Obit Reading and Reviewing

I haven't written about the local obituaries in a while.  Other than to mention that we had another Ignatz the other day.  Isn't it hilarious how you never hear something your whole life and then all the sudden, BAM!!

Everywhere you look there's another Boleslaw or Ignatz.

So, anyhoo I was thinking about names that are funny in their own right.  I used to do payroll many moons ago for a produce company and came across some real zingers.  A couple of my favorites were Dolores Flores and Ignacio Yznaga.  You will never forget a name like that!  Never will you say "Remember ol' Ignacio?  What was his last name?"

My sister and her husband were comparing funny family names way back in the day and his family beat us hands down with this one:

Fleta Fay Naselrode

I am quite sure that Miss Fleta Fay was a lovely woman and we would have loved her.  But how can you possibly say Fleta Fay Naselrode out loud and not giggle?  For more than 30 years Fleta Fay has held the record for best name.  I have never seen another Fleta until Sunday. . . . .

Right there in the obits was a Fleta Louise.  And she was named after her mama who was also a Fleta Louise.

But the most grammatically awkward sentence goes to:

"Beulah Kathryn, lovingly known as Bea, born on November, 1915 in xxx County, Ohio, had her joyous reunion with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Tuesday, July 20, 2010 early morning, peacefully in her sleep."

I just wanted to yell, take a breath!  use a period!

And what is with listing ex-wives and fiances and unborn babies as survivors?  That's a little weird and unnecessary.  Also, the listing of nicknames.  This week we had John known as Jack, the aforementioned Beaulah = Bea, Duane a.k.a. Bill, another John known as Sparky,  and lastly Elmer a.k.a. Bobo.  I am just thinking you may want to let your friends know that even though they have always called you Bill, your name is Duane sometime before you are dead.

My friend and sister-obit reader, Patty Cakes, and I have been discussing writing our own or at least each other's obits to make sure they are done well.  The main thing is to leave pertinent facts for future generations who are researching their geneology, but when we come across one that is so beautifully and lovingly written that it makes us cry; well that's when we feel someone has really made a tribute to their loved one.  Like this one, "Those who knew his background and the story of his success through hard work admired him greatly. He has been a fine example to all whose lives have been touched by his generosity and kindness."

Generous and kind, that is a beautiful tribute.  I love that.