Obit: Mudcatter Mudlark (Nancy Ross) 25 Jan 2012

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Mudlark (Nancy Ross) 25 Jan 2012
From: Raptor
Date: 06 Feb 12 - 08:46 AM

Sorry for our loss

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Mudlark (Nancy Ross) 01-25-12
From: rumanci
Date: 05 Feb 12 - 05:13 PM

Thankyou so much Amos, Daly and all of Nancy's friends for sharing such wonderful words and heartfelt emotions. I wish I'd had the chance to know her too. My deepest sympathies to you all and her family.
rum

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Mudlark (Nancy Ross) 01-25-12
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Feb 12 - 05:03 PM

We had planned to post a message about Nancy's memorial first thing this morning but, once again, Amos beat us to the punch. He pretty much said it all. We can only add that we're trying not to dwell on her passing but to concentrate on the way she enriched all of our lives while she was here.

If there's a heaven, Nancy's there jamming with the best of them.

Bev and Jerry

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Mudlark (Nancy Ross) 01-25-12
From: Amos
Date: 05 Feb 12 - 04:51 PM

Well, it was an amzing and richly human memorial gathering that rolled up to Mudlark's in the hills behind Atascadero in the ccentral California coast area yesterday.

Her home was so rich with her touches--her pottery, her phtographs, her instruments--that it felt as if she had just stepped out for a second. The people who loved her started trickling in and then more of them and more of them until the house was just overflowing with them. Each one spoke up to reveal that they had held Nancy foremost in their heart, as the dearest of possible friends--exactly as I had felt from our first meeting, and BBW had from hers. There were plenty of tears and sighs of bereavement, and there was plenty of Nancy-style laughter and humor as well, just as she would have had it.

Nancy's daughter had taken charge and gotten things organized and laid out with help from all over town, and had pulled off heroic labors getting the event to happen. We spent hours swapping songs that Nancy loved, and the guitar, autoharp, and banjo and mouthharp rang through the vale until evening.

Bev and Jerry put on some really beautiful numbers in their beautiful disciplined harmonies and their terrific lyrics, and in addition after the jamming drew to a reluctant close they herded us to their home about thirty miles over the mountains toward the coast and put us up for the night and fed us a fine dinner with lots of great conversation. Thank you so much, you two wonderful folkies!

It was a grand send-off, cathartic, rich, and touched by the classy spirit of Nancy Ross throughout. I send her on her way with joy and blessings.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Mudlark (Nancy Ross) 01-25-12
From: Amos
Date: 31 Jan 12 - 11:08 AM

Here lies our Max, gone to reboot
The Cat went down, and he followed suit.

Thanks for the kind words, Max!! You are number one in all our hearts.


A

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Mudlark (Nancy Ross) 01-25-12
From: Max
Date: 31 Jan 12 - 12:16 AM

Rest dear lady. Blessed to have your words with us, we are made richer to have known you.

Mudlark is old-school goodness. I'll surely miss her.

Amos, it's settled, you are writing my obituary. You can just do it now, I only intend to accomplish one more thing in this life: Provide an undeniable philosophical proof that life is but a dream. And I intend to do it merrily. OK now write!

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Mudlark (Nancy Ross) 01-25-12
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 30 Jan 12 - 11:13 PM

Mudlark sounds like she was a wonderful person who left you with many good memories.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Mudlark (Nancy Ross) 01-25-12
From: Alice
Date: 30 Jan 12 - 09:12 PM

You wrote a beautiful portrait of her, Amos. My sympathy to you and all her loved ones in her passing.

Alice

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Mudlark (Nancy Ross) 01-25-12
From: Genie
Date: 30 Jan 12 - 09:06 PM

Thanks, Amos.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Mudlark (Nancy Ross) 01-25-12
From: Amos
Date: 29 Jan 12 - 09:26 PM

Mudlark's Posts to Mudcat--a rich variety full of compassion, curiosity and warmth.

Thanks, Charlie!

