Mount Ayr Record-News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
Thursday, June 13, 2002

The class of 1944 had their class reunion Sunday, May 26, 2002 at the Pheasant Run Steakhouse and Lounge at 1:00 p.m.

Out of a class of 32, 10 members and four spouses attended. Ten classmates are deceased and three who attended part of the years are also deceased.

Those in attendance were: Richard and Thelma (OSBORNE) BONNER of Hayes, KS, Willie and Faith (LAMERAUX) SHINKLE of Golden, MO, Delbert and Hazel JACKSON of Allendale, MO and from Mount Ayr: Park and Joan RINEHART, Bill and Thelma (ANDERSON) RUSK, Walter JOHNSON, Athena STRANGE, Vesta (INGRAM) STILL and Theola (HIGHTSHOE) WEEDA.

Theola greeted and welcomed everyone. A Dutch-treat lunch was enjoyed by everyone.

After lunch, letters and 3-mails were read from Jean (PRENTIS) REGER of Househeade, NY, Darlene (MAGGARD) MILLER of Saint Joseph, MO and LaVaughn (LOVITT) THOMAS of Gallatin, MO.

The reunion was planned by the committee of Theola WEEDA and Vesta STILL with the help of Thelma RUSK.

The old committee was re-elected. See you next year on the Sunday after the alumni banquet. Try to attend the alumni banquet and reunion. Classmates who have never attended don't know what they are missing. We have a very good time.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, August of 2012

Mount Ayr Record-News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
Thursday, June 24, 2004

The graduating class of 1944 from the Mount Ayr public school was held on Sunday, May 30, 2004, at the REC Community Room. This was the 60th anniversary for the class since graduation. The delicious meal was catered by Mary Lee FOLTZ and Kathy WARD as a courtesy to Theola WEEDA. Helping them with the serving were Elizabeth FOLTZ, Karen PETTINGER and Oakel PETTINGER.

Park RINEHART was in charge of the registration. Of the 27 registered, 18 were classmates. The class had 43 members graduate. Theola WEEDA had gotten all the decorations carrying out the class colors of purple and yellow and vases with the class flower, violets, along with candles.

Faith SHINKEL gave the table blessing before the meal. After dinner was served Theola WEEDA welcomed everyone and thanked them for coming. Neva FISHER and Thelma RUSK presented a memorial tribute to the deceased classmates, which included Merle DAILEY, June RANDOLPH, Rex RUSK, Peggy CAVENDAR, Bob SHELDON, Curt CHRISTIANSEN, Petty CARYL, Joe DRAKE, W. A. STEPHENS, Andy BRYANT, Janice EMILY, Christine EGLY, Karl McGAHUEY, Clayton (Bill) RINEHART, and Phyllis McGRATH.

Bill RUSK conducted the business meeting. Minutes were read from the previous year, 2003, and a treasurer's report was given. During the meeting the group voted to have the reunion again next year, 2005, during the Memorial Day weekend. Delbert JACKSON will be chairman with others in the community helping. Correspondence was read from Vesta INGRAM STILL'S daughter giving a report on her mom. Greetings and reports from Jean PRENTIS REGER, Robert PERRY BONNOR, Darlene MAGGARD MILLER and Corbett NEWMAN were given. Thelma OSBORN BONNOR announced they were celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. They were given a prize for reaching this special event. They also introduced their son, Rick, who had driven them. He is a retired serviceman. They were glad to have him back. Theola ANDREW KENNICOTT introduced her son, Patrick and his wife Evelyn, who had driven her also. The meeting ended with much conversation, many pictures and reminiscing.

Those attending were:

Theola ANDREW KENNICOT of Lampe, MO; Patrick and Evelyn HUDSON of West Plains, MO; Thelma OSBORN BONNOR and Richard BONNOR and son, Rick, of Hayseville, KS; Delbert and Hazel JACKSON of Grant City, MO; LaVonne LOVITT THOMAS of Gallatin, MO; Virgil and Jeannine MAIN of Freemont, NE; Louise TWOMBLEY McCARL of Cedar Rapids; Vivian LORIMOR RIGG and Ralph RIGG of Dayton, OH; and Theola HIGHTSHOE WEEDA, Neil JOHNSON, Faith LAMERAUX SHINKLE, Neva MATHEWS FISHER, Park and Joan RINEHART, Viona SICKELS FROST, Thelma ANDERSON RUSK and Bill RUSK, Wanda JETER McGAHUEY, Helen RICE REYNOLDS and Marvin REYNOLDS, all from Mount Ayr.

