elaine

In Memory of Elaine Stoke
April 30, 1935 – January 28, 2005

Elaine you’re gone and now at rest,
You gave this life your very best.
Fifty three years with your man,
From 16 that was your life’s plan.
Together you gave the world a girl and a boy,
To your life they brought great joy.
Your grandkids you loved and fretted about,
They have fond memories, there’s no doubt.
Many things you accomplished your life through,
Many places you went and left a little part of you.

Your furry little girl and boy you left too,
They will serve to help your man to get through,
We shared laughter, tears and some defeat,
Our passion for furry friends is how we did meet,
It has bonded us together for all times,
But brought us closer on many different lines.
So many ails you bravely bore,
Without complaint, you never swore.
Each new challenge your body gave,
You carried on, your life to save.
But now you are in pain no more,
Your bones and joints no longer sore.
No longer fear of what’s to come,
No longer worries of what’s not done.
Your eyes of blue, like the ocean you loved,
Are remembered by us as you wait up above.
Your Tic Tacs of orange like the “glads” by the door,

Your freshly baked goodies and Friday waxed floors,
Memories of “Jack & Jill” birds flying away,
You always had stories to read and kind words to say.
Your stickpins you made just like a rose,
And diligently crafted as you traveled many roads.
Many lives you’ve touched through the years,
And now they shed many tears.
You were humble and would not believe,
The many people here that grieve.
You’d never believe the lives you’ve touched,
Or that you are missed so very much.
The prayers poured in from one and all,
Such loving hands made you this shawl.
I got to share your special day,
A gift no one can take away.
You’ve gone ahead at this life’s end,
So for now “good-bye my friend.”

Penney

2005

GOOD BYE, MY FRIEND

This spring Kitty Keepers suffered the loss of a faithful volunteer and dear friend.

Christina Culbertson passed away suddenly on March 8, 2001. Christina loved to work with us, spend time with us and mostly to be with our furry, four legged friends. She had a true gift with animals and could calm ever the most frightened and feral cat with her soft voice and kind words. Often she could handle and treat these animals long before anyone else could approach them. This is not an acquired talent, but a gift given to a chosen few and Christina used her gift wisely.

When relecting back on this unassuming young woman, my mind is flooded with memories of her many attributes. Christina had a delightful sense of humor and was quick to smile. I can still see her bashful little smile as she shyly bowed her head. That smile lit up her face and brought sunshine to those around her.

Christina never said a harsh word and when she was angry she would walk away rather than stay and say something she would regret. She walked away or changed the subject when those around her were gossiping. She didn't have time in her short life to clutter it with anger and gossip.

Christina was active in her church and youth groups as well as in Kitty Keepers. She was a devoted volunteer to whatever cause she supported. She rarely was too preoccupied with being a teenager to help when she was called upon. Like most good volunteers, Christina made time for what was important regardless of other commitments.

Christina always felt badly when she knew of a cat that needed help and there was no room to take this animal in. She talked about wanting more room so we could help yet more animals. She worked hard to help spay and neuter as many animals in our community as she could. She wanted to see the homelessness stopped and didn't just wait for someone else to fix the problem--she gave unselfishly of herself to see this accomplished.

In Christina's memory, we are going to add a room to Kitty Keepers and name it "Christina's Dream Room." I can just hear her saying, "You're going to do that for me?" Then her face would light up with that little smile of hers and she'd bow her head with embarrassment.

Yes, Christina, we are going to do that for you and it's an honor. Thank you for touching our lives and our hearts with your goodness and sunshine. I would hope that I could live up to the kind of person you were. You were loved and will be missed by so many.