Mary “Zane” Davis was the most accepting, non judgmental, woman I have ever had the honor of knowing.

In the scriptures there are various mentions of the “light of Christ”, or “Christ-like love”… and nowhere have I seen that love exhibited and shared more openly and honestly than through the life of my Grandma Zane.

Surrounded by her children and family, she peacefully passed away on June 7, 2011. Mary Zane was born on March 12, 1927 in Panguitch Utah to Joseph and Mary Heywood Davis.  She is survived by her children: Gai (Bill) Kerbs, Kate Bechthold, Gene (Robyn) Bechthold, and Mary (Al) Cristy, 20 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and 6 great great grandchildren. She had the unfortunate circumstance to be preceded in death by her son Joseph Dee Bechthold, two grandchildren and brother Dee Heywood.

Grandma Zane was an active member of the LDS Church and loved her callings, especially those that allowed her to work with the youth. She especially enjoyed her time helping out with costumes and makeup during the numerous roadshows that the ward would have.

Grandma Zane’s capacity to love led her to marry Phillip Bechthold, divorce Phillip Bechthold, Marry him again 8 years later… and then divorce him yet again. That is some capacity to love…

Did I mention her courage?

Grandma Zane taught by example,  always followed through with her conscience and had true strength of character, which many people referred to as True Grit. Her children, grandchildren and great great grandchildren are living testaments to the strength of that character.

Her love and genuine kindness wasn’t just reserved for her family either… She was a devoted member of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers, and anyone that passed through Foy’s Diner in Panguitch got a chance to enjoy her spirit over a piece of pie.

Mary Zane was a fabulous homemaker who loved cooking. My favorite dish was her red potatoes and peas with white gravy.  But if you ask anyone what culinary, or confectionary treat Grandma was most famous for, the answer that undoubtedly would come is her candy. No holiday gathering was complete without Grandmas wonderful chocolate fudge, english toffee, peanut brittle, chocolate covered pretzels… the list goes on and on. And Grandma always made sure there was enough to go around… she knew if she just gave one tin of candy to my Dad, none of us boys would get any… so she soon was making individual candy tins for each and every grandchild and family… it truly was a highlight of the holiday season.

Summers spent in Panguitch with Grandma saw numerous trips to Zions, Bryce, Red Canyon and Cedar Breaks… Grandma loved to travel whether it was a short car ride up to the lake, over to Cedar or all the way down to Phoenix to see relatives.

Grandma Zane was an avid reader as well, sometimes finishing 3 or 4 books a week! She also was an avid letter writer, and never missed a birthday. While on my mission, I got a letter from my grandma every single week! Gram also loved pictures… and Aunt Gai has the wall of bookshelves full of photo albums to attest to it. Her Grandkids and Great Grandkids were her pride and joy and their beautiful faces and smiles take up most of the pages in those photo albums. Her last days were spent reviewing those books… holding on to memories, and sharing stories with all those who came to spend precious time with her.

Since her mother, Mary Cherry passed away in 1996, Grandma Zane has been the Matriarch of the our Family. Her love and example, her kindness and grace – her “True Grit” -  will forever be remembered in the bright twinkling eyes of all those who called her Mother or Grandma.

She is a wonderful example of unconditional love.

and so it goes…

For the entire shoot you can visit my flickr -