SOME MORE "GOOD STUFF"

I received the following email from Dottie Bishop Rogers this morning. I thought all of you would enjoy hearing what she's been up to! I tried to get her to send recent photos of her and her special friend, Larry. If she does send them, I will publish them here. I hope all of you have lots of good stuff happening in your life as well. If you wish to share, just email me... Marilyn

Hello, All,

I appreciate so much the news of the passing of our dear friends and classmates. What memories are recalled! I know each of us sends prayers to the families, and we add our own prayers for our loss.

I wanted to tell you something I think was just great for an old lady of 72. On March 30, my very special friend, Larry, and I started on our great adventure in his motor home. We left Arizona with our first stop in San Diego; we went to Disneyland and Universal Studios, and we rode as many rides as we could get in. I felt like such a kid again! At the Blues Brothers Revue, I was chosen to dance with the Dan Akroyd character and Larry sang. I have never laughed so much in my life.

We left San Diego and chose to skirt L.A. in the motor home, so we stopped in Bakersfield on our way to Hearst Castle in San Simeon. We had a small delay - I was in the emergency room at a trauma center for a day and a half after picking up the super glue instead of my eyedrops. (Don't laugh - I truly did that!) Fortunately, the second day an opthalmologist pried my eye open with no major damage and we continued on our trip. After Hearst Castle, we continued up the west coast to Portland, then on to Ocean Shores, WA where Larry had some beach property. We rested for a week there and on to Bremerton, WA (across Puget Sound from Seattle), and stayed a week there visiting with Larry's relatives and friends. This was his hometown and where he worked on nuclear submarines and carriers at the shipyards for 30 years.

We could not get into Yellowstone because of the snow, but we traveled across Montana into Idaho and South Dakota. We visited Mt. Rushmore and the Crazy Horse memorial, which was awesome. On across Wyoming, Colorado, and into Utah to Moab. We saw the Arches National Park and Canyonlands. Folks, if there is anyone out there who does not believe there is a God, take a look at the beauty of our nation. Wow! We continued into Monument Valley and the Navajo Reservation, and on to Holbrook, AZ and home. This adventure took six weeks and 5,000 miles.

We know how blessed we were to experience this trip and know at our age, seldom, if ever, will we be able to do it again. I plan to take him on a trip around Texas next year, but it will probably be by car and stopping at many golf courses. We would have loved to do that on this trip, but we were met with rain, sleet, hail, and snow, and terrible winds in several places. I loved it, but my driver was not too thrilled at the weather. Have you ever played golf in WA? Well, you have to have webbed feet, I promise you.

This epistle has about run its course, but I just wanted to share that there is still beauty, love, and peace in our world. As Marilyn always says,

Peace and Love to you all.

Dottie

THE CYCLE OF LIFE

Although our hearts are saddened by the loss of friends or loved ones, we can all rejoice when new babes are born into our families. Two of our classmates have recently been blessed with great-grandchildren!

Jerline Piel Steel proudly sends a photo of her newest great-granddaughter.  Randy Mack Tischler, her  grandson, and his wife, Sheila, who reside in Flower Mound are the proud parents of this beautiful, "BIG" little girl. 

Ali Rae Tischler

9lbs 4oz

21 in

Born March 22, 2011

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June Hash Curry sent the following:

I have a wonderful new great-grandson named Garrett Wayne Braun.  He was born earlier this month (April) to my granddaughter Danielle Braun and her husband Joe in Rosebud, Missouri (outside of St. Louis). 

Big sister Jolene and Garrett Wayne Braun

Now these certainly should warm the cockles of your heart! Congratulations to the proud great-grandparents!

Something good always happens..

Marilyn

ANOTHER LOSS SO SOON...

I received the following from Peggy Branham Krumlinde yesterday morning. Her brother, Zane Branham, was 76 and a BHS and Texas Tech graduate. 

