PRAYERS NEEDED AND GIVEN

I wish I had better news to relate regarding PEGGY BRANHAM KRUMLINDE's health. As you remember, PEG had some scary news regarding her heart right before the holidays. Since that time, she has had several cardiology professionals confirm that she needs surgery to repair a leaking mitral valve and a slightly leaking aortic valve. A very risky surgery under the best of conditions. So far, two accomplished surgeons have refused to operate. The one who saw her yesterday has posed the idea that she may just need a pacemaker! PEG has more tests and appointments with physicians lined up, but is very discouraged with the ones in Albuquerque. She is almost at the point of seeing doctors in Dallas or Houston. Those of you who pray, please keep her in your prayers. Even good thoughts sent out will assist in drawing to her the perfect solutions to her health challenges.

ADDENDUM: Since this was first posted, I learned that PEGGY's husband Guenter postponed his hiatal hernia surgery until after they find out more on hers.

NANCY THOMPSON BAKER still advises me of news of our classmates from time to time. She told me that DORIS (STOKES) and DON WHITE'S daughter's house burned to the ground shortly before New Year's. They lived out near the Bethel church. Two of their children are twins, one of whom is disabled due to a stroke when he was a newborn. They are six years old now, and the one in a wheelchair and on a respirator had to be rescued through the bedroom window. His wheelchair was among the items they saved, but unfortunately the van equipped with a lift for his chair was a total loss. The family was fully insured, but the paperwork involved can be a slow process, so in the meantime they are living with DORIS and DON. Although it is tragic to lose one's home and most of your belongings, there was what some of us would call a "miracle" the night of the fire. Their son-in-law (I'm sorry that I don't have names) travels. He was supposed to be out of town that night, but had changed his mind and decided to go a day later. He was able to get his sons out safely. Removing the one through the window would have been impossible without a man's assistance. I'm certain that prayers of gratitude have been said over and over in that family!

Condolences are offered to NANCY, as on January 5th she lost a beloved nephew, David Thompson, who lived in San Angelo.

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When asked recently, JIMMY COWLISHAW told me, "..about my job, I suppose that I am among the luckiest. Work continues to come my way. I think that most of it is due to the people who work for and with me. They are an exceptional crew." 

It is very telling of JIMMY's character that he chooses to give so much credit for his success to his employees. Not many do that these days. Way to go, JIM!

When I asked if he still raised cows, his response brought a smile to my face, "Cows keep having calves. Most are born on the coldest days, I think. Someone asked me what they do... Just eat and poop. (And make awful good hamburger meat.)"

Vegetarians might not think that last remark is funny. And the environmentalists.... well, I have to tell a funny story. When I worked in Denton, my employer lived out a little in the country. We were talking about how cold the weather was that winter. She told how on her way into work, she always passed pastures full of cows. In the coldest weather, she said you could see little puffs of white coming out of the cows' rear ends. They were passing gas! We all got a big laugh. 

Now the environmentalists (and I guess I have to consider myself in this category) would point out that the "gas" they were passing is methane gas -- the second most prevalent greenhouse gas emitted in the U.S. (Which contribute to global warming.) Of course cattle aren't the only source! However, it will be interesting to note how much the amount of measurable methane gas decreases due to the severe drought so much of cattle country has suffered in recent years. That and the fact that beef prices have soared so much that the average consumer has probably cut waaay back on beef consumption. 

New Zealand proposed a unique tax to help with the problem (from Blogger News Network):

"Sheep and cows produce 30% of methane emissions in the UK, and in other countries it's even worse: in New Zealand, cows and sheep produce 90% of the methane emissions, and the farmers went up in arms when in 2003 the government decided to try to tax the 'emissions'"..

 

The farmers protested by sending samples of the "offending substance" to the lawmakers! The solution suggested is pretty funny, too. You can read about it here: Garlic Fights Global Warming. (By the way, JIMMY. How big is your herd?)

ADDENDUM II: JIMMY sent the following:   "My 'herd': At one time, like last spring when 
rain was with us and grass was GREEN, around 12-13 head. As the winter months started we began to reduce because of the cost of feeding them. We sold some, butchered some, but kept our producing heifers. Now 7 head, but the production will start again come spring. The lead bull will weigh an estimated 1,700 lbs, and he keeps the heifers busy".

