Wednesday

Dear Friends and Family

We wanted to let you know that Anne is in the hospital and has taken a turn for the worse. She is not expected to live much longer. We ask at this time that no one tries to call or visit her. It's very important that she and her family have this little time left to be with each other and to have their privacy. Please pray for Anne that she will be at peace and feel of our Heavenly Father's great love as she passes from this life. Please also pray for Ward and for McCady, MaLeah, and Maiya that they will feel the presence of the comforter, and that they will all feel of the wonderful blessings that come from being an eternal family. We know that Anne has been a wonderful friend to many people and that she has been a couragous example of goodness and strength. We love her so much and we will miss her. Thank you for your love and support at this time. We know that you love her too.

43 comments:

Avalon said...

Dear Anne... any words I can say seem so shallow! You have always been such a strength to those who know you. You will be missed more then you can ever know. Thank you for your friendship. We are all better people because we know you. We love you Anne, Ronna P Marker

Unknown said...

Thanks for always being such a sweet example. You will surely be missed. I pray for Ward and your girls. Love you.

SarahSue said...

Dearest Anne and family,
I have followed your blog for quite some time now. Your example of strength, testimony, and faith in our Heavenly Father is a miracle to me. You are truly one of our Heavenly Fathers special daughters. I think you are as perfected as you can be in this world. To me Anne, you have perfect charity. I truly believe everyone who has come in contact with you in this world has been blessed by your goodness and Christ-like nature.
I have known that for a long time. As youth of the Milton 2nd ward with your family, I looked at your kindness toward others, your loving heart toward everyone, your unwavering testimony, your keen intellect, your positive disposition, and your physical beauty and I wanted to be like you. I have been tremendously blessed by knowing you and being able to read about your journey with this awful disease. Thank you. You have faced this trial with faith, courage, and optimism. And again, I find myself wanting to be like you. I want to be like you and look to our Savior in every trial, every decision, every joy. I feel like I have such a feeble heart and week knees when I stand up to you. But you have strengthened me with the motivation and need within myself to try harder to be more like my Savior. How blessed your family has been to have you, with all of your wonderful qualities, in their lives. Especially your cute girls with Ward. You are such a loving mother. Anne, I can see that you have molded their hearts like yours. I was so impressed with the little girls love and kindness for each other on the "reflections contest" video. That was very precious.
You have such a talent for writing that you have used to bless her your family and will continue to do so as your precious girls grow.
I have linked to your siblings blogs from Anne's a few times. Your mom and dad, I'm sure, have a lot of happiness and peace in their lives. You are all unwavering disciples of our elder brother Jesus Christ.
As Anne did so many times, I too bear my testimony that we lived with our Heavenly Father before we were born to this earth. As I struggled with personal loss, the spirit blessed me to know that through our Savior, Jesus Christ, we can live with our Father again. And with the saving ordinances our loving Heavenly Father has given us, we can be together with our families forever. They know us. They love us. They are ALWAYS there to help us, comfort us and love us.
My prayers will continue for Anne and all of her family to feel the blessings of the spirit.
Thank you Anne, for living a life of love, faith, courage and testimony. I will always be able to look at your example.

All my love and prayers for peace,
Sarah Krause Gunnell

Butch Tiger said...

Ann, you have immortalized youself in us by your example of not losing faith. We love a you and thank you. Until we meet again you'll be in our tears. The carvers

About Us. said...

Dear Ward, Anne and Girls,

I am not sure if you remember me Ward, my name is Linda Clark Isom and I am a shirttail cousin of yours. (Our greatgrandfather's were brothers on the Richins side)We met in the Institute Chorale. I can't imagine how devastating this must be for you all. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Hang in there.

Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen said...

I love you. I will always be glad I know you. The Lord will be with your family. I know it.

Andrea said...

I was so impressed to read Anne's words, and feel the Spirit speak as she shared her testimony. It is so good to know, with a surety, of the Savior's plan for each of us. I saw your girls at Roger & Susan's a couple weeks ago. They are so blessed to have their mother's beauty, intelligence, and kindness as their gift to remember her. My prayers with your family. Anne will have many loved ones to greet her!

♥Shelley said...

I love you Anne. Thank you for all the kindness and gentleness you brought into my life and into this world. I'm so grateful for your example of meekness in trial through all of this. I have learned much from your example. My life is better because of yours. With love, Shelley

Josi said...

