In Loving Memory of Barbara Winenger and Beulah Hoover
Their Story
Everyone should have someone in their life that provides them with direction, guidance and
a value system that stays with them for the rest of their lives. I’m very blessed to have had
TWO people serve in that capacity while growing up. Meet my Mom and Grandma, Barbara Winenger
and Beulah Hoover.
I may be a little biased, but when God made these two ladies, he outdid himself. I’ve never known more positive, peaceful and loving people in my entire life. They always had a smile on their faces and absolutely loved life and their families more than anything on earth.
Grandma and Grandpa were married for over 50 years before she passed away with Breast Cancer.
Mom and Dad were married for over 30 years when she died of Breast Cancer at the young age of 50.
When Mom was very young, she had rheumatic fever and most medical professionals told her she would never be able to have children. Turns out she had three boys named John, David and Robert.
The best thing about Mom was she was as beautiful on the inside, as she was on the outside.
I can still hear her saying, "if you don’t have something good to say, then don’t say anything at
all". Words to live by for sure. This was her Senior picture, which I’ve always thought looked like
one of those old black and white movie-star pictures from the nineteen fifties.
Mom’s passion was playing the piano and organ at church. There was nothing she enjoyed more than this, which this picture clearly demonstrates. What is hard to believe is this picture was taken after she was told of her terminal illness! That's right, when Mom was diagnosed with cancer, she was given only a few months to live. Two years later, she was still playing the piano and organ at church.
Mom went through two of the toughest years of treatments anyone could ever imagine. Not one time do I recall her feeling sorry for herself or complaining. In fact, most of the time she was apologizing for “being a nuisance” or “putting someone out”. I wish I had half the strength, courage and decency that my Mom and Grandma had to offer this world.
Mom's favorite verse was the "Serenity Prayer". "God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the Courage to change the things I can, and the Wisdom to know the difference."
May they both rest in peace.