If you all are like me, you are feeling like you have been on a weather seesaw. It's 76 degrees today, and last week was one of the coldest weeks in the Hill Country's history! Hopefully, things will settle down soon to our typical Texas springtime when all the wildflowers will be in bloom. Until next time..

Love and peace,

Marilyn

CHRISTMAS PRAYERS NEEDED FOR ONE OF OUR OWN

"Well, this is the pits!  I went into the Heart Hospital today for two tests - I was put under, swallowed an ultrasound camera to take a closer look at the leaking valve in my heart and a had dual wrist and groin arterial heart catheterizations with cannulae run through my arteries to see if I had any blockages.  I went in at 8:00 a.m. and was finally able to leave at 4:30. I was told that since I have two arteries that are basically "open" I am not to lift, bend, stoop or walk for any length of time. They don't have to worry - I am so tired and out of breath, I can't do any of those things anyway.

The results were surprising - first, I have no blocked arteries - hooray!  Second, I not only have an arterial valve leakage, but also a mitral valve leakage.  I have been so short of breath and have had such severe dizzy spells for a couple of months that I knew something was wrong; just needed to pin it down. 

Well, the cardiologist who did the testing today told Guenter and me that I have 30% heart function due to the severity of both leaking valves. He also told us that if I don't have new valves put in ASAP, that I will not be here in 4 to 6 months.  He also said "no trips anywhere" until I have new valves. He painted such a scary scenario of being in the middle of the ocean, having a massive heart attack and no time nor place to airlift me for emergency surgery that I had to listen to him. We were to have been at sea for the first 5 days, in the islands for 5 days, and then back at sea for another 5 days.

We were scheduled to leave a week from today. I had already begun packing, and had so many plans and expectations for this 15 day cruise during both Christmas and New Year's Eve. I did purchase trip insurance, but who knows how much or little they will reimburse us.  Of course, they never reimburse taxes, port charges, prepaid gratuities, excursions, transfers or airfare.  Needless to say, the reimbursement is going to be very nominal.  Both cardiac surgeons, as well as my cardiologist have all said they will write letters to the airline and cruise line for us explaining our situation and try to help any way they can. I am going to plead with Princess Cruises to just "shelve" the cruise in its entirety for a later date - I doubt it will go that way, but all I can do is ask.

I am to see the cardiac surgeon on either Wednesday or Friday of next week to schedule my surgery. I am not a candidate for mechanical valve replacement, so that means I have to have the open-heart procedure.  I really am not looking forward to having my sternum cut open like a chicken.  I will be in the hospital for a minimum of 5 days, depending on how I do. Recovery is approximately 8 to 10 weeks, barring any complications. Just what I wanted for Christmas - another gigantic scar.

Guenter is scheduled for hernia surgery on January 15th - we really make a fine pair, don't we? I am hoping we can have Home Health come into the house on a daily basis until one of us is able to help the other. 

Merry Christmas!  I don't feel very jolly today.".....Peg

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I know all of you will join me in sending love and prayers for perfect surgeries and recoveries for both PEGGY BRANHAM KRUMLINDE, and her husband Guenter. At one of the holiest times of the Christian year, our prayers will be even more powerful. As we pray for them, may we all remember how blessed we are, and give thanks as well.

Peace and Love,

Marilyn

VISIONS OF OUR FUTURE

In August, JUNE HASH CURRY sent me the following photos when her granddaughter Karen gave birth to JUNE's 8th great-grandchild! The great-grandfather is the late Grady Curry. (BHS Class of '56)

Finland Peter Sanders

"Finland's parents are Karen and Erik Sanders; and Londyn and Scotlyn are his big sisters. They now live in Salt Lake City where their father is starting his junior year at the University of Utah, and his mother has this week begun her Master's degree online from the University of Alabama. They moved there from Flower Mound, Texas with Karen 8-1/2 months pregnant. She received her BA degree two weeks before they moved from North Texas State. They are an incredible young couple with lots of parental assistance from my daughter, Martha, and her husband, Kerry. Needless to say, I am incredibly proud of them all."

Finland with big sisters Londyn and Scotlyn

JUNE has been full of good news in her family. Her grandson Braden (son of Scott and Staci Curry) has been a joy to her with his participation in his church. This morning she sent me the following that was published in his church paper. Braden is now a junior in college, and I see great things in his future.

