Written Thursday, June 19, 2008.
Tell about your favorite aunt.
"Aunt Marjorie Hermina Maertens Berry is my favorite aunt because she always loved my mother and all of us even thought we were so poor. She treated all of us as though we were special people. She is now 94 and gets around pretty good, but is slowly failing."
Tuesday, September 25, 2018
Life Story--Best Advice--Grandma Anna
Written Wednesday, June 18, 2008.
What is your advice to those younger than you?
"Be active in church, study scriptures, teach the Gospel to your children, love your children unconditionally. Remember in 5 or 10 years no one will know if you have a clean house, but they will know if you taught the gospel (and lived it) to your children."
What is your advice to those younger than you?
"Be active in church, study scriptures, teach the Gospel to your children, love your children unconditionally. Remember in 5 or 10 years no one will know if you have a clean house, but they will know if you taught the gospel (and lived it) to your children."
Life Story--Serious Illnesses--Grandma Anna
Written Tuesday, June 17, 2008.
Describe the most serious illness you have had.
"Scarlatina, Tuberculosis, heart surgery, two valves replaced and one repaired half way for lack of time to keep me out. After 6 weeks in the hospital I went into cardiac arrest and didn't know anything for 4 days. Then I was in the hospital for 6 more weeks having therapy to walk and think and be able to get up."
Describe the most serious illness you have had.
"Scarlatina, Tuberculosis, heart surgery, two valves replaced and one repaired half way for lack of time to keep me out. After 6 weeks in the hospital I went into cardiac arrest and didn't know anything for 4 days. Then I was in the hospital for 6 more weeks having therapy to walk and think and be able to get up."
Life Story--Mother's Activities--Grandma Anna
Written Monday, June 16, 2008.
How does your mother spend her time?
"With 16 children, I'll let you guess. Working on the house, cooking, sewing, repairing, cleaning, canning, worrying, chopping wood, gardening, tending babied, and sick children; you name it."
How does your mother spend her time?
"With 16 children, I'll let you guess. Working on the house, cooking, sewing, repairing, cleaning, canning, worrying, chopping wood, gardening, tending babied, and sick children; you name it."
Life Story--Favorite Subject in School--Grandma Anna
Written Sunday, June 15, 2008.
Did you have a favorite subject in school?
"My favorite was not math. I did like reading and spelling. Our 1st grade teacher was Mrs. Green. She taught us phonics, phonics, phonics. We all were good readers and spellers."
Did you have a favorite subject in school?
"My favorite was not math. I did like reading and spelling. Our 1st grade teacher was Mrs. Green. She taught us phonics, phonics, phonics. We all were good readers and spellers."
Life Story--Husband--Grandma Anna
Written Saturday, June 14, 2008.
Describe your husband.
"Tall, thin, brown eyes, now he had grey hair. He is a hard worker, a stalwart in the church, a caring person. He hasn't always, but he now treats me like a queen. Before he was too busy with his jobs that the children and I very seldom saw him. He still works at the shoe shop, or hauls wood or goes to Concho to help someone so I still don't see his as often as I would like to, but maybe he will run down sometime. But I really doubt it. It's just his nature."
Describe your husband.
"Tall, thin, brown eyes, now he had grey hair. He is a hard worker, a stalwart in the church, a caring person. He hasn't always, but he now treats me like a queen. Before he was too busy with his jobs that the children and I very seldom saw him. He still works at the shoe shop, or hauls wood or goes to Concho to help someone so I still don't see his as often as I would like to, but maybe he will run down sometime. But I really doubt it. It's just his nature."
Life Story--Baptism Day--Grandma Anna
Written Friday, June 13, 2008.
What do you remember about the day you were baptized?
"I remember I was wearing an old ragged dress. It was during summer and a pickup with a flatbed trailer with some kids I went to school with were already on there. They asked how old I was and I said 8. They told me to get on, so I did and we went to the Little Reservoir just south of town and they baptized us. There was only the 2 so that made only one waters. Then they took us home.
"My mother said, "How did you get so wet?" I told her I had just been baptized and she was OK just like it was the normal thing to do.
"The next day she went to church with me to be confirmed. I can remember exactly how it happened and how much better it is today."
