Classmate Histories from the 2003 Reunion
Scroll down and click on the name of classmate from the below list to access their historical report.
Tom Russell fccstjoe@ccp.com
Dear Classmates:
I appreciate knowing about the reunion. As it happens, that week end is my last Sunday as pastor here, and marks the beginning of my retirement from ministry, after 44 years. There will be a celebration here (I hope!) and it is a good idea for me to be here for that.
Please give my regards to all who gather. Thankfully, I am in good health, having recovered from a successful surgery for cancer. Otherwise, just fine. Looking forward to some travel which will sometime include Colorado.
I hope all are well and that it will be a fine time. Again, thanks for keeping in touch.Sincerely,
Tom Russell
Thank you for inviting us to the Class of '57'-58. We would definitely be there if we could. We have enjoyed so many LAHS reunions in the past.
We have reservations for a trip up the eastern seashore- Savannah, GA & Charleston, SC., so we regret missing your reunion and Santa Fe Trail Days too.
When we moved to Las Animas in 1954, we were just out of college. Eight years later, 1962, we left with 4 children, a piano, a swing set and much more! Those were some of the best years of our life and we have such fond memories. WE try to come for a visit each ear.
Our Children are planning our50th anniversary in June. How time fly!
Best wishes for a wonderful reunion.Harold and Annabelle Dunning
Bill and Diane (Thaxton) Baublits bbaub@mindspring.com
Since our last class reunion six years ago, the most exciting news is our retirement in May 1999. It was Bill's second "retirement" as he had been a beekeeper for 35 years when he sold the business in 1989. He finished his career by painting for 10 years, a skill he had practiced since he was 18. Diane retired from Las Animas School District with 25 years of teaching, having taught high school speech and English and finishing as the district media specialist in charge of all three libraries. When asked what we do with our time, our typical answer is "just as we darn well please!". We spend the six summer months of the year at our mountain home in Florissant, Colorado, the six winter months at our home in Las Animas, and lots of time babysitting with the grandchildren, all seven of them, in Fowler, Colorado, and Salina, Kansas. For our 40th wedding anniversary, we spent three weeks traveling to and from Alaska, visiting family and friends in Colorado, Utah, Washington, and Anchorage on the way. Bill works at keeping two homes in top shape, fly fishing, fly tying, lake fishing, and antique bamboo fly rod collecting. Diane scrapbooks, quilts, reads, and researches the family genealogy. Both Diane and Bill enjoy good health, the best blessing of the retired.
Dear Classmates of 1957 & 1958
I'm sending a short Chronology of my life after I left Bent County High School. In 1955 I decided to quit school and join the Navy. I was a Machinery Repairman in the Navy; I was attached to a repair ship. The USS Amphion AR13. I did 3 years 8 months of Sea Duty and was in 26 Countries. I learned a lot of jobs in the Navy, from balancing props on Destroyers to fixing high-pressure steam valves. Also I did a lot of engraving of napkin rings, backs of watches for the officers and enlisted men that were retiring from the Navy. Primarily I engraved the number over Hatch or Door with a number that identified that compartments number, also engraved instructions for the steam wenches that hoisted material. The salt water and polishing the brass plates that the instructions were engraved on caused the plates to become unreadable, there for new plates had to be made up. I was tired of the Navy after 4 years and got out. I was injured in the Navy and receive disability.
Then I started a career in Heavy Equipment, I operated Heavy Equipment of all types for 30 years. I was married three times. My first wife we had one son, His name is Eric he lives in Neb. He will be 42 years old in June. I have two Grandchildren, Joshua, and Hannah Anders that I'm very proud of. My second wife our Marriage lasted about one year. We had no children. My third wife and I are still very happily married of 6 years. I was single for about 14 years before I finally met the right woman to marry and I believe God directed me to her. My wife has three children: Her two girls live in Kennewick, WA. Her son lives in Denver, CO. Between our families we have seven grandchildren, which is a lucky number.
We have a home in Tucson, Arizona. When it get to hot down here we get in our 38 foot motor home and leave for the summer. We usually go every year unless one of us has some minor surgery, which has happened and we have to postpone our trips for a month or two. We have a big trip planned this year. We have to be in Jacksonville, FL. May 1, 2, 3, 4, for a Navy reunion, that is why we couldn't make this reunion. We thought this reunion was supposed to be last year so we got our schedules mixed up. Will try to make it to the next one., if it's not too far apart. Would sure like to see all my classmates, but I can't so I'm wishing them the best of health and a prosperous year.
Sincerely Your Friend
Jack and Jan Anders
Mike Glassco mike-glassco@right.com
Some of the past events include--graduated from CU in 1962, met Ann in San Francisco after Army time in Korea etc., married with three boys and have been corporate vagabonds with residences in Seattle, SF, Milwaukee, Kansas City, Philadelphia, New Jersey/New York City, Baltimore, New Hampshire and then back to NJ/NY before moving to Denver in 1997. Senior level positions in Human Resources/Corporate Communications. Now nearing a decision to "partially" retire from my involvement in consulting and advising execs on what to do with their lives after release from companies... Plans for the future include a possible relo in San Diego (warmer weather!), lots of travel and lots of golf...and I would love to play golf with at the reunion!
See you soon!
Mike Glassco
After graduation I worked highway construction for 2 years. I went to work for the Santa Fe Railroad July 1, 1959 and retired from their 43 years later. I worked between La Junta and Kansas City, La Junta and Amarillo, Kansas City and Belen, New Mexico and Albuquerque to La Junta during my career. I also own an insulation business for 30 years.
I married Jan Girton, CSU Extension Home Economist in Las Animas June 4, 1972. We have 1 son, Donny 27 years old and a computer network engineer for Raytheon in Denver. I have 2 kids from a previous marriage. Kenny is a mechanic and delivers propane for Valley Oil and Vicki is a school psychologist for BOCES in Lamar.
I got my private pilot license in 1977 and flew our airplane to Baja, Mexico every spring for 8 years and to Alaska 5 times. I also received my commercial and instrument pilot license and enjoy flying.
Bill and Judy (Savage) '58 Blakely judy@ctlarch.com
We were married forty-six years (46) ago this last February, and have three children Jim, Dawn, and Trace, and eight grandchildren.
After we left the Colorado plains in 1965 I worked for Boeing Aircraft, Reynolds Aluminum, and Ethyl Corporation in the Quality Control and Testing fields. Judy pursued her career in accounting, working for accounting firms and a variety of corporations. Due to transfers and job advancement opportunities we subsequently have lived in Seattle WA, Phoenix, AZ, Richmond VA, Columbus OH, Harrisburg PA, Detroit MI and finally Orlando FL.
In 1992 we were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to start our own family business. Using the experience and education we had acquired in the pursuing years, we opened Certified Testing Laboratories, Inc.