Prizes were given to lucky number holders. Theola WEEDA planned these and had them wrapped in yellow and purple colors. The class motto was "Forward Ever, Backward Never" and looking around those there we are still going forward and looking forward to next year.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, August of 2012

Mount Ayr Record-News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
Thursday, June 23, 2005

The graduating class of 1944 held their 61st reunion on Sunday, May 29, 2005 at the Heritage Park Apartments community room. Bill RUSK was in charge of the registration. Nineteen registered, 14 of them were classmates.

There were 43 in the graduating class.

Mary Lee FOLTZ, Kathy WARD and Karen PETTINGER served a delicious meal from a beautiful buffet table.

The ladies had decorated the tables with gold and purple stars, yellow and purple candles to carry out the class of 1944's class colors. The table cloth on the buffet table was also purple.

Theola WEEDA welcomed everyone and directed them to the food table. Faith LAMERAUX SHINKLE gave the table blessing before the meal.

After dinner Delbert JACKSON conducted the business meeting. He had each one tell what they had been doing the past year. Roll call was taken with each in the class giving the time they entered the class. Faith LAMERAUX SHINKLE and Thelma ANDERSON RUSK were the only two who had started first grade together. One entered in the fifth grade; one in seventh grade; one in eighth grade, seven in ninth grade and two in 10th grade.

The minutes were read by secretary Thelma RUSK, and approved with one correction. Correspondence was read from Jean PRENTIS REGER with a picture enclosed and Viviean LORIMOR RIGG with greetings to their classmates.

Thelma reported she had sent a small bouquet to Vesta INGRAM STILL, classmate, who is in the Clearview Home. She had sent a sympathy card to Delbert and Hazel JACKSON upon the death of their son.

During the business meeting it was voted to again meet during the Memorial Day weekend and to meet at the Heritage Park Apartments community room again. It was a lovely place to meet for our group. Park RINEHART was nominated as next year's chairman.

After the meeting everyone had a good time visiting with each other and many pictures were taken. Theola WEEDA has kept a scrap book all these years which she brought for all to enjoy. It is interesting to see the changes along the years.

Those attending this year were Lavaughn LOVITT THOMAS of Gallaton, MO; Delbert and Hazel JACKSON of Grant City, MO; Richard and Thelma BONNOR and daughter Jayne JOHNSTON, of Wichita, KS; Glenn and Louise TWOMBLY McCARL of Cedar Rapids and Neva MATTHEWS FISHER, Faith LAMERAUX SHINKLE, Theola HIGHTSHOE WEEDA, Park and June RINEHART, Wanda JETER McGAHUEY, Viona SICKELS FROST, Athena STRANGE, Walter Neil JOHNSON and Bill and Thelma ANDERSON RUSK, all from Mount Ayr.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, September of 2012

Mount Ayr Record-News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
Thursday, June 23, 2005

The graduating class of 1944 from the Mount Ayr high school will have a reunion on Sunday, May 28, at the community room at Heritage park.

The doors will be open at noon and the dinner served at 1 p.m. All classmates, spouses and guests of this graduating class or anyone who was in the class at any time are encouraged to attend.

Reservations are appreciated. This helps the caterers to estimate the amount of food they need to prepare. Make reservations with Park RINEHART, Theola WEEDA, Faith SHINKLE, Neva FISHER or Bill RUSK. Reservations need to be made by May 18 if possible.

The class will be celebrating their 62nd year.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, September of 2012

Mount Ayr Record-News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
Thursday, May 07, 2009

The graduating class and classmates of the class of 1944 will hold their 65th reunion on Sunday, May 24, 2009, at the Heritage Park community room. Dinner will be served at 1 p.m. The doors will open a little after noon.

