Wendy (Suelzle) Clinger adds her two cents!

Soon after graduation, I married (for the first time) and moved to California. I’ve made my home here ever since. I met Gene at a singles square dance and remarried in 1992. I have 1 son, Jason, and 1 grandson, William, age 8.

I am a Settlement Officer with the Internal Revenue Service Appeals Office. I have been with the Service for 32 years, which means I am eligible to retire. However, I haven’t yet set my retirement date. I received my Bachelors of Science in Business and Management in 1994, and a Masters of Public Administration (MPA) in 2000.

We live in Running Springs, California, which is located in the San Bernardino Mountains approximately 75 miles east of Los Angeles (as the crow flies). I enjoy singing in the church choir, reading and spending time with my family and friends. It’s wonderful being a grandma!

Status As of 6/29/10

97 people so far. Many more on the way. It's not too late. Get those registrations coming. We expect 200 + people. Great event....right around the corner!

Ellen (Hieber) Rowley

Reunions and anniversaries allow time to reflect and relish the memories of a journey well traveled. 1974 marked the completion a double major at PacificLutheranUniversity in Social Welfare and Music, and marriage to Dale Rowley (Davis Class of ’69, and fellow PLU Alum). 1976 we celebrated our Nation’s Bi-Centennial and the birth of our son Jason. Returning a few years later to Yakima in support of aging parents proved to be a good move for our family. I recently celebrated 20 years as a Social Worker with Yakima Regional Hospice (St E’s to all you fellow alums), a calling as well as a vocation. For fun and relaxation I sing with community choirs (yes, plural) and appreciate the opportunities we have enjoyed through travel and tours with them. Worship Team at our Church is a special blessing in my life. Dale’s work in the school bus industry and transportation has introduced me to a world of parts manuals and miles on the road as I often take a day of vacation to drive the “chase car” or work the booth at a trade show. Jason is an EMT/Firefighter for Wapato Fire Dept, and after 7 years living and working at the Grand Canyon, it’s nice to have him a little closer. Through it all we treasure the good friends we’ve made, hold the memories of family who have blessed us, and wonder what new adventure the future holds for us.

We hear from - Dee (Koppang) Jensen

After graduation attended Gonzaga, then Central. Taught in Kennewick where I met Gary Jensen and we've been married 33 years.

Two children - Katie, a graphic artist/web designer living in Santa Barbara and Joe, a general contractor, living here in Santa Cruz.

Career change in 1983 and have worked as an operations controller in food manufacturing - Wrigley gum, McCormick/Schilling

spices, and currently with Martinelli (sparkling cider). Love to ski, run, hike, garden. Now finally after dreaming for so long am riding

horses and loving life like never before. Blessed with an amazing granddaughter, Camryn Ava, who has a little bro on the way.

Davis was incredible - the teachers were so dedicated and my classmates were talented, beautiful, and full of personality. Anxious to see all of you again!

Scott Howell's Bio

Hi, everybody
Here’s the shorthand version of my life the past 40 years. After high school, I married my high school sweetheart Audean Volmer. This year, we celebrate our 40th anniversary. In between then and now, there have been children (two), grandchildren (one), a career as a goldsmith, various travels and adventures, laughter , tears, heartbreak and hope. I’m looking forward to a blast from the past in August.
Best wishes, Scott

Audean (Volmer) Howell

Hello former classmates. My name is Audean Volmer, but in the last 40 years, I go by Deannie Howell. I am married to Scott Howell and we will celebrate our 40th Anniversary this November. We have been living in Yakima for the past 30 plus years. We have 2 children and one grandson.

I enjoy exercising, quilting, hiking, skiing ( only when the weather is nice and the snow is fluffy) golfing (only when the ball makes it to the green) and making lavender wands while sipping on Chardonnay. I should also include wine tasting in our fabulous wine country.

Scott and I own and manage a women’s fitness facility in Selah, called Curves. My life’s goal is to make a positive difference in this world and this is a great opportunity to accomplish just that. Strengthening women through exercise.

I’ll see you at the 40th. Wow! Where did the time go?

Kathy Norton

After graduation, I attended and graduated from YVCC with an AA degree.

My family and I moved to a small ranchette in West Valley in June of 1975, where I am still located. I worked seasonally at Del Monte where my aunt was head floor lady, and was extensively involved in horse showing on the Washington State Horsemen ‘A’ and ‘B’ system open circuits and Arabian breed shows.