"... I realize we are all nearing the end of our journey here, but it is still sad and hard to see it come to those we know and love.  I lost my brother yesterday after having been hospitalized for over four months.  I would like to share something from author, Mary Frye":

 

Do not stand at my grave and weep,

I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am in a thousand winds that blow,

I am in the softly falling snow.

I am the gentle showers of rain,

I am the fields of ripening grain.

I am in the morning hush,

I am in the graceful rush of

beautiful birds in circling flight,

I am the star-shine of the night.

I am in the flowers that bloom,

I am in a quiet room.

I am in the birds that sing,

I am in each lovely thing.

I am with those I love,

I am with Him in Heaven above.

Do not stand at my grave and cry,

I am not there. I do not die.

I know what it's like to lose a sibling, and I also know that thoughts and prayers from friends and loved ones are a comfort after such a loss. Please join me in sending your condolences and love to Peggy. May her brother Zane rest in peace.

Peace be with you all,

Marilyn

A MEMORY FOR BARBARA SHARPES BROOKS

I didn't have an obituary to run when I advised everyone of Barbara's loss. I thought that this would be a nice thing for Barbara to refer to in the future. If any of you have something important you would like for me to place on this site, please send it to me. Or send me information where I can retrieve it. I can access most newspapers. The following was in the Port Aransas newspaper.

Barbara and Tom Brooks of Goldthwaite, formerly of Port Aransas, recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. The couple married in Abilene on Feb. 6, 1961, at the home of the bride’s parents, Homer and Emma Sharpes. Brooks, former Port Aransas city manager, was in the Air Force at the time. His career involved assignments from Nebraska to California, Washington, Texas and Guam. He retired in 1976 and went into public service. He served as city manager in Port Aransas for 11 years, retiring in 2003. She worked in civil service, but primarily was a housewife and mother. They have four children, Cindi (K.W.) Thomas of Georgia, Marshal (Judy) Brooks of Illinois, Rob Brooks of Texas and Tommy (Mayra) Brooks of Australia. They have seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

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Tom Brooks served Port Aransas from 1992 to 2003. The longest term and one of the most respected of city managers in Port Aransas, Tomme Melvin “Tom” Brooks, died Sunday, April 3, 2011, at his home in Goldthwaite after a long battle with COPD. He was 72.

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Goodbye and good luck, Barbara.

Peace and love,

Marilyn

ANOTHER GOODBYE

Tom and Barbara Sharpes Brooks ~ 50th Class Reunion 2007

Sadly, one of our classmates has lost her husband. Barbara Sharpes Brooks sent the following email to me this morning. I know you all join me in sending our deepest sympathy and condolences. If I get more information, I will share it with you...Marilyn

"I would appreciate it greatly if you could let everyone know that my Tom passed away the 3rd of this month. He fought a good fight but lost in the end. I am devastated. 

My daughter and her husband have insisted that I come live with them in Warner Robins, Georgia. So we are now in the process of packing up a lifetime of memories. I don't know if I will ever move back to Texas, but will always be a Texan at heart. I want to thank YOU for keeping us all up to speed about our classmates, They will always be in my heart. To all of you goodbye and good luck."     

Barbara Sharpes Brooks  

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

IRENE PIEL BATTS OBITUARY

BALLINGER Irene Piel Batts, 70, of Ballinger, passed away Sunday, March 14, 2010, in a San Angelo hospital. She was born on April 22, 1939, in Ballinger, to David Willie and Tillie Margaret (Sturm) Piel. She graduated in 1957 from Ballinger High School where she was voted "Most Beautiful." She and William David Batts were married on Feb. 10, 1962, in Ballinger.

She was a homemaker and a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Ballinger. She worked at Keel Drug during high school, General Telephone Company for several years, at Ballinger Appliance and Middleton's Dress Shop. Irene took great joy in her irises and other flowers in her yard. She also liked to watch the different birds come up to feed.