We convinced the kids to leave their own successful careers, for the chance of a lifetime to work with each other and their parents (are they ever gullible).
Over the last eleven (11) years our business has grown to a multi-division laboratory with 30 employees. One division does nondestructive testing for theme parks, NASA launch complex, power stations, and pipelines. The architectural testing division tests building products for hurricanes, water and structural loads for the largest manufactures in the world, and the third does computer simulations for insulating ability of building materials i.e., windows, doors, and curtain walls.
We are living our dream working together and with our children. Now that the business has increased so much, we realized we needed more children to help run it, but as we ran out of children, we recruited Judy's great nephew Joshua Smith (her niece Leanne Riggs Smith's son) who was raised in Las Animas. Also the older Grandchildren work with us after school and weekends.
It hasn't always been a dream or easy, as Judy says, it took her two (2) years to train me that I couldn't call her to my office to make copies for me!!!
With hard work God's Grace and guidance we are very proud of that we have accomplished. Our goal for is to pass on some of our many blessings for which we are so thankful.
We are looking forward to seeing our old classmates at the 45th and 46th reunion, and am sorry some won't be there.Bill and Judy Blakely
Lenna (Thomas) Howerton wellart2002@yahoo.com
The Howerton Saga continues:
Howard and I still live in the same home we started with when we were married in May 1957. Several changes in the family has occurred within our family since the last reunion. I retired two years ago after working at the VA Fort Lyon Medical Center for 29 years just prior to its closing their doors as a medical facility into several outpatient clinics. What a sad and emotional time for the community/families of those who worked there even though many of the employees were able to transfer to the various clinics and the new VA Nursing Home located in Pueblo, CO. I have enjoyed my retirement and have no problem keeping busy with church/Bible study, sewing (this includes joining a quilt guild to learn how to make those special named quilt blocks) and trying to learn the art of scrap booking. Howard is still working on windmills and pumps but has cut down on the climbing the windmills and extra heavy lifting, etc., which is a part of the job. He leaves that to the help he hires. He continues doing his pen/ink, pencil drawings and watercolor painting.
The kids have had changes as well. Dick, still in the Fort Collins/Loveland area. His oldest, Justin, is in the Marines, Jeremy will soon be working with his Dad and Nic is a senior in high school. Mary and her family moved to Ellensburg in central Washington from Kent, WA last fall. Her boys, Jonathan (8) and David (6) are enjoying their new school and lots of sunshine. Pam remarried two years ago gaining not only a husband but 2 stepchildren and 5 step grandkids and moved to Fort Lupton, CO. She transferred with USGS to Boulder. Her daughter, Sally, is continuing her education and Jake is working in Montrose, CO. David moved to Post Falls, ID next door to Couer d'Lane. His son, Kyle (16 years old), now lives with him and attends high school there. Howard's daughters, Carol and Deb, still live in Kinnewick, WA and Eddville, IA respectively. No big changes in their families.
All of our kids except one were home to celebrate the 4th of July last year with us. We all had a great time for our first Howerton reunion celebrating and "old time 4th of July.
Lenna Thomas Howerton
Hi, I won't make it back this year as my sister isn't well but I would like to hear all of the news about everyone and also if you take a picture I would like that also.
My life has been rather boring since we all left school. My biggest news is that my oldest son has been deployed (and of course he can't say where so we know where he is going). My youngest son lives in Montana and has 3 children.
as ever,
Lenora
Barbara (Davis) Fimple oleladyb@hotmail.com
Another class reunion - Wonderful! Greetings classmates- How many of us gave thought - how many years ago? What would be going on this far down the path of life. But here we are again - - question is are we any wiser? Heavier and grayer for sure and we have to stop and count on our fingers how many grand kids - by the way I have eight. Aren't they great, a worry but great.
If you have come from far - welcome - if you are local - good to see you, as always. If you haven't attended before - shame on you, see what you have missed!
Not too much has happened to me for the past few years. I still live on the corner of 8th and Elm and pretty much do what ever I want - at least the first part of the month! Last April a slight heart problem put me in the hospital for a few days - if you haven't been down that path - don't go there! Well, anyhow that got me thinking so I retired after "doing dogs" for 30 years. So if by chance you see a few shaggy dogs running around Las Animas- its my fault. Short story - retirement is nice. I did take up making porcelain dolls and I love it. I live in a house with many dolls and lots of teddy bears.
My four children, Linda, George, Kathy, and Quin all growing older too- enough said. I do have a son, Quin the youngest and a grandson that are in the Navy and as we speak, so to speak, all doing-time-in-the-gulf.. Prayers are appreciated.
I wish you all the blessing of health and happiness.
God Bless All!
Barbara (Davis Porterfield) Fimple
We haven't done much with our lives, we raised 7 kids, 3 boys and girls; Cindy, Rob & Ron (twins), Jim Jr. Colleen, Judy, and Cammra. Cindy and Cammra live in or near Helena, Jim lives in Butte, Rob and Ron live near Twin Falls, ID and Colleen lives in Meridian, ID, just south west of Boise, ID.
I graduated from Bent County High School in May or June 1957 and went to work for the Veterans Administration Hospital at Ft. Lyon in August of 1957. I worked at Fr. Lyon until Sept. of 1969 then transferred to VA Hospital, Sam Jackson in Portland Oregon for a 9 month training program to become hospital housekeeping officer. I completed the program in June of 1970 and was transferred to VA M. C., Miles City, MT. VAMC stands for veterans administration medical center. I worked there until Jan. 1, 2000 when I retired with 42 years of service.
I also was in the National Guard from Feb. 1957 until June 8, 1999 where they automatically retire you, your 60th birthday. During my years with the National Guard I served in the CO, OR, WV, and MT Guard, with duties as Commo Chief, Survey Chief intelligence Master Sergeant (E8), 1st Sergeant, Tank Commander, Surgery Room Tech (E-V), Plt, Sergeant, MBC, (Nuclear, Biological & Chemical) NCO, (Non Commissioned Officer), Plt. Sergeant for Repair of Artillery Weapons, Instructor at the MT Regional Training Center from which I retired.
Vicki had her hands full with raising the seven kids, helping with several of the 19 grandkids and the 6 great grandkids. She has run a state approved day care for kids from t weeks to 12 years for the past 10 years. She plans to continue the day care for the foreseeable future. She doesn't want to retire, maybe just take some time off to travel some.
We will probably stay in Helena, when and if she decides to retire. We enjoyed each town we lived in and met some very good people at each work assignment.
Jim Jr. who is a flight medic for the MT National Guard has been called up. He is going to Ft. Carson, CO and will be deployed from there. We don't know where he will be going, he just got back from Bosnia in Sept. of 2002.
Jason, Cindy's son is stationed in Hawaii with the Marine Corps. and is going to Bahrain shortly.