Finding Jesus in Music City

By Rod Costner, Crossings Volunteer Writing Team

"What do you say to a brokenhearted thirteen-year-old whose brother is going to prison for 20 years? What do you do when a child tells you he could not afford to eat breakfast that morning? Braden Curry has faced both of these questions. 

Braden Curry High School Sr. Photo

Braden has been a part of Crossings since he was ten years old, but entering his junior year at Edmond Santa Fe High School he drifted and became less involved in church. In the summer of 2011, Braden signed up for a mission trip to Nashville, Tennessee. His sole intent was to have a great time with his friends, but God had other plans. Upon their arrival in Nashville, the sixty people on the trip were divided into small groups. Braden recalls being a little bitter when he was put in a group with total strangers. 

During the week, the groups made daily trips to a YMCA and worked with inner-city kids. The activities included games followed by Bible study. During the afternoon, the groups worked on service projects like painting homes, cleaning churches, or helping out at a homeless shelter or food bank. Each night, the groups would return to the old church building where they were staying and have worship services. One night early in the week, Braden felt a pulling on his heart, 'I felt like I just needed to go and talk to God one-on-one. I was emotional and couldn’t get words out. I felt like in that moment God said, "Wake up! You’re not where you need to be. I have so much more planned for you, but you are so set on this one path."' There had been previous times when Braden said the prayer, but that night he truly gave his life to Christ and said, 'I’m here for You, and I want to live for You.'

That same week, Braden met a boy named Anthony. Their friendship grew. One day Anthony shared that his brother was facing 20-25 years in prison. When they were alone, Braden told Anthony he would be praying for him and his family. Up until that point, Braden would never have said that to another person, 'If you had seen me on the street, you would not have thought I was a Christian. So to have that conversation was a big deal, and it stuck with me. It was almost my first experience talking to someone about God, when I didn’t know him that well in the first place.'

In Nashville, Braden discovered a passion to serve God by serving others. His favorite verse is Mark 10:45: 'For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.' After Nashville, Braden began an internship at Crossings and has spent the past few years mentoring the same group of high school boys. In this ministry, he is able to speak from his own experience into the lives of these young men. Braden is humbled and deeply thankful for all of God’s blessings, 'Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would get this kind of opportunity. God opening that door for me makes me appreciate life more and shows me God has a plan for me.'”*

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Probably most of you could share your grandparent "bragging rights" with us. If you'd like to, just send me their photos and information and I'll be happy to tell their tales as well. I recently did one on my personal blog about my seven grandchildren (no "greats" yet!). If you are interested, the site is I've been around awhile.... After all, these are the citizens of our future. And we give thanks for them this Thanksgiving.

May good stuff be happening in your life!

Peace and love,

Marilyn

*P.S.
Braden is going into Youth Ministry and already serves as a paid intern in his church in that division.

CONSERVATIVE VS LIBERAL

I try not to put too much in the way of political discourse on this site, but there are a few things I am passionate about that I wish to share. Many of you won't agree with me, I am certain. Aren't we glad we live in the U.S.A. and have the freedom to express our opinions - and to disagree when we so desire? I just published the following on my personal blog, and thought I would post it here as well. Your comments are welcome, of course. 

Texas is a conservative state for the most part. The coming election is important, as we have a chance to again elect a female Governor in Wendy Davis. As she is considered a "liberal", I would like you to think about the following:

"WHEN DID 'LIBERAL' BECOME A DIRTY WORD?"

"..Jesus was the ultimate liberal progressive revolutionary of all history. The conservative religious and social structure that He defied hated and crucified Him. They examined His life

and did not like what they saw. He aligned Himself with the poor and the oppressed. He challenged the religious orthodoxy of His day. He advocated pacifism and loving our enemies. He liberated women and minorities from oppression. He healed on the Sabbath and forgave adulterers and prostitutes. He associated with drunks and other social outcasts. He rebuked the religious right of His day because they embraced the letter of the law instead of the Spirit. He loved sinners and called them to Himself. Jesus was the original Liberal. He was a progressive, and He was judged and hated for it. It was the self-righteous religionists that He rebuked and He called them hypocrites.." This is an excerpt from an article on The Christian Left blog written by Gary Vance, (a Christian evangelical minister): Wasn't Jesus A Liberal?