Reservations are not mandatory but appreciated. Contact Park RINEHART, Theola WEEDA or Bill and Thelma RUSK.

Mount Ayr Record-News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
Thursday, June 11, 2009

The graduation class of 1944 from the Mount Ayr high school met to celebrate their 65th reunion at the community room at Heritage Park on Sunday, May 24, 2009. Park RINEHART was in charge of the registration. Theola WEEDA had made the arrangements for the dinner served and prepared by Mary Lee FOLTZ, Karen PETTINGER and Cathy WARD. Dinner was served at 1 p.m. The tables were decorated in the class colors of yellow and purple. Their class flower was the violet. The meal was enjoyed by 15 classmates, spouses and friends.

After dinner a business meeting was conducted by Theola WEEDA and Thelma RUSK. Thelma read the minutes of last year's reunion. Theola brought the question to the group whether a reunion each year should be planned. The class has had a reunion each year over the Memorial Day weekend since their 55th class reunion. There was much discussion from the classmates on this. It was suggested if they have one each year, that it would be better to have it on another weekend than a holiday weekend. It was also suggested that those of the class and friends get together maybe once a month during the year. A conclusion was made to meet, for those who can, on the first Friday of each month and then see later if they want to meet for a reunion.

Theola read letters from Phyllis MOON FAUBION, Jean PRENTIS REGER, Vivian LORIMOR RIGG and Thelma OSBORN BONNOR, who sent greeting to the class by mail. Most classmates not attending live in other states and the distance now creates a problem for them to attend. Thelma read the names of the deceased members of the class, a total of 18. There were 43 in the graduating class. She also read 11 names of classmates who had attended the class through the years but for some reason of moving, going to the service, etc. did not graduate with the class. This included the death of Merle DAILY who died when the class were freshman. A moment was spent thinking about these classmates.

Theola had her scrapbooks for all to look through and Thelma had her scrapbooks. Vesta INGRAM STILL'S family had given her [a] scrapbook to view also. These make a good record of the years of the class of 1944.

Those attending were Vergil MAIN of Fremont, NE who had traveled the farthest, Louise TWOMBLEY and husband Glenn McCARL of Cedar Rapids, Delbert and Hazel JACKSON of Grant City, MO, Neil and Irma JOHNSON of Beaconsfield and Faith LAMERAUX SHINKLE, Park and Joan RINEHART, Wanda JETER McGAHUEY, Theola HIGHTSHOE WEEDA, Doris MAIN RULE, Thelma ANDERSON RUSK and Bill RUSK, all of Mount Ayr.

Many pictures were taken and a lot of conversation concluded the afternoon.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, September of 2012

Mount Ayr Record-News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
Thursday, July 29, 2010

The graduating class of 1944 from the Mount Ayr public high school held their 66th year class reunion on Sunday, June 6, 2010. Eleven classmates and spouses attended. The reunion was held at noon at the community room of Heritage Park. A delicious dinner was served by Mary Lee FOLTZ, Karen PETTINGER and Cathy WARD. They had the tables decorated in the class colors of yellow and purple. Their class flower was the violet.

Bill RUSK was in charge of registration. Theola WEEDA welcomed everyone and gave directions for going through the buffet table. Faith SHINKLE gave the blessing before the meal. Everyone enjoyed the food.

A short business meeting was conducted after the meal. It was decided to meet again at the community room of the Heritage Park on the first Sunday of June 2011. Correspondence was read from Vivian LORIMOR RIGG, Theola ANDREW KENNICOTT, Thelma OSBORN BONNOR and Jean PRENTIS REGER. Theola WEEDA read a letter from Pearl HAUPTMANN, the wife of R. E. HAUPTMANN, who was the ag teacher in Mount Ayr for many years. He is deceased but Pearl HAUPTMANN, in her 90's, is doing very well she reported.

The group signed "Thinking of You" cards for Vivian, Theola, Thelma and Jean as well as Park RINEHART and wife Joan, who were not there due to Joan's recent surgery. Theola WEEDA had her scrapbook for all to see. She has done an excellent job of keeping news clippings, pictures and other event involving members of the class during all the years since graduation. She has the first 50 years in one and is working on the second (for as far as we can go!)