I love you Anne and I wish you and your family peace and comfort. Thank you for sharing your life with me. Ward, if you ever need any help with Anne's writing--please don't hesitate. We will miss her so very much.

Jennie said...

Dear Anne...Thank you so much for your great example. You have always shown a quiet strength that I admire so much. I have appreciated the words you have shared as you have gone through this journey. Love to you and your family, Jennie

diana said...

Dearest Anne,
I love you. Thank you for your example. When people talk about what a daughter of Heavenly Father should be, I will always think of you. Thank you for your strength and grace. We have all been so blessed to know you. Until we meet again, I will carry the memory of your example in my heart. You did so much while you were here and touched so many lives. I am so grateful that Heavenly Father allowed you to linger with us a little longer. Ward and Girls...how blessed you are to have lived and be sealed to such a lovely person. May her example of strength, grace, and dignity carry you through this difficult time. I know that she will be watching over you always. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Much love,
Diana and Nate Stoker and family

Rip Curl Mom said...

You are all in my prayers. I have learned so much from you and I am forever grateful that I can call Anne my friend. Much love and support to you and the girls, Ward.

Love, Kelly

MKG said...

Because of Anne, I will always be a warrior against melanoma! Because of Anne, I will be a better person and never take anything for granted!!! You are all in my prayers! I love you all!

Amie said...
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Amie said...

Dear Creager's, We love you and we pray for you. I tried to post something and it sounded all wrong. It's hard to find words to express the feelings. It's hard to imagine a person like Anne, full of beauty and grace and faith and everything good, not here anymore. I'll always remember her and how she "touched my life for good." I will always think of her when we sing that hymn in church. How blessed our family has been to know yours. We wish the outcome were different for you. We pray for all of you and hope you can feel peace at this time. Love, the Houser's

K.Booth said...

Anne you are the definition of beauty and grace. Years from now, when I see your girls in the grocery store, the park, the high school, I will remind them how wonderful and beautiful their mother was, and how you inspired us all with your life, your faith, your courage. Be at peace and know that your girls, in addition to family, will be loved, prayed for and cared for by all those who had the priviledge of calling you friend, Adieu.

Nikki said...

I was completely caught off guard by this post. Anne, you're such a fighter and I've been cheering you on. I'm just so thankful for you. Thanks for your courageous example and your testimony. Your words over the past few months have really made me pause and think about what's really important in life. I've tried to be a little kinder, a little more sensitive to other's needs. Thanks for sharing your life with us. Love you!!

Becki said...

Dear Anne and family - it has been an incredible growing and learning experience for me to watch from a distance all you have gone through this last year and a half. i have never known such courage and faith. thank you for your honest thoughts on this struggle. you have made us all better people. i'm sorry you didn't get the miracle you wanted but i know the Lord has His ways of making things work for the best. I wish you love and peace.

kasmerme@gmail.com said...

congratulations anne. you have lived the most beautiful life.

what a mother, friend, and wife you are! i will never forget the way you would patiently comfort mccady in nursery with coins - and bright pink "silky" blanket squares.

it really takes an amazing person to find the level of common ground with others - and you perfected it with everyone - even your scared nursery goer.

your friends and family could not be luckier.

hearts are breaking all over the world for you and your family. you are in our thoughts and prayers.

we love you all!

Marietta said...

Dear Anne, Ward and family, I too was shocked to read this tonight not expecting what it said. Like many others, I too have been extremely blessed just by knowing you Anne. From the lst time I met you I knew that you were special and I really mean that. I always admired the person that you were but each and every time I would read this blog, I was strengthened beyond words. I admire you so much more than I thought ever possible. You will be my idle and your sweet spirit will be with me always. You have taught so many people so many lessons through this battle you have been through and I don't think anyone could have gone through it all as beautiful and strong as you have been. Thanks for touching me and so many others that have had the privilege of knowing you. Ward, and every other family member, our prayers are with you! Love, Marietta and Bart Priest

Kirk said...

We love you! Save us a place Anne..."There is a sacredness in tears.They are not a mark of weakness,but of power.They speak more eloquentlythan 10,000 tongues.They are the messengers of overwhelming grief,of deep contrition,and of unspeakable love."-Washington Irving

Love Kirk and Carin Chugg and Kids

Monica Larson said...

