Quilt 7

Quilt 7: Laura Ann Geraghty

04/01/1985 – 07/01/2004

Laura was a beautiful, smart, and amazing young woman, whose life was unexpectedly cut short when she was only 19 years old. Anyone who had the privilege of knowing Laura knew that there was something special about her. Whether it was her friendly brown eyes, comforting smile, tiny little frame, or laughter that was truly contagious, Laura definitely left a lasting impression. Her love for life was evident in everything that she did…but her love for her family and friends stood out the most. The feeling of love she gave us is something that brings much comfort to the many who love and miss Laura every day. In true fashion, she was able to continue to touch the hearts and souls of many with her love, even after her death, as she was able to donate her organs and save many lives. To Laura’s family and friends, it is comforting to know that while we lost Laura too soon, part of her is able to live on in the lives she has changed forever. We will always miss Laura. She taught us all to value friends, love family, cherish life, and live every day to the fullest. We love you Laura, our little angel in Heaven, please watch over us all!

Thanks, Christy Geraghty

Quilt 7: Douglas K. Meyer

07/21/1966 – 02/29/2004

Just a little about Doug and why I chose this design to do the quilt square. Doug loved his God, his country, his family and KU. His family was very much a big part of his life. His wife and daughter were held in such love that was a joy to see. His daughter was almost four when he died. His siblings were special from the time he became aware of them. Two older brothers and two older sisters, but all within nine years from oldest to youngest, which was of course, Doug. Doug was always laughing and joking with everyone. He died on Sunday afternoon listening to KU play Oklahoma in basketball. When Doug attended KU he had his dream job of working for the athletic department at Allen Field house. This was one of his greatest joys. Doug always believed one should be a donor of any body parts that could be used to help another. Because he was on chemo at the time of his death only his eyes could be used. I’m sure he knows by now that two people are benefiting from this gift of life. He “bugged” all his family to be donors and to sign donor cards, as he felt so strong about being a donor. Doug was not perfect but he was truly a great husband, father, son and brother to his family and he was the greatest friend to all who knew him. Now you know Doug and why I chose red, white and blue for his quilt square. The colors for our American flag, the Jayhawk for KU and the stars for the new life Doug has now. Thank you for letting me participate in this project.

Donna Meyer, Doug’s mother.

Quilt 7: Jack Herndon

1928 – 07/14/2005

Jack Herndon passed away July 14, 2005. Words cannot express how much he is missed by family and friends. He is gone from our lives but not from our hearts. This red and blue handkerchief quilt square is like his trademark. He always carried one. The little tools show his ability to build and mend things for those who needed his help. The cowboy trinkets show his love of horseback riding. The other trinkets show he rode motorcycles and Cushman scooters up to the last day of his life. He was 76 years old.

By Mary Francis Herdon – wife

Quilt 7: Grant Andrew Richards

01/06/1985 – 05/05/2006

I hear your laughter when the wind blows through the trees. When I see hot chocolate or Worcestershire sauce, I think of you. When someone makes me laugh, I think of you. When a baby cries, I think of you. I see your smile when the kittens play. It is like you to turn your tragedy into the betterment of others. When morning breaks or night falls, I think of you. Whether sunny or rainy, I think of you. I think of you.

By Lenora Richards

In memory of my son, Grant

Quilt 7: Michael Anthony Sullivan

09/21/1976 – 07/05/2005

Michael was only 28 years old when he had the accident. It was Fourth of July weekend, 2005; he was at the lake swimming and fishing. They finished eating and were going a short distance to the swimming area. He sat on the tailgate instead of sitting inside the vehicle. As they were driving to the swimming area, they hit a bump, Michael fell off the tailgate and struck his head. Michael had a severe closed head injury. Being an Operating Room nurse, I knew the odds were against Michael that he would survive his injuries. I am sure that he is fishing in all of the best lakes in heaven. The butterfly on the quilt square is one of Michael’s many drawings. You Didn’t Go Alone You never said I’m leaving You never said goodbye You were gone before I knew it And only God knew why A million times, I needed you A million times, I cried If love alone could have saved you You never would have died In life, I loved you dearly In death, I love you still In my heart, you hold a place That no one could ever fill It broke my heart to lose you But you didn’t go alone For my love went with you The day God took you home Author Unknown

Mother: Nancy Davis

Quilt 7: Milton Leon Matthews

07/25/1936 – 09/11/2005

Milton was born July 25, 1936, to Ira Leon and Sarah Alberta (Whitmer) Matthews in Manhattan, Kansas. He died of a sudden heart attack on Sept. 11, 2005. Milton was a recreational pilot, glider pilot, photographer, golfer and genealogist. He was an avid K-State football fan, a strong fitness advocate and loved by his children, grandchildren and family. He was a Kansas State University graduate and retired as principal of the Primary Learning Center, Goddard, Kansas. This quilt block was made in loving memory by his wife, Mary Ann.

Quilt 7: Stephanie A. Baert

Stephanie and Megan were best friends through their school years and lost their lives in a car accident together. Quilt block made in loving memory for Stephanie A. Baert. She was a beginning quilter and loved to sew with me.

Made by grandmother, Norma Scroggins.

