Mary Patsy Hester

Kelly Pulford and the Pulford Family

01/17/2025

Dearest Ms. Peppa – Auntie Patsy –
Every memory I have of you – you are sitting in a crowded room surrounded by people – and I can hear you artfully sharing stories, your voice carrying above the others. People would listen to you and your creatively woven tales – sometimes with imaginative embellishments but always accompanied by that deep belly laugh that invited others in to listen. My favorite story is the one about the UFO, that you must have shared hundreds of times (maybe because I asked you to). That night when you and my Mom were kids, and Grandma Louise told you both to come to the window and see the lights, silent in the sky. That story is shrouded in mystery, but with every telling, and no matter which of you three shared it, there was absolute certainty that it happened.
You were an accomplished seamstress creating lovely pieces of clothing like Mom’s honeymoon outfit or stylish maternity tops that Mom wore when she was pregnant with me and then I wore when I was pregnant with the girls. Or the life-size (when I was little) Annie doll that I played with and adored and kept. Or the baby blankets you crocheted for our girls that we treasure still.
In my adult life, I admired you for your sense of self, your core values and beliefs. You never shied away from speaking out or supporting someone who had the courage to do so especially when they were criticized for it. That meant so much to me. Throughout your life, you always showed up for people and cared deeply about them – a tremendous gift.
I have always said that the Kading women are tough – I am so proud to share in that legacy. With love and peace to our family and keeping you all in our thoughts – gratitude for some of the best times – love you Ms. Peppa!
Love, the Pulford Family