Class Notes

Search the database below for class notes, births, memoriams and marriages reported by your classmates.  All online information is posted for one year from the date the information is received. If no selections are made to narrow the class year or information type, all information from the last year will be shown alphabetically by last name of alumni.

To access the information for specific class years, choose the class year from the first drop down box below on the left.  Scroll to find the correct year. Once the class year is selected, the information received for any person in that year within the last 365 days will be shown. Choices can be further narrowed by choosing from Births, Notes, Marriages and Memoriams in the second drop down box.

To submit your own entries, please use Class Notes section of the Stay Connected form.

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Browse Class Notes:

(Default list is alphabetical of all notes – sort by year or category to filter the list)

Name
Note
Barbara Pettigrew Bacon
Class of 1965
All Notes Memoriam

Barbara Pettigrew Bacon, 73, of Fort Myers, FL passed away peacefully at home on March 24, 2017 after a brief illness. She was surrounded by family. Barbara was born in New York, NY on July 7, 1943 to John and Edith Pettigrew. She grew up in Morris Plains, NJ and graduated from Maryville College in 1965. After college, she joined the American Red Cross Clubmobile program (the Donut Dollies) where she presented education programs for off-duty American Servicemen. She served at Camp Pelham, South Korea and then at the ASCOM base in Seoul. After serving with the American Red Cross she lived briefly in Boston, Lansing, and Baton Rouge before moving to Nassau, Bahamas where she met and married Alan Bacon. They moved to London, England where their daughter Amanda was born. Barbara was an accomplished teacher who was loved by many students and staff during her 30 years at The Canterbury School in Fort Myers. While at Canterbury, Barbara passed on her enthusiasm and love for learning to her students through her geography and history classes as well as theater productions in the early years; she was a champion of her students and a loyal supporter of her colleagues’ interests and efforts throughout the years. Barbara was also a long-time volunteer at the Alliance of the Arts and an avid nature lover and conservationist; she also served on several boards of local non-profit organizations, focusing on ones involving preservation of natural resources. Barbara loved to travel, had a thirst for learning and wanted to experience all the world had to offer. She is survived by her daughter, Amanda Bacon Lillis and son-in-law Joe Lillis of Boston, MA; her siblings Mary Ellen Ferraro of Bridgewater, NJ, Kathie Zunich of Fort Myers, FL, Walter and Laurie Pettigrew of Cedarville, NJ, David Pettigrew of Fort Myers, FL; nieces and nephews, Stacey Ferraro and Craig Cascio, Kevin and Nicole Ferraro, Lisa Zunich, John Pettigrew and Brianna Marinitti; and great nephews and nieces, Griffin, Logan, Abigail, and Peyton. Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, John and Edith Pettigrew. A private service will be held for family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Hope Hospice of Fort Myers or The Carter Center of Atlanta.

Kenneth L. Berry
Class of 1965
Memoriam

Kenneth Lee Berry (Ken) passed away in his family home on Wednesday, July 19 in the evening surrounded by loved ones. He was preceded in death by his parents, CK and Madge Berry and beloved brother, Charles Berry. His surviving family includes his wife of 60 ½ years, Dottie, and sons and daughters-in-law Mike and Audrey Berry and Tony and Karla Berry. Grandchildren; Chelsea and Brennan Berry, Anthony Berry, and Alex and Ben Cash. Great-grandchildren; Maddux Cash and Sawyer Berry. He also leaves brothers-in-law William (Susan) Byrd and Bobby Byrd.

 

He was a valued educator for over 40 years, serving at Gatlinburg Pittman High School, Everett School, and he spent the majority of those years with Alcoa City Schools. His tough love and compassion for his students was always evident and was his life’s mission. He influenced the lives of so many young people and their families over the years. As a football coach at Alcoa Junior High School for over 30 years, he portrayed strength, a hard work ethic, and fierce spirit of competition. He believed in always expecting the best, providing the best, and simply doing your best.