I started a sewing design business making show clothes , which I still do on a limited basis. I have held various offices in local and state horse organizations, including the Executive and regular Board of Directors for WSH, and have held the post of Arabian Division Director off and on for a good share of that time. I am the current Arabian director at this point in time, as well as the Zone One (our local region) Director.

I showed my beloved Arabian gelding, Kamwarro+/ to his Legion of Supreme Honor, and watched as he taught both of my nieces to ride and show, gladly sharing him with my “rent-a-kids”. I purchased “Jr.” when he was 16 months old in 1977 and was forced to put him down with acute traumatic heath issues two yrs ago this August at the age of 32 ½. He was an incredible athlete as well as an equine friend and partner. He was the second member of the WSH Horse Show Hall of Fame and my life is a great deal emptier without him, even though we were unable to ride him due to a hip injury at the age of 28 which ended his show career.

I showed another fantastic Arabian gelding, VP Extra Gold+, primarily on the breed circuit for several years and won many Regional and Top Five awards before reluctantly selling him. Luckily, I was able to purchase him back a few years ago for my youngest niece, and we finished his points for Legion of Honor at that time. The two of them make a fantastic pair, and I am so glad I was able to get “Fred” back for Dani.

I am a licensed WSH Open show judge, and enjoy it a great deal.

I worked at Hancock Fabrics for 7 years, and then as primary caregiver for my semi-disabled mother until her death.

I have been a certified paratransit driver for the last seven years with Dial-A-Ride and find it very educational in spite of the long hours and relentless schedules.

I have expanded my sewing line to include handmade jewelry and am currently teaching myself as much as I can about wireworking as my job schedule leaves very little time for any kind of classes.

I was and still am a voracious reader, and have recently ventured into Regency era romance novels, which are surprisingly much more interesting than I thought, being a life long SF and Fantasy fan.

I have been involved with organized media fan fiction writing and publishing for over twenty years now, and enjoy it a great deal. I have been to the Holy Grail of multimedia conventions, Media*West, in Lansing, MI, several times both as simple member, and as dealer. For several years in the early ‘90’s I also made the trek to NorWesCon, the humongous West Coast science fiction convention in Tacoma in March each year.

Today, in my spare time after driving elderly citizens around town four days a week for ten+ hrs a day, I manage to write, judge horse shows, and make and sell jewelry with a little sewing on the side to keep my hand in. I have several mostly over-the-hill cats and a dog at home, but no horses at home anymore. The two remaining Arabian geldings are boarded out, and shown by my nieces and sister.

UPDATE

Got off the phone with Dee Bates today. Just got his phone number and he is going to try to come. 195 e-mails in the group.

We had the deadline of 6/30 for the registrations. Just keep -em coming please. We wanted to have the time to do badges, etc, but we can manage. We do need them please asap and NO LATER THAN 7/15. Thanks.

If you're thinking about coming, not sure you should, maybe thinking no one will remember you or you're not sure if we've changed....please come. I know you will have a great time.

Ron Christie

Born and raised in Yakima. Lived in the same house, went to the same schools, and attended the same church for the first 20 years of my life. Married Elise (from Alaska) in 1972. We have three daughters and 8 grandchildren. I am an ordained pastor in the Church of the Nazarene and have served full-time for 35 years.

Linda Nesheim-Geiser

My friend, Linda Zimmerman, introduced me to my boyfriend, Glen Geiser, and future husband. We did date together and made my time in school fun. In fact, as a senior I married him. I also enjoyed the time with Mrs. Rief. She knew Glen as well. Glen and I worked in the plywood mill together. We have 2 children: a boy, Steven and a girl, Janice. We were married 40 years until his death in 2008.

Jerry Trudeau

Married for 35 years and have 2 grown children and 2 grandsons. Owner of a construction company.

Gary Huston Hyndman speaks up!

I have done custom painting and collission repair for 40 years. Currently putting together an auto museum. Married to my wife, Vicki, for 27 years. I have 2 children, Sarah 24 and Gerrid 21. Our first grandbaby is on the way. I love to fish, play guitar, and ride motorcycles.

Diane (Nelson) Hoggart

Accountant-Retired!

Linda Lewis Wilde

I have two grown sons and 5 grandchildren, 1 daughter-in-law & a step-daughter. Was a general manager for many years until my current husband got sick. I now stay at home and take care of him. I love to cook and make things, a true crafter.

