The 69th anniversary of the 1945 Class of China Grove High School was celebrated Aug. 23 at Gary’s BBQ in China Grove.
Jim Stirewalt extended a special welcome to classmate Ramona Cline and her daughter Vicki Morris.
Stirewalt shared a verbal message from classmate Gene Thompson and read messages from James “Bill” Kluttz of Cary, and Elvira Linder who recently moved to Lincolnton.
Stirewalt expressed gratitude for the blessing of no deaths of class members since the reunion last year. Pictures were displayed of the 40 deceased members, which included his wife, Martha.
Memories from school days brought smiles from the group as all were reminded of how wonderful it is to be able to maintain friendships for 69 years.
Attending the reunion were Mabel Brown of Kannapolis, Bill Lefler of Winston-Salem, Cora Mae Peeler and husband Leo of Harrisburg, Howard Haynes and wife Arlene of Faith;
Mildred Moose Williams, Louise Wall Shive and Melba W. Funderburk of China Grove, Donald McKnight and wife Priscilla, Kinard Sheeks and Louise Waddell of Salisbury.
Guests included Carolyn Reaves of China Grove; Carol Nesbit, daughter of Louise Waddell of Concord; and Wendi Godwin, granddaughter of Waddell of Raleigh.
The next reunion is scheduled for Aug. 22, 2015, at Gary’s BBQ.
The Rockwell High School Class of 1958 held its 56th reunion Sept. 13 at Gary’s BBQ in China Grove, with 47 classmates and guests in attendance.
A social hour featured reminiscing about school days and catching up. Following a class picture, the invocation was give by Bob Petrea. and the meal was enjoyed. Musical entertainment was provided by Alden Wright on the keyboard and Baron Wright playing the violin.
Master of ceremonies was Loretta Holshouser Warner who also gave the financial report and provided class booklets.
Door prizes were given out, updates were given on class members unable to attend and get well cards were signed and mailed to the sick.
A memorial table in memory of deceased class members displayed pictures, each with a lighted candle.
Deceased class members are: Henry Irving Eagle, Homer Lee Safrit, Betty Jane Miller Dwiggins, Ronald Ray Morgan, John Wise, Gary Wayne Smith, Raymond Wayne Shue, Steve Morefield, Gary “Gus” Beaver, Peggy Drew Wagoner, Floyd Eugene Morgan, Jerry Leroy Sides, C.J. Solomon, Thomas Clay Dellinger, Carolyn Jeanette Arey Calloway, Harold William Yost, Roert Wayne Brown and James Paul Barringer Jr.
Attending from China Grove were Bennie and Loretta Holshouser Warner; from Lexington were Arnold and Frances Agner Heilig; from Gold Hill were Sam and Susan Lowman, Robert E. Corl;
From Rockwell were Betty Frances File, Jackie Walker Ewaert, Helen Featherstone Eddleman, Bobby Eddleman, Harold Lloyd Morgan, Glenn and Peggy Haynes Deal, Norman Jean Barringer Beeker and Hunter Safrit;
From Lincolnton were Herby and Phyllis Vanhoy; from Richfield were Billy A. and Kirksey Shaver; from Statesville were Phil and Norma Jean Correll Crowder; from Shelby were Robert Lee and Pat Rhinehardt;
From Davidson were Pat and Joyce Benfield Measimer; from Salisbury were Judy Ward Garney, Jerry and Carolyn Sides, Bobby and Joyce Petrea, John W. Hill and Mildred, Larry and Betty Fortune, Bill and Sue Sides, Ben and Frances Morgan Agner, John and Joyce Lemly, Lipe and Renda Treece Barrier;
From Faith were Brian, Tammy, Alden and Barron Wright and Kellin Ours.
Recognized for coming the farthest was Betty Jean Harwood Hunter from Pennsylvania.
Serving on the reunion committee were Loretta Holshouser Warner, Frances Agner Heilig and Helen Featherstone Eddleman.
Adding to the fun were jokes told by some classmates and incidents from school days.
The next reunion will be in September 2016.