The Newsletter
The cost is $2.00 per year (mailed). If you have an e-mail address, Joe can send you a newsletter via e-mail for free. So send him your e-mail address and save money. The news needs to come to Joe or me, Linda White.
If you have any suggestions let us know. We will publish the newsletter four times a year. The deadline for your news to reach either Joe or me will be the 1st day of each new season i.e. June 21, September 22, December 21, March 21. The newsletter should be out a week later,
give or take a day or so. We won’t send out reminders, so be sure to mark your calendars now. If we don’t have to send out reminders, we can keep the prices lower.
Linda White
Editor
Sad news from Idaho:
As you all know T.J. Patterson passed away on May 25, 2002. His little fragile body could not live any longer with all the health problems he had over the last two years. We miss him so much.
Thanks to all of you for the phone calls, cards, memorials, and flowers. Every act of kindness and sympathy is sincerely appreciated and gives us comfort.
Our family is planning a memorial service celebrating the life of our beloved husband, father grandfather, and great grandfather T.J. Patterson in Wheeler, probably in October. As soon as our plans are completed we will let you know.
Love,
Virginia, Barbara & Dennis, Roger
Shannon & Kenneth, Little T.J. & Jordyn Lyn
I really enjoyed the cousins reunion and was really wowed when I won a major door prize-- an electric ice cream freezer. I plan to put it to good use!! We had a birthday party for Carol Rae Saturday, 6/15 to celebrate her birthday, one day late. It was worth the wait. We had a grand time. Pete seemed to really enjoy the party as did a couple of my friends. No one had eaten oven roasted corn before and it so easy to fix. Just pull the shucks back (not off), get some of the silks off and let stand in a sink of cold water to get the shucks wet. Then, lay each ear on a piece of foil, put butter, salt and pepper on each ear, pull shucks back up over the ear and roll tightly in the foil. Put it in the oven as the potatoes are baking. I let them bake for about 30 minutes. Pete said I got a good scald on that. Basically, Carol had to cook her own dinner, but I got to tell her how. ha At any rate we had a wonderful time.
I hope to be able to get into the osteoarthritis research study. It lasts several weeks, and hopefully a "better" pill will evolve. The research is all part of a contract between my rhematologist and the drug manufacture.
I think most of you know that I no longer have Marmaduke. He out lived his "normal" life expectancy by four or five years. I don't know how much longer I will get to keep Gretchen. She has Cancer. I took her to the vet because of a lump and they found more. She still has a good appetite and a slick shiny coat, so that is a plus.
Since my last heart stint and finally getting adjusted to the medication, I am feeling much better, heart wise. I think the fibromyalgia more than the osteoarthritis is whopping the daylights out of me. When it says "sit", I sit. When it tells me to get up and walk, I walk and it is now time to do that.
Love all of you, far and near.
Monta
No submissions
We were so saddened to hear of losing T.J. Our sympathy is to you all. To the ones who missed the cousins reunion: you missed a good time. Curtis and I went down Saturday afternoon and enjoyed grilled hamburgers with all the trimmings at Bill and Mary's. Dale was the chef and a pretty good one, grills a good hamburger!! Later Pete, Monta, Curt and I played 42 at the motel. They had rooms next to ours, the guys didn't completely skunk us though. Lots of good visiting, picture taking and wonderful food, thanks to Mary, she does a real good job. Bill does a good job too, but is looking for a trainee to take his place. If you are interested let him know.
Think all in our family are okay. Nancy tells me they decided to add a cover to their patio, real simple. After Randal talked to the guys in his Sunday school class at the coffee shop and it quickly turned into a major project. Nancy said at the rate it is going, they may have shade by Labor Day. She has had to learn to run a jack-hammer. Steph, Connor and I met Nancy, Randal, Rhett and his girlfriend, Ashley at Wheeler Memorial Day weekend for a picnic at the farm (Randal's grandparent's home place). We sure enjoyed the country and Connor even climbed up in the deer stand 20 some odd feet in the air and after the first time was a PRO. We had to cut it short as Ashley got sick and had to go to the ER with a kidney infection.