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Excerpt from Bishop John Shelby Spong's (a retired Bishop of the American Episcopal

(2006)

Church) Manifesto:

.."I do not debate any longer with members of the "Flat Earth Society" either. I do not debate with people who think we should treat epilepsy by casting demons out of the epileptic person; I do not waste time engaging those medical opinions that suggest that bleeding the patient might release the infection. I do not converse with people who think that Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans as punishment for the sin of being the birthplace of Ellen DeGeneres or that the terrorists hit the United States on 9/11 because we tolerated homosexual people, abortions, feminism or the American Civil Liberties Union. I am tired of being embarrassed by so much of my church's participation in causes that are quite unworthy of the Christ I serve or the God whose mystery and wonder I appreciate more each day. Indeed I feel the Christian Church should not only apologize, but do public penance for the way we have treated people of color, women, adherents of other religions and those we designated heretics, as well as gay and lesbian people."..

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Some of the words and actions of my fellow Christians make me ashamed. I am not the only one. I hope more of my LIBERAL friends will step up to the ballot box and change the face of this country. We no longer act like a "Nation Under God".

Proud to be called a liberal (I am in good company),

Marilyn

POPPING THEIR BUTTONS!

From The Ballinger Ledger, July 10, 2014

"Jerry and Nancy Baker are proud of a long line of military service by family members. Grandson Kendall Jones is leaving for duty in Afghanistan this month. He is stationed at Fort Hood, Texas and is an Army EOD. He is the son of Melissa and Bryan Jones of Ballinger.

Their son Rodger Baker is expected to be here visiting from

Rodger Baker

Stafford, Virginia. He is a 25-year veteran Navy EOD, having traveled the world and the United States. He will be retiring next spring.

Son Russ Baker served 16 years in the Army and Army Reserves. He is currently Veteran Outreach Coordinator at Angelo State University, assisting veterans with college education there.

Another grandson, Dusty Palmertree, 8-year veteran, is currently serving with the Navy in Bahrain. He is the son of Lynn DeLaCruz of Winters, Texas.

Dusty Palmertree    Kendall Jones     Russ Baker

Rodger's daughter Meghan Scott is married to a Navy Master at Arms doing harbor security at the Navy Base near Seattle, Washington."

NANCY said that Rodger visited Ballinger July 10-14. Kendall left for Afghanistan July 19th.

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JIM and Betty COWLISHAW spent time recently in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida with their daughter and her family. They wanted to be there for her award ceremony when she received a promotion in the Air Force. She was awarded the rank of Senior Master and Second in Command of the Medical Unit on Hurlburt Air Force Base in Okaloosa County, Florida. (I'm sorry, but JIMMY did not give me her name!) His son-in-law retired from the Air Force last October, and is currently attending medical school in Orlando, Florida. The couple's daughter holds several swimming records, and JIM thinks she might be Olympic material in a few years. Bet that makes Mom and Dad proud of all of them!

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I asked for some "Good Stuff" when I last posted on the blog. JIMMY and NANCY shared the above, and this is what DOTTIE BISHOP ROGERS had to say recently:

"Thank you again and again for all your work to keep us posted. If we live for another reunion, I will most certainly be there. Life is still good, so I have no news. By the way- you are right about $1.00 carload at the Horseshoe. I think as I wrote that gem I was thinking “naw, nothing was ever that cheap”, but wasn’t it a glorious time in our lives?

Are you doing well? I’d love to have a one on one with you someday. You inspire  us all. 

Love you bunches and give my love to all our classmates." 

Dottie

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CHARLES FIKES frequently shares email forwards with me. No news, but lots of forwards! I thought I would end this blog post with one he sent me recently that I think everyone will like. Some of the photos you probably have seen on the Internet, but put together on this YouTube video with "our song", Lost In The Fifties Tonight, it is truly a walk down memory lane. Turn those speakers up!

Until next time... Let the good stuff happen!

Peace and love,

Marilyn

P.S.

Like DOTTIE, I, too, would love to have a "one on one" with each of you!

DAVID BATTS OBITUARY

I published the last post a little prematurely, and got one important fact wrong. David graduated from the University of Texas. That was A&M's loss!

This obituary was obviously written by his daughter Amy. She adds a moving tribute to her dad at the end.