Vicky (Zito) Erickson

I met and married Don Erickson in l972. We have lived in Yakima forever. We have 3 beautiful children: Don Jr. age 37 of Yakima, works for American Independent Marketing, and his wife,Wendy works for Dr. Hopp an eye Dr. in Yakima. They have a son (age 19) , a daughter (age l7) and another daughter (age 14). Edwin, our 2nd child, is married to Tiffany Tennant. They have a daughter (age 1 1/2). They live in Newcastle,Wa. Ed works for Mass Mutual and is in financials, his wife is a pharmacist at Harborview hospital. Our daughter , Cathy , is married to Jason Sterbenz and they have a daughter (5 weeks old). Cathy is a CPA for Moss Adams and Jason is the IT guy at YVC. They live in Yakima. We have truly been blessed with a great family.

Don Sr. has spent his career in Education and currently works at Wapato High School as the Asst. Principal/Athletic Director. I went to YVC and am a Dental Hygienist. I have worked the past 25 years in the same office. Worked for Dr. John Sahr,D.D.S and currently for Dr Shawn McDevitt.D.D.S. I did spend 3 years working in Richland . The commute was long. I have had a wonderful life and count the many blessings.. I am battling cancer treatment right now, but know things will turn out just fine. I have Non Hodgkins Lymphoma Follicular Cell Type B. Dr. says its treatable but not curable. Sounds like I should be around for a long time! I plan on it. Hope to see everyone at the next reunion. Maybe I will have hair on my head then!! Funny to be bald. Have a great party. Your classmate: Vicky Zito Erickson

We hear from Patti (Wilson) Bates

My life has been happy being a mother and a wife. I have 2 beautiful children, Ambyr 38, Head of Wells Fargo Home Mortgage for the state of Utah. My son Steve 35, is a pilot for Alaska Airlines. I was very active in their very active lives and loved it. I am now blessed with 2 beautiful grandsons, Corbyn 11, the next Derek Jeter, and Cadyn 7, the next professional scooter and bike crazy man. These little guys have kept me young. I stayed at home raising my children until my son was 15, then went to work as a pediatric dental assistant in a specialty practice for extremely ill children and special needs children. Later on I went to work for a general dentist and was a recare specialist. I have been lazy and retired for the last 2 years enjoying my children and grandchildren. I have done a little flying myself and absolutely love it. I have done a lot of water skiing, parasailing and traveling the last 40 years, but my kids and grandsons are the lights of my life.

Editor's Note: Patti cannot make it to this reunion. She will next time. She said to tell everyone hello and how sorry she is to miss this.

Richard Wachsmith

Richard went to YVC for 2 years then SPU where he graduated with a degree in Business. He worked in accounting and got a job in 1974 with Boyd Ellefson Co in Ellensburg. He also married his wife of all these years that year. IN 1985, the company changed names to Grebb, Johnson, Reed, and Wachsmith. He says he works all the time. They have 4 kids, 2 boys and 2 girls and 2 grandchildren with a 3rd on the way this winter. They go to the Priest Lake area to enjoy their vacations and his wife says "it's not heaven but you can see heaven from there".

Richard won't be joining us as he will be on a family vacation.

Allen Brittingham-in S Africa

South Africa has been home now for a little more than a year. After high school and college, I worked in a field of medicine called cytogenetics, in which we diagnosed chromosome abnormalities. A few years ago, my Lord, Jesus, spoke to my heart about my wife and I becoming missionaries. I was able to retire from my career in the lab and become a missionary teacher. Gloria and I teach at a Christian school operated by a wonderful little church in Kokstad, South Africa. We love it here. We have two grown children who remain in the States.

Allen Brittingham

And Found......

Don Denman and Theresa Wies have been found. I know where Linda Cole is. And Deborah Kincannon. That's all cause to celebrate.

Lost.......

Found Steven Day's number today and called. His wife Deborah answered. Steven has been deceased 8 years this coming up Saturday. A band member, and I remember him being reserved but very kind.

Spoke with Patrick Tate's dad this evening. Patrick had been given my number last month by his Dad, Oscar. I called Oscar again this evening. Patrick died last week of lung cancer.

And from Diana Black!

