heart right into our daily lives.

And everytime I pass a beautiful garden I feel the presence of my Mother. You see this was her "quiet" space to be close to God. Her love of flowers was reflected in her eyes as I recall watching her at work in the garden. . . Her favorite flower was the mighty Rose.

You know, she was so very versatile. . . anything she decided to tackle just seemed to get done, never a complaint did I hear from my Mother! She was a very determined and strong lady.

To my Mother, her family was her whole life and she gave her all. . .

Oh to be able, just once again, to come home and be able to feel the flow of love from my Mother. . .

God Rest Her Wonderful Soul.

Thoughts by Barbara Jean Severson (daughter)