Genealogy

I have just started to look up my family history. I am starting to get really interested in some of the things that went on in the town that I am from. I found this picture of the courthouse back in the very early 1900's

You will be missed and Never Forgotten

MARIE L. BOND

April 8, 1943 - Dec. 14, 2008

UNION, Mich. -- Marie L. Bond of Union, formerly of Leroy, Ind., passed away Dec. 14, 2008.
She was born April 8, 1943, in Valparaiso, Ind., to Edwin and Mable "Mickey" (Heimer) Small. Marie married John L. Bond on Sept. 23, 1961.
She is survived by two sons, John (Judy) Bond of Edwardsburg and Tom (Opal) Bond of Middlebury, Ind.; and two daughters, Janet (David) Crane of Crown Point, Ind., and Malena (Lee) Mikel of Nappanee, Ind.
The greatest joys of Marie's life were her 14 grandchildren, Julie Crane, Nicole (Derek) Karrson, Steven Pruett, Jamie Crane, Ashley (Adam) Cornewell, Shawn (Sierra) Crane, Kevin Pruett, Amanda Peek, James Bond, Jordon Bond, Haley Bond, Noah Mikel, Molly Mikel and Mitchell Bond. Also surviving are her mother, Micky Small; three sisters, Margie (Bill) Steelman, Mary (Jim) Ford and Martha (Buzz) Scott; three great-granddaughters; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her father, Edwin Small, and her son, Steve Bond.
She was retired from Elkhart (Ind.) Community Schools' Even Start Program, where she inspired so many lives. Marie also was a GED examiner, where she loved seeing people complete their education. Anyone who knew Marie considered her a friend. She would (and did) put everyone else before herself. If anyone was in need, Marie was the first there to help out.
In addition to taking care of her family, Marie enjoyed sewing, arts and crafts, riding her horses and fishing with John. Marie was a member of Cass County Conservation Club and the Red Hat Society. Marie was "Mom" to many. She will be incredibly missed by all who knew her.
Friends may call from 3 to 8 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) Thursday, Dec. 18, 2008, at Walley-Mills-Zimmerman Funeral Home, 700 E. Jackson Blvd., Elkhart. The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) Friday, Dec. 19, 2008, at the funeral home. Pastor Jim Ford of Abundant Life Church of God, Danville, Ill., will officiate. Burial will be in Plum Grove Cemetery, Union.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the family.

She is not gone yet!

Okay...am I crazy or do I just not understand!?! Why is everyone acting like she is already gone. Planning a funeral and buying suits when she is not even gone yet. I understand the medicine behind it but i think it is very disrespectful to say in her room where she is and capable of hearing you ask if there are any special songs that you want played. You have to be kidding me. HOW DISRESPECTFUL!!! What if those were the last words she had heard them say. Are they okay with that. That woman has done so much for these people it is not even funny, and they are acting like she is gone. She needs their love and prayers. I love this woman more than words can describe and I cannot believe this is happening. I just wish some people would have a little compassion. She would have done that much for you.

Grandma Marie

I cannot even start to imagine how losing you is going to feel. I already miss you thinking about it. I remember being scared out of my mind when I was coming to meet Toms family for the first time, but you were the most comforting family. I had never known what it was like to have a real grandmother. From day one, you showed my sister and I what it was to have a grandmother. I am so greatful to have had you in my life. I know that you have left imprints on my heart. I have learned so much from you. I wanted to learn more. I am not ready for you to let go. I have never made that fudge. I cant imagine not being able to pick up the phone when I am having a bad day or needing some cooking advice.

I cannot explain why I feel numb at moments, like I am dreaming. You cant be done with this life. I dont want you to go. The only things I think will get me through this are all of the great memories of you and I. You were always there for me for anything. I felt so proud to call you my grandma. Because even though you were not my blood grandmother, there was never a day that I thought anything different.

Nothing in life seems to make sense. I miss the sound of your voice. I dont know how Haley is going to take this. This is going to be devastating. I am not ready, im just not. I hope you knew how much you meant to me.

I have so much to tell you since I have talked to you last. I pulled out my wedding pictures today because we just got our things from our house in Virginia sent here, and I was looking through and found this picture. This is the woman I know. I am so glad I got to share that day with you. Your such a power grandma. You helped with my dress, and one of my bridesmaids dresses. One of the pictures I found had you sitting in the front row... with my mother and your son, RIGHT WHERE YOU BELONG! You will always hold a special place in my heart. It hurts to know you will be gone. Not here anymore. I knew it would happen someday but I just did not want it to happen now. You have left such an imprint on so many people. It is hard to cry about this when I think about how great your life has been, the stories of the trials and amazing things you have done. I could sit and listen to your stories all day. Other time the tears just flow like a waterfall and I cant turn them off. Knowing I may not ever hear your voice again makes me sick to my stomach, but having faith that I will see you in heaven again where there will be no pain and suffering will make this easier. I dont want you to be in pain anymore. If gods plan is not to heal you to the grandma I knew, I would rather him take you in peace to rest than make you go through this. I absolutley dont want you to go. I also dont want to see you go through all of this. I know you have worked so hard to fight this infection with all of your soul, but it is your body that your soul has been given that is giving up. I know your soul has not.

I love and miss you tons and I cant wait to see you again. Go home and I will see you when I get there. Jesus will take care of you because I believe you deserve that. Remember, I will be thinking about you everyday. My life wont be the same. Your loved by so many people, you have touched so many hearts. You have lived a great life. I will NEVER forget your smile. I hope to see you in my dreams, to hold me over until the day I get to see you again. Don't forget I love you grandma.

PS-I will always remind Haley and Mitchell of how

great a person their grandmother was.