 

Family was also of the utmost importance to him. His valued respect for his extended family members, who helped mold him as a young child into the strong leader he became, was ever present. His appreciation and pride for his family was his legacy.

 

Daniel R. Besch
Class of 1965
All Notes Memoriam

Daniel R. Besch Daniel R. Besch, age 76, formerly of Bellefonte and State College died on April 1, 2019, at Duke Hospice Hock Family Pavilion in North Carolina after a long stretch of declining health. He was born August 19, 1942 in Yeagertown, PA a son of the late Mabel A. (Reese) and John W. Besch. He married Mary "Frosty" Kent Besch in 1965 with whom he had two sons, Duffy and Doug. His second wife of close to 27 years, JoAnn McKnett Rozelle Besch, survives at home. Dan was a star athlete at Chief Logan High School where he played football and basketball. He attended Maryville College in Tennessee and later transferred to Georgetown College in Kentucky where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree. He played college football all four years and later earned a Master's and a Doctorate degree in Educational Administration from the Pennsylvania State University. He believed strongly in education and his mantra was always that a college education was an investment of "Four for forty"; representing four years of sacrifice for forty years of success. Dan enjoyed a life-long career in public education. He began as a ninth grade social studies teacher at Pulaski Academy and Central School, Pulaski, NY and then taught elementary physical education at Bald Eagle Area Schools, William Penn in Harrisburg, PA, and finally in Bellefonte Area School District. Dan coached football at each of his stops and finished after several years coaching at Bellefonte. He began a career in administration in 1971 as an elementary principal and progressed through the years as a high school principal, Director of Secondary Education, Director of Curriculum Instruction & Personnel, and Interim Superintendent. He also served in retirement as a part-time administrative mentor in the Bald Eagle Area School District. He was dedicated to the Bellefonte Area School District and cherished the memories of working with professional and support staff colleagues. He was an effective school administrator, not because of his education, but because of his practical experiences and his ability to work with and respect people. He was task-oriented and instilled a strong work-ethic in everyone he touched. Dan also served the Bellefonte community as a former Representative to United Way, past Board member of the Bellefonte Chamber of Commerce and Historical Bellefonte, Inc., former member of Kiwanis and CETA Advisory Board, and past Board Director of the American Red Cross and Bellefonte YMCA. He was a former member of the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks 1094 and the Undine Fire Company. He touched many lives during his career and although known to be physically and mentally tough, he was always viewed as treating people fairly. His greatest joy was his grandchildren and his interests included cooking, reading, professional and college football, hunting, fishing, and thoroughbred horse racing. Dan often expressed that he was blessed to have the parents he had growing up; to have the family that he had with Frosty and later with Jo and her children in his life. In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Daniel R. Besch Jr., and his wife, Susan of Bellefonte; a son, Douglas K. Besch, and his wife, Angela of New York, New York; a stepson, Joseph A. Rozelle, and his wife, Jennifer of Houston, TX; a stepdaughter, Nan Rozelle Besch Lujan, and her husband, Scott of Durham, NC; seven grandchildren, Catharine, John Daniel, and Colby Besch all of Bellefonte, Logan and Connor Lujan of Durham, James and Clara Rozelle of Houston; a sister, Debra R. Sheibley, and her husband, James of New Bloomfield, PA; a half-sister, Joyce M. Hertzler of Burnham, PA; and a half-brother, Robert L. Kohler Jr. of New Cumberland, PA. A private memorial and inurnment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the either the Centre County YMCA Backpack Program, which is part of the Anti-Hunger Program of the YMCA of Centre County, or to the Bellefonte Area School District for the Rogers' Stadium Project. YMCA OF CENTRE COUNTY, Attn: Mel Curtis, Branch Manager, P.O. Box 426, Philipsburg, PA 16866 Bellefonte Area School District, Attn: Ken Bean, 318 North Allegheny Street, Bellefonte, PA 16823

Mary Kent Besch
Class of 1965
Memoriam

Mary “Frosty” (Kent) Besch, 78, of Bellefonte, passed away at her son’s home on Monday, June 6, 2022. Born on June 22, 1943, in Boonville, New York, she was the daughter of the late Byron and Thelma (La Quay) Kent.