Anne thank you for being a true example of what a Daughter of God is. I tell the Young Women that it is your Example that matters most, and we must be an Example of the Believer in all that we do. You have been that Example to me.

I will never forget you! Your strength and testimony help me constantly, and I thank you for that.

May the Lord bless your family at this time, and always. May they feel comfort and know that they are not alone. I hope that we may stay in contact with them, and that I can remind your girls of what an amazing person they have for a Mother.

Until we meet again. . . . . and will lots of Love. . . Goodbye for now, but not Forever. :)

The Larson Family

Moffitt Family said...

Creager family - we love you so much and pray for each of you to have peace.
Anne, countless lives have been touched by yours including mine. Because of you, I try harder to be a better person. Thank you for your example and for wonderful memories! You will be greatly missed and always loved!

With love,
Cindy

Unknown said...
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Crystal Dever said...

Sweet Anne... What words can be said that do not sound meaningless and superficial? You are an amazing person... You have taught me so much and have blessed my life in countless ways... most of which you probably don't know. You helped me get confidence as a new wife in our first days there in Cleveland. (I remember your bills organiztion system and that was so helpful to me - I had no idea how to do any wify stuff...) You helped me get confidence as a bread-winner for our new little family (you helped me with my resume and getting a job. You spent hours helping me). You are still my model for many things in organization, homemaking, cooking (you made that amazing chicken Cacciatore...), motherhood and womanhood. You took care of me when I was sick and for that Brandon and I will always be grateful. Thank you for your gifts to me. Your friendship is precious to me. I hope your passing is peaceful. I know you'll be in a happier place. I love you dearly Anne.

Love, Crystal

Kelli said...

Ward, Anne, and Girls,
I am heartbroken by this post recent post. I know that I don't know you personally, but Anne, you've impacted my life more than you'll ever know. Thank you. You are an inspiration to all. Thank you for sharing your girls and your trials in this life on your blog. You and your family will be in my prayers.

Much Love, Kelli

Shelly said...

My dear friend,
You leave this world having made it a better place. Please know you have touched MANY lives through this struggle with cancer. I am grateful for the friendship and love that you have shown to me. You have fought an amazing fight and I am so proud of you. Those few years in Cleveland we shared will always be dear to me. Everytime I make your chocolate chip cookie recipe I will remember you (yours always tasted better:). I will forever cherish your kind words and honest heartfelt advice you have given me! May the Lord our Savior comfort you and your sweet family through this trying time. For when all else fails He is there with open arms to comfort us.
We will continue to pray for you and your sweet family and show gratitude for your amazing example of faith, love, courage and friendship.
Farewell my dear friend till we meet again! I love you!
Shelly Reeves

klod said...

Thank you Anne, for teaching the girls in the ward from your heart and for sharing the best parts of yourself with us. We love you and will always love you and your beautiful girls. What a legacy you have left us! Goodbye for now.

The Awesome Larsons said...

Proverbs 31: 10-29

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
The heart of her husband doth safely atrust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her ahands.
She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
She ariseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

Whenever I think of you, this scripture is the first that comes to my mind. I will miss you.

Jennifer Larson

Karla said...

Anne, the one thing I will always think of when I hear you name is how kind you were to everyone. You always were thinking of others and not yourself. I hope I can be more like you one day. You were a beautiful girl on the inside and out and I will miss you. Thankfully, I will see you again. I love you!

Halls Family said...

Ward, Anne, and girls, we love you all so much and pray that the Lord will give you the strength you so desperately need right now. Anne, thank you for sharing your sweet spirit through your writing. You have always inspired me to be a better person as a mother, friend, and member of the church. We will always cherish our friendship with you. We love you and may God bless you all!
Love,
The Halls

Crystal Dever said...

Anne, I wanted to mention one more thing... I know you wanted to be a writer and although you won't get that opportunity much more, I want you to know that your writings have touched so many. Your struggles have been beautifully documented and your faith and testimony shines through in your writings. Leave this world knowing that you ARE a brilliant author, and that your 'stories' have taught, touched and blessed many, many lives. I posted your story and blog address on facebook and several of my friends who don't even know you read your blog and said they cried and cried. Your story will continue to be told and I hope you find some happiness in being the author you turned out to be, and in telling one of those stories that will teach and touch people, just like the ones you enjoy reading. Love you.

