I seem to be posting when the older generation passes on, which is morbid and turns the focus of genealogy to those who have gone rather than connecting with the living.

That being said, my Aunt Theo died today. Theo was not short for anything, and I have not heard the story of her name. **Update** Theo was named for a school teacher that lived and became friends with her parents in the late 1920s. Theo Roosevelt? There were no other Theos in the family, so it’s kind of a mystery.  Her passing was a relief to her and her family, she had memory issues, failing health, was agitated and anxious most of the time and seemed to be ready to go.

Theo was a firecracker. Red hair, mouth like a bow, taught school and moved to a small town in Montana in the 1950s to teach. Married the Ford dealer. Taught school and kindergarten in her house. When we visited Montana, I can remember going through all her teacher things to play with. She was so much fun to be with, and when the family drove together in a convoy, I wanted to be in her car. She was the first person to give me alcohol, and probably get me a little tipsy. She would make Rum Slush, which was like a daiquiri, only better. One summer she gave me some and I liked it so much I wanted more, so she gave me more. When I lived in Montana in the late 1980s, we would go by her house at 5:00 or 5:30 and she would always have a martini with her husband. Theo sang a lot. She sang at fashion shows and at church and at family gatherings. She had an old-fashioned voice, almost a falsetto. I will miss Theo. Visiting Montana without her, without going to the house on the hill, will be very different.