Mount Ayr Record-News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
Thursday, June 11, 1987

The 1987 Tingley alumni banquet was held May 23 at 7 p.m., at the Tingley Community Building with 142 in attendance.

After Clara Mae BIRD led in the Lord's Prayer, a delicious meal of ham, roast beef, escalloped potatoes, green beans, salads, rolls, coffee, tea and cookies was served by Lloyd MILLER, assisted by Margaret HULL, Lisa MILLER, Terri CLYMER and Trish TRULLINGER.

The business meeting was called to order by Glen TULL on behalf of the president, Jenesse TULL. Margaret EIGHME reported a balance on had of $254.61. A collection was taken for the Community Building netted over $190.00.

The nominating committee, Lloyd WEEDA and Roger MORRISON, presented the following officers who were elected by acclamation: Lloyd WEEDA, president; Jack ENGLAND, vice-president; Marjorie WERNER, secretary, and Margaret EIGHME, treasurer.

Twilla LININGER spoke for the 50-year class and reported on former teachers and classmates who could not be present. Those present in addition to Twilla were Howard VERPLOEGH, Reba BRECKENRIDGE ERICKSON, Ellis HILL, Wayne WEEDA, Dorothy WEBB GILES, Thelma MARLER WHITSON, and Clone JOHNSON THOMPSON. A poem from Bob SHARP was read by Billy MILLER.

Three members of the 25-year class present were Nancy NICHOLS WILLEY, Bob ALLEN and Eddie FORD.

Charles WILSON, class of 1917, was the eldest graduate present.

Music by Bob and John ALLEN followed the theme of the program which was "Take Time to Smell the Roses." A "roast" for Cleone OVERHOLTZER JOHNSON, who is retiring from the alumni job of corresponding secretary and co-treasurer, was a complete surprise. Many laughs and a few tears followed as the program progressed.

A gift of appreciation was presented to Cleone by Glen TULL on behalf of the alumni (a box of thinking of you cards).

Cleone's sister and sister-in-law, Jenesse TULL and Mary OVERHOLTZER, entered in two large cardboard shoes, hoping they could fill the void in the family.

All of Cleone's children and grandchildren entered as she practiced her "Yoo Hoo" call and she was instructed to have them all weaned in the next 30 days, as they were wearing baby bonnets and had bottles and pacifies.

A pleasant surprise for Cleone was when her fiance, Kenny HOSFIELD of Elgin, Ill., walked in with a dozen red roses and a kiss and was introduced to the audience.

"Roasters" included Roger MORRISON, Doris BEEN, Bob ALLEN and Kenny HOSFIELD. Many jokes and memories of Cleone were shared.

The final problem, a "ding-a-ling" to take Cleone's place as corresponding secretary, was solved when Joyce OVERHOLTZER SCOTT made a moisy entrance with a larger bell than Cleone's and a ding-a-ling costume and explained that a Big Ding-A-Ling, Marjorie WERNER, who could not be present, would be filling the vacancy. She will be assisted by Helen O'NEIL WEEDA.

Joyce closed the program with a poem in appreciation of Cleona and all the people who make the Tingley alumni gatherings such a success.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, July of 2012