Gramma Jo

I posted this on my blog one year ago in memory of my Gramma, JoAnn Annabelle (Julian) Kimball. I just thought I'd share. (This blog was such a wonderful idea! I LOVE getting to know all our family better!!! Thanks for your posts!) I wish I had some more pics of her with all her grandkids, so cousins feel free to upload some pics on here if you can! There is some video of her at the bottom talking about living on the farm and vacations she took as a girl. Thought some of you might really enjoy this. ;) So here it is:

Merry Christmas Gramma Jo. We all miss you so much and can't wait to be with you again. So here we go, two years and counting, 'til we meet again.
JoAnn Annabelle Kimball was reunited with her little Dale, some of her siblings and her parents on December 22, 2007. That Christmas was not as bright without her there, but it was filled with the spirit of love and hope. The most amazing thing about that Christmas was that we could still feel her with us, it was a great testimony to us that there is life after death. The birth and life of our Savior took on a new, tangible meaning.

She was an amazing, beautiful lady inside and out.


Gramma and Chase: Gramma loved her grandkids more than anything in the whole world. She used to sing "Put your arms around me honey, hold me tight! Cuddle up and snuggle up with all your might!" as she would rock us back and forth in the rocking chair. We all loved cuddling up with Gramma.

She was a singing, kissing, hugging, playful, cuddling, laughing, baby-snuggling, spend-the-night, oatmeal-making gramma.



Gramma had a great sense of humor, and the best smile. She had a gift for making everyone she came in contact with feel special.

She was a thoughtful and fun friend.


Gramma and her brother Leon: Leon used to call 'Joanie' everyday pretty much and they would just laugh. Gramma loved those calls.

When my husband, Craig, was on his mission I would call her and read her his letters whenever I got one. She was so fun to talk to. I will never forget the time I was talking to her about Craig (shortly after we graduated from high school) and how frustrating and confusing he was and she just looked at me and said, "Jordy, you know he loves you." I didn't say anything in reply, but right then and there I knew she was right. She said she knew Craig was the one for me the first time she met him when he came to get me for the homecoming dance.

She was a great listener, and psychic. ;)


Gramma and Hunter at Hunter's Eagle Court of Honor: Gramma went to everything! She never wanted to miss out on any of her kid's or grandkid's events. Family always came first, and always meant everything.

She was a first-hand, hands-on, I'll always be there for ya Gramma.


Gramma's last birthday: Haley and I had Gramma over to my house for a birthday breakfast of apple pancakes and fruit. I love her smile. Her favorite thing was to gather with her family, anytime, anywhere.

She was a party Gramma.


We had such a fun time talking and being together. For some reason I felt like I needed to interview her and set up my video camera. Haley played a good little interviewer, she would even ask the next question before there was a full answer! HAha! We loved hearing stories about life on the orchard ranch in Mesa and all of her adventures growing up.

She was a celebrity when it came to Grammas. (Anyone that has ever gone to the zoo with Gramma knows what I mean... even the guy driving the train knew Gramma's name;)

The wedding she predicted long before it happened...


Gramma and Chase at the airport when Chase returned from his mission in Chile: Like I said, she was there for everything. She loved her missionaries. (So far she's had 4 of them!)

She was a proud Gramma.



Heaven couldn't be home to a more qualified angel Gramma. :) 'Oh I believe there are angels amoung us...'