APRIL 2008
CORRESPONDENCE:
Wanda Mansell
Chastain, class of 1947:
Thanks again for the newsletter.
I was sorry to hear about the deaths and glad to get the other news.
My News: I have moved from my home in
Johnny
Watkins, class of 1947:
I received the Newsletter you sent
Feb.24, and as all ways, thoroughly enjoyed reading and re-reading it.
Thank you very much. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.
Johnny
Pat Taylor, husband of Frances Arnold Taylor,
class of 1955:
Thanks for the newsletter. I had to call
911 for
Note:
Friends, Pat has contacted me since this February letter.
Wanda Chandler Cheves, class of 1948
Maryanne, thank you for having Rip to
forward me the news letter. I hope I have both of you e-mail
address in my address book now. I was getting so much spam e-mail that
I fixed it so if you are not in my address book it is returned. I
not only have to put it in my address book but also in the Spam Pro
approval. I would hate to miss one of your newsletters.
Wanda (
Bill Malher, class of 1947
Received the February issue and found quite a
few people that I had not heard about in a long time. It is
universal and seems to have something for everyone. Enjoy reading
about what is happening currently. Keep it going.
Bill
Mary Ann Spence Shook class of 1947:
Dear Maryanne (one word),
We received our copy of "Old Friends" yesterday and as always we
enjoyed it. The newsletters bring back a lot of good memories that
would otherwise remain unrecalled, plus letting us know what is going on
with friends and schoolmates at the present time. There are always
things to laugh along with, rejoice with and things of sadness and
concern to pray about. We sincerely appreciate all you do. Thank
you, Mary Ann (two words) Spence Shook
Ruby Nell Gates
Jerald Brown, class of 1950
Maryanne, The News
letter was just wonderful.
Thanks Jerald
Howard Gay, class of 1949
Thanks so much for your work with the newsletter.
It's the first thing I read of my e-mail each time I get it.
Howard Gay
Rip Van Winkle, class of 1948
Well
Done!
I just got one copy.
NOTE:
I had problems sending the
newsletter via Yahoo last time…. then discovered that each attempt
resulted in it being sent.... delayed reaction!
You are all in groups of years, and there are too many to send in
one swift move…. So some of you received multiples and others didn’t…..
I responded to Rip, with
“Would you like a couple more???”
His answer:
“I do feel a little slighted since some are
getting 3 copies”.
Carolyn Caddell Adams, class of 1959
“Hi, Carolyn Caddell Adams here.....still praying for Pug, bless her heart..... I know that prayers do help.
My husband has been ill for 2 yrs and in hospital
in
Thank you for sending me updates on Pug and everyone. I missed the reunion last year, but hopefully, this will be a better year, and I will be able to attend. Thanks, Carolyn
Note: I will try to have
updates on all the prayer needs before I finish this newsletter.
Lou Ann Gay Yarbro, class of 1952
JUST
Sue Croft Jarrett, class of 1956
THANKS MUCH. READ THE NEWSLETTER WITH SUCH
WONDERFUL TRIBUTES TO LOU
Reat Fish Spruiell, class of 1951
I received the newsletter and enjoyed it very much. Keep up the good work. Reat
Freddie Glover, husband of Zada Lemond Glover, class of 1947
Hi Maryanne, You do not
know me , Zada Lemond Glover is my wife, Thanks for the news letter, We
are Friends of Doris and Lee
Perry, Ray and Mary Ann Shook, Roy and Annelle Mundt, We travel
together. I wanted to have
you tell my good friend James Gilmore hello for me,
Thanks Fred Glover.
Note: I told Freddie that I am crushed!!! We did know each other when we were all young. [How soon we do forget!!!!] And I did give my brother-in-law the message!
Eva Nell Clements Cook, class of 1951
Thank you for sharing!!
Remember, we need to share joyous times not just our sorrows.
I have to change my plans about coming to your place. There is a
wedding in Ft.Worth on April 11th and some friends are coming from Ok
City and also from
Note: Eva Nell was referring to an e-mail I sent to several people about our granddaugher’s wedding. She’s right! We do need the light-hearted things to bal0ance those facts of life that require our prayers. So, here it is again……I will edit it as much as possible, for these pages.
The Wedding [of Bobbie Lynn Gilmore, daughter of Jim & Vickie, and Hayden McBride Cowen, from the restaurant family of McBrides.]
“This is probably more than you ever want to know about our Granddaughter, Bobbie Lynn's wedding, held yesterday evening, [Sunday, March 16th ] at the Arboretum in Dallas.......