What do you remember about the day you were baptized?
"I remember I was wearing an old ragged dress. It was during summer and a pickup with a flatbed trailer with some kids I went to school with were already on there. They asked how old I was and I said 8. They told me to get on, so I did and we went to the Little Reservoir just south of town and they baptized us. There was only the 2 so that made only one waters. Then they took us home.
"My mother said, "How did you get so wet?" I told her I had just been baptized and she was OK just like it was the normal thing to do.
"The next day she went to church with me to be confirmed. I can remember exactly how it happened and how much better it is today."
Life Story--Tree--Grandma Anna
Written Thursday, June 12, 2008.
If you could be a tree, what kind of tree would you be and why?
"I would be a blue spruce because they are so beautiful and remind me of Christmas. I love to celebrate Christmas. My thoughts are always on doing good for others more than any other time of the year."
If you could be a tree, what kind of tree would you be and why?
"I would be a blue spruce because they are so beautiful and remind me of Christmas. I love to celebrate Christmas. My thoughts are always on doing good for others more than any other time of the year."
Life Story--Children--Grandma Anna
Written Tuesday, June 9, 2008.
How many children did you want to have when you grew up? How many did you have?
"I wanted 10 or 12. I've had two, and later we adopted one; Linda, James (Jim), and Matthew."
How many children did you want to have when you grew up? How many did you have?
"I wanted 10 or 12. I've had two, and later we adopted one; Linda, James (Jim), and Matthew."
Life Story--Grandparents' Homes--Grandma Anna
Written Wednesday, June 10, 2008.
Where did your grandparents live? What were their homes like? Did they have a certain smell or look or feel?
"First they lived on a farm, which is now the stake center. Then they moved to town on a corner house and lot, just north of main street and just south of the corner block where we lived. Their home wasn't new or really large, but it had 3 bedrooms and no bathroom. Hardly anyone had a bathroom at the time.
"I remember that house smelled like fresh bread being baked in their wood stove oven.
"I never felt close to Grandpa, he was so tall. But I felt close to Grandma. She was tiny, a hard worker, very kind, and very crippled from a buggy and horse ride."
Where did your grandparents live? What were their homes like? Did they have a certain smell or look or feel?
"First they lived on a farm, which is now the stake center. Then they moved to town on a corner house and lot, just north of main street and just south of the corner block where we lived. Their home wasn't new or really large, but it had 3 bedrooms and no bathroom. Hardly anyone had a bathroom at the time.
"I remember that house smelled like fresh bread being baked in their wood stove oven.
"I never felt close to Grandpa, he was so tall. But I felt close to Grandma. She was tiny, a hard worker, very kind, and very crippled from a buggy and horse ride."
Life Story--Living Quarters--Grandma Anna
Written Monday, June 9, 2008.
What color is your house, your bedroom, your living room?
"The outside is light tan or cream colored siding. The roof and shutters and screen doors are brown metal. Ever inside room is Navajo white. The color comes from furniture, drapes, and pictures, etc."
What color is your house, your bedroom, your living room?
"The outside is light tan or cream colored siding. The roof and shutters and screen doors are brown metal. Ever inside room is Navajo white. The color comes from furniture, drapes, and pictures, etc."
Monday, September 24, 2018
Life Story--Beginning--Grandma Anna
Written Sunday, June 8, 2008.
Tell about any conditions surrounding your birth that you are aware of. Tell any interesting stories about your beginnings. How was your name chose?
"I was born at home in a cold house. I was quite sickly when I was young and also in my teen years. I'm not sure I remember any interesting stories about myself. No one has ever mentioned anything about my early life.
"My dad named all 16 of us. Not too many years ago I had my name changed in the courts. The reason being, my name was Anna Louise McCray. After Bill and I were married, the missionaries (Jack Brown, Earl Jarvis, and Harry Wilhelm) came and brought the gospel to us. I was assigned to the primary first, then I was assigned to teach the 18 and 19 year old Sunday School. No one knew who I was. They all thought I was from back East some place. I was proud to be a McCray, but no one knew who I was. So I went to court and had Louise removed from my name so that I could legally sign Anna McCray Prentice."