Heather didn't come that weekend as she had been sick and was still recouping. She's doing okay now.
Haven't heard anything from Richies bunch, guess everything is okay. Saw Jerry and Teresa about 3 weeks ago and they were enlarging their patio. That patio thing must be going around. They were doing fine. Talked to Amy last night, she and Montie are doing good. Said they are getting fat and sassy, she works in a candy factory and really likes it. She reports Randy and Courtney are doing fine. Tess continues in therapy, goes to doctor with her back and neck pain. They are using bioelectric medicine, she thinks it is beginning to help just a little. Still has severe migraines a couple of times a week. Sometimes more often, but she's still a walking talking miracle and we thank the Lord for that.
Steph and family are fine. She and Conner are farming this summer. He enjoys the picking but not the weeding of their garden. Steph was selected for a scholarship of $2500 to get her National Teaching Certification. She has until next April to complete the requirements. Ben and Janna's daughter, Genna will start high school on the flag drill team. We hope grandma and grandpa will get to go to some of the football games to see her perform. Janna has a new job in a bigger law firm and really likes her job. Ben still works for Flemming Foods but will be looking for a new job before long as they are moving their business to Tulsa. During this transition time he is putting in a lot of over time. Curt's daughter Donna and husband have a new daughter born 6-1-02. Her name is Tyner Mechelle Lynn Banks. They are still stationed in Tampa Florida. We are now up to 5 grandkids. Nancy turns the BIG 50 in August and Carol (Pete's daughter) just made the 50's club. Monta made the 65 club in April, and Pete joined the 70 club on June 2. Congrats to all.
Till next time may God Bless and keep each and everyone.
Love to all, Linda
We are all doing well. This summer Connor has started T-ball. It makes me nervous. It's like watching a mob of puppies at times. He likes it though, and that is what is important. Another upside is that our longest excursion is only 45 miles away. Connor is also enjoying swimming lessons. The problem is he doesn't like to get his entire face wet. Will he learn to like it? I won't hold my breath. Herb is always on the go with his job at FedEx. He goes to Orlando in July for the fun convention. As for myself, I have a pretty busy summer as well. Besides being Connor's taxi, maid, and entertainment coordinator, I will be working on some workshops. I recently received a scholarship to work on my National Teaching Certification, this means that for the next year I will be working diligently to document all that I do as a classroom teacher. My superintendent also thought that we needed to add AP classes in literature, so I get to go to training in Norman for a week to do that. Somewhere in here I would like to be able to have a brief vacation. That about covers what's going on in our lives.
Love to all.
Stephanie White
We had an exciting second quarter of this year. Loretta and Robert's boss gave them a vacation to Maui and they needed somebody to baby sit the motel. So being that we are somebody, they let us go and do the sitting. Our duties were feeding the goldfish each day and feeding a box turtle every other day. Simple, we could do that. We flew to Denver, where Robert picked us up and took us to Basalt. They left next day, gave us the keys to the SUV and motel. We took a couple of side trips and Wal-Mart. When they returned, Loretta, Heather, Megan and I went river rafting. Cold is the best way to describe it. Different than Houston for sure. We also enjoyed the cousins reunion and the visit with Pete, Jo Ann and Monta. I lost the brother do list that Monta gave me while there so some things slid by.
Announcing the birth of Aaron Allen Davis, Son of Kay Watts Davis, born this morning, 6/16, just in time for fathers day. He weighed in at 6 lbs 10 oz. and was delivered C section to avert a breach birth. Mother and baby are doing well.
Dale
Dad did such a good job on the family newsletter last time. It gave me a little inspiration to write in. I usually don't keep up on everyone so I don't bother to write.
