Memories Live On

We received a very touching letter from Marilyn Heaven, and we want to share her story. What follows has been lightly edited. – Editor

Dear Pendleton;

My husband of 57 years (together 60) passed away suddenly on July 30, 2023. He was quite the Pendleton Fan. We even have a Pendleton Blanket for our bed. The only thing he wore in the winter was his Pendleton Wool Shirts. We traveled a lot and he picked up shirts along the way.

After his death, I went to his closet and wondered what I would do with these beautiful Pendleton shirts. Most of his other clothing had gone to Goodwill, but these shirts were special. I discussed it with my kids. We first thought of having pillows made, but then my daughter heard from a fellow teacher about a nearby quilter named Dianna Kogut (“Sew Lovely Quilting” on Facebook). So we talked with her, and then started exploring designs online.  

I knew I did not want the typical square so I finally decided on a design made with rectangular pieces. I took Wally’s 25 shirts to the quilter, where we decided on a wool filing and a cotton back.

Diana even incorporated the shirt pockets into the six quilts. I had hoped to incorporate the elbow patches, but that did not work because of the size. I used Wally’s jeans for the memory note on the back of the quilts.

The construction took several months. Our goal was mid-December as surprise Christmas gifts for my two children and three grandchildren, and of course I kept one for myself.

When the quilts were ready, I put each quilt in a special Christmas box with a note that said: 

You have Grandpa’s DNA in your body, you have love for him in your heart, memories of him in your brain and now you have something of his to keep forever.

Love , Grandma

Note:  Kleenex Included in this envelope.

I also told them DRY CLEAN ONLY! So that’s the story of those 25 Pendleton Shirts that belonged to my hubby Walter Heaven, 1/6/45 – 7/30/23. This was a very emotional project because the family can remember him in all these shirts. I throw my own quilt over me on chilly nights and say “Wally, keep me warm."

Marilyn Heaven

Thank you, Marilyn.

Walter Heaven was an avid outdoorsman and hunter. This last photo is Walter on his last hunting trip where he took a huge Whitetail Deer on his daughter’s farm….as always wearing a  Pendleton.

We are so thankful to Marilyn for sharing her story with us. If you have a special story to share about a Pendleton shirt, please write to us at PendletonWM@penmills.com. We would love to hear from you.