Tell about any conditions surrounding your birth that you are aware of. Tell any interesting stories about your beginnings. How was your name chose?
"I was born at home in a cold house. I was quite sickly when I was young and also in my teen years. I'm not sure I remember any interesting stories about myself. No one has ever mentioned anything about my early life.
"My dad named all 16 of us. Not too many years ago I had my name changed in the courts. The reason being, my name was Anna Louise McCray. After Bill and I were married, the missionaries (Jack Brown, Earl Jarvis, and Harry Wilhelm) came and brought the gospel to us. I was assigned to the primary first, then I was assigned to teach the 18 and 19 year old Sunday School. No one knew who I was. They all thought I was from back East some place. I was proud to be a McCray, but no one knew who I was. So I went to court and had Louise removed from my name so that I could legally sign Anna McCray Prentice."
Life Story--Favorite General Authority--Grandma Anna
Written Saturday, June 7, 2008.
Do you have a favorite general authority? Who? Why?
"Every Prophet and Apostle and Seventy and Sister are my favorite because I learn so much from each of them. Missionaries are my favorite, also."
Do you have a favorite general authority? Who? Why?
"Every Prophet and Apostle and Seventy and Sister are my favorite because I learn so much from each of them. Missionaries are my favorite, also."
Life Story--Favorite Clothes--Grandma Anna
Written Friday, June 6, 2008.
Describe your favorite dress or outfit.
"I have three favorite dresses. One is yellow with blue flowers and has a belt which ties behind and short sleeves, comes about 4" from the floor.
"Another is a white and blue trimmed blouse and pleated skirt made of chiffon. It has long sleeves and a top that hangs over the skirt a little ways.
"Another favorite is very plain and simple. It is a denim skirt almost to my ankles. Light blue and a white and blue blouse with long sleeves and a collar. I wore this for our 50th wedding anniversary."
Describe your favorite dress or outfit.
"I have three favorite dresses. One is yellow with blue flowers and has a belt which ties behind and short sleeves, comes about 4" from the floor.
"Another is a white and blue trimmed blouse and pleated skirt made of chiffon. It has long sleeves and a top that hangs over the skirt a little ways.
"Another favorite is very plain and simple. It is a denim skirt almost to my ankles. Light blue and a white and blue blouse with long sleeves and a collar. I wore this for our 50th wedding anniversary."
Life Story--Father's Traits--Grandma Anna
Written Thursday, June 5, 2008.
Tell about your father's personality, characteristics, stature, coloring,, talents, temperament, family stories about him, etc.
"It depended on who was around. I was never at ease around him. Some, other than our family, must have thought so because when the twins were born and my youngest brother, Mrs Colter came around campaigning for County Recorded. He was playing with the twins and she said, "I would never have thought you were that way. You always give the impression you're tough and gruff."
He was a tall man, not really thin nor fat, but very stout looking. He was handsome and charming when he wanted to be. But never more handsome than my mother was beautiful. He had brown eyes and brown hair.
He could do almost anything; making tools, clocks, carved chairs, mechanics, repairing things with parts not available but that he had made.
The reason I was afraid of him is if things didn't go his way, he would slam down what he had and leave, sometimes for the rest of the day.
He was in the First World War, stationed in Russia and guarded the Bolshevik prisoners. Those stationed there were forgotten for almost a year before they came home after the war was over.
He passed away after several months of stomach cancer."
Tell about your father's personality, characteristics, stature, coloring,, talents, temperament, family stories about him, etc.
"It depended on who was around. I was never at ease around him. Some, other than our family, must have thought so because when the twins were born and my youngest brother, Mrs Colter came around campaigning for County Recorded. He was playing with the twins and she said, "I would never have thought you were that way. You always give the impression you're tough and gruff."
He was a tall man, not really thin nor fat, but very stout looking. He was handsome and charming when he wanted to be. But never more handsome than my mother was beautiful. He had brown eyes and brown hair.
He could do almost anything; making tools, clocks, carved chairs, mechanics, repairing things with parts not available but that he had made.
The reason I was afraid of him is if things didn't go his way, he would slam down what he had and leave, sometimes for the rest of the day.