William David Batts, 89, died peacefully on Saturday, August 2, 2014, surrounded by family. Son of Bernard and Beulah Batts Sr., he was born on November 8, 1924 on the family farm south of Ballinger. He attended Dry Ridge School through the 7th grade and graduated from Ballinger High School in 1946. He served as president of the senior class and was a member of the band, football, and track teams. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the US Air Corps. He trained to be a pilot. He finished his training just as World War II ended. After the service he enrolled at the University of Texas in Austin and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering in June 1950.

He came back to Ballinger to farm with his Dad. He farmed about 600 acres until 1978. During that time he served on the board of directors of the Ballinger Co-op Gin and Elevator. His civic activities included a term as president of the Ballinger Jaycees. On February 10, 1962 he married Irene Piel. In 1968 they had a daughter named Amy. In addition to farming he sold real estate.

David cultivated many friendships around the state in his work with Petroleum Information/Dwight LLC. He was the southern area manager of map data accumulation. His duties included constructing county ownership maps and updating oil and gas lease information of those maps. Finding retirement didn’t suit him, he worked for the Boll Weevil Eradication Program and Dankworth Packing Company. David was a longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church in Ballinger.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Wilbourn and BM Batts Jr., a sister Margaret Tucker, and his wife Irene.

He is survived by a sister, Betty Lou Batts Agnew; his daughter Amy; sister-in-law Janice Kurtz and Randall; brothers-in-law Gene Piel and Mary, Larry Piel and Glenda; nephews Gary Batts and Sue, Alan Batts and Linda, David Tucker, Gill Agnew, Sam Batts, Mac St. John and Bridgett, Jason Piel and Darci, Jeffrey Piel and Tymonee; nieces Lesa Agnew Kastler and Bill, Laura Jane Agnew and Hill Abel, Carrie Ramos and Isaac, Jessica Botsford and Evan, and Sherri St. John.

David was known for his quick wit and sense of humor and beloved by all who knew him. David was known by some nieces and nephews as “Uncle Puddin”. He always had his hugger out! He will be deeply missed by family and friends. 

Visitation for family and friends will be Wednesday, August 6, 2014 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. There will be a private family burial followed by a memorial service at 1:30 pm on Thursday, August 7, 2014 at the First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Kary Rawlings Fry officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the First Presbyterian Church in Ballinger, the Carnegie Library, or a favorite charity. The family would like to thank everyone who came by to visit and all the cards and phone calls. Also we would like to thank the staff at Ballinger Memorial Hospital for their exceptional care of David.

Words cannot express how much I will miss you Daddy! You are my angel now.

IRENE'S DAVID

I'm sure all of you remember this warm, friendly guy who was married to our late, beautiful IRENE PIEL BATTS. My first memories of him were when I was in high school and he was president of the Jaycees (do they still have those?) in Ballinger. I got to know him only after he and IRENE married in the early 60s. I recall how impressed I was when he and IRENE took ballroom dancing together in San Angelo. The Cha Cha was really big then, and I got them to demonstrate it to me in my living room in San Angelo. They were so cool!

Through the years, we stayed in touch as I moved around; we both had children; and I even visited from time to time at their home in Ballinger. David was always such a welcoming host, and the children liked him very much. I got to know David better in the 90s, as he and IRENE and I shared the same political leanings! We cussed and discussed what was going on in politics. I remember David bringing me a copy of a TIME magazine with an article on President Bill Clinton. Always plain-spoken, he was disgusted with Bill at that time and said to me, "If only he could learn to keep it in his pants!" I laughed out loud at that one.

When I moved to Ballinger in 2005, he, IRENE, and their precious daughter Amy (who inherited all the good qualities of her parents and more!) did a lot of painting on the little rent house I moved into. David, even with his beginning macular degeneration, built me a wonderful 7 ft. tall bookcase that I still use. 

The last time I talked to David, his sight was almost completely gone, but he still had an optimistic outlook on life. He said his daughter Amy was his personal angel. She took very good care of him every day after IRENE left us. I'm sure she is devastated by her loss of both parents. Please keep her in your prayers, and if possible, let her know we're thinking of her. Amy, my love to you.

I was hoping to find more information about David's early years, but the following is all I've got so far. It tells nothing about his education (I believe he was an A&M graduate), his military service (I think he was a pilot), or his wonderful, humorous personality. He was always "there" for friends or family -- doing whatever he could to help out. The two pictures below were taken at our 50th Class Reunion. As usual, he's seen working! Amy brought him to the 2012 Class Reunion, as I believe it helped them both feel closer to IRENE to be around folks who knew and loved her.

