Vivian was a victim of Alzheimer's disease. Gradually she lost all sense of her self. She did not recognize any of her family. She sensed that she had another life but could not remember what or where it was. She became comfortable at the nursing home and did not like to be away from there.

Vivian J. Roller

Vivian was the mother of her 13 children but took it upon herself to mother anyone who needed help or solace.

Back Row: Ken-David-Gloria-Richard-Nancy-Tony-Tim-Rex
Front Row: Susan-Kelly-Jackie-Judy

Letter from granddaughter, Dawn Kiger

Grandma, If You Forget Me

Grandma, your eyes don't see like they used to.
Your ears don't hear like they used to.
You most certainly don't move like you used to.

I don't know when it happened.
The day you didn't know me.
I do know, Grandma, even if you forget me, I know that I will never forget you.

Endless memories of you are forever in me.
We stuck stars on rocks and called it beautiful.
We made snapdragons talk.

We sat in one chair eating chocolate ice cream milk floats and working crossword puzzles.
Even when I was too big for that chair, you let me sit you with still.
When night would come we crawled into bed and read.
We talked into what I used to think as late night.

As I grew I began to realize just how wise you were.
Never a cruel or unnecessary word did I hear from you.

Above all Grandma, you loved God.

An example you set for me church as I ate mints from your purse.
Your Bible with the rough edged pages from years of use, never sitting alone long.
"Red is the color of the blood that he shed", we sang in unison as we cleaned at the church.

The countless ways you showed me love won't be easily forgotten.
So Grandma, even if you forget me never mind.
And Grandma, when you leave me know that I'm okay with that.

Leave me with peace that we will meet again.
Not on a gravel road by your house,
but on a golden road at home with our Father,
beyond the sunset.

Love, Dawn Rae