The most important reason we came down to South Dakota over Memorial Day weekend was to be part of a family memorial service for Grandpa Ingalls. Grandpa's wishes were to have his ashes spread on the ranch where he was born, raised, lived after he was married, raised his kids, and died. We honored his wishes on May 28th. It was a beautiful day. Most of the family was able to make it to the simple (like Grandpa) service.
The gathering started with us sharing lunch together.
Papa and the twinnies were on the hunt for kitties. They didn't find any.
Uncle Rod and Kiara played ball together for a bit.
Grandma bringing out Grandpa's ashes for the service.
You see that hill - there, to the right? That's the hill he chose.
This is looking down on the ranch from the hill.
Grandma and Grandpa's pastor, Steve Talley, and his lovely wife, Nikole, were there to support the family on this, honestly, hard day.
What a wonderful family we have! Grandpa must be so proud of us.
After spreading Grandpa's ashes we drove to the small cemetery to bury the box his ashes were in.
We made quite a convoy!
My cousins, Jason and James, handled hole digging duties. They were the two who removed Grandpa's body from the pickup. It was very fitting they were the ones to help with the burial.
Any of the grandchildren and great grandchildren could help put the dirt back in the hole.
It was great they had a chance to help.
We went back to the house to finish up some games and talking. Some had to leave, but most of us stayed a bit longer.
It was a sad day for me, but so good. I am glad I was able to attend this family service. The three grandchildren who were not able to make it to the memorial service were able to attend the family service. It was healing to have a chance to say goodbye, to cry, to hug, to be hugged.
He was the bestest grandpa a girl could ever ask for.
He loved us all.
We were very blessed to have him in our lives.
Miss you, Grandpa.
