Some Memories

Lynda Atkinson: It will be great to see everyone again, it is hard to believe that it has been 50 years since the ward was build.


Russell and Geraldine Gammon: We were not members of the original Columbia Basin Ward but did go to the branch at the old Eltopia school and have fond memories of all those fine people that welcomed us into the branch. We especially remember the Merrills and the grocery store in downtown Eltopia where we did a lot of business. I especially remember the Withers, Woodards, Davidsons – “Lottie,” the only pianist around on several occasions, also the Mackays who we were especially close to.

We started going there in about April of 1957 and attended until the North Franklin Branch was organized. One person who was especially great was Al Taylor’s wife who taught genealogy. I still have the pages she helped me get started on. Lots of fond memories and also of the difficult economic conditions that all of us were laboring under. All the best to a great reunion. We’ll be there. Russ and Jeri Gammon


Boyd and Gayle Mackay: We won’t be able to make the reunion. We feel bad about it but have chosen to come to Marc’s wedding (a grandson) on the 20th of June. Have a wonderful time.


Dennis and Jill Blodgett: Jill and I are excited to be up there for the “Big Reunion.” As far as my three-year stay in the ward . . . . I have fond memories of our Junior’s team dominating the Area Region in basketball for three years. Traveling to Seattle and staying overnight with the kids and the parents was lots of fun. And of course in order to fund our trips, we worked very hard at “de-beaking” the chicks and clearing out the regular chickens at the chicken farm several times. They paid us well and we spent every dime having super activities as a Priest’s Quorum. We are looking forward to seeing everyone.


Kimberly (Thorne) and Jon Sessions: Oh, how I wish that we lived closer so that we could attend. Jon and I and our three kids live in Providence, Utah (just down the road from Bob and Audrey Howard’s daughter Shauna!). I have a city summer camp that I coordinate that will not end until July 23. We will be in the Tri-Cities at the beginning of August and are excited to come visit the ward. . . . I love the Blog and the pics that are included. So many of the names listed bring back MANY great memories.


Paul Baker: I remember Mike Mackay. We had a really close relationship. I still miss him. When I was baptized in Kennewick, before I changed my clothes I got to watch Mike be baptized. . . . I remember the ferry to Richland. . . . When the church house was built, I remember we helped carry bricks or worked on the building somehow. Dad and others did some of the tractor work.


Betty (Woodard) and Orrin Smith: We were the first ones to have a reception in the barracks building and we will be celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary on the evening of June 5th but the actual day will be June 6th when we have scheduled a Temple session with our family.


Stan Briggs: Mom (Audrey Briggs) died about 5 yrs ago and dad (Alvin Briggs) will be 90 in July and lives in Bountiful, Utah. Dad's 90th birthday party is scheduled for Sat., July 18th so I am doubtful it can be changed.


Elaine Merrill: Remembers how good and kind Stake President Thompson was.
Remembers her daughter Sharon was the first to get married when the new building was built. The floor was not ready yet. People came together to work on the floor so they could have their reception and a dance, including Evelands.


Betty Leithead: Remembers what a wonderful person Joann Eppich was.


JoAnn Edler remembers fried scones, dime-a-dip turkey dinners and cake walks at the bazaars. Every year, each Relief Society sister was asked to hand-embroider dishtowels for sale at the bazaar.


Jerry Ferguson: When I was having trouble with geometry, Thayle Nielson helped me try to learn it.


Juan & LaPrele Hernandez: It will be very nice to see everyone again.

After moving to California, Enid Coltrin worked for the Department of Ag. In her work, she met Mr. Fitzgerald in Yreka, California, whose son married Mary Ann Bleazard. Charles passed away in 1997. Enid and Charles’ sons ons are Robert, David and Allen. David lived with the family who lived across from Rigbys for awhile when Coltrins moved to Ellensburg.


Cleo Mann was the softball coach for 21 years.


Cary Withers remembers meeting in Rigby’s unfinished basement for Sacrament Meeting and looking through 2 x 4s.