We pray for all the people in the war against Iraq. We hope the war is over soon, but I'm afraid we will be there a long time and not really accomplish anything.
Jim Kelly
It seems impossible that all these years have passed since we graduated from BCHS but they really have. Each year we have a reunion here in Phoenix at Jess Jacob's home for all transplants from Las Animas to Phoenix. The last reunion was March 8th and over sixty attended. These reunions make me realize just how fortunate I am to have lived in Las Animas because I believe that the very best people on earth either live or have come from Las Animas.
We all remember how things were when we were kids. The town was so vibrant with so much to do. We knew everyone and it was like we were all family. It is so sad to see the decline of Las Animas and someday there might not be anything left but wonderful memories.
I am so lucky to have life long friends that were my classmates and I often think of each and everyone that I had the privilege of knowing.
My life has been extremely full and I have a wonderful wife, children and now five beautiful granddaughters. My son David, which I am so proud of is an officer in the Air Force, my daughter Janet is a professor of Chemistry at the University in New Mexico, my daughter Pam is a manager of Bank One here in Phoenix and my daughter Jennifer has a beautiful little girl, Grace and lives here in Phoenix. As for me, I have done just about everything since leaving Las Animas. I was the manager of Colorado Blue Cross during the late sixties and seventies. I then made a change and went into the construction industry which I am still very much involved with.
I I had one wish, I would relive my life and only make a few changes. One thing is certain, I never really left Las Animas.
Gary Lamme
Pat (Sweetman) Longley pl62614@alltel.net
I don't really know what to put in the memory book, but here goes.
I worked part time for eleven years as a public librarian in Fayette, Iowa and for seven years as a night reference librarian at Peru State College. My husband, Bill, and I quietly celebrated forty years together before he passed away in August of 2000 after a lengthy illness. Since then I have been able to travel to see our children (in Minnesota and Florida) and to get reacquainted with my siblings. Larry lives near Dallas, TX; Katy lives in Prescott, AZ; Billy lives near Tacoma, WA; and Harold lives in Devon, PA. So I have been doing lots of flying to see everyone.
As always, Pat
The past 46 years have surely gone by quickly. After graduation I went to work for the telephone company here in Las Animas. I married Henry LeMonnier, alias Hank LeMonnier in August 1958. We moved to Liveral Kansas in May of 1960 and made our home there until 1999. I transferred with the phone company and worked until retiring in February of 1999. Hank drove for Nash Finch, a wholesale grocery warehouse, and retired in January of the same year. We have four children, Terri, her husband Dough and daughter Tahnee who is now a sophomore live in Wichita, Kansas. Our son Eddie and wife Deana also a sophomore and Tara, 4th grade moved to Alabama last year. Tina, the youngest girl and husband Max are also in Liberal, she has two children, Matthew, 7th grade and Ashley, 3rd grade.
After spending a few months that first winter living in our 5th wheel and the warm climate of the south, we were. In fact we enjoyed it so much, we returned to Liberal, sold the house, purchased a larger home on wheels and now are full-time Snow-birds. We spend the summers traveling and the winters around Yuma Arizona. During the summer of two thousand we toured the north eastern states and the Maritimes of Canada. The summer of 2001 found us in the northwestern states, and the spring of 2002 we went to the Mardi Gras in New Orleans. From there it was around the southeast part of the country. This summer we are planning a trip to Alaska with three other couples.
We try to get to Las Animas as often as possible when we are anywhere near here. My mother is now in the nursing home and is doing all right physically but her memory is not so good. We really enjoy the time we have to spend with our family and many friends we have made across our wonderful nation. Since we have no permanent residence, we joined the Escapes Club in Livingston, TX. We have a local address and mail service box there. We really do like living what we call the good life.
Betty (Lusk) Wedgewood charles352@webtv.net
I was at the reunion in "86". Then we moved to Louisiana down south near Shreveport where we lived for 12 years.
Where there in "94" I had colon cancer and about died, but I'm a survivor. Doing good now.
This is my third marriage.
In 2001 we decided to move back to Ness City, closer to family. No more moves in the future.
See you in April. If nothing changes.
Betty Lusk Wedgewood
Gene and Caroline (Baublits) Lutz genecar@ris.net
We have remained busy since our retirement and the last class reunion. We've been very fortunate to have been able to travel and visit places only dreamed about before. Since our last reunion 6 years ago we've traveled three times.
To Russia in 1997 (for Gene's 60th birthday). We spent 10 days touring with a group from the United States and there were two bus loads of us. We spent several days in Moscow. There we visited Read Square and Lenin's Tomb as well as the world famous Gum Department Store and rode the subway. We visited two Russian Universities, one of Agriculture on Agronomy, and one in the city of Suzdai and the second was a school of Veterinary Medicine in Novrogod. We ended our Russian tour in St. Petersburg. The final leg of the trip was to Helsinki, Finland before flying back to the United States.
A trip to England,, Wales and Scotland in 1999 to celebrate Carolyn's 60th. Beautiful castles and got to visit the estate of the family of Princess Di. Played an 18 hole-putting course at St Andrews.
A trip to Germany in 2000 to see the live presentation of the Passion Play. It was in the city of Oberammergau in Southern Germany. The play is presented only once every ten years and the players grow their beards and hair long while preparing for their roles in the play. Live animals are used in the outdoor amphitheater.
We spend as much time as we can with our children and grandchildren. Marissa will be 11 in May, and is in the 5th grade. Preston is a 17 year old Junior and Kiley is a 15 year old Freshman, both attend Heritage High School in the Denver area.
We continue to play golf, bridge and work in the yard and garden as well as the flowerbeds.
We still live at 378 Glenmoor Road
Canon City, CO 81212
October 1997 we moved into our new cabin, Cuchara, CO, that our son-in-law had built for us. We spent long weekends there and I spent summers there until Oct. 2000. When Don retired - we then lived together 24 hours a day 7 days a week for the first time in our lives it was a scary thought at first, but what fun we have had.
We bought a new 5th wheel RV trailer and a new pickup to pull it with and have traveled extensively - what fun to go when we want to, where we want to and for how long we want to.
We're avid ATV riders. Living in the mountains we enjoy all the fun things you do in the mountains.
Our family continues to be our pride and joy. Both kids live in Wichita, KS. Son Clay is property manager for a big Bank of America building in Wichita plus several other buildings. He dabbles in real estate.
Daughter Tracy is stay at home mom to our 2 beautiful grandsons - Bodie is 4 and Keegan is 2.
Since our last reunion my brother Stan and my mom have died. There are just 3 of us Branson kids left. Bob lives in Las Animas, CO and Margaret lives in Aften, OK.
Looking forward to seeing everyone at the reunion.
Marilyn Branson Morrow
Shirley (funk) (Flowers) Saloga essaloga@yahoo.com
Hello Classmates!
