Class of 56		Newsletter

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As I begin writing, it is the third day of 2012 and only 356 days till Christmas again, give or take a day or so.  But who’s counting. And who really wants to think of that right now. I haven’t even removed the remnants of Christmas; my mind and body are still tired. But I’ve enjoyed the holidays and new memories were made.

October Luncheon

We had 10 people at our October Luncheon.  Kenneth Crouch (Class of 55) has moved back to Russellville from Texas and he and his brother Randal (Class of 58) joined us. Randal took pictures, some that you might see on go2russellville.com. He is working on the site again and waiting for me to send him more information for our Class.  Others in attendance that day were: Erma Duryea Cotton, Mary Lou Davis Bryson, Linda Goodwin Griffin, Gwen Parker Bewley, James and Jo Ford, Ann Young Shields, and Charles Hill.  Charles treated us to slides and a narrative of his trip to Germany that was quite interesting. 

Christmas letter from Larry and Lois Woodward:

"They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint."        Isa. 40:31                                                    

That word "wait" is so hard to apply to our lives.  That is what our family has had to experience this past year. We continue to rely on His blessings, but wait for answers concerning health issues and jobs for our kids. We have asked the question many times "why". But then we say "why not".  His grace is sufficient!                       

For Dan and Karla the Lord has provided housing for them.  His provision came through some good friends who rented them a 3 bedroom duplex.  Praise the Lord!  Please continue to pray for work for them.

Kim continues also to look for work.  She has been without work for over 2 years.  She stays busy with Awana's and her women's Bible studies.

We praise the Lord for the good days Larry has.  Doctors continue to change his medication around so his blood pressure will stabilize.  The Doctors are now thinking about sending him to Cleveland Clinic in Ft Lauderdale.  We may know more later this month.

As the caregiver I praise the Lord for good health. It has been 8 years since my heart attack and quadruple bypass.  I thank the Lord everyday for His goodness.  When we have our health it is a rich blessing from the Lord!

We are staying in Florida for the holidays this year.  We enjoyed Thanksgiving with several families at our church, who also are alone like us.  Christmas will be just the 3 of us, but we thank God for all His blessings. Most of all for the most precious gift of all, HIS SON!

THANK YOU for your prayers.  THANK YOU for being our friend when we needed one.   Looking for HIS soon return
 
 MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR. Continuing to Serve Him, Larry and Lois

Last year Ray Hackworth had been called back to work out of retirement.  He was still working during October but he and Beverly had gone to Jamaica again for 10 days.  He was still hoping to have all problems cleaned up by year end so he could retire for the third time.

Mary Lou Davis Bryson had spent some time in Russellville after the October Luncheon caring for her sister-in-law who had surgery.  She also writes: “For the first time all my family was together throughout the 3 main days of the Christmas holidays and they were ALL old enough to enjoy each other and act as if they had been raised almost right.  Delightful experience.  We even went bowling together.  Youngest 5 and oldest was, of course, me.  Can't say I won but Lily (the 5 year old) was behind me.  We really had a great time.  Took four lanes but it was fun.  With Christmas on Sunday and Christmas Eve services on Saturday we seemed to dress up more than usual. But we all survived fancy clothes as long as it was for only a two hour window…I wish all of you a Happy New Year and may all your resolutions be met.” (A while back I found her bragging on Facebook that she went ‘laser tagging’ with the aggressive members of her family and SHE WON!!  Remember Mary Lou, what posts on Facebook is always there.)

	Dalene Davenport and Sam Horton returned to Colorado after their trip to Calgary in October, and then moved on to Texas.  Christmas holidays were spent with son, Scott, in Tucson, AZ.  On Christmas Day, Scott chaliced, served in the Communion in the service at the Episcopal Church. Before leaving Tucson, they went to Box Canyon to watch Scott paraglide.  He had a perfect takeoff from the mountain while they stood there holding their breaths.  After a very short ride over to the adjacent lower mountain, Scott landed in the bottom of the canyon.  Dalene and Sam then had a 2 hour drive down the rutted mountain road in total darkness to pick him up.
	Dalene included a photo of her granddaughter, Emily, to show her beautiful curls.  She says that those who remember her know that she has straight, thin hair, so she greatly enjoys combing Emily’s curls and is very appreciative of the genes that provide them.

Grace Tidwell Eaton’s husband, Ed spent a week in the hospital prior to Christmas.  Then Grace was brought into ER the same day he was dismissed.

Tina McCorkle and J.S. Walls took a bus tour to Gatlinberg, TN the last week of October. She said it was a fabulous trip. The colors were awesome, weather was perfect, and they made lots of new friends on the trip.

Pat Crouch and Malcolm Murphy celebrated their 50^th Anniversary December 30 in their motor home at the Lake. She says their family wants to plan a party for them later, but that this was a nice time to be together.

I did finally hear from Sharon Benson Rachel and it appears that her contact information is still valid.

	James and Jo Ford have donated stamps for mailing the newsletter again.  I also got the most delightful Christmas card from them of their family. I’m sure they won’t mind if I share.

Two cousins: Alakai and Haylee Baker

I (Jane) had my whole family home at Christmas but not at the same time. There were 10 here for Christmas Day. Then 2 went home to Houston, TX and one to Dallas, TX.  We completed our holidays New Year’s Day with 7 ‘repeats’, one from Vicksburg, MS, and 2 back from El Paso, TX – 10 again.  Our 19-month old Alakai   received a pair of ‘squeaky’ shoes. Took him about 2 turns around to figure out where the noise was coming from.  Great for taking him out in public but I think I heard squeaks in my sleep that night.  He also got a punching bag and gloves and there is no doubt who the Champ is. And his first ‘real’ haircut.

Sue Rider and Bill Luce lost her sister, Ruby Rider Kuykendall, 78 of Russellville on Saturday, October 22, 2011. Several of us knew her from our teen years when we all attended church together.   Our deepest sympathies to you on your loss.

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