Since the wedding was at
The gardens in the Arboretum are fabulous, and it was daylight when we got there. The picture-taking was done first, because of needing the light.
A violin quartet provided the music, none of which was standard wedding music, but really beautiful. The ceremony itself was so-so, because of a boring preacher.... but Bobbie Lynn was absolutely stunning in a strapless gown that was fitted down to the hips, and then began ruffles on the back side all the way down to the long, long train, which made it billow out.... Beautiful!
She did liven things up by giggling all the way through their vows, between tears.... and they did a lovely ritual of 'blending sands' which I had not seen before.... rather than the candle lighting. Her sand was blue, his was brown, and it was very interesting to see them fill the center vase.
Our custodial granddaughter, Karlee, was her maid of honor. She was beautiful, too.
The ceremony took place in a lower garden, in front of a fountain with a sculpture of a nude man and woman... in abstract, thank God! Then, the 'reception' was up higher, lots of steps to climb.... in the courtyard of the 'Tea Room'.... It was really a party.... a buffet of beautiful foods... Huge round tables, set with chocolate petit-fours in place of a groom's cake, and favors including packets of morning glory seed in tuxedo jackets.....very new to me.
Entertainment was provided by a DJ.... and the music spanned all the eras from our time down to what the kids call music now!!! The first dance by the bride and groom was not the graceful sweeping waltz, but a cute modern flirty thing.... Bobbie Lynn swirled her train around until she would have to pick it up.... then she would do a bump, and throw it behind her..... really fun to watch.
Bill and I were asking son Jimmy and Vickie if we could leave....[since I had to drive from Denton back up here alone] when the DJ announced it was time for the Couple's Dance, where all the married people danced until they dropped out, as he called out years of marriage.....
Well, of course, you know who danced the longest.... near the last, there was one other couple on the floor with Bill and me.... They dropped out at about 45 years. Then the DJ began trying to go up just a year at a time.... finally the kids all started yelling "higher!!".... so he called "50 years?" We kept dancing.... "52 years?" "HIGHER!" "55 years?" "HIGHER!" He said, "Oh, you've got to be kidding. I can't imagine anybody living together for that long!" I think one of the kids must have signaled him, because then he called 58 years....
A lot of fun! Then, we had to offer our advice to Bobbie Lynn and Hayden.. I told them I had none…. just love each other. Bill almost cried, telling Bobbie Lynn how much he loved her, and "Hayden, you be good to her!"
All our grandkids there were thrilled to have us on the dance floor.... a first for them, I guess.... One grandson said, "That was awesome.." which I believe is the greatest compliment young people can give......
We got to sit down a minute as the dance floor filled up again. I did some table hopping, telling everybody good night..... looked up, and Bill was on the floor again, dancing with a 3 year old girl, who looked like an angel...... That old man was MOVING!!!!
It was a wonderful, beautiful, happy, fun wedding in a classy setting.
It was
Life is still good, in spite of the bad parts!
Myra Taylor Hays, class of 1952
Sounds like it was a day to be proud. Beautiful wedding, beautiful bride and very proud grandparents. A day to remember. Thanks for sharing.
Doris Probst Perry, class of 1947
I loved
hearing about
the wedding. It was just
like being there. You write a
snappy true story Do write another book-
seriously.
Oh that was so much fun being the last couple on the dance floor. We were the last couple on the floor at our granddaughter's wedding- Ginger - Dennis's daughter in Oct 06. Can you believe we will be married 60 years on May 23, if we make it . Doris Perry
Annelle Short Mundt, class of 1947
Thanks for telling us all about the wedding. It meant a lot to me for a couple of reasons. One, I got to know your children and grandchildren from reading your book and Two, Angel, our youngest granddaughter, will be getting married on April 20th.
Bobby Lynn couldn't have selected a more beautiful
place for her wedding. Two or three years ago
Roy and I and the
Perry, Shooks and Glovers
spent an afternoon at the Dallas Arboretum and it was during the azaleas
blooming season so every minute we were there was a thrill.
Right now azaleas are blooming in
Angel and Robbie had first planned an outdoor wedding in the park but she wasn't satisfied with any of them for various reasons. Originally, wedding and reception both were to be in the park, then just the wedding and the reception would be at one of the downtown restaurants, it is not open for business on Sundays so would work out. Now, I think they've decided to have both at the restaurant. It is almost time for invitations to go out so they need to go on and finalize plans.
