Thanks Aunt Lisa

Thursday Sept. 4

Lisa wondered for a few days as to what to do with Keith's truck. She suggested, and it was agreed up on by the whole family, that the best thing would be to give the truck to Nathan. We surprised him with it on the way home from the funeral. We stopped at Lisa's and she was outside cleaning out Keith's stuff from the truck. We helped her and visited for a minute. Then Lisa handed the keys to Nathan. He took them from her. (He later said that he thought she just wanted him to hold them for a minute.) She said, "Its yours." He said, "Really, are you serious?" "Wow!" "Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you" Then he was speechless for a minute as it all sank in. He teared up. It was a neat moment.

Can you just see/feel the excitement from that smile?

He was so honored.

Since Nate won't be 16 for another two years and Bryan was driving our truck and trailer, I got to drive Keith's/Nate's truck to Mesquite. Before leaving, Bryan asked me if I could handle it. I replied by asking, "Physically or emotionally?" He said, "Both" I just sighed and tried not to cry.

It was so fun to watch Nathan on the way home. It was touching to see him understand how special this gift was. He wanted to know all about how it was decided. It meant a lot to him that everyone thought he deserved to have Keith's truck. I did just fine driving, too. Physically-easy/ emotionally-bearable. I just didn't allow myself to dwell on the fact that I was driving Keith's truck.

When we got home, Nathan spent all evening in the truck. Turning it on, playing with all the buttons, just sitting there, with a huge grin. Bryan helped him back it out of the drive way. At 10:00, I finally made him come in the house. Then he spent another half hour looking at a magazine that sells gadgets to fix the truck. He wants to leave it Keith's but also personalize it. So now it has S.U.U. and Bulldog stickers on the window.

Keith's Funeral

Wednesday September 3, 2008

My brothers, Nathan, and Lisa's brothers

Lisa and Landon

My siblings: Neil, Chris, Lisa, Lorin

Joanna, Natalie, me at mom's headstone.

Keith

The funeral went very well. Lisa planned it beautifully. Aside from the occasion it was nice to see everyone. It meant alot that everyone would be there for us and Keith. Funerals are always quite healing. I never before realized how your emotions can cause such physical pain. Those first couple of days were awful. My poor kids still talk about having to watch me scream on the floor right after Joanna called me. We've all gone through most of the stages of greiving. Once in awhile I still deal with anger about it, but for the most part I'm glad to say we are all doing much better.

First Day of School

Monday, Aug. 25

Nathan didn't see how any of us were able to smile after just losing Keith. He didn't want to. He said his first day was ok until half way through his spanish class when he remembered why he wanted to learn how to speak spanish. Keith loved to stay practiced. Nate so wanted to share that with him.

Alex -my cry every morning, begging me to not make him go for most of elementary child- couldn't wait for school to start. He was so excited to be headed off to middle school.


Brylie was a bit nervous to begin the 4th grade. I think it was more being the only one at the elementary school. She quickly adjusted.

Don't any of you FaiNt.....

..... I'm finally updating our blog.
I'm sorry its been so long. I'm a bit embarrassed too. I've decided to just pick up from where I ended.

Please visit Link

In lieu of flowers please donate to the
Keith Shumway Memorial Fund at any
Wells Fargo Bank you can call 800-869-3557.
Or to the Keith Shumway Memorial Account
at any Mouuntain America Credit Union.
Thank You!

I have added a link in my list named "The Shumway Family"
Keith touched many lives.

We never know when our lives could be changed forever. Always let your loved ones know how much you care for them. Never waste any minutes.

Returned with Honor

Keith Martin Shumway
Born May 17, 1982
The youngest child of Doyle and Denna.
Life cut short Aug. 22, 2008

I remember clearly the day that Keith was born. I was nearly 11 and being the oldest I got to stay home from school to take care of Natalie and Chris while mom and dad went to the hospital. We got the phone call that the baby had been born and that everything was ok. I was devastated that I had another brother. I cried, I had wanted a baby sister so badly. But as soon as I saw him I loved him. I loved to help mom take care of him.