Mary was a 1961 graduate of Boonville Central School. She pursued her education further and graduated with her Bachelor of Arts degree in French from Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee in 1965. She began her career teaching French and Spanish before taking time to raise her sons. She then returned to teaching as a middle and high school gifted teacher in the Bellefonte Area School District.

She is survived by her two sons, Daniel “Duffy” Besch, Jr. (Susan) of Bellefonte, and Douglas Besch (Angela) of Hopatcong, New Jersey, and three grandchildren, Catharine “Cati”, John “JD”, and Colby. Also surviving is her sister, Nancy Kent of Boonville.

Frosty enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She loved playing bridge and was an avid and competitive game player. She always loved going to the beach and returning each year to the Adirondack Mountains where she grew up.

Richard C. Boyd
Class of 1965
All Notes General Notes

Attended 50th class reunion in October, 2015. Says is was a wonderful event and missed all who couldn’t make it.

Libby Lee Burke
Class of 1965
All Notes General Notes

Libby’s husband, Jack, passed away Feb. 20th after an lung cancer battle lasting almost 8 years. According to the family, “there were so many good recoveries and only recently did the illness return. He is safely in Heaven. He continued as a professional pianist until just recently, sharing music, mirth, and love with family, friends,and colleagues.”

Cecelia Bridges DiGiacomo
Class of 1965
All Notes Memoriam

of Reisterstown, passed away on January 5, 2014 at her home. She was born on February 8, 1943 in Gadsen, AL to thel late Howard and Mary B. Bridges. She was the wife of the late Michael A. DiGiacomo, Jr. She had worked as the Director of Information for Johns Hopkins. She is survived by her daughters; Michelle F. DiGiacomo and her faithful friend Harry Scott of Reisterstown and Dara A. Case and her husband Randall “Scott” of Waldorf, MD, grandchildren; Michael and Melissa DiGiacomo, Meagan Owen, Melanie Scott, Brandon, Jeremy, Shelby and Evelyn Case, great grandchild; Isabella Smith. Predeceased by brother; Howard Bridges.

Elenora Easterly Edwards
Class of 1965
All Notes General Notes

Another Great Baldwin Hall GIrls Reunion was held Sept. 29 through Oct. 1 at Lake Tansi Resort, Crossville. Attending were Pat Dobbin Chambers, Knoxville; Michelle Ann Douglas Sabine, Crossville; Martha E. Cook, Farmville, Va.; Gail Smith Stinnett, Crossville; and Elenora Easterly Edwards, Clinton. Whee!

Elenora Easterly Edwards
Class of 1965
Memoriam

Elenora Easterly Edwards was born in LaFollette, Tennessee to Guy and Lucille Easterly, Guy was Publisher/Editor of The LaFollette Press and instilled in Elenora a love of writing, news, and a good story, leading her to pursue a career in journalism. After graduating from LaFollette High School in 1961, she attended Maryville College where she was editor-in-chief of the student newspaper. She earned a degree in English from Maryville College in 1965 before attending graduate school at the School of Journalism at the University of Missouri at Columbia. While in graduate school, Elenora worked on the city desk of the Columbia Missourian, the local city newspaper published at the school.

Elenora began as a reporter for the Courier News of Clinton in 1970, and worked her way up to News Editor, a position she held until 1981 when her son, Ben was born. Elenora also served as Editor of The Tennessee Press, a publication of the Tennessee Press Association, from 1991 through 2013. She was a Trustee of the Tennessee Press Foundation from 2014 until 2022. A former President of the East Tennessee Society of Professional Journalism and former board member of the Tennessee Coalition for Open Government, Elenora most recently served as President of the Timely Topics Club. She was a member of Memorial United Methodist Church of Clinton where she sang in the choir. She loved her work, family, friends, and most of all, her son Ben, who she cared for until the time of her passing.

