I was supposed to read a eulogy I wrote at my mother-in-law, Arla's, memorial service but sadly I wasn't able to attend the service due to illness. I worked really hard on this and was actually looking forward to speaking on behalf of her son's and grandkids. I'm proud of what I wrote and the past few days have felt Arla pushing me to share it so here is my sweet mother-in-law's eulogy. 

Arla Kay Rozeboom

July 17, 1947 - August 12, 2021

"For those of you that don’t know me, my name is Sarah Rozeboom, and I am married to Arla’s youngest son, Shawn. 

On behalf of Arla’s family, I want to thank you all for coming here today to pay your respects to our Mom and grandma, Arla Kay Rozeboom.

There’s so much I could say about Arla, but I wouldn’t be doing this right if I didn’t first mention her fierce, unfailing love for her three sons, Rob, Scott and Shawn, they were her world. She would move Heaven and Earth for her children. And when she became a grandma, her grandbabies became her absolute pride and joy and that fierce love only intensified. Arla’s strong love for children led her to run a full-time daycare out of her home for over 25 years. 

Arla’s faith was unlike anything I have ever known. Throughout ALL of the hardships life threw her way, her faith NEVER faltered. If anything, it grew stronger, and she showed it in everything she did. Anyone who knows Arla, knows that she had a HUGE GIVING and LOVING HEART. If someone was in need, Arla was the first to offer help and send up prayers. She often carried a little “prayer book” in her purse just in case she came across or heard of someone in need, she would write down their name and told me that every night before bed she would try to say prayers for each person by name. Now that’s what I call a compassionate faith.

During Arla’s final moments on Earth, Rob, Scott, Shawn and I were able to sit with her and say our final "I love yous" and "goodbyes". She never woke up, but I believe she heard us and felt us there. I had the honor of holding Arla’s hand in both of mine as her heart took its last beat. It was a life altering moment and one of the hardest, most chaotic nights of our lives. Although our hearts are broken and we know holidays and birthdays will NEVER feel the same without Arla and her unforgettable laugh, we find some comfort in knowing she’s no longer scared and in pain. She’s no longer in a body that was constantly failing her. Arla has been reunited with her husband, Bob; her mother; her little sister, Evonne; and so many other loved ones. But most importantly, she is now home with her Heavenly Father. 

“Those who Hope in the Lord will renew their Strength. They will soar on wings like Eagles; they will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not feel faint.” 

-Isaiah 10:31

We will love you always, and we will be missing you so very much!"