Karla said...

Anne, thank you for your love and constant example of faith, for your beautiful testimony, for your friendship. You've made an unforgetable impression on everyone who knows you. Thank you for being so willing to share your journey. You have faced everything with faith, courage, and optimism. We have all become stronger and our testimonies have grown so much. Thank you. I love you more and more. I'll miss you and promise to strive to live my life so that I'll be able to see you again. You've made a beautiful impression on my heart forever. May the comforter bless all those who know and love you. May your family be blessed with peace knowing you'll be together again.
I love you.
-Karla

Brodi Ashton said...

Creagers- I've only known Anne since November, and I can tell you she has made such an impression on me, and in my life.

We are praying for you.

Jamica said...

Dear Ward and Girls,
I traveled to Utah last week for my aunts funeral. (I live in Colorado.) While I was there in Utah my dad called me from a doctor appointment to tell me that Anne was there at the same clinic for an infusion. I was able to drop by the clinic to tell her hello and sit and talk with her for a few minutes. When I came she was finishing writing a letter to one of you. I have been so inspired by your wife and mom in many aspects, but especially in her forethought. When speaking with her it is obvious what her greatest desire is for each of you: to know of her love for you and for your testimony to be anchored in the Savior as her is.

Although the heartache of this sad time can not be avoided, I hope you each feel the power and comfort our Savior longs to give you right now. You and Anne are loved by SO many!

Holly said...

I read this post shortly after it was posted o Wednesday. There were no comments yet. I wasn't sure I should be the first. (and I couldn't have seen my keyboard or screen anyway- being so overcome) But today, checking back, seeing such an outpouring of love, I too, want you to know how full my heart is-- for you.

There aren't words. But lasting impressions, great love and deep gratitude.

To Ward (especially), the girls the extended family- please feel of our love for each you. Our prayers and concern continue in your behalf--a habit I am sure, we'll never break.

I long for the day Anne, that we'll meet again in the eternities, to see you rejoined with your sweet family, free of all of this. I've seen great joy on your face. I've seen great sorrows there too. Through it all, great strength and faith. And warmth, like the sun, that you've spread to all of us.

All our love
Holly, Roarke and family

Sarajane said...

we too wanted to let you know that we love you guys, look up to you in so many ways and will be ever grateful for your friendship towards us. without you two we would never have made it in Cleveland or have known about so many fun things to do there. Who would have thought that we would have lived in the same 120th apartment- what fun memories. Anne is amazing- who makes homemade bread anymore?
You have been so generous and helpful in our move to Ogden and teaching us so much about the dental world. Thank you. Thank you for your constant friendship and love towards us.
some people are just too perfect for this world. (in all seriousness that is the definition of Anne). we feel blessed to be your friends.

Aimee said...

Anne, You are such a graceful warrior, so strong and beautiful. I have loved watching you as a mother, a wife, an author, and a teacher. I wish so much you had more time here, but I know there is a plan. We love your family and count ourselves blessed because we know you. Thank you for your touch. Anne, whenever I read I think of you. I love you - Aimee

Chatelain Family said...

Anne and Ward,
We are really sad and we wish this wasn't the way things are going. Anne, I'll miss you. I'll never forget the first time I met you at WSU in your payroll office. I walked in and you were joking about looking for 101 ways to live on potatoes because after getting married you and Ward would be both in school. I didn't even know you and I was happy for you because you were saying all of that with the biggest grin. I knew you were one of the finest women in the world. You still are. You've created a beautiful life. I think of you often and always will. Love, Connie

Andrea said...

Thank you for so much. We miss you.

Andrea and Dan Whitemarsh

The Henderson Family said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with Ward and his girls. Anne is an amazing person and friend. She was one of the first to befriend me when we moved to Cleveland to start dental school. She probably never knew how much her kindness meant to me.

The Petersen Family said...

Thank you Anne for your example and kindness. You have touched our hearts.

Steve Clarke said...

Dear Ward and daughters, Linda and I extend our sympathy in this the deepest possible loss to each of you. We are glad to be close by and will look for ways to be of service during the coming days and weeks. Love, Steve and Linda Clarke