What an Incredible Day... Monday, July 27, 2009

We arrived at the Green Valley Cemetery in Cameron Park shortly after 9:00am. As we arrived, it was apparent that in addition to the immediate family for the Wood and Stone Families, we experienced a great reunion of the Stone, Wood, Judd and Hilton cousins. It was quite the celebration. As I looked around and saw everyone hugging and greeting each other, I thought of Kathy and how she must have been smiling down on these people that she loved having a moment together.

Prior to our short walk to the grave side, I stepped into the private room at the Mortuary where Kent was being kept to rest before the dedication of the grave. As I walked in, Elisabeth, Daniel, Kris, Sean, Eric and Jason greeted me. They all looked tired yet prepared for the events that we had been planning for over 5 weeks since Kathy's death. As I looked over at Kent, Elder Ronald A Rasband of the Presidency of the Quorum of the Seventy was leaning over and speaking with Kent. Kent seemed grateful for the outpouring of support from his priesthood leaders and the General Authorities of the church.

As the group of over 100 family members and invited people walked to the graveside located in the northwest corner of the cemetery, I noticed that casket was placed in the spot that Daniel and Elisabeth had chosen under a large oak tree. It reminded me of Wood Valley Ranch and the large oak tree near the Bunk House. As they brought Kent up in a golf cart most of the family had gathered around to pay their respects to Kathy. Close family friends Dan Nethercott & Terry Lee transferred Kent from the Golf cart to a wheel chair for his comfort. As we arrived we were greeted by Bishop Bret Millett, of the Folsom 3rd Ward. He made some brief comments and then Elisabeth and Christina along with the Stone sisters (Suzi, Leslie, Loween and Sabrina) and the Wood sisters (Michele, Tammy, Shauna, Noel and Stacy) sang "Each Life That Touches Ours for Good". The beautiful hymn set the tone for the dedication of the grave offered by Ronald V. "Bud" Stone. Dad did a wonderful job in providing the blessings of the priesthood for this time and place.

At the conclusion of the dedicatory prayer, Bishop Millett invited members of the immediate family to place flowers on top of the Pecan colored casket. By the way, an interesting piece of information is that the name of the casket was "Woodhaven". Appropriate don't you think?

Following the graveside service, the family gathered in our cars and followed the police escort provided by the California Highway Patrol and the Folsom Police Departments. The funeral procession proceeded directly to The Mormon Center on Temple Hill. When we arrived it was just about 11:00am.

The family gathered in the west side of the building in the Relief Society Room. Once we were there, Ronald J. Stone provided the Family Prayer just prior to our entering the Chapel where the center section had been reserved for the family and special guests. We filled every row. As I looked back at those attending I noticed that the entire chapel and cultural hall were filled to capacity and later found out that many of the other rooms where also filled with individuals watching the service via closed circuit television. Based on a prior discussion that I had with Kent, I realized that their were about 1,500 people in that building to pay tribute and celebrate the life of Kathleen Stone Wood. Wow, all these people had been touched and many more who could not attend by my sister Kathy and my brother Kent.

The service started with the open hymn, "Lead Kindly Light" followed by the invocation offered by Patricia J. Stone. Mom did a wonderful job to invite the Spirit of the Lord to assist us in remembering the glorious Plan of Salvation. Following the prayer, Bishop Millett, who was conducting, offered some comments about Kathy and the great impact that she had personally made in his life. After Bishop Millett's remarks, a choir of former seminary students sang "I am a Child of God". It was clear from the emotion of Kathy's former students (Including Christina Wood) that they loved her and she had a powerful influence on their testimonies of the Savior.

The Eulogy was presented by both Elisabeth and Daniel. They both did a spectacular job in bringing out the personal feelings of all of Kent and Kathy's children and providing a history of their Mom's life and what made her special. Both provided both humor and emotion in describing Kathy and her wonderful life.

Following the Eulogy, Jason, Eric, Sean and Daniel sang a beautiful arrangement of "I Know That My Redeemer Lives". It was a powerful way to communicate Kathy's Testimony of the Savior and what she tried to instill in not only her sons but also her two daughters as well. Many were affected emotionally by the feeling of Kathy's sons and their beautiful voices. They need to put that on a CD along with a number of other spiritual favorites.

The last two speakers of the service were Elder Rasband and Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Elder Rasband discussed his memories of Kathy being in charge of the music for the Sacramento Temple dedication. Of course Kent was in charge of this as the Stake President, but Kent know that if he delegated that to Kathy that it turn out wonderful and it did. Heavenly Choirs was the reference. Elder Christofferson, who served as a missionary in Argentina while Dad served as Mission President, mentioned how he knew Kathy when she was only 7 years old and that back then he knew she was special.

Following the remarks by Elder Christofferson, an ensemble choir sang "The Road Home". To conclude the meeting the benediction was offered by David E. Stone and then the family and guests were requested to exit to the east side of the building near the flag pole to greet each other.

It was wonderful to see so many friends who had made the trip from far far away to celebrate Kathy's life. As a family we are grateful for such an out pouring of love from the Folsom community and surrounding areas as well as the General church leadership who travelled to be with our family on this special day.

Following the Memorial Service, the family travelled to the Scholar Way building where members of the Folsom 3rd Ward and Folsom Stake had prepared a wonderful lunch for all of us. The opportunity to spend time with cousins from all over the US was wonderful. But the best part of the day, was to see Kent, sitting with his children, able to participate in the days events. We are all so thrilled that he is doing so well and recovering from his injuries. He still has quite a bit of rehabilitation, but we are so blessed that we are able to have this special man be able to continue to be with us. We will miss Kathy, but look forward to the day when we will join her in Paradise. Over all, this was an Incredible Day!