How do you put 63 years into a few sentences? I was born and raised in Las Animas, CO. I went to school there until my sophomore year and then we moved to Garden City, KS where I went the last 3 years of high school. I met my husband, Jack Flowers, there and got married in 1957. We had 3 children, 2 girls and 1 boy, 2 of them live in Garden City and 1 lives in Colby, KS. We have 14 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. My husband and I owned and operated Buffalo Mill Supply until his death in 1998. My son, Kevin, is now the owner, but he still lets me work there, which I really enjoy doing.
After Jack died I met another wonderful man that I fell in love with and we got married in Nov. 1999. He had lost his wife 3 months after Jack's death, also of cancer. His name is Eugene Saloga and he has 7 children and 19 grandchildren, it sure makes it hectic during the holidays. We got married right at Thanksgiving time so we always plan a trip somewhere to celebrate our anniversary, my birthday, and his birthday, then try to get everyone together for Christmas, which is pretty hard to do.
We both love to travel and go quite a bit, we bought us a 5th wheel camper this year and are planning on taking a trip to Alaska in July for 3 weeks. He stays busy when we are at home with farming, oil well consulting and he has a tree spade that he does tree transplanting with, so the only way I can get him to slow down is take him out of town.
We are looking forward to the reunion and see if there is anyone that I still remember.
Shirley (Funk) (Flowers) Saloga
Hi!
Hardly seems possible that so much time has passed since we graduated from high school. We (my husband Don and I) are going to try to come this year. I have never attended any class reunion before because it was always impossible to have the time off. Both of us worked in a high school but retired in 1999. Since wee have retired we have enjoyed traveling and just having more time to spend with our grandchildren. We have two sons, Terry and Michael and two grandchildren, Stacie 16 and Steven 13. They all live close by. We have lived in Victorville, CA since 1964. All our family is gone from Las Animas now, our parents passed away several years ago and my sisters have moved to Kansas. Don has a brother in Pueblo so we manage to get there once in awhile. We are looking forward to seeing all of you in April.Susan (Smith) Seal
Gerry and Shirley (Havens) Sentel sgsentel@juno.com
Gerry and I moved to Yakima, WA in Dec. 1964. Gerry worked at a printing shop until his retirement in 1997. I worked at a cannery until my retirement in June 2001. Retirement has been even better than we could have imagined.
We have three daughters who we are fortunate to having living in Yakima also. Cheryl Sentel works at a local ABC television station, Lori McKimmy works in insurance and Diana Whitmire works in the office of a fruit warehouse. We have 4 grandchildren, Josh McKimmy, 16; Justin McKimmy, 14; Haley Whitemire, 13; and Hana Whitemire, 11.
We love to spend time with our families and watching our grandkids activities, work at our church and traveling. We also enjoy keeping in touch with many classmates through the e-mail and would love to hear from any of you.
We look forward to seeing all of you in April.Gerry & Shirley Sentel
Nita (Hollandsworth) Dean MrWho@att.net
It will be very hard to remember 45 years of history but I will try. After quitting school in 1955 I was married to Samuel Ray Dean. We stayed in Las Animas for a few months and Sam decided to join the U.S. Navy. His first duty station was in San Diego, CA. I enjoyed the experience of being a navy wife as well as seeing a lot of different states. After 20 years, Sam retired and we bought a farm in Las Animas and did farm work and raised hogs. During his career in the Navy we were blessed with four sons, and as life has many ups and downs, two of our younger sons are deceased. Our older sons are married and we have a step-grandson.
I had a variety of jobs and my two favorites were as a Pharmacy Tech at Fort Lyon, CO and as a CNA in Denver, CO. Time takes its toll and I resigned from 11 years of being a CNA in January, 2002. Since then, I have learned to cook from "scratch" again and enjoy the freedom of being a housewife once again. If I wrote everything I had done for 45 years, you would be reading a book, but I have compressed my life as much as I could.
We have not ventured far from Las Animas and have had a full and happy life. After I finished my business education and Bill graduated from OJC, we got married in Odessa, Texas. Bill got his degree from CSU and we found our flatlander hearts in the mountains at Steamboat Springs, CO, where Bill taught Vo.Ag for three years. Bill has a farmer's heart, so we came back to Las Animas to farm Judge Price's farm in 1965 on Hwy 101. In 1967 we moved three miles east of LA on the Purvis farm and by 1970 we bought the farm across Hwy 50; we are still living there. We raised two sons and a daughter.
Our daughter, Lana Beth, married Bruce Bell from Texas. They live in Austin where Bruce works for Dell Computer. Rebakah Claris is their first born and is eight years old. Liesl Marie was seven in April. William Forrest turned four Aug. 17th. Grandpa Elder is very pleased Forrest is named after him. It is a fourteen hour drive to Austin and we are thrilled every time we get to visit the Bell Family.
Brian Christopher, our youngest son, married Cassie Honey and we are grateful they live across the hwy from us. They have Rileigh Dee, who is 10 years old and Daylon All (named after his uncle Mark). who will be six the nineteenth of Aug. That is Grandpa Bill's birthday and he is very pleased to share his big day. Brian works for La Junta Livestock as a field rep. Cassie is a deputy in the Assessors' office.
Last fall we sold our farm. We kept the house and still have all the equipment. Bill is a busy as ever this year processing our own hay and hay he bought from others. All season he was swathing, raking, baling or stacking hay. The hay was the only crop we had. We knew we would only get about four runs of water and we did not plant one seed of anything. I have worked for the school district for 15 years. I am the High School Library Tech. in the E. E. Bruegel Library. Who would have ever guessed? It has been a real blessing to work with good people and the different kids as they have grown up.
We are now members of the Presbyterian Church. In 1997, we found it necessary to close the Christian Church. It was a sad, stressful time. Our membership is spread out into several churches.
We have such a wonderful family and great friends. God has truly blessed us. Come see us whenever you can. We are looking forward to seeing everyone at the reunion.Bill and Jean Elder
David Murtha kmurtha508@aol.com
I guess if I am going to get anything in the memory book I better quit procrastinating as the deadline is fast approaching. So here is my life history of the last 45 years.