Karen is still having problems with her headaches. I think about the time she thinks they have it under control, she has another bout with it. Ron had an appendix to burst in May. Pretty big stuff. He was in the hospital quite a while. He is at home now and working. I'm not sure how long it will take to completely get over it.
Cheri' and Neil were camping at the time I talked to Karen. They are doing well. Bruce & Robbie are in the moving process. He has a new home out side of Montgomery, TX.
Kay has a baby due at any time now. Curtis is going to be a senior this year. I haven't heard what is going on with him right now. I bet he is busy helping with the big move.
Gailia and family are in Oklahoma for a couple of months. 580-369-3856 will get them until sometime in July I think (after 9PM and before 9AM).
We are doing fine. Dad and Frances held down the motel while we went on vacation. I had such a great time with no worries knowing they could handle anything that would come up. When we returned Rob took Frances out to eat while the girls and I went white water rafting with Dad! Dad took point, so needless to say, when there was water to be under he was there to take it all in! It was a great time. We are currently working hard for the summer season and trying to stir clear of forest fires.
LORETTA
Hello everyone!
I have never been a short story person, but I promised daddy I would try to get this thing out. I have so many things to say as usual. But, nobody wants a book; Ron and Neil tell me I talk too much as it is. So -
Gailia, Brandt and their family are in Durant, OK for several months. I know they would love hearing from any of you. It is hard to contact them by phone, so e-mail () is the best source of contact for them. Plus, it is ongoing not just a temporary thing. Youth camps are the primary purpose for this trip. I can't tell you much beyond that at this time.
Bruce and Robbie are doing great! However very tired as they have been working full time and moving on their off time. They have moved to Magnolia, Texas. I believe that is close to Montgomery. A few months ago they purchased the land and got set up with a double-wide. They have lived in Knights Forest for so long, all their married life; and Robbie possibly all her life, it is hard to imagine them ever moving. This move should cut down on some of the travel time to work I think, or at least make it a little more even.
Bruce and Robbie's kids are also doing quite well. Kay's baby is due any day now. As of earlier this week, she had already dilated to 3 cm.
Curtis will be a senior this coming year and chooses to drive a nice motorcycle instead of some zippy car. I think he too is excited about the recent move.
Loretta, Robert and the girls are still managing a motel in Carbondale, CO. They love it, but does it ever keep them hopping. The Olympic torch passed through Carbondale on its trek to Salt Lake. The girls and Loretta had stepped out to try and catch a glimpse in the midst of the crowd. Somehow were taken in by a group of onlookers that seemed to be in the "Know". Yep, the gentleman's wife was carrying the torch, and they knew the whole route. Loretta and the girls were led by his little caravan of friends and had a birds eye view of the torch for as far as they were able to follow. As they were so close, they couldn't resist going to the Olympics in Salt Lake. Lots of fun, photos, and memories. The girls are into just about everything and anything. They love the snow skiing. Megan was pretty heavy into soccer, but I think she has moved on to other sports. Heather and Megan both have great computer skills, and have helped their grandmother as temporary receptionist at her real estate business. They enter poetry contests and do quite well. Also other literary projects are among their talents, submit drawings and greetings for cards... They don't know they are just young teenagers! Loretta and Robert have taught them to tackle anything their heart desires, and they do indeed.
Last month, their vacation took them to Hawaii. Now they have added snorkeling, parasailing, and the such to their adventures. They caught the end of Whale season in the area, so were able to see some very interesting sights and magnificent events also. Life is never dull if you hang around them.
Daddy and Frances flew to Carbondale and cared for the motel guests while Loretta's family vacationed. Daddy kept busy, he says he fed the dogs and the turtle, and Frances kept unauthorized cars out of the parking lot. They really did have a great time also. They left for home just before the snow started to fall good. Now that they are home, it seems the entire state is on fire! Talk about extremes!