Elenora is preceded in death by her parents, Guy and Lucille Easterly, her husband Thomas Edwards, and nephew Guy Tucker. She will be greatly missed by her son, Ben, sister, Helen Anne Tucker, numerous cousins, extended family, countless friends, and the community she served. Her joyful spirit, easy smile, and enthusiasm for life will be remembered by all with whom she came in contact.

Ellen Saint Elly
Class of 1965
All Notes General Notes

My husband Ron Elly died from Multiple Myeloma in June of 2016. I moved to a 4 room rental house in an apartment complex in Lafayette in November of 2018, then spent the next seven months finishing clearing out my home of 47 years, making needed repairs and painting it, finally selling it in June of 2019. Now I’m finally settled in my new home. I’m now the medical rep for my older sister, whom we are working on moving to an assisted living facility. Whew! And I thought retirement meant “enjoying my golden years!” I’m also trying to find time to write about my memories of growing up etc. I’m on church session. Still singing in the church choir ( not during Covid), and lead the Neighboring Team of my church, which reaches out to serve and assist the church’s neighborhood and community. My 3 daughters are all in service professions….teacher. social worker and pastor. Have 6 grandchildren: 3 boys and 3 girls. I continue to enjoy special time with each daughter and her family as often as I can.

Charles W. Finley
Class of 1965
All Notes Memoriam

Charles W. Finley passed away on Saturday, August 17, 2019 at the age of 76 while battling cancer. His father once told him that education is one thing that no one can ever take from you. Because he believed so strongly in the value of an education, Charles spent his life as a teacher, a principal, and a member of the Blount County Board of Education, always encouraging young people. At the time of his death, Charles was about to begin his 50th year of coaching. Each coaching position and each player held a special place in his heart. He is survived by his wife, Babs Finley. Charles was preceded in death by: parents, C.L. and Oneida Finley; sister, Donna; brother, Joe Allen; his children, Chris and Tamara. Charles’ other survivors include Tamara’s children, Chad and Matthew Barham (father, John Barham and wife, Heather); Judy Finley (Chris and Tamara’s mother); stepsons, Chris Conner (wife, Melissa and children Reid and Eliza) and David Conner (son, Jones). Charles will be remembered by other extended family members, his many friends, and former students and players who were touched and enriched by his presence in their lives. At Charles’ request his body will be cremated and no services will be held. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service.

Michael C. Gregory
Class of 1965
Memoriam

Michael C. Gregory “Mike”, age 79, of Johnson City, Tenn. peacefully went into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, November 13, 2021, surrounded by his family, who he adored more than anything in the world. Mike grew up in the Mentor Community of Louisville, Tenn. He is preceded in death by his parents, Betty and J.C. Gregory, and brother David Gregory. He is survived by brother, Gene Gregory, Maryville, Tenn. and his daughters, Melissa Gregory Scheurer, Gray, Tenn.; son-in-law, Charles Scheurer, grandchildren, Hannah and Sarah Scheurer and Marsha Gregory Ferguson, Kingsport, Tenn. son-in-law, Michael Ferguson, grandchildren, Emily and William Hammond, Hunter and Zachery Ferguson.

Mike graduated from Friendsville High School, Maryville, Tenn. He attended Maryville College as a basketball collegiate athlete and received his Bachelor of Science in Education in 1965. He continued his education to receive his Master of Arts from East Tennessee State University in 1969.

He began teaching and coaching in the Johnson City School system at North Junior High School in 1967 until Liberty Bell Middle School opened where he taught seventh grade science for nearly 30 years. He enjoyed coaching for many years and officiated TSSAA high school football games for more than 20 years.

He was known for his love of sports and play. He encouraged his children and grandchildren to try every sport offered, and very rarely did his miss a game or an opportunity to “coach” them in their respective sport. He even stepped in as his grandson’s basketball team coach at 77 when they needed a coach. He was adored and respected by his students for his “old school” style of coaching, but it was a fun learning experience for all. An avid Tennessee Football fan, Mike held UT season tickets since 1967 and traveled all over the country to watch them play in various bowl games. In his later years, he enjoyed hosting UT Football Watch Parties with his family. Mike loved and supported ETSU Men’s Basketball, attending the SoCon Championship Tournament in March of 2020. He was so proud of ETSU Football and was in attendance of the first game, in September of 2017.

