I can’t smell Snickerdoodle cookies without thinking of my Grandma. Every year during the holiday season, we would bake her secret recipe cookies together. She passed away this July, and I miss her deeply.
During the last few months of her life, my Grandma received care from Central Wyoming Hospice in her home. At first, we were all scared—the word “hospice” can be intimidating. Little did we know what a gift hospice care would be for our family.

With hospice, Grandma was no longer just a cancer patient; she was Grandma Betty, known and cherished by the hospice staff for who she truly was. The staff knew she still had some bucket list items to cross off and were eager to support her every step of the way. First up was a trip to Riverton with my mom and me so she could win big at the casino. She didn’t win, but we had a blast together!

Next on her list was a hot air balloon ride. Central Wyoming Hospice worked with one of their community partners to make it happen. I’ll never forget the giant smile on Grandma’s face as we lifted off—that memory will live in my heart forever.

And she wasn’t stopping there! Grandma had always loved hot rods. As it turned out, one of the hospice board members belonged to a Corvette Club. First, the club arranged a car show just for her—about twenty Corvettes drove by her house, honking, waving, and making her day! But the highlight came when a cherry-red convertible Corvette pulled up to her door. Grandma climbed in, and off she went! When she returned, her hair was windblown, and she was absolutely glowing!

Not only did Grandma’s hospice team make these moments possible, but they also provided excellent care. Her nurse made weekly visits, and her volunteer came by each week to paint her fingernails. As Grandma grew weaker, the visits increased, and our CNA taught us how to care for her. We learned how to give bed baths, how to feed her, and what to expect as her health declined.

When Grandma passed away, we called hospice, and her nurse came to the house. She put Grandma’s favorite robe on her, and we gently dabbed her lips with her favorite drink, scotch. My mom tucked a tissue into her sleeve and placed her worn, dog-eared Bible on her chest. In that moment, I realized that death can be beautiful. Grandma Betty lived her life to the fullest—filled with love, laughter, and an adventurous spirit that stayed with her until the end.

While going through her things, I found an envelope with my name on it. Inside was her secret Snickerdoodle recipe. I held it close and smiled. This is our first holiday season without her, and as I bake her favorite cookies and we share stories, I know she will always be a part of us.

To learn more about the services Central Wyoming Hospice & Transitions provides, click here or call 307-577-4832.