My family is doing well also at this time. Ron is over the shipping dept for a local company who builds chicken houses. He had a few weeks of unscheduled vacation last month, spent it just how he thought he would like to also. He is one of those guys that just wants to relax, rest, watch a little TV now and then; he wants it quiet. He got it! His appendix ruptured. He spent the next two weeks on heavy antibiotics flat on his back hoping the rest of the infection would drain. He did see a little TV, just long enough to turn it back off. He also laid in the quietness when he didn't have visitors, nurses, doctors, or the kids and I there to disturb his slumber. If you can call that slumber. The third week he was glad to be home, but was he ever in misery. He just wanted to be able to get back to work and normal life - whatever normal is.
Cheri' is still working for Ace Hardwear. She is in her fourth year there and is content to be there. She has just been promoted to a Managers position this past week. She has carried the load for a while, and things are starting to roll pretty fast for her. Cheri' and I are the Nursery directors for our church also. Sounds great, but we just make there is a schedule on the wall. Not so hard, no. The real job is getting ladies to work that schedule. However, we do have a wonderful group of ladies, they take such good care of us. We aren't sure what Cheri' has planned for her life. She's on hold for now.
Neil, he is liable to be doing just about anything. He has had several job offers, but hesitates, it doesn't allow him to have the flexible schedule he desires at the present. The first year home from school he
taught the fourth grade as our Christian School. This passed year he worked some odd jobs, but once people found out he could drywall and knew construction - he has been overwhelmed with work on his own. He has been offered a job to teach our high school science, history and boys PE, and a job as shop foreman where Ron Works. He has turned them down to take an opportunity that opened to him in Siberia. It is only a two month opportunity, Thank God, but it is more like Neil to work this project also. Plus, dear ole mom is thrilled out of her gourd for him, but Siberia! It is sort of like the statement, "What good has ever come out of Nazareth?" Well, What are people doing in Siberia! Something good we pray. Time will tell.
It is Sunday afternoon, I am pushing the deadline on the newsletter as I type. But I figured I promised my daddy I would get this out, you know it is Father's Day. And trust me, I think about people a lot. But anything beyond a thought and a prayer is beyond me. He sure won't get the card because of my lack, but I pray I make this deadline.
I love you all so much and long to see each of you. Things happen to draw my heart to you. The town of Mt. Jackson is building a new water tower, which causes me to remember to pray for my brother at heart, Louis. As we are so close to DC and occasionally go to the air ports, I am pulled to pray for Roger and wish to see him, just to know he is okay. It is now such good weather here, and my headaches don't get me down like they have the last two years. So I want to contact Fred Rutledge and meet him in Delaplane. He will help me find the old Watts house. So many family members, and I love you all so very much.
For Aunt Virginia, Roger and Barbara. I pray the Lord meets all your physical, spiritual and emotional needs at the passing of TJ.
Well, until I do see you again, be careful and I wish you God's very best. It is hard for me to tell you all goodbye even on paper.
Karen
Just a note to let you know that Brandt, kids and I are in Davis, Oklahoma for a few week this summer, if you are feeling like traveling you are welcome to come see me Call me at 580-369-3586.
Gailia
Mom recently gave herself an early Christmas present. Her old car was getting too old and needed too many repairs. So she bought a gold 1999 Chevy Cavalier. She's really enjoying it. She's planning to fly to South Carolina for 2 weeks in late October or early November. We're planning the sites we can take her to.
She expects a big crop of pecans this year. Her friend David helps her sell them and he said that he might have to rent a trailer this year! They've received an average of 1 inch of rain a week lately, which is rare for Oklahoma this time of year. That should help all the crops! Also, Mom's been working in her flowerbeds--planting 3 smoke trees (the "fire" went out on 2 of them), wisteria, hibiscus, and crepe myrtles. They did get a big windstorm with rain recently. The wind got up to 50 MPH in Altus and 97 MPH in Childress. Small trees were uprooted.
Her church FINALLY has a new pastor. He's only 28, put she says he seems Biblically mature and confident for his age. She recently drove up to Weatherford to see her niece's newborn adopted baby boy. She said that he's such a pretty baby. Mom's brother, who lives in Weatherford, recently retired from being the BSU director for many years. The alumni gave them a Charles Stanley cruise and a new computer.