He was in the First World War, stationed in Russia and guarded the Bolshevik prisoners. Those stationed there were forgotten for almost a year before they came home after the war was over.
He passed away after several months of stomach cancer."
Life Story--Adventures--Grandma Anna
Written Wednesday, June 4, 2008.
What is the most adventuresome thing you have ever done?
"Join the church and go to the temple. And see my tiny babies be born."
What is the most adventuresome thing you have ever done?
"Join the church and go to the temple. And see my tiny babies be born."
Life Story--Father--Grandma Anna
Written Tuesday, June 3, 2008.
What special things did you do with your father?
"Nothing. There were too many boys to have the girls fit in. And he was gone a lot anyway."
What special things did you do with your father?
"Nothing. There were too many boys to have the girls fit in. And he was gone a lot anyway."
Life Story--Doctors--Grandma Anna
Written Monday, June 2, 2008.
How do you feel about Doctors? Why?
"I feel that I wouldn't be here today if it weren't for extra special doctors. When I had open heart surgery, I was grateful for them. After I had a Priesthood blessing I felt good about the surgery. I had complications after I had been there 6 weeks. I went into cardiac arrest and had a real fight for life, but knew nothing for 4 days. i know Michael and Marcus needed to go on a mission and we were the ones to send them. They will be home (Mike) in about 5 weeks and Marc in about 10 weeks. The 2 years have passed by so fast. They had sent their papers i the same day but Michael got his back earlier, which is why he will be home 1st, but it's OK with Marc."
How do you feel about Doctors? Why?
"I feel that I wouldn't be here today if it weren't for extra special doctors. When I had open heart surgery, I was grateful for them. After I had a Priesthood blessing I felt good about the surgery. I had complications after I had been there 6 weeks. I went into cardiac arrest and had a real fight for life, but knew nothing for 4 days. i know Michael and Marcus needed to go on a mission and we were the ones to send them. They will be home (Mike) in about 5 weeks and Marc in about 10 weeks. The 2 years have passed by so fast. They had sent their papers i the same day but Michael got his back earlier, which is why he will be home 1st, but it's OK with Marc."
Life Story--Favorite TV and Radio--Grandma Anna
Written Sunday June 1, 2008.
Do you have a favorite TV show? Radio Channel?
"Yes! BYU is my favorite, but sometimes they play the same things over and over. They do that on all the channels. I also like American Movie Classics when they have good old movies. They do for a while then it goes back to bad, bad, bad ones, and then I turn if off. Bill likes the Bull Riding and I watch that. There is no swearing and most of the men are clean cut and polite acting, so it's interesting to watch."
Do you have a favorite TV show? Radio Channel?
"Yes! BYU is my favorite, but sometimes they play the same things over and over. They do that on all the channels. I also like American Movie Classics when they have good old movies. They do for a while then it goes back to bad, bad, bad ones, and then I turn if off. Bill likes the Bull Riding and I watch that. There is no swearing and most of the men are clean cut and polite acting, so it's interesting to watch."
Life Story--Winning and Losing--Grandma Anna
Written Saturday, May 31, 2008.
How do you feel about winning? Losing?
"I think I'm like others, I like to win but I don't want to not give another a chance at winning. When I lose I think someone will be happy about it. I think about my Grandson who when he was living in Oregon, played baseball and all of the best players were picked from different schools in the surrounding regions. Then they divided them up and played a game two nights. The first night Michael won most valuable player in all of the 2 teams. The second night Michael again won most valuable player, but one of the coaches talked to him and said, "Mike, there is another boy who was only a few points behind you. Since you won last night and received, would you mind if we give him the award tonight?" The boy really played his heart out and Mike said, "Coach, I would be happy to see that young man get the award and jacket. I can't use 2 jackets anyway." I was really proud of him. I think losers need to be good sports and not go off the field and the the bus bawling like a baby. That ruins a game for me. Good sports are the best players."
How do you feel about winning? Losing?
