My husband, Bob Schulenberg’s grandmother, Nettie Knox, wasn’t born during the pioneer era, but she lived a life that echoed it in many ways. Born in Clydes Park, Montana, on June 30, 1909, to Orin and Eva (Landis) Noyes, she married Robert Knox on June 14, 1928. Though she came into the world after cars were invented, there were times when her life felt like something out of the Old West. Grandpa worked on a sheep ranch, and when my mother-in-law, Joann Schulenberg, was about three years old, they lived for a while in a sheep wagon so he could stay close to the flock. Grandma, being a homemaker, joined him, especially since the wagon was provided rent-free…a deal too good to pass up. Still, it wasn’t a long-term home, as even with just the three of them, a sheep wagon wasn’t nearly spacious enough.
Grandma loved tradition, Christmas, birthdays, and celebrations of all kinds. When my daughter, Corrie Petersen, was born on Grandma’s birthday…and as her first great-grandchild…she was overjoyed! She called it the greatest gift ever, and their bond was instant and strong. They celebrated their shared birthday together every year, always taking new pictures to see how they’d changed. To me, it seemed like Corrie did all the changing, growing up before my eyes, while Grandma had a certain timelessness about her, even an innocence. Maybe it was her love of tradition and celebration, or maybe just good genes, but she never seemed to age…at least not to me. That’s why she and Corrie connected so well, a shared excitement for the little joys in life.
When I think about what Corrie has worked for, and what she has accomplished, I know Grandma Knox would have been so proud of her. Grandma suffered from arthritis and always wished the medical community could find a cure. While there’s still no cure, maybe one day there will be. In the meantime, Corrie works to comfort people, no matter what illness they face. Her role is to bring comfort to her patients, and I’m sure Grandma would see that as a wonderful contribution to the world. Today marks the 118th anniversary of Grandma’s birth. Happy birthday in Heaven, Grandma. We love and miss you so much.
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