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Mudlark (Nancy Ross) 01-25-12
From: Charley Noble
Date: 29 Jan 12 - 07:40 PM

Amos-

You do well by your friends.

Another fine person to be remembered.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Mudlark (Nancy Ross) 01-25-12
From: open mike
Date: 29 Jan 12 - 07:12 PM

ohhh.....my heart aches to hear this news.
I will always treasure my brief time with Mudlark.
She shared with me a photo card of a windmill in the sunset.
I recorded our jamming...and treasure the song i learned from her
which i have performed at several cowboy poetry events...
video here..http://www.myspace.com/laurelwoodsorrel
my videos....see elko highlights...
a verse from Australian cowboy poet Henry Lawson
When the Children Come Home....
i hope her basset hounds have good homes!!

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Mudlark (Nancy Ross) 01-25-12
From: Cool Beans
Date: 29 Jan 12 - 12:09 PM

I'm so sorry, Amos.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Mudlark (Nancy Ross) 01-25-12
From: GUEST,BanjoRay
Date: 29 Jan 12 - 07:15 AM

Many thanks for that, Amos.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Mudlark (Nancy Ross) 01-25-12
From: My guru always said
Date: 29 Jan 12 - 04:29 AM

So very sorry to hear of this Lady's passing. Such wonderful memories you have of her, and beautiful stories. Sounds like she made a lasting difference. Tears at Old Keepers and candle lit.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Mudlark (Nancy Ross) 01-25-12
From: Genie
Date: 28 Jan 12 - 03:53 PM

Daly, I couldn't agree more with what you said:
"I truly believe and hope that she is present in a better way that does not include cancer. I hope this dying experience taught her that dying is not the end of life."

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Mudlark (Nancy Ross) 01-25-12
From: catspaw49
Date: 28 Jan 12 - 12:06 AM

I remember that for quite a time she was pretty active here.   Beautifully done Amos and a special thanks to Bev and Jerry too. My most heartfelt feelings to all those who knew her best in the 3D.

spaw

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Mudlark (Nancy Ross) 01-25-12
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 27 Jan 12 - 11:53 PM

My deepest and heartfelt condolences .. I am so sorry to hear this sad news. I long for the day when we don't have so many losses here and don't have to grieve so

God bless
Dan

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Mudlark (Nancy Ross) 01-25-12
From: KT
Date: 27 Jan 12 - 11:50 PM

I'm so sorry, Amos. Thanks for letting us know and for such a lovely tribute. "I guess this is what happens with truly big hearts; they gather loving friends everywhere, and never make a big deal aboutit." What a beautiful thing to say.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Mudlark (Nancy Ross) 01-25-12
From: Bobert
Date: 27 Jan 12 - 08:54 PM

Sniff....

Thanks, Amos, for the stories...

B~

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Mudlark (Nancy Ross) 01-25-12
From: Hawker
Date: 27 Jan 12 - 08:50 PM

Amos, thank you for painting such a beautiful image of your friend, I did not know her, but am touched by your words and saddened by your loss. Love to all who loved her.
Lucy x

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Mudlark (Nancy Ross) 01-25-12
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 27 Jan 12 - 08:49 PM

as Wadden Pete said -
Amos, your tribute paints a sincere picture of some-one I never had the pleasure of knowing.

sending sympathy & best wishes to her family & friends

I'll play her song later today

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Mudlark (Nancy Ross) 01-25-12
From: GUEST,Daly Jessup
Date: 27 Jan 12 - 08:49 PM

I was astonished yesterday when Amos conveyed the news that Nancy had died, at the violence of my emotion. We knew she had been sick. I had even talked with her at length about the option to elect no more surgeries, versus fighting to the end. But when she did elect to have no more surgeries and just slipped into hospice care, I loved her so much I still harbored some irrational feeling that she would come out of it. When she didn't, I could hardly stand it.

She was grace, patience, realism, presence, humility, talent, humor, courage, hope, generosity, gratitude, and so much more. She was one in a million.

