Georgia Esther Cranston, 1918-2007

I, Georgia Esther Cranston, was born Dec. 23, 1918 in Columbus, Ohio, USA. I was the daughter of the late Lawrence J. Rhodes and the late Esther (McCombs) Rhodes. I grew up on a farm in Galia County, Ohio and was the oldest daughter with eight siblings. Mom was often raising us kids alone as Dad worked away from home. So my responsibilities started at a young age. I had a Grade 8 education and learned from a lot of hard knocks. Being raised on the farm, I learned how to make butter, can fruits and vegetables, plough and disk the ground, milk the cows, feed the sheep, slop the pigs, and feed the chickens. There was much to learn about farm life. I was brought up in a Christian home. Mom always brought all nine of us children to church. I was always proud of her for that. The greatest moment in my life was when I was 14 and I gave my life to Jesus. I want my family and friends to know that Jesus is alive. On July 17, 1936, at 17 years of age, I met and married Herman Fierbaugh of Gallipolis, Ohio. Our only child, Nina Marie, was born on Sept. 20, 1937. I was predeceased by Herman Fierbaugh in 1990. I remarried in 1950 to a preacher, Isaac Monroe Stout Sr., and moved to Canada with him. My daughter, Nine Marie Fierbaugh, came with me. She was 13 years old. Our son, Isaiah Mark Stout, was born Jan. 30, 1953. In September 1953 Nina Marie married my husband’s grandson, Ohlen Neill Stout. I never regretted coming to Canada; it’s a beautiful place to live, although I wish I could have spent more time with my brothers and sisters. Since coming to Canada in 1950 I have lost my Mom and Dad, three brothers and two sisters. I loved them very much and miss them. A significant accomplishment in my life was driving a 1936 Plymouth from Ohio to High Prairie. When we crossed the line at Emmerson I was in Canada, I was real excited. I loved to work, sing and do what I could to help others. I loved my work at all places I was happy working. I loved helping people. I cleaned the battleships during the Second World War and ran a boarding house and cared for foster children. I worked in Holzer Hospital, USA, for 10 years, the High Prairie Hospital for 10 years and Stony Plain and Spruce Grove High School for eight years. I’ve done thousands of other little things including being a wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great great grandmother and great great great grandmother. Some of my fondest memories include those of my mother. She was a school teacher and she ran for clerk of the courts in Gallipolis, Ohio. but missed being elected by one vote. What a happy time it was when I took my children to Ohio to see my Mom and Dad. I loved July 4 in Ohio; we always had a great program and dinner in the park. I loved going to see my children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren and great great great grand children. They are all precious in my life. I loved getting together for the holidays and listening to the music my family played, and playing horseshoes with my son-in-law. Some of the things I enjoyed doing included horseshoes, skating, bowling, floor curling, all sports, embroidery and making quilts, gardening and flowers. My favourite place was home. My favourite things included my Bible, my home, my children, my friends, my happiness and yours. If I could live life over I’d live closer to my Lord, read His word more and walk in His footsteps. I’d try to meet the needs of others and help where I could. I’d spend more time with my children, pray more and sing more. I want my family to remember a loving heart - a gentle hand, a helping spirit - an ever-loving Mother. Remember me for my loving and kind ways. As a loving Mother and Step-mother, I was always ready to help when I could. A mother who loved her home, her family and her friends, with a kind word for everyone. I loved my stepchildren and their children. I was a mother who prayed for them every day, who wanted them to love and believe in Jesus Christ our Loving Saviour; I wanted them to give their hearts to Him and meet me in heaven where the roses never fade, where tears are never shed and sorrow is never known. I love you all. For my children: I love you very, very much. I missed you when I wasn’t with you. I raised you to the best of my ability. I prayed for you when you were sick or had done something wrong. The Lord blessed you and you grew up to be very precious to me. You served the Lord which makes me very happy. I want to meet you both in heaven, where there is no more parting, no more sorrow, no more worry, just to be with Jesus makes my heart flutter, just to think of it. Up there we will meet Jesus face to face, walk on golden streets, dance in the spirit, hold Jesus by the hand and He will Lead us through glory land. What a time we will have. Meet me there. In closing, a final message for my family and friends. Don’t grieve for me, I’m just away. Prepare to meet me some happy day. I’ve loved you all. Till we meet again. Farewell! Georgia leaves the family with quite a legacy. She lived a life of service to others. “L” stands for the love you have shown us. “E” stands for the endurance to run the race you have taught us. “G” stands for the God in us you helped us see. “A” stands for the attitude you helped us develop. “C” stands for the Christ like people you helped us become. “Y” stands for the yielding to the spirit of God you helped us reach. This is Georgia’s legacy. This is what she will be remembered for. Georgia was predeceased by Isaac Munroe Stout Sr. in 1967. She is survived by her sister, Nina Davis (Ohio), two brothers, Earl and Charlie Rhodes (Ohio), daughter Nina Marie (Neill) Stout of High Prairie, son Isaiah Mark (Grace) Stout of Sylvan Lake, Alta.; stepchildren, grandchildren, great great grandchildren, great great great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.

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