Those attending this year were Virgil MAIN of Fremont, NE, Delbert and Hazel JACKSON of Grant City, MO, Louise (TWOMBLEY) and Glenn McCARL of Cedar Rapids, and Neil and Irma JOHNSON of Beaconsfield. Those from Mount Ayr were Neva (MATTHEWS) FISHER, Wanda (JETER) McGAHUEY, Theola (HIGHTSHOE) WEEDA, Faith (LAMERAUX) SHINKLE, Phyllis (MOON) FAUBION, Thelma (ANDERSON) RUSK and Bill RUSK.

To their knowledge, they had no deceased classmates this past year. This is the first year for some time that someone has not left their class by death.

Picture taking and much conversation made up most of the afternoon. All left looking forward to June 2011 to get together again.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, October of 2010

Mount Ayr Record-News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
Thursday, June 30, 2011

Members and spouses of the class of 1944 met Sunday, June 5, 2011, to celebrate their 67th class graduating.

Park RINEHART was at the registration table. They met at the community room at Heritage Park at noon. A catered dinner by Mary Lee FOLTZ was served at 1 p.m. She had a surprise guest helper, Nancy Lee RUSK.

Nancy is the daughter of a former classmate, Rex RUSK. Rex was deceased in 1984. He and his wife attended every reunion to that time. Nancy and Mary Lee met each other at the reunions many years ago and by chance met again that week. When Nancy found out that Mary Lee was catering the dinner, she asked if she could help. They agreed to cater again next year 2012, same time, same place.

Dinner was served buffet style.

Theola WEEDA greeted everyone and gave directions to go through the food line.

Faith LAMERAUX SHINKLE gave the blessing before the meal.

After dinner a short business meeting was held. Thelma RUSK read email letters from Vivina LORIMOR RIGG and Jean PRENTIS REGER.

Theola HIGHTSHOE WEEDA had heard from Mrs. R.E. HAUPHMAN and reported she was still in her own apartment and was 99 in November and will be 100 in November 2011 and is doing well.

Theola had also gotten a phone call from Louise TWOMBLEY McCARL that she would not make the reunion this year. She was missed for she has always attended the class reunions.

It was agreed to have the reunion again next year on the first Sunday of June 2012. Mary Lee will again coordinate the dinner.

A tribute to the deceased members of the class was given by Thelma and Theola. They had two classmates who were deceased in 2010, Theola ANDREW and Mary Margaret GROVES. Thelma read all the names of the deceased graduate members, 20 in all. Theola then lit a candle in their remembrance and read the poem titled, "The Dash."

The remainder of the afternoon was busy looking at Theola WEEDA'S scrapbooks, visiting and taking pictures.

Those attending were Virgil MAIN of Fremont, NE, Delbert and Hazel JACKSON of Grant City, MO and Neil and Irma JOHNSON.

Those from Mount Ayr were Wanda JETER McGAHUEY, Neva MATTHEWS FISHER, Park and Joan RINEHART, Phyllis MOON FAUBION, Faith LAMERAUX SHINKLE, Theola HIGHTSHOE WEEDA, Thelma ANDERSON RUSK and Bill RUSK.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, July of 2011

Mount Ayr Record-News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
Thursday, June 07, 2012

The graduating class of 1944 will be holding their get together on Saturday, June 9, at the Heritage Park Community Room. The doors will open shortly after 12 noon and the dinner will be served at 1 p.m.

Class members hope to see all classmates there with their spouse[s] and friends.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, June of 2012

Mount Ayr Record News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
Thursday, July 05, 2012

The class of 1944 met at the Heritage Park community room on Saturday, June 9, 2012. Park RINEHART took the registration.

Before their dinner Faith SHINKLE offered grace. A catered dinner was served at 1 p.m. by Mary Lee FOLTZ and Nancy RUSK WISSINK. Mary Lee is the daughter of Theola WEEDA and Nancy is the daughter of deceased classmate, Rex RUSK. They seated everyone at the tables and served them -- and what a meal they had. Their plates were overflowing and then came dessert. The men said "time for a nap" after they had their meal.

