Evan Galle, 11, is shown here with the books that contain the writings of his late grandmother, Kris Galle. Evan is her youngest grandson. Post photo by J. Reed.

Even while suffering with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), Kris Galle, 70, was always good for a laugh. It was the humor of both Kris and her family that helped them get through the dark days of her disease, before it took her last October.
During the latter part of the summer and fall, we ran several of Kris’s humorous letters to friends and family. Many people asked the Galle family for copies of the letters, and they would like to let people know that they have combined the letters into books that are available to check out at the Cedar Springs Public Library and the Cedar Springs United Methodist Church.
The writings make up two separate books. There is one set of the books in hardcover at the library, and two sets of the books in soft cover at the church.

Mrs. Kristen “Kris” E. Galle, age 70, of Cedar Springs, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, October 22, 2011. She was a 1959 graduate of El Segundo High School where she participated in the drill team. While on a family vacation, Kris visited a dude ranch while dressed in her new boots and cow girl hat. When she saw this dude who greeted her family with graciousness, it was love at first sight. Kris returned to the ranch every few months and flirted with this dude. His name was Bob. After being invited to Kris’ home, they had a loving courtship and were married in Palos Verdes, California. In 1961 they moved to the Cedar Springs area where she began working at Gebhardt Plumbing and Heating and then was a medical assistant in a doctor’s office. At that time she and Bob were also raising their children and were members of Cedar Springs United Methodist Church.  She was a world traveler and visited many places such as Europe, Israel, China, and Australia. Kris was a loving and caring wife, mother and grandmother. She was a great cook, and each year she invited the birthday person to her home so she could prepare a birthday meal. Kris taught her children about integrity, tolerance, honesty, laughter, and the meaning of having a strong family unit. Her hobby was keeping up with her grandchildren in sports. She attended nearly every event for her six grandchildren. Her greatest achievement was raising her children to be responsible adults who contributed to society. She was a lovely lady who smiled and laughed a lot. Kris also helped to organize the Well Child Clinic in Cedar Springs. She is survived by her loving husband, Bob; children, Eric and Caroline Galle of Cedar Springs, Lisa and Steve Kidder of Pierson, and Judd and Amy Galle of Cedar Springs; her grandchildren, Ethan Galle, Evan Galle, Nathan Kidder, Sammantha Kidder, Glenn Galle, and Lindsey Galle; sisters, Sidney Prater, and Jane Wade; nieces and nephews; birth mother, Mrs. Vera Knudson and sisters, Linda Layton and Binni Zink. The service for Mrs. Galle was Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. at Cedar Springs United Methodist Church with Pastor Mary Ivanov officiating. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider St. Judes Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Spectrum Health Hospice, 4500 Breton Rd., SE, Grand Rapids, MI. Relatives and friends met with the family at the Pederson Funeral Home on Monday. Arrangements by The Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford www.pedersonfuneralhome.com

By Kris Galle

We have been sharing some letters from Kris Galle, age 70, of Cedar Springs, who has been suffering from ALS—better known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Kris died this past week (see obituary). Her sister, Sidney Prater, had dropped off this letter in the days before Kris’s death and told us it was her most recent writing about what she was going through. The family was glad to be able to laugh with her, and shared what she had written in hopes it would bring a smile to the face of others who are caring for a family member.
Our condolences to the family and friends of Kris. May she rest in peace.

Fruit flies

Fruit flies. Does anyone know where they come from? Both Glenn and Lindsey know how to tell their sex but I’d rather know why they’re here at all. This week they’ve been circling my head. Does this mean I’m dying and it’s an early sign before the vultures start circling? Maybe they’re mini scouts. And where are the kids going to use their knowledge of how to tell a fruit fly’s sex? Why do we care?
This family has used a lot of humor to get us through the last few months. It helps. Once I was coughing, mouth full and trying to tell Lindsey to bring me a towel. Judd calmly looks up and in an inquiring tone says, “What’s that Lassie? Timmy’s in the well?” I still laugh.
Another time, I was racing up the ramp for the bathroom and Evan said, “Look Uncle Judd, Oma’s got it in third gear. It seems like just last week she could only do first gear.” To which Judd replied, “Yes, they grow up so fast.”
It’s the joking and the small kindnesses that make each day so much brighter. Things like Lindsey sitting with us at church and her visits. When the senior band members were recognized at the football game, she presented me with her carnation. That made this “Little old lady from Pasadena” very happy.
When the boys email me from college or come and visit, it’s a great pick-me-up. I can enjoy Sammantha playing volleyball. Eric took me for a ride in the Corvette. (It’s kind of Eric’s bucket list for me.) He also thought I should experience riding in the cab of a semi. Getting me in and out was no pretty but the view from my perch was. The S-curve in a semi is not the same as in a sedan. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Evan always brings me joy. He’s very caring and protective, and always, always, makes me laugh. I remember when he was about five and we were having a discussion. He looked me in the eye and said, “Au contrary, my little friend.”
Steve always goes ahead of me so he can break my fall. We depend on Lisa, Caroline and Amy for so much. I literally don’t know what we would do without them. I find myself relying on them for more and more.
And the laughter continues with an email from Lisa. If a toad poops in the yard, is it called a toadstool?

Love to all,
Kris

Kris Galle

By Kris Galle

Forward: Kris Galle, age 70, of Cedar Springs, has ALS—better known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Kris has been writing about what she is going through—but with a touch of humor. Her sister Sidney Prater brought in some of what she has written in hopes it will bring a smile to the face of others who are caring for a family member.
Let me tell you about my day yesterday. While Bob was having his eye exam—a two hour affair—I took the power chair and went down by the river. There is a park with a paved path, trestle bridges, flowering trees and it all follows the small river. The wheelchair was fully charged so I set off. After about 40 minutes and no end of the trail in sight, I decided to turn around and head back.
Suddenly the chair started slowing down and the power bars went from 10 (fully charged) to six. I kept coaxing it along because if it dies out there it can’t be pushed or moved at all. Bob didn’t know where I was and I’d only seen four people. Now I’m down to two bars and I see Main Street, if I can get it across a big field. I made it and started up the street, when all of the sudden the skies opened and it started pouring. Got the chair inside a tire store (couldn’t have been a fun store) and turned it off.
Of course, I can’t speak well enough to explain about the battery and my husband at the doctor’s. I dried off and the rain let up and for some reason the battery kind of recharged (five bars) and so I made a run for it. Ha! I got three more blocks before it started pouring and I just made it to a shoe store overhang. Battery at one bar and flashing madly!
After sitting there awhile, a car drove up and it was the employee of the doctor’s office and she’d been driving around looking for me. After making sure I was fine, she said Bob was almost done and she’d tell him where I was. End of big adventure. Shows I’m not too old, or too sick for excitement! Also shows I need to let someone know where I’m going and never trust a battery that says “fully charged.”