Rigby

2007

Cindy gave birth to her fourth child, Emily Ann Christensen, on February 20th, making our grand total of 16 Grandchildren!

(Emily Anne Christensen)

Jason Bartschi married Christina Stucki in the Boise Temple on March 10th. He looked like a proud new husband.

(Jason Bartschi and Christina Stucki 2007)

Garry had another sinus surgery on March 21st. It took him about a month to heal, but by the end of April he was feeling great. He received Vitamin C and oxygen treatments from his doctor in Pocatello, and walked a mile every day around Rigby Lake. We had a wonderful trip to Washington D.C. in April to visit Kim's family. Pam and Jordan came with Craig, Jenessa, and Joseph. The beauty in Washington D.C. with all the cherry blossoms was great! Garry rented a van for all of us to go sight seeing. We attended Kim's Sunrise Service at Walter Reed Medical Center and stopped at the Washington D.C. temple. We also visited Mt. Vernon before heading home. What a wonderful trip!

Brandon Bartschi graduated high school and got his Eagle Scout award. Cindy's daughter Merinda was baptized in July.
In October our family put on a wonderful surprise party for Garry's 70th birthday in Utah. Garry thought we were attending a "ward breakfast" at Craig's church building, but when we walked in the room our whole family was waiting to yell "SURPRISE!" Garry was so overcome. Carma and Coleen were there with their families, Dan and Lori, and ALL of our children and grandchildren were there.

(Garry Bowen's 70th Birthday Celebration: October 2007)

They had pictures of Garry throughout his life on every table, and Craig Bartschi put together a beautiful slide show for everyone to watch. They served a delicious brunch, and most of the grandchildren expressed their love and memories of Grandpa. Most of their experiences were at the farm. We took family pictures at a neighbor's house, which will be cherished forever.

(Garry and Nada Bowen Family 2007)

(Garry and Nada Bowen's Grandchildren)

(Garry and Nada Bowen Family 2007)

Garry started receiving hospice care in November, as his sinus cancer was progressing. Kim's son, Gregg, received his mission call to Portugal. I turned in 30 humanitarian quilts that I had been working on for several months. We had many visitors come to see us as Garry's health was declining.

(Garry Bowen at the piano)

2008

President Hinkley passed away in January. He was 97 years old. The Rexburg Temple dedication was postponed for the following week after President Hinkley's funeral. We had many visitors: Carma and Jim, Nancy and Carol and 4 of their girls, and Jason and Christina. Kim and Gregg came up to visit us and gave Garry a blessing before Gregg went into the MTC in February. Pam brought Dana and John over from Boise to visit us at the beginning of March. It was so special to have all of them pass through.