A short business meeting was held after dinner.

Correspondence was read from Vivian LORIMOR RIGG, Jean PRENTIS REGER and Viona SICKELS FORCE. All hoped it was a good reunion and were sorry they could not join them. They told everyone a little about how they were and what they were doing.

Louise TWOMBLEY McCARL was unable to attend and Theola WEEDA had been to see her so gave everyone an update. Last year was the first reunion she had missed for a long time. They miss her, as well as the other classmates who could not make it.

Theola WEEDA had heard from Pearl, Mrs. (R.E.) HUPHMAN. She had celebrated her 100th birthday and had sent Theola a note and a picture of her with friends at the party. She is still in her own apartment and doing well. Theola hears from her quite often.

A discussion was had as to when to have their next get-together. After much conversation, it was agreed to have it the second Saturday of June, June 8, 2013.

The "girls" agreed again to prepare and serve them. They decorate the tables in their class colors of purple and yellow and really treat everyone special.

Those attending were Virgil MAIN of Fremont, NE, Delbert and Hazel JACKSON of Grant City, MO and Neil (Gracie) and Irma JOHNSON of Beaconsfield.

Those from Mount Ayr were Theola HIGHSHOE WEEDA, Faith LAMERAUX SHINKEL, Park and Joan RINEHART, Phyllis MOON FAUBION and Thelma ANDERSON RUSK.

The rest of the afternoon everyone was busy visiting and, of course, taking pictures. Theola had her scrapbook on the table for all to look at and it brought about a lot of reminiscing.

They did not have any report of deceased classmates this past year.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, July of 2012

Mount Ayr Record-News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
Thursday, June 13, 2013

The class of 1944 gathered together at the Heritage Park community room for their 69th year after graduation. All registered as they came in.

The meal was served by Mary Lee FOLTZ and Kathy WARD. Faith LAMERAUX SHINKLE gave the blessing before the meal. All were then seated at the beautifully decorated table with relishes and cheese and crackers on the table as starters and then came the main meal of all the food their plates would hold, salads plus wonderful dinner rolls.

After the meal a business meeting was held. Thelma RUSK read the minutes from the 2012 get-together.

They were saddened by the death of classmate Virgil MAIN. Several of the classmates had attended his memorial service held on March 16, 2013 at the Wishard Chapel Community Church.

Theola WEEDA had been to see Pearl HOFFMAN, who is 101 years old and doing fine. She is still in her own apartment and has a very sharp mind. Theola said she was going strong and asked about some of the students that her husband had had in school at Mount Ayr and FFA. She had pictures of her and a nice letter to Theola which she also shared with everyone.

Thelma announced that Jean PRENTIS REGER had gotten married to a longtime friend, Peyton HOLLOMAN, on December 29, 2012. Her two sons walked her down the aisle.

A discussion was had as to next year's reunion, which will be their 70th. It was decided that next year they would meet on the second Saturday of June, June 14, 2014. They hope to hear from those unable to travel to Mount Ayr anymore as to how they are doing and a little about their family. They will be meeting at the Heritage Park community building. Dinner will be served at 12 noon.

The girls agreed to serve one more year.

After the business meeting the girls served dessert of angel food cake, ice cream, strawberries and rhubarb cobbler as well as a root beer floats. Now you could choose one, two or take it all!

Those attending this year were Delbert and Hazel JACKSON of Grant City, MO and those from Mount Ayr were Theola HIGHTSHOE WEEDA, Faith LAMERAUX SHINKLE, Phyllis MOON FAUBION, Wanda JETER McGAHUEY, Park and Joan RINEHART and Thelma ANDERSON RUSK.

Thelma told that her husband, Bill, was in the Clearview Nursing Home and he sent greetings.

