Ruth and Grandma
Aunt Sue Callahan (Grandma's Hey's half-sister), Ruth Holtzman Hey, Aunt Christine Weber (Grandma's Hey's half sister), Grandma Holtzman, Isabelle Weber (Christine's daughter-in-law); photo taken at Aunt Christine's farm south of Coleta
Grandma Holtzman's father had been a drinker and gambler. Converted at a revival meeting, Grandpa Johnson drank and gambled no more. With his new habits, he was able to acquire several farms. This chain of circumstances led to the opportunity for the Holtzman family to acquire the store and enjoy this garden at their own home. NOTES FROM GRANDMA'S ZWAANTJE'S HYMNAL: "The Beautiful Garden of Prayer" --Ruth said this was her favorite song and it is so beautiful. Mrs. W. came to thank Ruth for singing it; it proved a blessing to many. God bless Ruth and may her music, song be a blessing to many poor, weary souls. "When They Ring those Golden Bells" --Ruth sang this song so beautifully at Parkersburg, Iowa, and Ackley, Iowa, Sept. 1925. (entries from Grandma Holtzman's Diary concerning Abe and Ruth about this time)
In the 1950's, Grandma Ruth Hey enrolled in a creative writing class. As an assignment, Ruth left these recollections concerning her mother, Grandma Holtzman: "Mama's Got Company."
