Laura Frederick

My "Mommy" died...

It's really hard to fathom writing much more than that. 12 hours after I found my mom, I'm sitting in a funeral home being asked about an obituary that I literally cannot process. So, I didn't. We (my sister and I) left the announcement of her death with minimum information. However, I'm going to attempt to write a love letter to and about my mom. I hope I make her proud.... 

I've asked myself multiple times; how do I live without the woman who I've never lived without? How do I put what she meant to me into words? Words seem too small for this. 

My mom was and is love. Love is bigger than words, but I will try. 

You know the feeling when you pull clothes out of the dryer; they're so warm and comforting that you sorta snuggle into them? The joy of seeing a rainbow after a storm? The magic of Christmas? The butterflies of new love? The soothing stroke of your hair? The smell of a crisp fall morning? The peace of a warm cup of coffee or tea? The warm embrace of a hug that you feel in your heart? I could think of more, but all of the feelings of serenity are what my mom was. All of it and more wrapped up into a beautiful soul. 

She was everything. She was an inspiration, a role model, a hero, and a safe place. She was home. 

Laura Mary Frederick (Ritzert) was born September 17th, 1956 in Solon Mills, Illinois. She was one of 11 children. She was preceded in death by both her parents (Howard and Evelyn Ritzert) and 8 of her siblings, as well as an angel grandbaby. 

Her greatest joy in life was her family. The one she made. Her kids and grandkids. 

She has three children: Lucas Frederick, Lacey (Jason) Koopal and Logan (Jared) Dolton. 10 grandchildren: Juliana and Gabriella Frederick, Brady, Caralee, Crissa, (angel baby), Brendan Koopal, McKenna, Bryce, and McKinley Dolton. 

My mom's most notable careers or positions in life: Being a Mother, being a friend, Hartland Firefighter and First responder, Hartland Mayor, she flew along with Mayo one, Cross of Glory Sunday school teacher, Home health hospice aide, and Grandmother. 

My mom was such a caring and sentimental person. She saved everything the kids or grandkids gave her. From random flowers, notes, rocks; all of it. She saved cards from friends and family. She also liked to write. She'd write quotes, sayings, messages, jokes.... so much. 

Things that brought my mom joy over the years aside from spending time with her family:

Going on Amish tours or shopping with her best friend Linda Pederson. Garage sailing with her daughters. Visiting with her dear friend Pete Stennes and his wife Jane. Teaching "her kids" in Sunday school. Painting houses, mowing the lawn, sewing, and baking. She loved to crochet. She crocheted many baby hats for the Baby Place in AL and some for the Family Birth Center in AU. She loved making and decorating birthday cakes. Not just regular cakes; they were always extravagant. She loved shoes, Holidays and music. Elvis, Aaron Tippin, Perry Como, Bobby Vinton, and Johnny Depp. Hearing and telling jokes. Listening to Kate Radio. Anything Irish. Cards and gifts. Hugs and talking on the phone. Reading, especially the Virgin River books by Robyn Carr. She loved Jack Sheridan. He reminded her of old "young love". 

I know this is long, but I'll leave this off with the lyrics of a song my mom enjoyed. She wrote this in a Christmas card a couple years ago. And of course, I have to say.... "We love you Mom, forever and always." 

"Believe" by Josh Groban 

From Polar Express 

We were dreamers not so long ago. 

But one by one, we all had to grow up. 

When it seems the magic slipped away, we find it all again on Christmas day.

Believe in what your heart is saying, hear the melody that's playing.

There's no time to waste.

There's so much to celebrate. 

Believe in what you feel inside and give your dreams the wings to fly. 

You have everything you need, if you just believe. 

Just believe. 

Believe in God's grace! 

Services will be held at a later date.