He loved being on the water and spent many summers on Boone Lake, pulling kids and friends behind the boat on water skis and tubes all day long. He always considered it a challenge to see how long someone could stay on the tube or who would win a race on the wave runners; he would do anything to make you laugh!

Spending time with his family and sharing his experiences with his grandchildren was one of his favorite activities; Mike was quite the storyteller. He attended Celebration Church in Blountville, Tenn. and enjoyed exploring new travel destinations across the United States and the Caribbean. He had a zest for life that was inspiring.

Jacqueline Lundgren Hubscher - DECEASED
Class of 1965
All Notes Memoriam

of Fairless Hills died Friday, May 9, 2014, at Aria Hospital Bucks County Campus. She was 70. Born in New York City, Mrs. Hubscher has been a long time resident of Fairless Hills. She enjoyed cooking and traveling and had visited many places all over the world including, the Amazon river, Antarctica, and Machu Picchu. She also looked forward to her Friday trips to the salon to get her hair done. Mrs. Hubscher was an animal lover and had numerous pets throughout the years. Beloved wife of Maurice F. Hubscher for 47 years, Mrs. Hubscher was the loving mother of Christian Hubscher (Susan), Josanne Hubscher and Delana Hubscher Ryan (Michael). She was the devoted grandmother of Beverly, Danielle, Brock, and Colton and was the great grandmother of Brianna.

Carol McNabb Hutchinson
Class of 1965
All Notes General Notes

have relocated to Winter Haven Florida. Carol is the Pastor at Asbury United Methodist Church in Bartow Florida and has retired from the Florida Methodist Conference as Assistant Director of Ministry to Small Churches after 15 years. Robert retired from the United States Air Force after 24 years, last worked at a bus driver for Disney World and is the Methodist Christian Educator and Program Director.

Robert E. Hutchison
Class of 1965
All Notes Memoriam

Robert Easton Hutchison, Jr., age 76 of Maryville, passed away Saturday, October 27, 2018, at Blount Memorial Hospital. He was a member of New Providence Presbyterian Church and Program Director at East Tennessee PBS. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Easton Hutchison, Sr., and Gertrude Holl Hutchison. Survivors include his wife, Barbara Cloud Hutchison; brother and sister-in-law, David Paul and Elizabeth Hutchison; nieces and nephews, Angela Shenefield, Michael LaPrade, Robert LaPrade, Brad Hutchison and Abby Olde. A memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at New Providence Presbyterian Church with The Rev. Dr. Emily Anderson and Rev. Steven Musick officiating. The family will receive friends at the Church following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to East Tennessee PBS, 1611 East Magnolia Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917; New Providence Presbyterian Church Welcome Table, 703 W. Broadway, Maryville, TN 37801; or Maryville College Science Building, attn: Advancement Office, 502 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, TN 37804.

Jerry Kerns
Class of 1965
All Notes General Notes

Writes in to say, “After gradually reducing days worked in our Private Psychotherapy practices over a 3 year period Marilyn and I took down our professional shingles 1/31/2013. We had already been spending 2-3 months a year in Michigan, Arizona and Florida, so full time retirement didn’t result in any significant time away from home. We manage 80 acres of farm and forest land as well as maintain over an acre of perennial gardens. Our home is on a ridge top in Southern Indiana in an area called “The Little Smokies”…I couldn’t return to flat Ohio farm land after spending 4 years at Maryville. Marilyn and I are avid about staying physically active and enjoying a healthy life style. We celebrate good health and contentment. I reflect upon my MC years with fond memories.”