After graduation, I hung around Yakima for a couple of years, and then moved to Seattle. When I turned 21, I moved to Las Vegas, and lived there through the 70’s. I moved to Alaska in the 80’s, and lived in Anchorage, Juneau and Big Lake (actually Burma Road, which is 13 miles outside of Big Lake), where I learned to love the outdoors. I really thought life was one big party, but after I had a child, I realized that I needed to settle down.

I moved to Seattle in 1987, and have lived here since.

I have a wonderful family and good friends. My mother still lives in the house I grew up in, so I spend a lot of time in Yakima.

I have worked for a non-profit organization for nearly 20 years, and the work, as well as the spiritual benefit, is very fulfilling. For entertainment, other than socializing with friends, I love to read and to play poker. I also enjoy volunteer work.

191 Emails Today!

Ben Martin and Denise Martian McDuffy...found! Another great day. Spoke with both Harvey Wolney and Ronn Bradford, both are coming and excited!

Patty (Jones) Black

Currently single, but have been married twice. Dealt blackjack at Harrah's club in Reno for several years before moving to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho in 1977 and buying a small country store that now has been through several remodels and enlargements so it is now a full-fledged 24 hour Mobile gas station/convenience store with over 18 employees. I have on e daughter born in 1973 and one granddaughter born in 2006. Both are the joys of my life. I enjoy traveling and camping in my motor home, visiting with friends and family and am truly looking forward to retirement so I can do more of the above. So to all you classmates that have already retired....I am so jealous! If you ever travel by Hauser, Idaho, please stop in and say hi!

Janie (Takach) Faulkner

I left Yakima on graduation night in 1970, moved to Redwood City, Cal, only returning from time to time for weddings or funerals.

In August of 1970 I met my sweetheart, Tom. We eloped the following May 1, 1971 in Carson City, Nevada. From there we moved to Salem, Oregon. Tom was a police officer there for 7 years. I worked in retail until our first child was born. I then became a stay at home mom and wife, loving it! Steve was born August 1972, our daughter, Jaime, was born October 1976. Shortly after that, Tom resigned from the Salem Police Dept and went to work for UPS> I did lots of volunteer work at the kids' school and our church. UPS moves us to Eugene, Oregon in 1987 for 5 years. Tom was the center manager for the Springfield office. I had fun catering all the summer barbeques for the center on special holidays each year.

I continued to stay busy shuffling the kids to their different activities. Plus I lead a women's Bible study, aught crocheting and Knitting and even taught young wives how to do home canning. From there, UPS moved us to the Portland, Oregon area. Tom then became the employment manager for a few years. I seemed to always keep busy with the kids' activities and more volunteer work. He retired in 2004 and we became empty nesters.

We have done some extensive traveling, to Hawaii & Europe & have seen most of the USA. But Tom didn't like not working, so he went back to work as a technical writer for a software company. The company moved us to Chicago for a year & then laid Tom off, June 2009. We packed ourselves up & moved back, kind of. We rented out our house in Vancouver, Wa and moved into our motor home then moved north to be close to our daughter and her family. Her husband is in the military, so they won't be here for long. Each child has 2 sons, and we enjoy being grandparents.

Last August, the company rehired Tom and now he is a traveling consultant. We love it! We travel all over the country. Most of this year we have lived at the Marriott in Rochester, New York. We love venturing out on weekends. Have been to Niagara Falls a few times, viewing it from both the US and Canadian sides. From now on, who knows where we will be? Our life is fun and exciting!

And here is Elizabeth (Ensey) Cain

I have a wonderful daughter, Kelly, and 2 beautiful grandchildren (Justine 15 and Kenneth 11). Been married almost 20 years to a great man (Ron) and have had the same job for the past 21 years.

Editor's Note: She works 5 miles from me!

Notes from Bryan Fryar

Married for 31 years to a lovely lady and we have 3 kids, 1 girl & 2 boys. 5 grandkids. Worked in the sawmill industry for over 30 years. Fishing is my thing. I buy and sell antiques for a part-time hobby. I collect old fishing tackle.

Kathleen Butler Bunce

I am now retired. I have lots of hobbies. One is keeping in touch with families I worked for. I love reading, writing letters, taking pictures, listening to music and watching and collecting movies. Spending time with my family and friends. Every chance I get I spend time with Jennifer and Susan Hileman. I've known them since Junior High.

