A CLASSMATE REMEMBERS SUSAN

Susan Herring Stahl

by June Hash Curry

I just learned of the passing of a high school friend of mine named Susan Herring Stahl. She has been on my daily prayer list ever since I learned of her breast cancer many months ago. These are some of my memories of Susan.

We were in the same Class of 1957 at Ballinger High School and had been friends throughout our high school years. We were fortunate enough to enjoy many Friday night slumber parties with between ten to twelve girls at the different homes of our long suffering parents throughout our junior and senior years. I always thought that of us all Susan was the one totally pure at heart. She always seemed to take the high road when any issue or shocking event occurred, with a maturity that surpassed our age group. Anything ever confided to her would never be disclosed for any reason. She just had that kind of integrity. She was a cheerleader all four years of high school, and the head cheerleader during our senior year. She always excelled at everything in which she was involved and was valedictorian at graduation. Yet she always managed to blend in with any group where she was. There was a stillness about her--a quiet spirit that one always sensed. She worked at seeing both sides of any argument or issue without becoming critical in the process. I believe the word that describes her best is grace--total grace. I was always a little in awe of her.

Susan was a bridesmaid in my wedding in 1957, and I remember her coming to the church early that night and actually being the one who helped me to dress for my wedding. I sadly lost touch with her after that, as I did with all my high school friends after Grady and I moved to Midland and our babies starting coming so quickly. She left for college, and we never got together again. But I never forgot Susan or her sweetness or her quiet, loving spirit.

I know her family must feel a tremendous void with her passing, but I also know that Heaven is richer in every way due to her arrival.

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A lovely tribute, June.  By the way, to all of you reading this, June has a new blog of her own:

My Mind and Its Musings..          http://mymindanditsmusings.blogspot.com/

I think you'll enjoy her "musings".

Peace and love,

Marilyn

GOODBYE, SUSAN

I received an email tonight informing me of Susan's passing. She was such an important part of the Class of '57, I knew you would want to know. The following obituary was in the Dallas Morning News today. If any of you would like to share a favorite memory, or give a tribute to Susan, I will be happy to post it here.

Susan (Herring) Stahl, a noted civic leader and prominent champion of children and youth programs, passed away on Feb. 14, 2011 after a prolonged illness with breast cancer. Born on Dec. 9, 1938 in San Angelo, Texas to Sue and Lloyd Herring, Susan grew up in Ballinger, Texas and attended SMU, graduating summa cum laude in 1961. Susan is survived by her husband, Sidney Stahl, his two daughters, Lori Stahl and Cathy (Mrs. Gary) Golden, their children, Sara Stahl, Will Golden and Charlie Golden, and Susan's sisters Lynn (Mrs. Ernie) Crawford of Odessa, and Ellen (Mrs. Stephen) Brown of San Angelo, as well as niece Laura Alexander and nephews Charles Switzer and Chuck Brown.

Susan had a passion for community service and served in leadership roles at a broad number of non-profits during the past three decades. She was president of Texas CASA and immediate past president of Bryan's House. In 1992, Gov. Ann Richards appointed her to chair the board of the newly-created Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services, the state agency having jurisdiction over all state-funded children's programs, including Child Protective Services. Her many other activities include serving as president of the Dallas Women's Council and on the board of directors of the Volunteer Center of Dallas and Senior Citizens of Greater Dallas. In addition to receiving SMU's Distinguished Alumni Award, she received special recognition from numerous other groups including the Women's Center of Dallas, the Child Care Group, the Dallas Child Guidance Clinic, the Dallas City Council and the Dallas County Commissioner's Court.

Private graveside services will be followed by a Memorial Service at Temple Emanu El, 8500 Hillcrest Road, Dallas, Texas, 75225, at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2011 with Rabbi David Stern officiating. The family will receive condolences at 4 p.m. at Temple's Linz Hall. Pallbearers will be Stephen Brown, David Genecov, Gary Golden, Alan Rosenberg, Elias Stahl and Charles Switzer.

The family wishes to express its heartfelt appreciation to the wonderful people at UT Southwestern Medical Center, especially Dr. Dawn Klemow for her incredible care and devotion, and loving nurses Mary Anna Rilat and Wendy Stenzel, for their love and support. The family is also grateful for the exceptional care given at home by Debra Morrow, Eliana Wilson and Anna Willyard. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bryan's House, 5940 Forest Park Road, Dallas, Texas, 75235, or the charity of your choice.

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I will never forget the last time I saw Susan at my home in Ballinger. She and James Hays delighted several of us with stories of their childhood... James lived in the little house I lived in and Susan lived across the street. She was such a sweet, classy lady. She will be missed. 

Love,
Marilyn