I will forward any more information I get on David.

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William David Batts, 89, of Ballinger, Texas passed away Saturday, August 2, 2014 at Ballinger
Memorial Hospital.

 (2007 Reunion)

(2007 Reunion)

He is survived by his daughter, Amy Batts of Ballinger; and a sister, Betty Batts Agnew of Austin.

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PAT SMITH MULLINS lost a brother, who was also GLENN SMITH's cousin. Our love and condolences go out to them as well.

Bobby James Smith, 83, of Ballinger, Texas passed away Sunday, August 3, 2014 at Elsie Gayer

Healthcare Center in San Angelo, Texas.

He was born July 17, 1931 in Ballinger to James Lee and Leora (Bowen) Smith. Bobby married Sharon Hampton on November 17, 1956. She preceded him in death January 27, 2013. For a total of 34 years, Bobby worked for the Texas Department of Transportation in San Angelo, Ozona, and Ballinger. He was a member of Ninth Street Church of Christ.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife; brother, Delbert Smith; and infant twins, Ricky Gale and Vicky Dale Smith; and a great-grandchild, Hank Smith.

He is survived by two sons, Quentin Alan Smith and wife, Teresa, of Burnet, and Gary Lee Smith and wife, Judy, of Austin; a daughter, Rhonda Kay Glover and husband, Chris, of San Angelo; sisters, Margie Hallmark of Ballinger, Jean Stewart of Cedar Hill, PAT MULLINS of Blanket; and a brother, Billy Wooten of Huntsville. Also surviving are nine grandchildren, Blake Smith, Ryan Smith, Nathan Smith, Justin Smith, Rachael Smith, Daniella Smith, Natalie Glover, Garret Glover, and Elijah Samaniego: and four great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Walker, Paiton, and Lorabelle Smith.

Visitation for family and friends will be Tuesday, August 5 from 6:00 to 7:00 pm at Lange Funeral Home. A graveside service will be conducted Wednesday, August 6 at 10:00 am at Old Runnels Cemetery with a memorial service following at 11:00 am at Ninth Street Church of Christ in Ballinger. Max Pratt will officiate.

Memorial donations may be made to Rotary House of Hope or a favorite charity.

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Peace and love,

Marilyn

TOO YOUNG TO SAY GOODBYE

A tragic accident recently took the life of PEGGY VIRDEN SHARP'S niece as she was practicing barrel racing for the upcoming Coleman Rodeo. Those of you in Ballinger probably know of this talented young woman. Our love and condolences to PEGGY and her family.

Ashley Renee Virden, 17, of Ballinger died Wednesday, July 30, 2014 at Shannon Medical Center in San Angelo, TX (From the Lange Funeral Home site.)

Ashley was born April 19, 1997 in San Angelo, Texas to Nicole Boyd and Lynn Virden. Ashley was an incoming senior at Ballinger High School. Ashley was an avid horse rider, trainer, and barrel racer. Ashley’s sister Amy and her mother Nicole thoroughly enjoyed spending time with Ashley and watching her accomplish any goal she set. Ashley was an excellent student, earning straight A’s throughout her school career. 

Ashley was a member of the FCCLA, where her article about her horse “Lucky,” earned her both state and national honors. Ashley was a member of the FFA, where she participated on the horse judging team. She was an active member of the National Barrel Horse Association, Districts Eight and Nine, in which she qualified for the NBHA World Championships four times. In 2010 and 2011, Ashley qualified for the championships as a youth barrel racer, which was held in Jackson, Mississippi. In 2011, Ashley was injured during training for the NBHA Youth World Championships. Her doctor restricted her from any riding activities for six weeks. For most, this would have resulted in cancelling the trip to the championships. Ashley’s passion, courage and hard headed determination prevailed, and Ashley not only continued to train, she participated in the championships and narrowly missed qualifying for the world final round by thirteen one-thousandths of a second.

The only year that Ashley participated in NBHA barrel racing and did not qualify for the world championship was in 2012. In late 2011, Ashley lost her best friend and prize horse, “Lucky.” Devastated by the loss of Lucky and left without a horse that could perform at a similar level, Ashley was unable to obtain enough points to qualify for the championship.