Henry H. Linginfelter
Class of 1965
All Notes Memoriam

Henry H. Linginfelter, June 18, 1938 to November 21, 2020. The Linginfelter family is saddened to announce the passing of our beloved brother, dear uncle, and Beloved servant of Christ, Henry H. Linginfelter. Henry passed away quietly in his home, surrounded by his family and friends on 11/21/2020. Henry’s life was celebrated at a Homegoing Service at McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home in Maryville, TN on Saturday, 11/28/2020, receiving friends at 2:00pm, Service at 3:00pm. For full obituary, and virtual guest book, please go to the following website: www.mccammonammonsclick.com

John O. Livingston
Class of 1965
All Notes Memoriam

John Oliver Livingston, Jr., 77, passed away on Saturday, May 02, 2020, at his residence. There will be a graveside service held on Wednesday, May 06, 2020, at 2:00PM, from Memory Hill Gardens, with Memory Chapel Funeral Home, a Dignity provider, in charge of arrangements. John O. Livingston, Jr., was born February 19, 1943 in Baltimore, Maryland. He is an alumnus of Maryville College, Maryville, TN, the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and Troy University. He was retired from the banking industry, after serving in several capacities working in several banks in the Montgomery and Selma area. Mr. Livingston served in the United States Air Force and was a Vietnam Veteran. He was an avid baseball fan, particularly of the Baltimore Orioles. He relished in playing the game of baseball. He was a stamp collector and a baseball card collector. Everyone who knew John knew he was a “good” man. Well-grounded in his Christian faith, he was open minded but always stood firm in his staunch values. He not only believed God’s word, but he practiced it, in every aspect of his life as he exemplified “…thou shalt love thy God with all thine heart and all thy soul and with all thy might…”. John is survived by his wife of 38 years Margaret Traweek Livingston, one son Matthew Sterner Livingston, two brothers Jay Livingston and Jeff Livingston and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Clifford Lee Martin
Class of 1965
All Notes Memoriam

Clifford “Kip” Lee Martin, 70, of Broad Run, Virginia, passed away on Saturday, July 13. Born to the late Bo and Myrtle Martin in Narrows, Virginia, Kip received his B.A. in Education from Maryville College in Tennessee in 1965, and taught physical education in Arlington and Fairfax for 30 years. Kip is survived by his wife of 40 years, Janet, and daughter, Ashley, as well as his sister Sue Presley and brothers William, James and Thomas Martin. He is predeceased by his brother, Daniel.

Elizabeth deVente McDermott
Class of 1965
All Notes Memoriam

Elizabeth (Bep) McDermott, 72, of DeLeon Springs, FL, died peacefully March 29, 2016, surrounded by her family. Elizabeth was born on September 3, 1943, in Oegstgeest, Netherlands to Gerrit and Janna de Vente. Elizabeth is preceded in death by her parents, and two brothers, Gerrit de Vente and Jacob de Vente. Elizabeth was a lifelong volunteer, educator, friend and mother to many. After years of raising her children, she worked in the Volusia County school system. Elizabeth retired in 2013 from Taylor Middle High School in Pierson. Her generous heart filled her home with love, fun, family and friends, including an attitude that there was always room for one more. She leaves her children and grandchildren with the knowledge that they were truly loved. Elizabeth is survived by her husband of 42 years, John, and their seven children: Mark of DeLeon Springs, FL, John (Mindy) of San Diego, CA, Alicia (Juan Nieto) of Jacksonville, FL, Scott (Christine) of DeLand, FL, Dennis (Sabrina) of DeLand, FL, Christie of DeLeon Springs, FL, Emilie (Brandon Gamble) of Pierson, FL. Brothers, Jan de Vente (Judy), Evert de Vente (Karen), Simon de Vente (Kathy), sisters, Janna de Vente and Corrie Loveday (Jim). She is also survived by her eight grandchildren: McKenzie, Hannah, Dominick, Nikki, Gracie, Lailah, Trent, Loretta and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service was held Friday, April 1, at 4 pm at Community Christian Assembly, 235 W. Washington Ave., Pierson, FL.