Angel is our youngest grandchild and had never been interested in marriage, etc. so it surprised us that she will be the first to marry. She and Robbie announced their wedding plans to the family the first of the year. They hadn't been dating very many months but they have known each other for more than six years and have been very good friends all of this time. Robbie has been in love with her the whole time but she'd told him long ago that she thought of him as a friend and I think he had resigned himself to the fact that he'd have to see her marry someone else. Somehow, though, the friendship blossomed into love and they both feel it is the real thing. We all love Robbie and are happy about the development. Annelle
Franklin Farmer, class of 1950 Thank you. I loved reading every minute of it. FF
Mary Koonce Eib, class of 1944 What a delight. Mary
Lucille Wesley Holman, class of 1951
That was wonderful.
I had tears in my eyes before it was over. It did sound
beautiful.
Congratulations on being able to dance for 58 years!
So glad you both made it home okay. God was looking after you.
Lucy
Johnny Dunn, class of 1950 [class of 1951 claims him, too, but he belongs to us!!!]
Finally taking the time to respond to some of my emails. Kinda got behind. Sorry it took so long. Always enjoy your emails and the news they bring from home.
Your
Sorry about Pug's setback. We need to
intensify our prayers. Pug and others you have mentioned, and You
Maryanne, are in what I call my Little Band of Angels. These are
the ones I pray for every day. Please keep us posted on this
life-style change you will be experiencing and on Pug's status.
Love and Blessings to All,
Johnny
Note: The
Son Billy flew with me to see my 89 year old sister after she broke her hip. She is doing well for her age.
Lou Ann Gay Yarbro
SO SORRY TO HEAR
ABOUT PUG. WE JUST
Note: Friends, since this note, the Yarbro’s granddaughter passed away. Lou Ann asked me to thank all of you who remembered them at that time.
The Weiler’s Yearly Jaunt….
I received the itinerary for the
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPEDITIONS
tour of
Anyway, Bill wrote:
“Our trip
was great in all respects! First of all we did not crash.
All flights were on time and no luggage was lost. We had flat bed
seats so arrived fully rested both ways. There is nothing like sleeping
through an eleven hour flight. Once on the ground we had a
beautiful lodge in the National Park with a great view of the
The main thing to remember is that southern South
America is nothing like
Note: The report I was promised didn’t arrive.... I make no pretense
of hiding my envy! But how
nice that they are still able to have these adventures.
Marie Grussendorf Bennett, class of 1944
I painted this as a graduation card for my granddaughter, Julia. Since I knew you loved hummingbirds, I made a copy to send you.
You asked the Old Friends about hobbies, and since I started doing a few watercolor paintings since Christmas, I thought you could see my new venture.
During my life, gardening has been a love for me. I still have a lot of that to do, but my body is rebelling more all the time. So I will try to cut down on high maintenance things…. Love, Marie
Note: Marie sent me a lovely copy of her painting, which I have on my wall by my computer. It’s near an original watercolor that our mutual friend, Mary Koonce Eib, sent to me. I’m very proud of both….. See, people? There are perks to this job! Plus all the love that all of you send to me….and I return.
Mary Frances Farris…
I’m long overdue in writing to thank you for the Old Friends newsletter you do, and I appreciate being included. My husband passed away in 1998, so just address it to me. J.C. [Farris] finished in 1938, and I finished the same year at Valley View, so I know most of the ones,and have felt a part. Plus I helped him with 2 or 3 reunions for the class. There are few left, but then I taught school there 3 years. The Class of 1945 were near and dear to me, as I was a sponsor.
I’ve enjoyed Roy and Annelle Mundt living here. They have been kind enough to give me a ride to a couple of fall reunions. I made the reunion dinner last fall, but I didn’t make the visitation on Saturday afternoon, so I missed seeing some.
Also, I want to write a note to Swanelle [Clements Spradley] about Mr. Bradford, for I always held him in high esteem. He really backed his teachers and believed in good discipline.
Thanks again for all of your work.
It must be very time consuming.
There’s more news in it than in the
I’ve been in
Note: Remember me telling you that I had lost some letters which concerned Mr. Bradford. Well, I found the one from Margie Penn Robinson, class of 1937, but didn’t find the one from Wiley McDaniel, class of 1942. Wiley said he forgives me, and will write it all over, unless I find it soon.
Although the bulk of Margie’s letter will be used in Swanelle’s book, there’s some that I have to share with you. I’ll try not to reveal it all….
“I finished
Mr. Bradford ask me to work up a list of all the graduates from
Enclosed is a check to help with the mailing list. Viviene Davis Diercks [class of 1934] is my first cousin, and I agree…. Postage and paper are not cheap. Margie Penn Robinson”
Note: I have not yet
written to Margie to see if she still has that list.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could trace EVERYBODY?
