9th Cousins Once Removed

The family history experts in my congregation went through some relevant apps with us, so I've been exploring. On relativefinder.org, I compared Husband's family with mine, and we found some connections. Fortunately, they were quite distant, the closest making us 9th cousins once removed. I did find that it's not just one side that has all of the connections. Going back enough generations, my dad's and mom's families connect to both Zak's maternal grandfather and paternal grandmother. 

Niles Manwill - Ruth Barlow
Rena Jensen - Ruth Barlow
Rena Jensen - Margaret O'Neil
Niles Manwill - Margaret O'Neil
Niles Manwill - C. Brent Johnson
Rena Jensen - C. Brent Johnson

In fact, the only grandparents missing were Zak's Hansen and Porter lines, and my Hooper (step) and Sharp (biological) lines. The Hansen side not having any connections to my family makes complete sense, because 7/8 came from Denmark and the lone 1/8 came from Germany. The Porter line varies more, with 1/4 from England, 1/8 from Norway, 3/8 from Denmark, and about 1/4 haven't been researched enough to find the countries of origin (possibly England and Germany).

Since we're not genetically related to the Hooper line, the site likely didn't include it in the searches. We're still learning about the Sharps, but the Pedigree Pie website helps me see that some of the Sharps came from Ireland, and others ended up in Canada, although I don't know from where just yet. (I've already sent in my genetic spit sample to Ancestry DNA using my birthday money and am now awaiting the results! Expecting 99.9% British Isles, but not certain!)

Side note: I'm equally related to President Barack Obama as I am to Husband.

That Hooper Jaw

Family often tell me Mr C looks like my Dad, Grandpa Hooper. The other day I took some pictures of the kids, when mid-shoot, Mr C did this look that reminded me very much of my Uncle Kent (since he was on my mind), and also my dad, because all of those Hooper boys look similar.

Uncle Kent Barlow Hooper

My Dad's eldest brother, Kent Barlow Hooper, passed away last November. Because he requested cremation, the family chose to celebrate his life with a memorial service on his birthday, May 16th. Uncle Kent loved cars and his dogs. Here's the obituary.

Kent Barlow HooperMay 16, 1948 ~ November 14, 2016
Kent B. Hooper, of Roy, passed away at his home on natural causes on November 14, 2016.
Kent was the son of Ruth and Calvin Hooper.  He was born at Dee Hospital in Ogden on May 16, 1948.  He was the oldest of seven children.
He attended Lakeview and Municipal Elementary Schools, Roy Junior High, and Bonneville High School.  He received his GED through Manpower Training.  Kent did not like school, but he did enjoy learning.  He had a extensive library and enjoyed pursuing his own interests.
Kent worked at Hill Air Force Base for 33 years, from June 8, 1970 until his retirement on June 13, 2003.  He worked on wheels and brakes and worked his way up to quality control in the Commodities Division.
Kent loved the outdoors, ghost towns, hunting, shooting in the desert, his gun collection, motorcycles, cars, photography, having lunch with friends, and his dogs Jaeger and Sam.

Kent's Mom (Ruth), Great-Grandma Elizabeth McBride Ririe, Kent, and Dad (Calvin)

Kent with his mom, Grandma Ruth Hooper

Kent with the Barlow cousins

The motorcycle his mom didn't want him to ride

During my dad's mission, the family sent this photo
(taken by Uncle Dennis)
Rear: Kent, Grandpa Calvin Hooper, Don, Susan
Front: Mary, Grandma Ruth Hooper, Fred

One of Kent's Corvettes

Receiving his GED Certificate