I attended Otero Junior College. Since I didn't go a couple of quarters it took me three years to get in two years of credits. Then I went to CSU and graduated in 1963 with a degree in Industrial Construction Management. Greetings from Uncle Sam were waiting for me and I thought it would be better to be a pilot than a foot soldier so I applied and took the tests to become a pilotin the Air Force and was accepted. However, the Air Force couldn't get their paperwork together so I ended up joining the Navy. Kathy and I got married in June 1964 and I went on active duty in August of the same year. I spent five years on active duty, flight training then flying P-3 patrol planes. I was based at Moffett Field, California, but flew over most of the Pacific including Japan, Phillipines, Guam, Vietnam, and Alaska. Our twin daughters were born in 1966. I was discharged from active duty in 1969 and stayed in the Navy Reserve retiring in 1986. I was hired by United Airlines in September 1969. After initial training we moved back to California as I was based in San Francisco. I worked for almost two years and was then furloughed (laid off) for about six and a half years. During this time Iworked as an insurance claims adjustor, carpenter, storekeeper and mechanic for United. We had another daughter in 1970 and a son in 1972. I was recalled as a pilot in 1977 and in 1978 had enough senority to get a bid in Denver so we moved back to Colorado. We have lived in Loveland since then. I was fortunate enough to get to fly the DC-8, DC-10, 727, 737, 747-400, 757, and 767. I was based mostly in Denver but also in Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York at various times over the years. I retired in June 2000 at age 60 (mandatory).
Since retirement Kathy and I have been busy visiting kids and grandkids (six boys and one girl) and doing some traveling. Our son was living in England so that was a good excuse to see some of Europe. Our daughters live in Colorado Springs, Wichita, and Washington, D.C. so just visiting all of them involves quite a bit of time and travel. Also last spring we spent almost a month driving a motor home from southern California to Alaska, which was a fantastic trip. I also do some motorcycle riding and hunting and it seems we stay busy. As a friend of mine says, "I don't know when I had time to go to work."We'll see you at the reunion.
Dave and Kathy
Dean and Evelyn (Kirchman) Ritchhart
Fellow Classmates of 1958 and 1957
We wish you all the best and know your lives have been full of joy mixed with some sorrow, which life deals out when you get to be 60 years old. As many of you may recall, you could not wait to graduate from BCHS and go out into the big world to do something! We left L.A. as most did but were fortunate enough to return frequently and each time we returned, we found we enjoyed our "old friends" in and around Las Animas more each time we returned. These reunions and other trips have been fun for years and we hope to return for some time.
Evelyn(class of '59) and I along with our three children (Corina, Dennis, and David) have lived in many cities but settled in the Seattle area since 1976. We now live on 4 acres east of Seattle. Evelyn has been wrestling with CFS for some years but is doing well considering. Just when things seemed better, she got "rear-ended" by a car and has had to deal with back and neck problems for the last several months. She still finds time to help our daughter Corina's mother-in-law who is disabled from a stroke and for the past two years she spent lots of time with her mother Eunice and her friends at the dialysis center here before Eunice passed on in early 2002.
Corina with her husband Stefan and granddaughters Nicole (ag3 15) and Kristina (soon to be 14) live about 10 minutes away. Corina works with a financial services firm and manages insurance programs for two major local cities. Stefan has a business providing high-tech entertainment systems. It is fun watching movies on their 108 inch screen at their home theatre.
"Soccer Grandma Eve" always has her video camera and she also covers basketball and now volleyball. Both girls are great athletes but more important to us, they are great students and more important than that, they are great kids!
Dennis has been in construction for years including several years in San Diego. David was in the floral business in San Diego and is in the security system installation business here. Dennis lost his kidneys when he was living in San Diego from a childhood disease in the early 90's and David donated one of his to Dennis. They live together with a good friend about 30 minutes from us. They love fishing and some of the fish they catch are as big as their stories!
Dean has achieved his ultimate goal and is now the world's best "couch potato". He is semi-retired (source of income unknown) and is working on business plans for new business ventures that have not made him rich yet. He is reluctantly looking for "a real job" so that real retirement can happen soon. With a background as an auditor (you remember how he used to rifle through your lockers in high school) his skills should be in demand. By the way, he did keep some of those things he found in your lockers and they will be auctioned off at the reunion dinner to support his retirement fund.
We look forward to seeing all of you.Dean and Evely Ritchhart
Since our last reunion, there have been many changes in my life. I was divorced five years ago, and welcomed a granddaughter on December 24, 1997. Her name is Victoria Louise, and she is an image of her mother, just as her brother is an image of his father, Will, my second son.
In June 1998, I went back to school to obtain my MBA in Health Administration at CU Denver. Two years later, July 2000, I graduated after much test anxiety, sweat, and tears! The whole experience was wonderful, with my classmates from all over the US, and from varied health care fields. All continued their full time employment, and completed most of the work via computer---for me a giant learning curve in itself. We spent two weeks per semester on campus, and relived some of the college life.
I continued to work at Fort Lyon, becoming the Clinic Manager for Primary Care, moving the clinic to La Junta in April of 2001, completing the contract for a clinic to serve veterans in Lamar, and just this January, opening another outpatient clinic for vets in Alamosa. I was involved with the closure of Fort Lyon, and the opening of a nursing home for veterans in Pueblo.
At graduation in July 2000, my family attended to help celebrate the occasion; my three sons, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, Ron's girlfriend, and my sisters, Helen and Ellen. It was the first time in over ten years that my sons had been together. I travel to Alaska yearly to visit Ron; he was married in June 2002 to Lucy, an Alaska pioneer (born there). I traveled with Will and his family to New Zealand two years ago, where we were met by my daughter-in-law's parents from Bisbane, and were able to meet all of Tania's relatives who live in Christchurch. After a week of visiting, we toured the south island.
Was able to visit with classmates from various years on the 2002 Alaska cruise in august. At home I keep busy with various organizations, and have been on the Board of Directors of Bent County Nursing Home for five years.
As fast as tune flies these days, it won't be long until our 49th and 50th reunions. I hear the 49th is a great deal of work----so let's enjoy this one in 2003!Karen Barks
Stuart L. Jantzen zenjoie@surfbest.net
I was with the class of 1958 from the first grade until the 9th grade when my father who worked at Ft Lyon was transferred to Washington, D.C. in 1954-55.
I graduated from Levittown HS in Levittown, PA. in 1958 and went to the U of C. in 58-59.
I went into Aviation Cadets in 59 and was commissioned as a USAF Second Lt. in 1960.
I married Judy Gaylord in 1961 and we had a son, Alex, in 1962.
We were in Europe from 1962 - 1965.
Went to pilot training at Moody AFB, Ga. in 1965.
Was a B-52 pilot, which included three tours of South East Asia, until 1973.
Got out of USAF in 1973 and returned to school while working full time.
Received a Bachelor of Business Adm. from Florida Atlantic University in 1978.
Reentered USAF in 1980 as B-52 pilot.
Went on to become Chief of Flight Safety and then Chief of Base Safety of a nuclear base.
Retired in 1987 at the age of 48.
Bought a 41' center cockpit ketch sailboat which I captained for 10 1/2 years in Key West and NC.
After 3 direct hit hurricanes - we sold the boat and moved to the high desert of AZ. in 1998.
I have spent 16 months on the city council and am currently running for Mayor.
Primary election is March 11, 2003, so by the time of the reunion I hope to be the mayor elect of Huachuca City.