Quilt 7: Jason Allen Johnson

04/25/1977 – 01/14/2006

Jason Allen Johnson #367, a 28 year old volunteer firefighter for BCFD#3 in Rose Hill, Kansas passed away on January 14th, 2006. Jason leaves behind a wife, Jennifer and their son, Trevor Johnson, and a daughter, Jacinda and son, Kyle in Florida. Jason was born on April 25th, 1977 in Morrison, Illinois to Richard and Michelle Johnson. Jason and his younger brother, Sean were raised in Clinton, Iowa. Jason had a love for sports which he took part in during his whole life. Jason played baseball, ran track, liked to play golf, and during his adult years was always fishing when he had some free time. After high school, Jason joined the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas where he met his wife Jennifer. After a short time together they moved to Rose Hill, Kansas where Jennifer was from; they were married July 3rd, 2000. It was here that Jason found another love, the fire department. Jason had family who had instilled the love of fire fighting in him as a child; his Great Grandfather was the first paid Fire Chief in Clinton, Iowa. Jason called Rose Hill home and so many people would comment that they thought he was a home town boy. His family was always first but when his pager would go off he would be out the door before anyone could ask what the call was, even at 3:00 a.m. Jason worked a full time job and at times had a second part time job but that would not stop him from answering his pager. There were times when Jennifer would have the car and a call would come in, this would not stop Jason. He was known for being seen running the four blocks to the station and in most cases being the first one there. Jason was also known for going everywhere with his department tee shirt on, his pride for the department was enormous. Jason also loved to help in the community whether it was setting up the fireworks tent, helping with fire prevention week at the school, or driving a truck in the Fall Festival parade. He was always willing to be involved. Trevor is so proud of his Daddy being a fireman. In the almost five years, Jason had with Trevor he instilled a great passion of love for the Fire Department in him. Jason was so proud to be a fireman; he had a great love for all the men and women he served with. Jason joined the department in August 2000 and was currently in his 6th year. On January 14th, 2006 the lives of everyone who knew Jason changed forever. God created a sharp turn in our paths. After responding to two calls Jason was in his POV with his son, wife, mother in-law and sister in-law when he became unresponsive. Despite all medical treatment given, Jason passed away due to a cardiac death. While we may not understand why, we must continue to live. Jason will live on in others. Jason was an organ, tissue, and eye donor, just another way Jason was willing to give of himself for others. What a great man he was. I believe that everyone who was touched by Jason in some way, now have a very special angel in heaven watching over them. Jason was a loving Husband, Father, Son, Brother, and Friend Death Leaves a Heartache No One Can Heal, Love Leaves A Memory No One Can Steal. -unknown

Quilt 7: Jared Lyons

11/28/1984 – 10/29/2005

Jared’s quilt square shows a small fragment of who he was, what he was about and the things he loved. No one who ever met him, no matter their age, was ever the same again. He had a way of making us all better people. He touched something deep within your heart. You wanted to always be around him. To share his laughter and zest for life. To let him make you laugh just one more time. To find in yourself his loving qualities. I wish the whole world could have known him. It would be a better place.

Quilt 7: Larry Dale Corkins

Quilt block for our beloved son Larry Dale Corkins who passed away December 18, 2005. We are very proud he was a donor.

Quilt 7: Joseph Adams

01/28/1982 – 04/05/2006

Joe died as a result of a motor vehicle accident, when he obtained several fractures of the head. Although we live in Arkansas, the accident happened in Missouri and he was air lifted to Freeman West in Joplin, MO. He is dearly loved and missed by all his family and friends. We are grateful to have known him on this earth and look forward to being together again.

Quilt 7: Joshua Cole Demel

06/07/2004 – 04/03/2006

Joshua Cole Demel was born on Monday, June 7, 2004. As are all children, Joshua was a true blessing and gift from God. We embraced the opportunity to be the parents and big brother to this small wonder and will always and always consider it an honor that God choose us for the care of Joshua, His child. Joshua’s short life touched family and friends and even complete strangers. People were uniquely drawn to approach Joshua and be near him. His quiet manner and peaceful nature made him a delight to spend time with and he was content to share his happiness and love with those who sincerely wanted to love him. God gave Joshua this special gift to share with others that is so hard to put in words. But Joshua used it so freely so that we could experience the depth of truly unconditional love. Joshua left us on April 3, 2006 on a day that started like any other day. His Dad remembers him coming out and climbing upon his lap with his sippy cup of milk to sit with his older brother and watch the morning cartoons. The day ended without any goodbyes and a new beginning began; beginning without our little Joshy in our home. We can not measure the depth to which we miss him. Not a day goes by that we do not think of him and pray, knowing that he is OK. No longer do we have to fear that we will forget for we know that we never will. He is now and forever our son, God’s child and the most precious gift we have ever been blessed with.

Duane, Debroah and Caleb Demel

Quilt 7: James Dale Aubert

10/09/1968 – 06/06/2006

James worked for Tyson foods for 18 years. It appeared to James’ family he never had money even after payday. After James passed away his family was approached by several people with stories of James charity. Too many times when others were in financial trouble James would help them. James gave one family money to purchase their kids shoes for school. James truly did the Lord’s work. He loved his fellowman unconditionally and did all of his charity work anonymously. We will miss him more today than yesterday. We love you James.

Quilt 7: George Dick Gleason

George “Dick” Gleason was born into a loving family at Cozad Nebraska. He was the third to the oldest of ten children. At the age of sixteen he began driving a hay truck from NE to MO. He was drafted into the Army for two years. He married Norma D. Mitchell in 1953 and they raised two sons, Richard and Kevin. George “Dick” was very talented about building and repairing things. He enjoyed his last seventeen years contracting work from Southwest Bell. He retired fifteen years ago and volunteered at the VA Hospital. He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved meeting friends every morning for coffee.