Having settled into a house in Marion, life as a single parent was definitely a challenge. On one school night in the middle of the week, havoc had taken over the household. It was ten o'clock at night, the kids were still up, dishes were in the sink, clean socks could not be found for school next day, and then the alert was sounded that the toilet just overflowed on my newly remodeled bathroom floor in the basement. I did the only thing I could I to do: I called Mom, and I blubbered my blues over the phone. She calmly said, Susan, hang up, take a deep breath, then first, put the boys to bed and second, you go to bed. The bathroom, dishes, and socks are not important now. Everything will be ok. And it was. Shortly after I had gone to bed, the door bell rang. I opened the door at midnight to see my mom standing with a bucket and handful of towels, and my dad was holding a plunger. Mom told me to go back to bed, and they would lock up when they left.

Last Monday, I received the phone call that Mom had passed. Dwayne was out of town for the week. The blizzard kept me from going to Dad, so Dad and I both spent the night alone with our grief. My body ached with sorrow; my pillow was wet with tears. Then, as the winter storm raged outside, a silent calmness swept over me on the inside. I felt a faint whisper, Do not cry. Do not grieve. Be happy. Rejoice. Everything is ok.

The attribute I will most remember about Mom, however, is that she always saw the glass half full instead of half empty.

One summer evening sixty years ago, I was riding my bike down Broadway Street when a dog came out of nowhere, chased me, and bit me in the leg. I fell off my bike and ran home in terror. Mother sat me on the kitchen counter and washed the blood from my wound. I was trembling. She said, Don't cry. Don't be scared. Everything will be ok. And it was. The next day I was back on my bike riding down Broadway Street.

As my divorce became final, our home was sold, and I had two weeks to find a place to live with my boys. I was at mom's, and could not hold back the nauseous feeling of desperation and anxiety that was tugging at my heart. I went outside, sat down on the curb, and sobbed. Mom came out, sat down beside me and asked me why I was crying. I poured out my story of having only two weeks to move with nowhere to go and three little boys depending on me. How was I going to survive? Mother said, Don't despair. Take it one day at a time. Your boys will grow up to be beautiful young men. Everything will be ok. And it was. Today I have three wonderful young sons.

I have many memories of my mother. I remember the gentleness with which she brushed my hair, feeling so chic as I dressed up in her many stylish pairs of shoes and hats, watching her laboriously sew my school clothes and the clothes of my many dolls, coming home from a day of teaching to discover the house had been cleaned, laundry done and neatly folded, and dinner on the table with a note: Surprise! I remember the lunches she packed for me when I had conferences, she and Dad making an authentic chuck wagon dinner for 45 fifth and sixth graders when we camped with a wagon train during Iowa's sesquicentennial, and helping me stuff 200 toothbrushes in my bulging suitcase for the orphanage in Kostroma when I traveled to Russia.

In 1968 I started working at Proctor & Gamble, one of the very first employees

that I met was Alda Hightshoe, and she immediately made me feel comfortable with her Heart Warming Smile. She was So Genuine Inside and Out!

I will Never Forget how proud she was of She and Clearance's Beautiful Family ..

Rest In Peace BEAUTIFUL LADY and HUGS to Your Amazing Family.

Love'n Hugs from Larry and Judy Batterson-Rotenburger

In Mexico, Missouri.

Dear Sue and family,

I was so sorry to read of the loss of your mother. I remember her from school events and also from the wedding when we had a fun time talking. I know you were very close to her, and will miss her very much. I lost my mom last June, so I understand. Please know that I have thought of you often these last days. My best to you and all your family.

Marilyn

Dear Hightshoe family, it is a very sad moment and news received that Alda is not with us anymore and for her coming birthday. I want to express my deepest condolence for your loos.She was a special lady and dear to me, like my family, but here in the US , like my grandma,who accepted me and loved me.

Alda, will be always in my heart as a nice loving lady welcomed me to your family. Her kind words from her heart provided me loving support and feeling piece.My preyers for her and for all of you are now !Good helped her and please grant us with a piece,patience, love and nice memories spent together.Let she be in a piece and in our heart forever!

Allen and I had some wonderful times with the family of Hightshoes and the memories are numerous. Alda's garden was one of the most restful areas and beautiful to see. She knew every latin name of her plants and flowers. A joy to be around and we both loved her and enjoyed being with her and Clarence. Many good times. from Adele

I have known Susan from Kindergarten. That was more than __ years ago. And we walked to school many days in gradeschool. I remember Alda as a mom and a sweet and tiny lady. I am sorry to hear of her passing and know it will be hard on her offspring. Susan has recently shared pictures of her own grandchildren on the internet. I am glad we stayed in touch and my condolences to all of the family.

Sincerely,

Beth Grimm, former Iowa Citian

I met Ms.Alda in 2007 she was a very beautiful warm hearted person. I would envite her into my home while Clarence went out back to pick rhubarb so she could go make her famous rhubarb pies and we would talk about everything then Ms.Alda started telling me all about her cooking. Then as time went by I stopped by to visit the Hightshoe's at their home and Ms.Alda would set me down and the kitchen and then she would say "I will be right back" she would try to get away to go beautify herself! I hugged her and said that you look beautiful as ever!!! I always seem to go around dinner time Ms.Alda would school me on what she was making for dinner that night and have me tasting things while Clarence set in the dining room...

The sorrow of the faithful

is not that of permanent loss,

but the tender sense of sadness

that comes in saying good-bye for now

to someone we love.

May today's sorrow give way

to the peace and

comfort of God's love.

Shortly after I met her, 28 years ago, Alda helped me design my first, beautiful little perennial garden that Clarence then helped me plant and care for. That was the beginning of our long friendship. Over the years, Alda expanded my garden with all the plants she shared; she improved my cooking with some of her really good recipes; and she warmed my heart with her cheerful greetings, bird reports and stories about kids, grandchildren and great grandchildren, not necessarily in that order. What a generous and delightful woman. We will all miss her.

Cathy

Though we met rather late in our lives we quickly became friends. We regret that we didn't spend more time together. Alda was such a kind and generous friend. We wish we would have had more time together. Clarence could make us laugh, but Alda made everyone smile. God bless her.

Clarence and family, I know how hard this is for all of you and from experience i know no words can ease your grief. Everyone's grief is different and everyone grieves in their own way. But keep your memories in your heart and Alda will always be with you and I know your family has wonderful memories. I always enjoyed and envied your family for how close it was and all the things you have done together. I've always enjoyed stopping by and talking to both Clarence and Alda. My thoughts and Prayers are with you as you travel through this rough time.

my love to all of you

joan