In 2013, the determined, hard-headed Ashley armed with her new mount “Sherbert” and old, reliable, “Sippy” qualified in the NBHA World Championship Open Barrel Racing in Perry, Georgia, which is open to riders of any age or experience level. Three days prior to leaving for the world championships, tragedy struck again. Robert Virden, Ashley’s Pa-Pa, was involved in a serious traffic accident in which he was critically injured. Ashley was torn between the desire either to stay home and support her Pa-Pa in his recovery, or participating in the world championship barrel race that she had worked all year to attend. Ashley’s burning passion, courage, and determination to compete told her that she needed to attend the world championship. But Ashley would not consider going until she knew her Pa-Pa would be o.k. Once Ashley received confirmation that Pa-Pa would completely recover from the accident, and his blessing was given, she was determined to go and do what she does best. That year, Ashley narrowly missed qualifying for the final round by eight one-thousandths of a second.

In 2014, Ashley returned to the NBHA World Championship in Perry, Georgia. For this trip, Ashley participated in the Teen Division and qualified for the prestigious final round, riding Sippy. Ashley and old faithful accomplished the goal that had eluded them in previous years. Ashley finished sixth in the fourth division of the world championships. The 2014 World Championships ended just last Sunday.

Ashley was a member of the Bethel Community Church in Bethel, TX, located in southern Runnels County. Ashley was recognized by many for her honesty, sincerity, integrity, and her strong Christian faith.

She was preceded in death by her maternal great-grandparents, John and Dorothy Nichols; maternal grandfather, Bill Minton, Jr.; and great-grandfather Bill Minton, Sr.; her great-grandparents Rube and Naomi Virden and Roscoe Woodring.

Survivors include her mother, Nicole Boyd and husband Ray of San Angelo, her father, Lynn Virden of Ballinger, one sister, Amy Lynn Virden of Indianapolis, Indiana, her maternal grandparents, Sheila and Harold Combs of Oklahoma, her paternal grandparents, Robert and Bonnie Virden of Ballinger, her maternal great-grandmother, Fern Woodring of Kokomo, Indiana, special cousins, Shayne and Terri Bomar of Odessa, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Also surviving are special friends, Hadley Hatler, Ethan Langston, Emma Chapman, and Danielle Holmes. Ashley and Lucky have been reunited and are turning the golden barrels across Heaven. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 3:00-5:00 pm Sunday, August 3 at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. Funeral services for will be held at 2:00 pm Monday, August 4 in the Ballinger Community Center Show Barn with Rev. Bryan Highsmith officiating. Burial will follow in the Old Runnels Cemetery. A candlelight service will be held Monday, August 4 at 9:00 pm at Ballinger Community Center Show Barn.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorials be made to the NBHA, District 9, the Ashley Virden Memorial Scholarship Fund, or a favorite charity.

Ashley is in heaven taking selfies of her and Lucky.

GOOD HEALTH AND GOOD MEMORIES

Finally, more good stuff to report! JAMES and DOTTIE sent me the following emails. JAMES, I have to think there were definitely guardian angels watching over you. So happy to hear the outcome went so well.

"Because of a conflict, I moved my annual cardiac checkup up six weeks (six years since cardiac bypass). A bruit was heard in my neck (noise from turbulence of partial obstruction) and with my radiologist son's help found a fairly high grade obstruction in my left internal carotid artery. Not particularly wanting a stroke, I underwent a carotid endarterectomy, clean-out job May 16th. Went home the next day after I went to a gun show - how lucky could I get - and back to work five days later. The arterial plaque was degenerating and trying to peel off and visit my brain within days or hours. Not really lucky, but definitely several miraculous coincidences in timing. I am doing good now for one who has had his throat cut, and am back to nearly full speed and waiting for my 75th birthday later this month.

The conflict? Went to the county Republican caucus meeting, and since the attendance matched the number of delegates to the state convention this coming weekend, I got elected a delegate. I think I will show up."

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DOTTIE BISHOP ROGERS sent me the following after I shared the "50s video with you all:

Dottie & Larry '11

"Thank you for the trip down memory lane. Has it really been that long???? Holy Cow. I went to a classic car rally today with Larry. His ‘67 Mustang is great, but oh, the fifties “were nifty”. Anyone remember cruising “the drag” in Kirk Brunson’s old Ford? One night the left rear wheel went down the street before we did! Whee! 