I'm old enough that I should be realistic about losing friends, but her death made me feel like a baby, and I just howled.

I truly believe and hope that she is present in a better way that does not include cancer. I hope this dying experience taught her that dying is not the end of life.

Daly

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Mudlark (Nancy Ross) 01-25-12
From: Genie
Date: 27 Jan 12 - 08:41 PM

What Amos said, and what Lily said.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Mudlark (Nancy Ross) 01-25-12
From: LilyFestre
Date: 27 Jan 12 - 07:16 PM

Fly high with those angel wings.

XOXOXOOXOXO

Michelle

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Mudlark (Nancy Ross) 01-25-12
From: Deckman
Date: 27 Jan 12 - 03:45 PM

I only connected with her on-line and by phone. As I was approaching my first hip surgery, and was scared to death, she helped me greatly. And Amos, she mentioned how much she enjoyed your music and the sharing ... bob

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Mudlark (Nancy Ross) 01-25-12
From: alanabit
Date: 27 Jan 12 - 03:45 PM

A lovely eulogy Amos. Sorry to hear of her passing.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Mudlark (Nancy Ross) 01-25-12
From: Bev and Jerry
Date: 27 Jan 12 - 03:32 PM

Amos:

We're so glad you posted that wonderful eulogy. It's way better than anything we could have written.

Nancy was a dear friend of ours. We swapped songs with her many times at her house, at our house and other places. The last time was about a month ago and she was in good spirits. She sang a song she had written the night before and told us she had an upcoming paying gig. We did some of her favorites.

As Jerry held her in his arms she asked, "When are we going to do this again?" We deeply regret that we did not get around to arranging another session in time.

Rather than focus on her leaving us we will try to concentrate on how much she contributed to our lives and to the lives of others.

Bev and Jerry

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Mudlark (Nancy Ross) 01-25-12
From: Bill D
Date: 27 Jan 12 - 02:37 PM

If we must lose good friends and singers, it is well that there are other good friends to remember them and share those memories.

Thanks Amos.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Mudlark (Nancy Ross) 01-25-12
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 27 Jan 12 - 02:07 PM

Amos, your tribute paints a sincere picture of some-one I never had the pleasure of knowing. I listened to her track on Blue Plate Special Plum today and thought of everyone who misses her. I have also added her to the Mudcat "In Memoriam" Thread.

Peter

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Mudlark (Nancy Ross) 01-25-12
From: Genie
Date: 27 Jan 12 - 01:49 PM

I "knew" Nancy only online, mostly in connection with my doing the liner notes for the Mudcat BluePlate Special CDs.   It was a good connection and I hoped to visit her in California when driving down to the Bay area again, but it turned out I didn't drive down that way again after about 2003.   She seemed to be a kindred spirit, and I admired her strength and vitality.

Yes, I did know she was fighting cancer, but even when it's not really unexpected, news like this is very sad. She will be missed.

Nancy's track, "Wait Till The Clouds Roll By" is on the Mudcat BluePlate Special CD: Plum.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Mudlark (Nancy Ross) 01-25-12
From: kendall
Date: 27 Jan 12 - 12:58 PM

You have my deepest sympathy old friend.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Mudlark (Nancy Ross) 01-25-12
From: wysiwyg
Date: 27 Jan 12 - 12:56 PM

<3 RIP +++

~S~

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Mudlark (Nancy Ross) 01-25-12
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Jan 12 - 12:20 PM

I'm sorry to read this - thank you for sharing your story about this friend, Amos.

SRS

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Mudlark (Nancy Ross) 01-25-12
From: GUEST,Mary Katherine
Date: 27 Jan 12 - 11:51 AM

So sorry for your loss.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Mudlark (Nancy Ross) 01-25-12
From: GUEST,Frug
Date: 27 Jan 12 - 11:15 AM

With deepest sympathies.