They are small in number anymore but still big on visiting, sharing news and pictures of family and friends and enjoying their time together. They hope they all are together on June 14, 2014 for dinner at 12 noon at the Heritage Park community building for their 70th class reunion. ~ 2013

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, June of 2013

Mount Ayr Record-News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
Thursday, May 22, 2014

The graduating class of 1944 will be having their 70th year class reunion at the community room at Heritage Park on Saturday, June 14, 2014, 306 E. Monroe St. All classmates, spouses, friends and those who would like to join the class for a visit are welcome. A catered dinner will be at noon. Reservations are appreciated. This does help with food preparation. Make reservations to Theola Weeda [telephone #] or Park Rinehart [telephone #].

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, June of 2014

Mount Ayr Record-News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
Thursday, July 10, 2014

The class of 1944 gathered together at the Heritage Park Community room for their 70th reunion on Saturday, June 14, 2014. Open at 10 a.m. and dinner was at 12 p.m.

Registration of the group was done by Park Rinehart as people came.

The delicious meal was prepared by Mary Lee Foltz, she is the daughter of Theola Hightshoe (Foltz) Weeda, one of the graduates of the 1944 class. Cathy Ward helped Mary Lee serve the food to the seated honored guests.

Faith Lameraux Shinkle gave the blessing before we ate.

The table was beautifully decorated with purple and yellow, our class colors and violets our flower. The table was loaded with relishes, summer sausage and cheeses before the main meal.

The main meal consisted of three meats (beef, pork and turkey), mashed potatoes, gravy and green beans and corn. Three kinds of salad and rolls.

After the meal a business meeting was held. Theola Weeda read the minutes from the 2014 get together.

Faith had a short memorial service for the people we had lost specially for the latest members. We have 25 deceased as of now. Latest deceased were Virgil Main, Bill Rusk and Thelma (Osborn) Bonner.

We were saddened of the death of classmate Thelma Bonner of Kansas for several years but later in Oklahoma at the time of her death. A double memorial at Mount Ayr Rose Hill Cemetery for Richard Bonner and wife Thelma, were both members of our 1944 class. They were married on June 6, 1944 and buried together on June 6, 2014.

A letter from Mrs. R. E. (Pearl) Hauptmann of Macon, MO, who is 103 years old. Her husband was the FFA instructor for many years.

After the meeting closed, Mary Lee had a tea table set for the group, she served root beer floats. Purple and yellow cup cakes, cookies and nuts and mints were also served.

Those in attendance were Faith (Lameraux) Shinkle, Park and Joan Rinehart, Delbert and Hazel Jackson of Grant City, MO, Neil and Irma Johnson of Beaconsfield, Louise (Twombly) McCarl and guest Louise's daughter Vicky Lyle Burl of Cedar Rapids and Theola Weeda of Mount Ayr.

We missed Thelma Rusk, she was at a grandson's wedding.

Next year will be a maybe!

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, August of 2014

Mount Ayr Record-News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
Thursday, June 04, 2015, Page 5

A reunion for the Mount Ayr High School graduating Class of 1944 will be held Saturday, June 13, at the Heritage Park Community Building in Mount Ayr.

Doors will open at 12 noon, and a catered dinner will be served at 1 p.m.

Classmates and friends are invited to attend. Reservations are appreciated but are not mandatory.

Please contact Thelma Rusk at [phone #] with questions.

Mount Ayr Record-News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
Thursday, June 04, 2015, Page 5

The Class of 1944 met together for their 71st class reunion on Saturday, June 13, 2015. It was held at the Heritage Park community room. Park Rinehart was in charge of registration as the classmates came in.

A delicious meal was prepared and served by Mary Lee Foltz, who is the daughter of our classmate Theola Weeda. Nancy Rusk Wissink of Norwark, daughter of a classmate Rex Rusk, now deceased, assisted Mary Lee, who served a sit down dinner of relishes, cheese and summer sausage with the main meal of salads, meat, potatoes, vegetables, and cupcakes and ice cream sundaes for dessert.

Faith Lameraux Shinkle gave grace before our meal. They had the tables all decorated in our class colors of purple and yellow.