William J. Napier
Class of 1965
Memoriam

William Jackson Napier, 79, died Thursday, November 17, 2022 at home in the company of his devoted wife, Susan Kay (Quigg) Napier, from complications of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Sizemore Napier and Martha Jackson Napier. Those grieving his loss include Susan, daughter Ellen Bethany Napier and family (Robert, Theo, and Fletcher Chaney) of Philadelphia, PA, son Brian Jackson Napier and family (Kerry, Max, and Yana Napier) of Columbus, OH and brother John Sizemore Napier and family (Michelle, Tassie, and Will Jackson Napier) of Loudon, TN.

Bill was born January 17, 1943 in Knoxville, TN. The son of two educators, he studied at four different universities after graduating from Maryville College, and his career was largely devoted to advocating for higher education in Ohio.

Good Old Bill especially enjoyed: his 4 grandchildren, bluegrass music, country ham, Alabama Crimson Tide football, collecting miniature toy soldiers, New England autumns, photography, biscuits & gravy, knowing Jim Rhodes and Vern Riffe, the Grand Ole Opry, international travel, Cleveland’s West Market, banana pudding, and Susan.

 

Annette Sensenig O'Relley
Class of 1965
All Notes Memoriam

It is with profound sadness that we announce that Eleanor “Annette” O’Relley (formerly Sensenig) of Aurora, CO passed into eternal life on June 25, 2018, at the age of 75. She is survived by her loving family who will miss her dearly, including her husband, Zoltan Edward “Ed” O’Relley, her beloved husband of 47 years, her daughter and son-in-law, Christina O’Relley Barnes & Peter W. Barnes of Granger, IN, and a son and daughter-in-law, Michael A. O’Relley & Katherine Keck O’Relley of Aurora, CO, three grandchildren, Stanton and Elise Barnes, and Thomas O’Relley, a sister and brother-in-law, Margaret “Marene” & David Emery of Norristown, PA, a brother-in-law, Ivan Orelli of Falls Church, VA, nephews, Steven Whelan (Robin Lane) of Longhorn, PA, Robert (Michelle) Emery of Valparaiso, IN, James (Jill) Emery of Dallas, TX, and several great grandnieces and grandnephews. She was preceded in death by her sister, Kathryn Whelan of Antietam, PA and her parents, D. Willard & Margaret J. Sensenig (Sayre) of Pottstown, PA. Her loss will also be deeply felt by many friends, neighbors, former colleagues, and others whose lives she impacted. Annette was a one-of-a-kind person who was extraordinarily selfless, humble, and unpretentious, reflecting values of the Mennonite community in Pottstown, PA, where she was born and raised. With her kind, gentle, and generous spirit, her ready smile, and her bright, dancing eyes, she had a gift for making others feel special, often with thoughtfulness and creativity. Her delightful sense of humor and spirit of fun were contagious. She loved bright colors, loud earrings, and silly footwear. She celebrated holidays with boundless creativity, enthusiasm, and energy, but also cultivated a habit for cherishing and bringing joy to even the simplest moments of life. Annette graduated from Pottstown High School, Maryville College (TN), and the University of Tennessee, where she graduated with a Masters in Speech and Language Pathology. While there, she happened into her lifelong love, Ed, a Ph.D. student who came to the US as a refugee from Hungary and later became a Professor of Economics at North Dakota State University. Throughout her 35 years at Washington School in Fargo, Annette helped many children as a speech and language therapist before retiring to Aurora, CO in 2005. She was extremely generous with her time with seemingly unlimited patience and presence for others, always taking the initiative to understand and appreciate what was important to the people she loved. She willingly sacrificed comforts so that others, especially her children and grandchildren, could flourish. Annette always assumed the best in others, was quick to recognize their strengths and to have compassion for their faults. She will be missed dearly, but we take solace in knowing that her spirit will live perpetually through the lives she touched. Following a small family visitation, a funeral service was held at First Presbyterian Church of Littleton, CO on June 30, 2018. According to her wishes, Annette’s ashes will be scattered in a beautiful place to be determined. A permanent memorial is also pending. Annette’s family is eternally grateful to the many family and friends for their kind words of comfort and remembrance, and their generous support. Donations to Denver Rescue Mission and USO in her name are welcomed and appreciated. A complete obituary can be found online under her name at Legacy.com

Cora Quay
Class of 1965
Memoriam

Cora Quay passed away on December 22, 2022.