"I think I'm like others, I like to win but I don't want to not give another a chance at winning. When I lose I think someone will be happy about it. I think about my Grandson who when he was living in Oregon, played baseball and all of the best players were picked from different schools in the surrounding regions. Then they divided them up and played a game two nights. The first night Michael won most valuable player in all of the 2 teams. The second night Michael again won most valuable player, but one of the coaches talked to him and said, "Mike, there is another boy who was only a few points behind you. Since you won last night and received, would you mind if we give him the award tonight?" The boy really played his heart out and Mike said, "Coach, I would be happy to see that young man get the award and jacket. I can't use 2 jackets anyway." I was really proud of him. I think losers need to be good sports and not go off the field and the the bus bawling like a baby. That ruins a game for me. Good sports are the best players."
Life Story--Times are Changes--Grandma Anna
Written May 26, 2008
Tell about the changes you have seen in your lifetime. Society in general, technology, fashion, morality, politics, etc.
"Great changes have been made in all of those things. Women wear strapless clothes, short short shorts, showing as much of their body they can. It's terrible. Society used to be such that if a member of your family was doing something they shouldn't, they were talked to freely by your friends. Everyone helped everyone. Technology has flourished. Television, internet, computers, copy machine, microwave, funny cars. Cell phones in every color and what it can do. Young women and young me in the Concho Branch are dressing very modest and appropriately. It's nice to see. In the schools that have dormitories they are for girls and boys, men and women. Members not of our faith seem to think nothing of it. Terrorists, thieves, murderers, etc. are filling the earth. Bless our dear missionaries who are trying their best to teach them good principles and morals. Politics have just gone out of reason. Our nation is supposed to hang by a thread and it is almost there. Some of our freedoms have become not free but very costly. With the group that is running it can hang us any day. Hillary Clinton, Borrack Obama, and John McCain. I believe McCain knows more about running the government than the other two but sometimes he lies. But so do they. It is really a bad deal. The only Mormon stepped out of the races. Too bad. Even nonmembers said they wo0uld have voted for Mitt Romney."
Tell about the changes you have seen in your lifetime. Society in general, technology, fashion, morality, politics, etc.
"Great changes have been made in all of those things. Women wear strapless clothes, short short shorts, showing as much of their body they can. It's terrible. Society used to be such that if a member of your family was doing something they shouldn't, they were talked to freely by your friends. Everyone helped everyone. Technology has flourished. Television, internet, computers, copy machine, microwave, funny cars. Cell phones in every color and what it can do. Young women and young me in the Concho Branch are dressing very modest and appropriately. It's nice to see. In the schools that have dormitories they are for girls and boys, men and women. Members not of our faith seem to think nothing of it. Terrorists, thieves, murderers, etc. are filling the earth. Bless our dear missionaries who are trying their best to teach them good principles and morals. Politics have just gone out of reason. Our nation is supposed to hang by a thread and it is almost there. Some of our freedoms have become not free but very costly. With the group that is running it can hang us any day. Hillary Clinton, Borrack Obama, and John McCain. I believe McCain knows more about running the government than the other two but sometimes he lies. But so do they. It is really a bad deal. The only Mormon stepped out of the races. Too bad. Even nonmembers said they wo0uld have voted for Mitt Romney."
Life Story--Mother--Grandma Anna
Written May 24, 2008
Describe your mother.
"This is about the 5th time this has been asked, but I will tell you there never was, nor never will be, a mother to 16 children and be so patient, kind, helpful, hard worker, and I know her election was made sure before she left this earth.
Describe your mother.
"This is about the 5th time this has been asked, but I will tell you there never was, nor never will be, a mother to 16 children and be so patient, kind, helpful, hard worker, and I know her election was made sure before she left this earth.
Life Story--Favorite Games--Grandma Anna
Written 24 May 2008
Tell about favorite games you play.
I don't play any games now. Years ago I played shuffle board as Bills partner and I don't think anyone ever beat us. After I had my heart surgeon tell me to play solitaire because my brain could start functioning again. I have never gambled nor will I ever. But some times I play it on the computer to relax and charge my brain up again.
Tell about favorite games you play.
I don't play any games now. Years ago I played shuffle board as Bills partner and I don't think anyone ever beat us. After I had my heart surgeon tell me to play solitaire because my brain could start functioning again. I have never gambled nor will I ever. But some times I play it on the computer to relax and charge my brain up again.
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