Sharon is now in her own apartment. Her address and phone are:
Sharon Sumpter
4807 Old Spartanburg Road
Apt 900-B
Taylors SC 29687
(864) 244-4015
Taylors is right between Greer (where Cecil and I live) and Greenville, where Sharon and I work. One town flows into the next. She's still getting settled in, but making big progress. She's blessed with some nice neighbors; the lady next to her gave her a fern in a hanging pot. Ironically enough, there's a girl living in the same apartment building who is also a nurse named Sharon!
She's still liking her job. The hours vary quite a bit, but at least they're not 12-hour shifts or third shift. She's off most weekends, too.
Jason, her 20-year-old, is driving down from Missouri with his girlfriend Samantha the third week in July for a visit. He's never seen the ocean, so we have a trip to Charleston planned. Jeremy, her
17-year-old, recently joined the Army National Guard Reserves. He's now in boot camp at Fort Sill OK. She finally heard from him after being there for 2 weeks. He wrote something like "Hi, Mom, I don't have time to write. Here's my address. I love you. Love, Jeremy" Oh, well, at least we know he's still alive. :>} Sharon plans to fly to OKC and drive down for his graduation. Of course Mom will go too, since Ft Sill is only about an hour away from her. He's got another year of high school, but he will finish that easily, since guard duty is one weekend a month and in summertime. He's got a head start on a career. He's excited about getting to drive a hummer to school once a month!! His career field is field artillery (cannons).
The manufactured home dealership where Cecil works has recently moved from Spartanburg to Easley. It's supposed to mean much more business, but the contractors are still in the process of getting the homes set up and re-decorated. Right now they have several homes they can show customers. He says they will end up having 22!! The lot is nicely landscaped, with a spotlight to shine on each home, and flagpoles for US, SC, and Palm Harbor (the company) flags. The office building has a covered porch the length of the building with hanging plants. It really looks nice. He did sell two homes a few days ago.
My job is a dream. I'm blessed with a job I look forward to going to and it pays well (I don't mean to boast). I was recently given a monetary cash award for job performance (I meant to boast that time!). I want to work my way up to a paralegal job there in the same office.
Sharon has designated me as her interior decorator. I'm making a seashell wreath for her bedroom. Billy's birthday is coming up soon, and I'm making him a white tiger wall hanging.
Our choir is putting the finishing touches on our patriotic musical for the evening of June 30. It will be outdoors on our new church property (not yet built on). We'll have food booths and other festivities before the concert and fireworks after. Sharon and I are both in the choir, and we're listening to our tapes often so we can memorize the songs.
We sure are glad she moved here. It's great to have my sister as one of my best friends and so close by to do things with and confide in.
Be cool and keep cool!
Jeanne Hart
Again it is newsletter time, and Joe is waiting at my door for me to put something down. Well, I did enjoy the trip to Childress to visit with everyone. It was special that I rode down with one grandson and came back with two. I enjoyed spending the time with John while he was on leave and with Ben when he spent the week with me.
Love to all,
Elmeda
Lubbock News:
Spring has sprung, fall has fell. Summer is here and it is hotter than... usual.
Katie and Michael went to the infamous Britney Spears concert in Lubbock Friday night. Britney came on stage, sang two songs then had technical difficulties which caused the concert to be cancelled. Do I need to tell you that she was upset?
Dianne, Katie, Ben, Carol and I made the pilgrimage to Childress. Michael did not go because he was spending the day with his first love, his Trans Am. It was good to see everyone. Had a good time visiting but wish that I would have got around the room and visited more with everyone there. Katie was excited to out-bid "Santa Claus" for a Christmas decoration.
Ben went home with Grandma from Childress and spent the week in Oklahoma City. I picked him up the next weekend a returned home via Fort Worth to attend a friend's wedding. It was the long way home but we had a good time.