One of these days, in my spare time, maybe we
will work on that…. to go in the book I plan to write about
Now… I will take my lashes for this one that got omitted last time….
Ruth Hopkins Schroeder, class of 1950
I spent Christmas in the hospital, 6 days, very sick. I thought to myself “This is it!” I had been sick 3 months before I went to the E.R. but kept on working. I take care of a lady at the nursing home. She is 96 years old… or should I say, we take care of each other!
Anyway, I’m back to work 2 days a week. That’s enough for me.
My little sister, Margie Hopkins is very ill and we do not expect
her to live much longer. She
is in a nursing home in
I’d love to come to
I’d love to have a copy of your book. Where can I find one? Hope you will continue to pray for me and my family. Love, your sister-in-Christ. Ruth Hopkins Schroeder.
Note: Ruth is one of those beloved members of my own class of 1950… I have fussed at her for years for continuing to work outside her home. There comes a time when we deserve to sit down, now and then. I do not have an update on her little sister.
SPOKE WITH ROBERTA BUTTS FENNER [year
?]
TODAY
Sent:
SPOKE WITH ROBERTA
TODAY WHILE SHE WAS WAITING FOR BUBS TO COME OUT OF VASCULAR SURGERY ON
HIS OTHER
Ella Lou Van Horn Forney, class of 1951
Matt is still having lots of problems adjusting to the new place. He is trying so hard. I am doing better too. I am working with a senior health care organization, but only 10 to 16 hours a week but it gives me a chance to get out and meet other people. I have a class on caring for children with behavioral problems tonight, only one more to go before I graduate. Big deal...with that certificate and $5.00 I can get a cup of coffee at McDonalds.
Note: Matt is the troubled young adopted son of Ella Lou…. She is
near
Attendance at April Pot Luck:
Wiley
McDaniel, class of 1942; Virginia Partney Banks, class of 1950; John
Moore, widower of Peggy Fox, class of 1950, and their two daughters,
Debbie and Linda; Wanda
Dillard Hair, class of 1951; Wayne and Paula Ralston McNatt, class of
1950…. And the Gilmores….
We had an absolutely wonderful time.
Bill and I discussed it later, and agreed that we will continue
to host the April events, because we would have done the same
preparation for
Mark your calendar for the second Saturday in April, 2009…..
Paula will try to secure a place in
Son
About Pug [Wenzella Blum Walsh], class of 1950:
I needed a later update before telling you of the
current status, so while writing at this point, I stopped and called.
I was thrilled to hear a stronger voice, and we had a short
visit. She is due to return
to her doctor in
I have no other updates on those needing our prayers.
A Personal Note of Thanks: The response to my e-mail announcement about my new book has been extremely rewarding. Thanks to all of you who have sent pre-publication orders. I have been amazed at the interest, and it’s still hard for me to realize that it is really happening.
The illustrator is only half through, so I’m having to learn patience. But I can tell you that she is doing a wonderful job, and it can’t be rushed. She brought more illustrations for my approval yesterday, and I’m very pleased with her inspired work. Maybe the books will be ready by homecoming, so you can pick them up while you are there…. and receive a refund for any postage you pre-paid!
Again, thank you for your prayers and encouragement.
I will include the contents of that e-mail in the printed version of this newsletter, so the rest of you will know what I am referring to.
What you have been waiting for:
OLD FRIENDS ROUND-UP
Darla Biddy, Principal of W.F. George JR High….
Mrs. Gilmore,
Homecoming is scheduled for the
weekend of September 19th
and we play the Graham Steers. I will put you down for
September
20th from three to
five in the cafeteria. Thank you.
Darla Biddy
Jan Spruiell Clapp, Alumni Banquet Committee
Hi, Mrs. Gilmore - I'm sure you know that
homecoming is scheduled for Sept.19-20. We will have a meeting to
start planning the banquet on Sunday afternoon, May 18 at
Note: Jan is the daughter of Reat Fish and the late Bill Spruiell, class of 1949. She is allowing me to share her e-mail address, for banquet suggestions. Please be courteous, and keep them short. I can tell you first hand that it isn’t easy to organize any function.
Try as I might, this time I cannot make the pages come out even. I don’t have time to hunt for cute fillers, and there’s nothing else to add…. except probably what I have misplaced!!! So. it ends with space on this page… Remember our Old Friends in your prayers.
That’s all for now.
Love to all.