Our business meeting was held after our dinner. Thelma Rusk conducted the meeting. We had heard from the following classmates by email. Vivian (Lorimore) Rigg. Her husband had passed away this year. She now is in an apartment in Dayton, Ohio. LaVaughn (Lovitt) Thomas is doing well she said but like all of us is slowing down. She lives in Gallatin, MO. Jean (Prentis) Holloman, by phone, told us she is about like the rest of use. She just can't get around like we used to. Theola Weeda had a call from Louise (Twombley) McCarl, saying she was sorry but could not be here this year. Theola also got a nice letter from Pearl Hauptmann. She is 103 years old and doing very well. She is in her own apartment. Her husband was an FFA instructor in our school many years ago. The men there who were in FFA in high school said he took Milt Henderson's place because he went to the service. Theola had also visited her this year.

The list of our deceased members were read and we thought of things we remembered of them. We had one deceased member this year, Maxine (Drake) Barnett.

Those attending this year were Walter Neal Johnston and wife Irma from Beaconsfield. Those from Mount Ayr were Paul and Joan Rinehart, Wanda McGahuey, Theola (Hightshoe) Weeda, Faith Lameraux Shinkle, and Thelma (Anderson) Rusk. Not many who are able to travel far any more. They are missed.

We decided to meet again next year 2016 on the second Saturday of June, June 11, 2016, at the Heritage Park community room.

Transcriptions by Sharon R. Becker, September of 2015

Mount Ayr Record-News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
Thursday, July 14, 2016, Page 5

The class of 1944 met at the community room at Heritage Park on Saturday, June 11, 2016 for their get together. Park Rinehart was in charge of registration.

The luncheon meal was prepared and served by Mary Lee Foltz from Creston, daughter of Theola Weeda and Nancy (Rusk) Wissink of Norwalk, daughter of Rex Rusk, deceased, a member of the class of 1944.

Pictures were taken before our meal. Theola Weeda welcomed everyone and Faith Shinkle gave the prayer before our meal.

Correspondence was received by Jean (Prentis) Holloman, Vivian (Lorimor) Rigg and LaVaughn (Lovitt) Thomas who all had address changes. Calls from Louise (Twombley) McCarl from Cedar Rapids and Darlene (Maggard) Miller who now lives in Texas. Theola Weeda informed us that Mrs. R.E. [Pearl] Hauptmann had passed away at the age of 104 years. Her husband was an agriculture teacher here for many years.

Park and Joan Rinehart were going to celebrate their anniversary the next day. Faith Shinkle gave a reading on aging and played a piano solo for our entertainment.

During the business meeting, it was planned to meet again in 2017 on the second Saturday of June.

Those in attendance were:

Neil and Irma Johnston of Beaconsfield, Phyllis Moon Fabion from the nursing home in Grant City, MO, Marietta (Stamper) Cobb of Blockton, Park and Joan Rinehart, Faith (Lameraux) Shinkle, Theola (Hightshoe) Weeda, Thelma (Anderson) Rusk from Mount Ayr, Delbert and Hazel Jackson from Clearview Home in Mount Ayr, Wanda (Jeter) McGahuey was in the Mount Ayr Health Care Center and unable to attend.

This was the class' 72nd class reunion with many changes these past few years, but those that can will meet again in 2017.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, May of 2017

Mount Ayr Record-News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
Thursday, June 22, 2017, Page 8

The class of 1944 held their class get together at the Heritage Park Community room, Saturday, June 10, 2017. Class members met at 2:00 p.m. for snacks of cheese, summer sausage, vegetable trays and dip, fruit bowls and an assortment of cake, pie and peach cobbler with ice cream. This was served by Mary Lee Foltz, Theola Weeda's daughter, and Nancee (Rusk) Wissink, daughter of Rex Rusk, deceased. These girls have been caterers for several years.

Faith Shinkle gave a prayer before eating. After, class members joined into song with Faith at the piano. She also played many other songs. To close out the meeting, Faith and her daughter, Grace Warin, sang a duet. The get together was small in number, but all had a good time visiting, eating, looking over Theola's big scrapbook and taking pictures.

Those in attendance were: Theola Hightshoe Weeda, Faith Lameraux Shinkle, Phyllis Moon Faubion, Grant City and Thelma Anderson Rusk.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, July of 2017