My hobby is working in stained glass and my wife who is a professional artist and I are members of the Huachuca Art Ass. I was on the board of directors for the past 2 years and was the webmaster. Now Judy is on the board and the editor of their news letter.
I enjoy doing projects around our home, such as building a garden wall, sidewalks and a copper arch trellis, etc.Stuart L. Jantzen
Harry Eldon Marshall harrmars@aol.com
The Marshalls wish you a happy reunion. I'll miss the familiar faces and strong spirits of friend and enemies alike. Las Animas History and rooted-ness still provide me character, although sometimes too crusty, and confidence, although overstated at times.
The new millennium found me retiring with 35 years Federal service. I left Department of Veterans Affairs as Programs Director for the Rehabilitation Healthcare Group in Washington, across from the White House (ground zero for terrorism). Four more years history working for Colorado State and In Southern Japan in 1971-72 add up to qualifying me for status as a genuine OLD CUMUDGEON.
Elsie and I remain in the Washington D.C. suburbs in spite of logic telling us to get out while we can. She's been hopping between USA and Japan a lot. Kent, our oldest son makes his home in Minneapolis and likes it there. Erik never strayed from our former home in Iowa and is back in school retooling to hopefully become employed around Cedar Rapids.
March of 2001 found me beginning two year contract as Professor of Medical Rehabilitation at a new four year University in North Central Japan. I'm in the city of Sendai (1.2 million-town) at Tohoku Bunka Gakuen University. I teach three classes of 65 Occupational Therapy students each. 54 will graduate with BS degrees March 21st. Let the parties begin! It has provided us great opportunity to travel, study and present professionally. We've made it to Amsterdam, Singapore and Stockholm Sweden.
Now we're beginning to play before returning stateside. Two weeks in New Zealand as their summer wanes is just what the Doctor ordered for the very cold American. We have no central heat in Japan and I'm always bitching as I wait for the trains, walk miles for groceries, etc. The return trip will take us through Australia and Thailand. So I'm not sure which continent we'll be on come April.
I do know that you will have a great fellowship and "Home Cooking". You wouldn't believe what they can do with a good thing in Japan. For instance, the student center's Italian bistro serves personal pizza; it comes with octopus and squid!
I hope to see some or better yet, all of you at our 50th! Hang in there. I may be able to send some picks via computer to Mary Jan before the Santa Fe Day hoopla. Keep your guns entry but your powder dry.
Do Take Good care and Work/Pray for Peace!Harry Eldon Marshall
Dear Fellow Classmates and Noble Survivors of Life,
Five years ago I was thrilled to be back in touch with many of you at the time of the last reunion. During and for some time after, I corresponded via e-mail with Mary Jan Losey and reacquainted me with stories of people and changes in the area over the past many years. There were two great experiences that came as a result. I learned that Ben Davidson [Of Ben's Radio Shop] was still alive and had a long conversation over the phone with him. He was like a big brother to me and put me on the road toward my life's work. In addition, about two years ago, Larry Miller and his wife stopped for an overnight visit on their way to South Carolina. He was my best friend, and we had lost complete contact for 40 years.
Nothing has changed much since last time except that I am five years older. I am blessed with good health and a loving wife. I and one employee maintain 23 radio stations in the Chattanooga area, and I still very much enjoy my occupation. Suzanne still works at home writing food, wine, and travel as a freelancer. She travels often, and I join her when ever possible. My son Sam and wife Connie still have only two children. He is a networking specialist working for a company in Chattanooga, and she does accounting out of their home. Our daughter Amy now lives in Atlanta and works as marketing manager for The Arthritis Foundation.
With a look of thoughtful puzzlement on her face, my wife's mother after entering her eighties use to often ask the rhetorical question, "how did I get to be this age?". At sixty-three I am beginning to understand. Life becomes two dimensional, with the true sense of time lost somewhere in the dust of life. It is about this time that one realizes that nature has played a very dirty joke on us called, "Aging". I have a hunch that most of us refuse to believe the joke is in fact true. That is the stuff human resiliency is made of. Hold your glass high and lets drink to that!
My plans for the future are to hopefully partially retire in two or three years. I would like to continue to work to some degree until I'm 70 or so. However, with the economy in its current state, retirement doesn't look as rosy as it once did. Ha We will see what we will see! In any event, perhaps by the time of the next reunion I can make a pilgrimage back to Las Animas.
May life forward be healthy, reach, and rewarding for all of you. My memories of the four short years I spent amoung you are happy and rewarding.
Parks Hall
MEMORIES
Most of my life following high school graduation has centered around children and education. Having taught at all levels from primary grades through college, I determined that your children were the most rewarding for me. Therefore, I pursued a career as a psychologist for over 30 years. Many of you know, however, about me from our previous reunions. Therefore, let me concentrate on the time since our last reunion.
I retired in January of 1998. Since then life has taken on new meaning for me and my wife Kathleen. After purchasing a motor home the previous fall, we started immediately to travel these United States and Canada, during the summer months. Seven to eight months, then, are spent with alternating trips between the east and west coasts. We only do one coast per year. Frequently, though, we come back through Texas on the return trip, so we're able to see the Gulf of Mexico every year. Kathleen was reared in San Luis Obispo, California, and, while she doesn't want to live there, she likes to get back every year or so.
We did have a super visit with Mrs. Crites in Florida in January of 1999. I was scared to death of her in school but found her a most delightful person under the new circumstances. She insisted, though, that I call her Laura, and such a radical change just wasn't possible. It's seems that 50+ years of programming can't be erased overnight. I was truly saddened to hear of her passing about a year ago.
This traveling provides many opportunities for us. Our first trip east was spent visiting Civil War sites where my great-grandfather served. Private Joseph Roberts was in the 10th Georgia Infantry serving primarily in Virginia and Gettysburg. I have accumulated a wealth of info on the 10th Georgia in consideration of writing a book about the regiment. Most regiments both North and South have their history already published, but I'm sad to say this is not true of the 10th.
Before retirement I had completed six books primarily involved in history and often involving Las Animas. Since retirement I have completed HOMINY CORNERS (1st Books.com) for commercial sale, which is the story of my family using fictitious names. With such a poor background in history from BCHS, it's amazing that I love history as much as I do. I had Crimmings (Mr. doesn't come easily here) for American History, and his interests were primarily in coaching, not academic subject matter. On the other hand, I've had nice visits with Mr. Harry Allen (he died in about 1985) when he was superintendent of Pueblo County Schools. His widow, Jean, is a most likeable person. I visited Mr. Harold Dunning in 1983 in his capacity as director of the Thomas Pickens Vo-tech Center in Aurora. I very much consider Mr. Dunning a special friend for the way he treated me in high school. As long as I am on the subject, my favorite teacher (algebra) at BCHS was Ray Wheeler. I ran into him at Max's funeral several years ago and had a long visit with him; he was very crippled up with arthritis (I believe it was) and had trouble walking.
