The Henard Family: A Life Well Lived.

Eunice Lorraine Elliott, also known to many as "Grandma E". There are many Grandmas but as she always said, "There is only one Grandma E". She entered this life to Robert and Caldonia Watts on November 19, 1909, and Jesus welcomed her to eternal life on March 8, 2009 at the age of 99. She passed to her new life at the Tulare Nursing and Rehabilitation Center with her loving family by her bedside as she was listening to her own music she had once played for the enjoyment of many others. Her family visited her daily and it was a place she once visited weekly, among other establishments providing musical entertainment. She never knew how to read music, everything she played was by ear and she could play almost every instrument. She played first with the band known as the Rythmaires and then the Jolly Strings Band. She and the band received many awards and recognitions during the thousands of hours volunteering for no other reason than to bring joy into the lives of others.

Grandma E never missed a loved one's birthday, she always called and sang her birthday greeting followed with a special yodel at the end...oh how that will be missed by all.

Eunice and her late husband Luther Dean Elliott moved to Tulare in 1934 from Texas. He was a self-employed house painter and she worked side by side with him painting and repairing houses. Eunice was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Caldonia Watts, husband Luke of 52 years, in August of 1977; granddaughter, Janice Irene Martin; five brothers, three sisters and two son-in-laws, Harland Henard and John N. Cardoza Jr. and daughter-in-law Geri Elliott. Eunice is survived by three daughters, Wanda Elliott, Donna and husband Ralph Martin of Tulare and Jeanette Cardoza of Tipton; one son, H. Dean and Francey Elliott of Oregon. She leaves eleven grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, 20 great-great grandchildren, 14 extended grandchildren; 13 extended great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.Her family celebrates her departure with tear stained eyes, but is consoled by God's grace in knowing she is rid of the confinement of her once spirited and active body. She will once again play her music, dance the Irish jig and tend the flower gardens of Heaven. - Obituary from the Visalia Times-Delta (March 14, 2009)

Great-Great Grandma E, Great Grandma Wanda, Papa Gailand, Daddy and Luke. Five amazing generations. (June 2007)

Great-Great Grandma E meeting Luke being held by Great-Great Aunt Jay (June 2007.) We were told that even in her weakening health, Grandma E always wanted to know how "Little Luke" was doing.

These are some pictures that I took at the reception following Grandma E's service. I wish I would have known her prior to the last 10 years. She was truly an exceptional women and we can only pray that we do justice to her legacy. Luke will be, without a doubt, as well versed in stories of Grandma E (she roofed her house at 82!) as the rest of the family. She may be physically gone but her spirit will remain with each of us as well as a testament to a life well lived.

Luke with Great Aunt Susan Henard.

Luke with Great-Great Aunt Donna Martin and a cousin (?)

Luke with Great-Great Uncle Dean Elliott.

Dad, Luke, Uncle Dean and Aunt Francey Elliott. Luke's practicing being elusive.

Papa Gailand's siblings and mom. From left: Great Aunt Nancy Gimlin, Great Aunt Gena Graham, Papa, Great Grandma Wanda, Great Uncle Greg Henard and Great Aunt Kathy Wilcox.