Mom and I were able to attend Webb Watt's funeral last month in Muleshoe. A little more than a year ago, we attended a birthday celebration for him and I wish that I could remember more of the stories he was telling of his growing up years. Of course, he had a couple nephews prodding him on.
Dianne has been busy painting and rearranging. Seems like our house got turned upside down but we are slowly getting thing back into a little bit of order.
Thanks to everyone for your support, your prayers, your gifts, and being there for Katie and Michael on their wedding day. I was and still am overwhelmed by it all.
Katie and Michael will be moving to the Houston area August 1st. The school he will be attending is Universal Technical Institute. Katie is going to take her Cosmetology State Board Test July 3 in Austin.
Some one down here recently had a major birthday but I am not allowed to tell anyone Carol's age.
I am working the night shift again for a change of scenery. Business has been steadily increasing. Hopefully the light at the end of the tunnel is not a train.
Lowell
Greetings from Oklahoma City.
John, as most of you know is in the Marines. We went out the week before Memorial Day to San Diego to watch him graduate from boot camp. Carol, Rachel, and my Mother-in-Law all navigated the maps and tourist destinations while I obediently chauffeured them to the Painted Desert, The Petrified Forest, The Grand Canyon, and other vistas along the way. No, I did not even try to push my Mother-in-Law into the canyon. Maybe if there wasn't as many witnesses with cameras….. Anyway, we had a nice trip and the scenery was a change from home. John is now at Camp Pendleton, California for more education and he does not know for sure just where he will be sent. Most of the young men are currently going to Camp Lejune, South Carolina, but at this time it would be just a guess.
Rachel graduated from the eighth grade this year and is now looking forward to High School. She has already this summer been to California with us and to Colorado for a church youth conference. She has plans to attend two different sessions of camp with The Camp Fire. Maybe she will slow down enough in August to start school.
Carol and I are busy around home and with the family. Carol's mom has been after me to paint her house, but I managed to convince her to get someone else. Carol's nephews are in the process of painting with Grandma looking over their shoulder. They did come over and help me with a small roofing job. I started to re-roof my workshop and managed to pull a tendon in my arm. I needed to get someone to finish and they were available. The doctor called it tennis elbow, but I know better because I don't play tennis.
Joe, Carol, John and Rachel Elder
While I think about it and it is fresh on my mind I just want to let everyone know what a lovely time we had at the Reunion in Childress on the 2nd of June. There were approximately 77 people who attended give or take one or two that we did not get on the list.
Those who came early were invited to have Hamburgers and fixings at our house on Saturday evening. Bill was down in his back due to a muscle strain and Kenny Dale was the chef for the evening. There were 14 people at the house.
Elmeda Elder was escorted here by a very nice young Marine, John Elder. We were glad to get aquatinted with him. Food was plentiful and we had lots of fun bidding on the crafts that were brought by several people. There were door prizes for all ages and we watched the Birthday Party for Uncle Webb Watts that was video taped in January of this year. We will always remember him as a most delightful man. We also had a cake and sang Happy Birthday to Pete Watts as it was his 70th Birthday. We missed all those who could not be here and our thoughts were with Virginia and family in Blackfoot at this time.
The park was beautiful as we had recently had rain and everything was green. All of the Children enjoyed playing in the park. A few went swimming in the afternoon.
Thank you all for the excellent job in helping clean up so we could get the $150.00 deposit back on the building. Everyone was so helpful, especially Elaine Peeples, Nancy Russell and Tommie Watts in the kitchen and with the food.
We are looking forward to another fun time in 2 years. By the way Bill's back is better.
Mary Watts
Birthdays:
July
4 John Elder
| August
17 Roper Lee Swanson
25 Kenneth Jensen
26 Virginia Patterson
| September
7 Joe Elder
14 Carol Elder
25 Elmeda Elder
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Please send all omissions and corrections to the editors.
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