Kathy and I have six grandchildren living in three different states. Thus, our travels permit us to see them more than pre-retirement might have allowed. With three each of granddaughters and grandsons we thoroughly enjoy spending time with them. All but one has been able to stay with us in the motor home on occasion. Also, we spend one to two weeks each year on Lake Powell where we are partial owners of a houseboat. This 65 foot floating home is so peaceful and enjoyable. We give up part of our cabin time for this, but it is well worth it. Going to and from our "slip" by Bullfrog, Utah, permits us additional time to see the kids and grandkids as well.
Our travels have also allowed us to operate our own "Habitat for Humanity" project for family members as we crisscross this wonderful country. I let the family purchase the materials, while I provide carpentry, plumbing and electrical work on both remodeling and new construction. We part our motor home in their yard for the duration of the project then move on down the road. Sitting still for long periods of time is not one of my better attributes.
Finally, both Kathy and I spend significant amounts of time doing genealogical research on our families. Our travels have permitted us to go to the many different locations where our ancestors lived and check out land records, visit cemeteries, etc., in establishing their story while there. The internet has been a great bonus in our research; last year, though, we graduated to DNA studies in further locating and identifying our heritage. Needless to say, I write up our findings for distribution to family members. Next week will see us running down leads in Mississippi identified by DNA evidence that we've collected in the last year.
Enough for now, I'm very much looking forward to seeing everyone for this momentous occasion called the 45th reunion. Reunions are truly a rewarding experience for me.O. Ray
MaryJane (Bond) Losey mjane@cminet.net
The last five years has passed so swiftly that I wonder how the next 5 will go. Too fast, I am afraid.
Within the last 5 years I lost one daughter-in-law, gained another one (not from the same son though). My older son became a single parent with his daughter who was then 12 years old. So I help him with the struggles of parenthood especially now that she is 14. I think he is beginning to appreciate my struggles as a single parent now. Seems we get smarter as our children get older! I forgot to mention in the last memory book that in addition to my own 3 children I raised another child. I befriended him at school, saw that he really needed a good environment and eventually be became "mine" full-time. Now he is 21, has a daughter, and lives and works at MCI in Colorado Springs.
A lot of my time in the past 5 years has been promoting and booking country music artist Johnny Rodriguez who was really popular as the first Tex-Mex singer in country music in the 70's. He was discovered by Tom T. Hall and during this period of fame, sang at Carnegi Hall, sang at President George Bush's Inaugural Ball, Entertainer of the Year, 13 consecutive number 1 hits. His "Pass me By" and "Ridin' My Thumb to Mexico" might be remembered by some of you, and I could go on and on. Right now, he is content to perform at fairs, night clubs, events. Because of this I am usually gone at least one weekend a month to show in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Nevada, South Dakota, etc. I can't believe that in January I drove to Dallas on a Saturday and came back on a Sunday and wasn't even tired the next day at work. I persuaded Johnny to come to last year's Santa Fe Trail celebration and he was the Parade Marshall. I chauffeured him in a convertible and he joked the night before about being afraid to sit on the back of the convertible with me driving. He and I drove from South Dakota (10 hours) and he thinks my driving is pretty bad. I finally got tired of the back-seat driving and let him handle it. He stayed with me and my family for the week and really liked our little town.
I have my 25 years in with the school district. I am almost afraid to retire because I think I would just sit in the recliner and watch TV or be on the computer and never get anything done. A new elementary school is being built on the same grounds as where Columbian School stands and I would like to be able to work in that new building for a couple of years.
That's about all that has happened to me in the last 5 years. I have made so many friends by traveling and in fact, the day after our reunion (Sunday), I'm headed for an afternoon show in Albuquerque at Old Town and have to meet Johnny Rod and his bandleader at the airport that morning. My life is surely not boring!
Tencha Friedenberg tenchaavila@yahoo.com
I just did the arithmetic. Is it really 45 years since our graduation? I never was very good at math. It must really be 35 years. Anyway, while in China, I took 10 years off my life. That's what the people say they lost during the "Cultural" Revolution. Immediately, I felt younger. It's cheaper than plastic surgery.
How I wish I could be there to see you all and share news and blarney. But here I am with Walt in our home in Puerto Vallarta. The program sounds a lot of fun, and oh, to be in another Santa Fe Parade. I always wanted to be a Santa Fe Trail Queen. I don't think I was pretty enough then, but now, maybe I could qualify to be an attendant. Some of us do get better looking as we get older. Just kidding. I'd do better to go for the part of the miner's wife.
Virgie said to share what we've been up to the last five years since the last reunion. For me, fortunately, it has been five years of directing theater, not for profit but for fun and good will. Mostly I've been working with two actresses who enrolled in a theater masters program in their mid-life as I did. We develop the plays in Ohio, take them to Puerto Vallarta for the snowbirds from Canada and the USA. We manage to leave $1500 US dollars for a good local cause after each production. However, the last play was so enticing that I also acted in it. It was the Vagina Monologues. We presented two productions in Vallarta and one in Greeley, CO. The Greeley production brought out 1000 people and we were able to leave $10,000 to the Women's Plance and Sexual Assault Survivor's Inc., giving us all much pleasure.
I hope to be coming your way late summer. So, I hope to see some of you then. Maybe we can have a litte reunion.
Love to all, Tencha
Don't have a story. Same old thing. No job, no nothing. Retired.......
THE PAST FORTY-FIVE YEARS
After graduating from high school, Jerry and I were married in June of 1958. We lived in the Las Animas area for five and one half years, during which time our two children, Mike and Joan, were born.
In December of 1963, we moved to Washington State and Jerry worked in farming for five years, then in 1966 he went to work for the City of Toppenish where he worked for twenty-nine plus years, until he was forced to take a medical retirement in 1995 after being diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in February of 1995. He fought a courageous battle for the next two and a half years, being in and out of remission and undergoing numerous high dose chemotherapy sessions. He never lost confidence that he would eventually win the battle but it got to the point that the chemotherapy was no longer effective and he passed away in October of 1997.
I worked for J C Penny company for four years after moving to Washington and then in January of 1969 I went to work as a secretary for Toppenish School District. During the next thirty years I worked four years in the elementary school, eighteen years as secretary to the high school principal and the last eight years as administrative secretary to the business manager in the superintendents office. After thirty years in the school district I retired in April of 1999.
In April of 1997 Jerry and I were able to attend our 40th Class Reunion at which time we enjoyed reminiscing with our friends and classmates.
our son Mike married in 1997 and he and his wife Suzanne blessed us with seven grandchildren (four girls and three boys) and since have added two great grandchildren a boy and a girl, and a third one due in May. Mike is now living in Rexburg, Idaho where is manager of the Les Schwab Tire Center there. our daughter Joan married in 1979 and she and Dennis have one boy and two girls and now also have given us one great grandson. Joan and her family live in Goldendale, WA where she is office manager for Central Telephone Com., and Dennis works for Columbia Aluminum.