Tom Jameson's Bio

Places I have lived since graduation:

Oceanside, CA; Overseas in the service; Union Gap, WA; Tacoma, WA; Seattle, WA; Wenatchee, WA; Kent, WA; Ellensburg, WA; Renton, WA; Toney, AL; Yakima, WA.

Places I have visited:

Hawaii, Numerous in Canada and California, New York City, Philadelphia, Mexico, Atlantic City, Vegas and Reno, and the best - Bermuda.

I graduated from Central Washington University with a BA in Administrative Management (not business administration).

Too many jobs to mention. I am currently a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor working with injured workers and it very well may be the best move I have ever made. I plan on staying here until I retire.

My wife, Neddy, and I got married in 1971. We have three children that blessed us with six grandchildren aged 2-15. The oldest has a learner's permit.

Neddy is a Bindery Lead and she has worked in the print industry for 24 years.

I am looking forward to seeing everyone at the reunion. Be safe in getting here no matter how far you have to travel!

Another Great Day

Kathy (Butler) Bunce just happened to walk into her bank and started talking to one of the women who works there. She was a missing classmate! Esther Urvina Bastardo(sp) has been found!

Ken Jones sent me Byron Schroeder's information as well as Gary Sinnes.

Byron has heard from another classmate who wants to attend who has also not been found.

What a GREAT DAY!

Still Need Help Finding People

We need help finding people. If you know where any classmate is, please let them know about the reunion. I would be HAPPY to send them a registration form.

Off the top of my head, I know we are still looking for over 200 people. Please help.

Please Keep the Registrations Coming

We are meeting this weekend to mostly tie up loose ends for the program, details, etc.

We sent over 425 registrations out. Please fill out your registration forms and send them in asap. If you have questions, please contact me at debbiebargersmith@windermere.com.

If you are hesitating coming, I can assure you that you will have a good time. We are at the age where you do not know if there will be another opportunity to see your childhood friends. Please come.

Thanks so much and look forward to seeing you.

Updates from Debbie!

We are busily working on our details for the reunion. If you are not on the e-mail list, please send me your e-mail and I'll add you.

This is the "program development" month. We're all busy working on the details that we hope will bring fabulous fun to our reunion.

187 emails as of today on the email update list. That's exciting.

FOUND THIS WEEK:

Danny Allen, Gidget Sumrall Moreno, Debbie Voline Robertson, Kathy (Hielman) Garza, and Wendy Suelzle Clinger.

Danny found us, Ellen Hieber Rowley updated me on the whereabouts of Debbie and Wendy, and I located Gidget and Kathy. After all this effort it is immensely satisfying to continue to locate people.

Have a great week! Committee meeting this weekend!

News from Donna (Badgley) Hollenbeck

After graduation I attended YVC for one semester and in 1971 I married my first husband. In 1975 I went to work at Memorial Hospital as a unit secretary on the psych unit. I worked at Memorial for 13 years and during that time I divorced my first husband and met and married my second husband, Ernest Hollenbeck. We will celebrate our 32nd anniversary this June! It’s been a wonderful 32 years filled with a whole lot of fun and adventures!!!! We look forward to many more adventures in the future.

We lived in Yakima until 1988 when we decided to quit our jobs, sell our home, buy a motor home, and start traveling while we were still young enough to enjoy it! We have lived in Longview, Wa, Grover Beach, Ca , Paris, Ar, Bullhead City, Az and Quartzsite, Az. We really love Arizona and plan on moving back in the near future. (These Oregon winters are way too long and way too cold!) Before moving to Oregon, we spent one whole summer towing our wave runners behind our motor home and chasing the sun. We looked at the map, picked out a lake, drove there and played on the water. It was so much fun! More than once we had to siphon gas out of our motor home so we could play a little longer on the water!

We came to Oregon in the spring of 2007 with the idea of buying a summer home so Ernie could sturgeon fish for a couple of months each year, but we ended up buying a few rental properties and now we are kind of stuck here. Ernie is a house husband and he does almost all of the cooking, (which he loves to do), he also takes care of our rentals, and when he has time, he fishes. I manage a storage facility and after 20 years as a medical biller, it’s a very stress free job!

We live in Stanfield, Oregon with our 2 Pomeranians, Rodman & Candi. We are looking forward to seeing old friends at my 40th reunion in July and Ernie’s 40th reunion in August. (He went to Wapato High).

I would send a picture but since neither my husband or myself have any idea how to email a picture I guess this bio will have to do until the reunion!