26th Anniversary of the death of Grandma McGrew

On August 30th, 1984, Wilma McGrew breathed her last. I was blessed to see her before she passed away. I am the oldest grandson. Wilma was 64 years old, having been born in March of 1920.

Aunt Claudia, Shirley (mother) and Grandma McGrew at mother’s graduation from NSU in May, 1974

Wilma is pictured with husband Bob, Bobby Lee and Shirley in the late 40's

Bob and Wilma, 1930’s and 1970’s

My Grandma was special to me and I have missed her every day since losing her to heart disease in that Broken Arrow hospital. This day taught me that we don’t ‘get over’ losing someone really special, we just get used to having the hole in our hearts.

This was the last picture of Wilma before she died on August 30, 1984 - This was taken in May, 1984 while J was on break from Seminary with the Jesuits.

I miss you, Grandma and I never stopped loving you.

J.A. (“Tony”) Arroyo

Happy Birthday, Bill McGrew

Bill McGrew turns &(*&)(*^^&%^%$ todsay. Ooops, internet stuff! Bill is the 'baby' of the cousins. There is me (J), Terrie, Christina and Bill. Or is it Bill then Christina? You know, being the oldest, I was quite content knowing that I was the oldest so didn't pay attention to who was next in line! Isn't that arrogant of me?

Seriously, Happy Birthday, Bill! We love you!

Bobby Lee McGrew - Memories from Ron

Bob L. McGrew
4/1/1941 - 11/7/2008

Memories from his cousin, Ron Ellison

Bobby as (I always knew him), was my closest cousin growing up. We in our pre and early teens, had paled together quit a lot. I remember the times we went to the Downtown YMCA together and also explored Tulsa's underground tunnels. Or taking in a western movie where Bobby would always want to sit in the very front row. I remember the many times we spent the night together at each others houses.

As a very young boy, Bobby would earn extra money by being a caddy at Golf Courses.

Later we attended Inola High School at the same time. He a freshman and me a Sophomore. At that time I remember Bobby and I using picks to dig a hole in their yard to put in a storm cellar. We didn't know what we were getting into digging out that hard clay. Later we both got a calf to raise. We didn't turn out to be very good ranchers. I remember times we would go down to their pond, and Bobby would find snakes and grab them by the tail and try to snap off their head. He was amazing!

After High School I heard about him being stationed in Florida when the missile crises was going on in Cuba. I remember being proud of him serving his country in the Army. I was proud of him again when I realized he had become a police officer in Tulsa and later in Broken Arrow.

Bobby was a quiet man, and very intelligent. I knew him to be sensitive, but yet strong in his own way, and perhaps greatly misunderstood by many.

Toward the end he showed a lot of courage and patients under very difficult circumstances. Bobby never lost his sense of humor.

Life will not be the same without him. I will miss you Bobby.

Your cuz, Ron

Bobby Lee McGrew

This is a bit of an older picture of Uncle Bobby. Last year, not quite 11 months ago, his sister, Shirley, my mother, died (Dec. 11th). Tonight, Uncle Bobby is in intensive care at St. Francis after suffering a brain aneurysm and stroke about 1:00 PM today.

Especially keep his daughter, Terrie Perry and son, Bill McGrew, in prayers, they are scattered across the country tonight and can't be here. (Update: Bill and Terrie should arrive this morning, Friday, around 9:30 AM. Christina and I are hopeful that they will arrive in time to see their father and say their 'good-byes'. Bobby is 67.)

I will keep you apprised of his condition and keep him in your prayers.....

God Bless Texas!

Well, sometimes this has been a rocky move but, all in all, it has been smooth. Last Thursday, we rolled into Keller with our 24 foot Budget moving truck - Let me clarify, Thursday MORNING at 1:30 AM we rolled into Keller! We pulled out something to sleep on (Sounds easy, but we pulled for an hour and a half to get to the mattresses to sleep on!).

By Friday, we had the truck emptied with Linda, Andrew, and Frances with me to get 'er' done. I am not sure if any of us thought that we could make it but we did. Andrew has his own room and, I am pretty sure, he thinks it is pretty cool. Actually, I think it is pretty cool too! We are planted on our lawn furniture in the living room - that is different. We have the garage cleaned out and can actually get both cars in it!

I don't have my car yet, that is what the trip to pick up Drew will accomplish along with a family visit.

On moving day, I was absolutely floored when I received an email from my cousin Terrie! I can't express how wonderful it was to talk to her! She called the next day and we visited for over an hour. I later received a call from her little brother, Bill and we visited for an hour as well! The reunion of our family is such a wonderful part of this move!