William V. Schellinger
Class of 1965
All Notes Memoriam

William V. Schellinger, 76, of DeWitt, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2018 at home after a valiant and determined battle with cancer. Bill was born in Pleasantville, NJ, the son of Emily May Smith Schellinger (deceased) and Carl Alfred Schellinger (deceased). He lived most of his youth in South Jersey and in Pitman, NJ, with his mother, brother Carl (Roswell, NM) and sister Addie (deceased). After graduating from Pitman HS, he attended the Univ of Delaware pending acceptance into the Air Force Academy. Due to a congenital back defect he was honorably discharged and was not able to serve as was his great desire. He continued his education and received his Bachelors Degree in Math from Maryville College in Tennessee and completed graduate work at the Univ. of Tennessee. He was grateful for the opportunities he had to work with brilliant people throughout his career, beginning with his employment at the Atomic Energy Commission in Tennessee. He continued his career with the New Jersey Educational Network, where he worked in the tech field developing software. His experiences led him to become president of two software companies in Montvale, NJ. He relocated his family to Syracuse after accepting the position of Sr. VP of MONY (Mutual of New York). He was a lifelong learner and welcomed the opportunity to learn this new industry. He quickly became aware that the employees at MONY were extremely hard working and dedicated. He continued to interact with many of them even after he departed MONY to start his own consulting firm in Syracuse in 1991. He was self-employed throughout the remainder of his career and did not retire until his health demanded he do so in January 2018. Bill enjoyed working on his home, reading about Lincoln and other presidents, but his passion was coaching. He was a student/athlete in high school and college and knew the benefits that can be gained through athletic participation. He believed all people are given a talent, and it is the responsibility of each of us to seek out that talent and develop it to the best of our ability as well as to help others find and develop their individual talents regardless of what they might be. He began coaching as his way of giving back and he did so for over 50 years. He believed that he coached “kids” not sports. He loved the game of baseball and was fortunate to coach his own children as well as others in several sports. He was the varsity baseball coach at JD, Onondaga Central and DeRuyter Central for a total of 11 years. His final year in 2017 was at DeRuyter and he was grateful for the support he received from the administrators, coaches, players and parents in his effort to coach his final season in the spring of 2017, even while in the midst of treatments. His greatest source of pride was his four children who became strong, independent thinking, hard-working and caring adults who provided him with great joy throughout his life. He was a member of Pebble Hill Presbyterian Church and a long-time Elder of the Presbyterian Church. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Linda Reid Schellinger; his son, Steven (Kim) of DeWitt; his daughter, Karen Leutner (Mark) of Savage, MN; his son, Michael (Stephanie) of DeWitt; and his son, Kevin (Lauren) of Williamsville, NY. He was blessed to have enjoyed his 7 grandchildren — 6 grandsons, Brian (14), Ben (13), Sean (10), George (5), Calvin (4), Miles (1 ½) and a granddaughter, Maeve (1 ½). Funeral Services in celebration of Bill’s life were held at Pebble Hill Presbyterian Church, 5299 Jamesville Road, DeWitt. Burial at White Chapel Memory Gardens. Contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to Pebble Hill Presbyterian Church or to any youth organization.

Ann Alexander Schuler
Class of 1965
Memoriam

Ann Elizabeth Schuler, 79, retired Southwestern Bell worker and resident of Bixby, Oklahoma, passed away Monday, May 30, 2022. She was born Friday, February 26, 1943 in Maryville, Tennessee to Andrew Lamar Alexander, Sr. and Genevra Floreine (Rankin) Alexander.

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Director of Alumni Affairs
Jennifer Triplett
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Carol Clark
Alumni Services Coordinator