Another great memory is riding in his Hudson with no seats except for the 5-gal. can he sat on. $2.00 a car night at the Horseshoe usually carried about 15-20 of us for the movie. Halloween and “swiping” those fire pots from road construction was a real daring thing for all of us. OOOH! How sinful!!! As I write I think of more and more, but my fingers don’t go as fast as my brain. (Well, DUH!)"

Love you all,                    

Dottie

Oh yes! I remember Kirk's Model A Ford. Kirk, NANCY THOMPSON BAKER, BOB BURTON, and I made a few drags in that one. I remember it had a patterned oilcloth on the interior.

But the Hudson! I remember a funny story my dad, Jarvis Moragne, told me about the Hudson. I am not sure of the year (I have pictured a '53 model), but I do remember it was beige. My dad and Salty Brunson (Kirk's dad) were friends. When Salty bought the new Hudson he asked my dad to take a ride with him. Dad said that Salty was very "close" with his money, and he bought a no-nonsense model to get the best price. However, it was winter when they took the ride, and Dad said he nearly froze to death. Not only did it not have a radio - it didn't come with a heater either! Talk about your economy model!

Another story about the Hudson... It wasn't very old when Kirk and BOB and others had it out one night and they came upon an armadillo. Kirk wanted the 'dillo for some reason, so he put it in the trunk. Uh-oh. He forgot to take it out and left it there overnight. Imagine the trouble he got in when his dad saw the Hudson the next morning. The armadillo had dug its way through the back seat from the trunk, and totally destroyed the seat! That may have been why there were no seats when you rode in it.

I thought the carload night at the Horseshoe Drive-In was $1.00 a carload. I have a clipping somewhere when Gary Ferguson had a bunch of us meet at the drive-in ticket booth. He had a Buick convertible, and with the top down we all climbed on and hung on until he could barely get it to move through the ticket booth line. I wish I could remember the number, but we broke records for the most ever getting in on a $1.00 a carload ticket! 

I looked for a photo of the old Horseshoe, but both it and the Hillcrest Drive-In have been torn down and nothing remains. If anyone has an old photo, I would love to have it.. Scan and send, or mail it to me and I'll return it. By the way, has anyone been to the "new" renovated Texas Theater? Let us hear about your experience.

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I got the following email from PEGGY BRANHAM KRUMLINDE:

"This landed in our park this morning while Guenter and Maggie were there for her walk. The lady who took the picture took it from her backyard which is next to the park.  Maggie was terrified when the burner started up for lift-off again." (April 19)

Until next time..

Peace, love, good health and good memories,

Marilyn

HAPPY 50TH ANNIVERSARY

THE PABLO (PAUL) MOTAS

Pablo (Paul) of Ballinger, Texas, and Sally of Phoenix, Arizona,were married at the Maricopa County Courthouse in Phoenix, AZ on March 6th,1964. Witnesses to the ceremony were A1C Charles Kallwait and Ms. Isabel Lopez. 

Pablo was stationed at Luke AFB and Sally was working at Motorola. Their first residence was at Green Park Housing Annex, Japan. 

Pablo served in the Air Force until his retirement in 1975. They then moved back to Texas and soon settled in San Angelo. He earned a degree from ASU and worked at Goodfellow AFB until his retirement in 2002. 

Sally is a homemaker and takes good care of her family. They enjoy day trips in and around the Hill Country especially Fredricksburg, traveling to Las Vegas and visiting their grandchildren in Houston. 

Sally has many interests. She enjoys exercising, and has placed first in her age bracket in the "Pink Ribbon Run". She is also fond of reading, needlecrafts and is a member of the Sacred Heart Cathedral congregation.

Pablo and Sally have a married daughter Linda, wife of Tim. A grandson, Daniel and granddaughter, Ana Marie. They will celebrate in Houston Texas.

Linda, Tim and their children are delighted to share this celebration with "Nana and Grandpa" in Houston.

(From The San Angelo Standard-Times Facebook page)

Many thanks to NANCY THOMPSON BAKER for sending me a clipping from the newspaper regarding PAUL's 50th wedding anniversary. I hope it was a glorious celebration with their daughter's family in Houston.

Congratulations, PAUL and Sally.

Peace and Love,

Marilyn