Frank

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Mudlark (Nancy Ross) 01-25-12
From: gnu
Date: 27 Jan 12 - 11:09 AM

Beautiful picture indeed. My condolences.

RIP.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mudcatter Mudlark (Nancy Ross) 01-25-12
From: Deckman
Date: 27 Jan 12 - 11:09 AM

DAMN ... while we never met in person, I always enjoyed and admired her. As you said ... she was a good person. bob(deckman)nelson

Subject: RE: Obit: Muidcatter Mudlark (Nancy Ross) 01-25-12
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 27 Jan 12 - 11:01 AM

A very nice eulogy, Amos. She'll be missed.

Subject: RE: Obit: Muidcatter Mudlark (Nancy Ross) 01-25-12
From: katlaughing
Date: 27 Jan 12 - 10:45 AM

I've been wondering about her, recently. She just came to mind and I was once again reminded of how much I missed her being around here. She was a class act, so kind, fun, generous, and so interesting. I am glad to hear you were able to keep in touch with her so much, Amos. I never like seeing these kinds of threads, but there can be some gratitude that she is released from the effects of so long a trial. How wonderful so many sought her out in last days.

In sorrow,

kat

Subject: RE: Obit: Muidcatter Mudlark (Nancy Ross) 01-25-12
From: GUEST,999
Date: 27 Jan 12 - 10:45 AM

Sorry, buddy.

Subject: RE: Obit: Muidcatter Mudlark (Nancy Ross) 01-25-12
From: maeve
Date: 27 Jan 12 - 10:35 AM

Sail away, Lady.

I never had the pleasure of her acquaintance, Amos. I'm glad you and many more have enjoyed her friendship and shared music. Pass it along.

Subject: RE: Obit: Muidcatter Mudlark (Nancy Ross) 01-25-12
From: Crowhugger
Date: 27 Jan 12 - 10:34 AM

You paint a beautiful picture, Amos. My heartfelt sympathies to you and those who knew and will miss her.

Subject: RE: Obit: Muidcatter Mudlark (Nancy Ross) 01-25-12
From: fat B****rd
Date: 27 Jan 12 - 10:31 AM

Please accept my condolences. RIP Nancy.
Charlie

Subject: RE: Obit: Muidcatter Mudlark (Nancy Ross) 01-25-12
From: Megan L
Date: 27 Jan 12 - 10:29 AM

Amos there is little to say at a time like this all I have found in life is we never truely say farewell to a true love or a true friend.

Subject: Obit: Muidcatter Mudlark (Nancy Ross) 01-25-12
From: Amos
Date: 27 Jan 12 - 10:23 AM

I am saddened at the news that Mudlark, my beloved singing friend, succumbed to cancer yesterday morning (January 26, 2012). It was not unknown, nor wholly unexpected, but the heart kept hoping and dreaming that the future could be turned.

Mudlark welcomed me to her home many years ago, when I needed a place to stop over on my way to Jen Ellen's Runamuck gathering. Although we had never met she welcomed me with the warmest hospitality, and we discovered in each other a common affection for the fine old songs, and would stay up until the wee hours swapping tunes. Over the years we visited as often as we could, whenever we were driving north, and her friendship and hospitality never flagged even when she was wrestling with deteriorating health.

And she kept on singing, almost to the end. The night before she died, a hospice volunteer came to visit and played the harp for her. Her house was a crossroads for musicians of every stripe, and the number of people who loved her proved an astonishment to those who were caring for her in her last months. They kept showing up and calling from unexpected corners of the world. I guess this is what happens with truly big hearts; they gather loving friends everywhere, and never make a big deal aboutit.

Nancy played and sang beautifully, with a throaty rich voice that just took you away. There was nothing fancy or affected; just the wholeness of the song, carried with her whole being and energy. There was nothing I ever enjoyed more than sitting in her living room with a bottle of red and a long night of shared song. She was a pure gem of a lady.


I have never known a finer friend or a better human being, and I am sorry at her passing.

AJ