Dad says that he's sure Keith was a typical child and got into mischief. But he never remembers a time when Keith did something really wrong, or ever needed much reprimanding. Keith was always good, always made the right choices, was always in the right place and the right time. Our whole family was always very glad to claim him as our baby brother. He was always a good example to us. He was the baby but we looked up to him.

Keith loved primary and was excited when he was able to be baptized. He quickly became involved with scouting and went on to earn his Eagle. He had several funny stories from scout camps.

He worked hard in school and always had good grades. In high school he enjoyed cross country and track. Many summer nights throughout the years were spent playing softball with the Kanosh boys. He graduated from Millard High School in 2000. He began his studies at Southern Utah University.

On June 20, 2001 Keith entered the M.T.C. He was called to serve in the Mexico Veracruz Mission. He immediately loved the people in Veracruz. Heavenly Father richly blessed him with many wonderful, testimony building experiences. Even when our sweet mother passed away on Thanksgiving day in 2001, Keith was able to see how he was blessed. And never doubted staying in the mission field. I loved to hear him talk of his mission. He returned home on June 25, 2003.

That fall he picked up his studies at S.U.U. He served as Elder's Quorum President in his college ward. I think that is when he met the love of his life. They didn't start dating until Oct. 2004. In May of 05 they decided to get married and were soon engaged. Keith and Lisa were married in The Salt Lake L.D.S Temple on Aug. 19, 2005.

They made their home in Cedar City were they both continued their education. Keith served in the bishopric in a college ward. Lisa graduated from S.U.U. in May 06.

Last fall he and Lisa were so excited to announce that they were expecting their first child. Keith spent most of his life with a huge smile but I had never seen him so happy. Keith graduated from S.U.U. May 3, 2008.

On May 12, 2008 Landon Austin joined their little family. I don't know how but Keith's smile got even bigger. I enjoyed watching Keith at the July 24th celebration carrying Landon around to show everyone. That was the last day I saw him.

On Monday, July 28 he began working for Dr. Ellsworth. When he called me on Aug. 14 he told me how much he was liking his new job. He was trying to get into Medical School he had always wanted to be a surgeon. But was thinking of specializing in Dermatology. He found it very fascinating. I'm glad that I ended the phone call with "I Love You".

On Friday the 22nd. he traveled to Moab, Ut. with Dr. Ellsworth and staff. Dr. Ellsworth had a new clinic there. They were all on a plane on their way home. The twin engine went down with 1o passengers on board. My sister Joanna called me at 9:50 p.m. I was so glad that Bryan was still home. I have never felt such emotional and physical pain.

Keith loved to serve others. It never mattered where, who or what. He was always looking for someone to help. He died doing just that.

He loved his precious Lisa and their son so very much. We will all continue to pray for her.

Keith left behind his wife, Lisa and son, Landon. Father, Doyle (Janice), sisters, Julie (Bryan) and Joanna (George) brothers, Lorin (Janice) and Neil (Kim) sister, Natalie and brother, Chris (Corissa). Five Shumway nephews and seven Shumway nieces. Lisa's parents and siblings and nieces and nephews. (I'm sorry I don't know names or numbers.) Many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by oldest brother, Matthew. Mother, Denna. Grandma and Grandpa Perkins and Grandma and Grandpa Shumway.

Janice also made a nice tribute on their blog. Please feel free to visit it. (Lorin and Janice) Or visit the Shumway Family link.

A Keith Shumway Memorial Fund has been set up at Wells Fargo 800-869-3557 or Keith Shumway Memorial Account at Mountain America Credit Union. Thank You.

My Baby Brother Keith

Keith and Lisa - Southern Utah University Graduation May 3, 2008
My Brylie with Keith and Lisa's Landon Austin - born May 12, 2008