Our free time over the years included visiting grandchildren, camping, fishing trips on the Columbia river and traveling with Gerry and Shirley.
Since my retirement in 1999 I have been involved with our local rodeo association as secretary for a year and a half and most recently am on the board of directors and secretary for the Miss Rodeo Washington Association for the past two years. I enjoyed a trip to Las Vegas in December for the Miss Rodeo America Pageant and the National Finals Rodeo where I was able to cheer on K C Jones.
When I am home I keep busy with my garden of sixty-five roses, my yard and other flowers. I love the roses but wonder if I wasn't nuts for putting in so many when it comes to taking care of them. I try to get in as much traveling as possible with visits to Idaho and California to visit kids, grandkids, and great grandkids and to Colorado, Oregon, California to visit brothers and sisters, and to Missouri to visit Jerry's parents and brothers.
It has been a very busy and fulfilling 45 years and I look forward to seeing all of you at the reunion.
Tom has retired and living in Cheraw. Our greatest accomplishments are our 2 sons and daughters-in-law, and our 2 daughters and sons-in-law. We have 4 granddaughters and 4 grandsons and we are very proud of each one of them.
Tom spends most of his spare time on woodworking and welding projects.
We look forward to seeing all of you at the reunion.
Well 45 years later I am still doing the same thing, farming!!! A few things have changed during the 45 years. I found out there is more to life than staying tied to the farm but haven't found a way out yet. We have done some traveling and would like to do more but I make Linda work and support me. She still has her ownership in First Insurance. Selling insurance! I don't raise sheep any more but do raise angus cattle. The keep me busy.
Our three children all live fairly close. Joy lives in Kim, CO, a small ranching community about 90 miles from here. She has 2 children ages 10 and 12. Jull lives in Wiley, CO and has 2 children, age 4 and 6 and Jered lives outside of Las Animas and has 2 children, age 3 and 7. We really enjoy going to basketball and baseball games, school programs and rodeos.
We do enjoy our hometown of Las Animas and doing things with our really great friends.
Ronnie Hoffman
45 years! Well, I had my six children, worked, my grandchildren came and then my great grandchildren. I retired after working 34 years at Fort Lyon VA Hospital. I've been taking care of some of my babies but they are growing up; and starting off to their first years of school. Angel, my husband, is still working and I am just thoroughly enjoying life and really taking time to "smell the roses".
Hope you are all well and happy, and looking forward to our 45th reunion.
Wish I had some exciting and interesting news for you but really, we lead a very quiet life. We continue to live in the same old farm house where we raised our two children. Have been here 33 years.
Still practice anesthesia full time at our local hospital. We farm, raise sheep, and have two grandchildren who keep us very active. Life has been very good to us. I'm really looking forward to sharing memories. Those were really good times we had, weren't they?
See you all soon. Class of 1958 - We really rate!
What have I been doing for 45 years? Well, after becoming a nurse I stayed home with our children until they were in high school and college. Initially I was a school nurse then started to work in a private pediatricians office. and That's where I still am today! However, I have cut back to only 3 days a week. Gary and I still live in Englewood. Blessings to you and our class of 1958.
Hurry! We are finally back in good old Las Animas.
Jim retired from the North Texas Health Care System V. A. Hospital in April 2002. After spending eighteen years in the Dallas area. It sure is great to be home where here are real people. Jim worked as mason/carpenter at the V. A. in Dallas and Ruby worked in the canteen. We hope to do some traveling in our RV, as soon as we get our home at 903 5th St., remodeled.
We have four children - two boys and two girls -; eleven grandchildren and nine great grand's to date! They are living from the Northwest to Indiana.
Since retiring and coming back home it seems like I've been working harder then before I retired! I'm completely remodeling the house we bought, re-wiring, re-plumbing, tearing out old walls and re-locating them, and building a 14 x 28 addition onto the house. Hope to finish the outside with stucco next spring, then maybe we will be able to enjoy our 5th wheel RV.
Looking forward to seeing everyone at the reunion.
Jim Kaufman
Virgie (Braly) Robb robbherefords@rural-com.com
The Robb family is still growing good tasting beef and farming, although this past year's drought has been a real trial for us as well as everyone else in agriculture in CO and several surrounding states. Without irrigation water there is no reason to plant a crop, needless to say we have had a "layoff" due to weather conditions. However we did not have to liquidate very many cattle the way many ranchers were forced to do last summer. The rainfall this spring will determine our fate for this coming year.
Tom and I are in good health and consider this old ranch our "hobby"; keeping up with repairs and fence building, saddling a horse as often as we can for some R&R. I purchased a digital camera two years ago and became "addicated". I have had more fun, until I did a granny fall on the curb one day not long ago, it fell with me and now it is being repaired. The fall didn't hurt me but I am having withdrawal without my camera.
Our oldest son Cary and his family still live close, he works with his dad, younger son, Keith and his wife live in Farwell, TX. He works for Lextron Animal Health. Only 2 grandkids, and now 2 great grandsons.
I have enjoyed reading all your letters and e-mails and hope everyone who registered is able to come to the reunion. See you soon.
Virgie
Margaret (Medina) Ewing dewing30@attbi.com
Thanks for the invitation to our class of "57"-"58" reunion.
We have lived at this address for 30+ years. Don has worked for Allied-Nationwide Insurances for several years as a master-claims rep., in their salvage dept. in Aurora.
We have 5 beautiful grandchildren plus 2 from our adopted son.
1. Annette --- 19 yrs. Sean --- 9 yrs> From our adopted son.
2. Bryanna --- 6 yrs. Valerie --6 yrs>
3. Zachary --- 9 yrs
4. Mario --- 8 yrsI myself, have been retired (ss disability) for 6 yrs., from Metropolitan Assoc. for Retarded Citizens where I worked for 24 years. Health got really bad with Multiple Sclerosis and several cancer surgeries, that I was medically forced to retire.
We belong to an American Legion #193 not too far from our home, and we volunteer in the club, quite a bit, that keeps me going a little.
Both my mom and dad have passed on - but I still have my sister, and 4 brothers.
Have a great party.
Marge Ewing
Ollie (Dodson) Ridley omridley@centurytel.net
Harrell and I have been married for 32 years. Have one son Darren and his wife Christy and they have a daughter Paige who is 7 years old. They live on the ranch and Darren runs the ranch for us although it seems Harrell is still as busy as ever. We like to travel and would like to do more in the future.
Ollie recently served almost 9 years on the Farm Service Agency State Committee (a political appointment) and enjoyed that very much. We stay busy, but wouldn't have it any other way.
