I seem to find something laughable in almost any situation and, just having gone through my own red tape, this farmer’s will really tickled me. Having family in Oklahoma makes it doubly funny (by the way, all my family survived the tornadoes).
A pecan farmer in Arrow, Okla. received a copy of his friend’s last will and testament:
“To my wife, I leave my overdraft at the bank — maybe she can explain it.
To my banker, my soul — he has the mortgage on it anyway.
To my neighbor, my clown suit — he’ll need if he continues to farm as he has in the past.
To the ACSA, my grain bin — I was planning to let them take it away next year anyway.
To the county agent, 50 bushels of corn to see if he can hit a market — I never could.
To the junk man, all my machinery — he’s had his eye on it for years.
To my undertaker, a special request — I want six implement and fertilizer dealers for my pallbearers. They are all used to carrying me anyway.
To the weatherman, rain and sleet and snow for the funeral, please — as there is no sense having good weather now.
To the grave digger — don’t bother. The hole I’m already in should be big enough. Here’s ten dollars to carry out my final wishes.”
On a serious side, one needs to update their will or trust every few years. In losing a spouse, the party left behind needs to attend to the changing of legal papers as soon as they feel up to making decisions again. I’m not an attorney, but I do know that it’s very important to take care of matters as soon as possible and it may save later problems.
We found an insurance glitch that had not been thought of until I changed the car into my name, as Don had wanted me to do. The idea was the kids could drive me in my car when needed since most of the kids have trucks, making it hard for me to get in and out of.
Our Safeco agent told me the insurance policy must have a licensed driver on it. This had not occurred to me. Son Raymond is now the licensed driver on the insurance, but I still own the car. In order to do this, and he retain his own insurance of many years, I had to drop our umbrella insurance that added extra funds in case of loss on all our possessions. Otherwise, he would have to give up his insurance and go on mine with his vehicles. All is well, as my regular insurance remains in full coverage.
It’s these little items that should be questioned ahead of time because the turmoil of losing a loved one leaves the other party feeling overwhelmed.
I want to express my thanks to James Lumber in Poulsbo for donating the materials for the beautiful boxes made for the Memorial Day urns for the unclaimed veterans’ remains at Tahoma Veterans Cemetery. The Vietnam Veteran Legacy Vets Motorcycle Club created the boxes. Many veteran groups took part in the honoring event.
The Kingston Food Bank is still looking for a home. It has been a real struggle for director Barb Fulton trying to work out of her home and distribute food from the RV. Also, donations of peanut butter and jelly would be most appreciated for the children’s summer lunch program. Gas to keep moving the RV is another problem of expense.
A reminder that the Sunshine Ladies of Redeemer United Methodist Church is having the annual rummage sale July 19-20 — Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Turn off Highway 104 on Parcells Road, then turn right to 900 Shorty Campbell. Call Pat, 297-3482; or Carol, 297-5101.