Irene was preceded in death by her father, a sister, Alice Piel St. John and a brother David A. (Butch) Piel. She is survived by her husband, David Batts; her daughter Amy Batts; her mother Tillie Piel Mosley and a sister, Janice Kurtz and husband, Randall, all of Ballinger; Two brothers, Gene Piel and wife, Mary, of Del Rio and Larry Piel and wife, Glenda, of Bangs, a special aunt, Jeri Rohmfeld of Ballinger and numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

Visitation for family and friends will be from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday March 17, at Lange Funeral Home. A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 18, 2010, at the First Presbyterian Church in Ballinger. There will be a private burial service. The family would like to thank Dr. Prieto and his staff, Dr. Durham, Dr. Phillips, and the medical staff of San Angelo Community Medical Center for the excellent care Irene was given. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to a favorite charity. Friends may register at ballingerfuneralhome.com.

LOVE AND FAREWELL

IRENE PIEL BATTS
APRIL 22, 1939 ~ MARCH 14, 2010

By now many of you may have heard that we lost our "Most Beautiful ~ Class of 1957". Irene fought a long, courageous battle with cancer for nearly two years. Her darling daughter Amy was at her side nearly every step of the way. She could use all our love and support at this difficult time.

There will be a visitation at Lange's Funeral Home in Ballinger Wednesday night, March 17th from 6 - 7 pm. A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Ballinger the next day, Thursday March 18th at 2:00 pm.

She is now at peace, and suffers no more.

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Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am in a thousand winds that blow,
I am the softly falling snow.
I am the gentle showers of rain,
I am the fields of ripening grain.
I am in the morning hush,
I am in the graceful rush
Of beautiful birds in circling flight,
I am the starshine of the night.
I am in the flowers that bloom,
I am in a quiet room.
I am in the birds that sing,
I am in each lovely thing.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there. I do not die.

~Mary Frye

MIKE FOY correctly identified his old homeplace on the blog. This is what he wrote:

"Thanks for placing one of my favorite places and bountiful memories ever. A two bedroom house with an extremely small bathroom served my brother, mother and daddy well for twenty one years before I left for Lubbock and met my soulmate. The house used to have two large Juniper trees in front of the porch and I remember my dad on one particular night was sitting on the porch smoking a cigar and waiting on me to return from a location he was not aware of. I was famous for that, although not very bright of me. I was at the time in love with PEGGY VIRDEN. She and Barbara Gleghorn had gone to a revival at the First Baptist Church and PEGGY had asked me if I would meet her after the service and walk her back to Barbara's house. My father was not aware that I was out of the yard, much less six or seven blocks away waiting on my girlfriend to exit the church.

To bring you up to date on one little segment of this story, I was not the most studious classmate that exited Ballinger High School and my parents put a curfew, if you will, on me going somewhere on school nights. You guessed it, this particular night was a school night.

The revival lasted longer than I anticipated and I knew that I was going to be in deep trouble, just didn't know how bad. To make this a shorter story, when I did finally return my father was still on the front porch waiting for me to show up. I could hear him breathing hard as I passed through those Junipers and that was when the he came to life with some choice words and planted a number ten shoe right in the appropriate place to make an impression.

Lots of memories in that house on 9th Street. Even remember the phone number. (8191) Maybe someday I will tell you some stories about our hardware store that we had in the early 50s. Love your Blog.” ~ Mike Foy

The following was sent by CHARLES FIKES:

“I was thinking of something to help Irene in someway as she goes through some tough times. I thought of the following that happened just a couple of weeks ago.

My youngest granddaughter, Katelyn (four), was staying with her grandmother when the following happened. Grandmother was trying to get her CD player to work and was getting frustrated because it would not cooperate. Katelyn, seeing this, said to her Grandmother, ’Come and let's pray about it.’ They bowed their heads and Katelyn said the following prayer, ‘I wish I may I wish I might have this wish I wish tonight. Dear God, let Grandmother fix her CD player.’ Sure enough, Grandmother got the CD player to work shortly thereafter.

So, if God will answer a simple prayer from a four year old, surely he will answer ours and heal Irene. Our prayers will be with Irene during this difficult time.”~ Charles