My dad was born in Oklahoma in 1930. They left there and went to Colorado when he was little and then on to Oregon. Working different jobs along the way. So it was not quite a Grapes of Wrath story but pretty close. His mother was a fantastic cook. She could cook simple ingredients and make a meal fit for a king. Every meal I ate at her house was memorable even today. She baked bread every day. It makes me hungry just thinking about it.
We learn from tough times and mistakes.
Your grandmother sounds like a great lady with survival skills. You come from good stock.
/johnny