I dedicate this book to my loving grandma who has been there for me throughout my life. She is one of my biggest supporters and I can't thank her enough.

Preview audio:

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When and where were you first born and where have you lived throughout your life?

I was born in Wichita, Kansas on December 11, 1947 and lived in Valley Center, Kansas until the 8th grade. I moved to Marion, Kansas and lived there until I was married in 1967. My husband was in the Marines for 4 years. We first lived in Millington, Tenn., then Santa Ana, California and the last year of his tour of duty was in Japan. Our daughter, Stephanie and I spent the last 6 months with him in Japan during his overseas tour.

After leaving the military we settled in Marion, Kansas where we have lived ever since.

The Vietnam War impact-The 1960's war made her family move constantly, as Grandpa had to be stationed in a new region every year.

What was your first pet?

The first pet that I really remember and loved so much was a tan and white pekingese named Jeff.

Our beloved Ben, an English Setter, was our dog that the kids grew up with and he was sooo loved.

How had your parents affected your life?

My parents were very caring and loved each of my brothers and myself unconditionally. They taught me to be loving, kind to others and respect everyone.

What is your favorite memory with your siblings? Was there any technology to mess around with?

Oh, my gosh there are so many things. We didn't have the electronic devices like now so we made up our own games to play. I only used a real modern phone towards the 2000's. Every year we had a Berry Reunion (my dad's side of the family) and a Danner Reunion (my mother's side of the family. We loved getting together with our cousins.

What kinds of things did your family do when you were young?

We would go to the drive-in movies sometimes. Mostly just spend time together. When we got our television (black and white) we would watch it together. Having a television set was a REAL treat.

What schools did you attend and what were your favorite subjects?

I attended Kindergarten through 7th grade in Valley Center, Kansas. We moved to Marion the summer before my 8th grade year. I attended the Marion schools from 8th grade through my senior year. After graduation I attended one semester at Emporia State University.

What was your first job?

I would guess my first job was babysitting when I was younger. My senior year I worked at the Kingfisher's Inn at the Marion County Lake waiting tables. One time I got a $5 tip and I thought I had hit the jackpot!

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

Not sure I really thought about it until I got in the upper grades. I thought I might want to be an airline stewardess or maybe even a model (imagine that).

How did you decide on your career?

When we settled in Marion after our tour of duty in the Marines, I worked as the secretary for the Methodist Church. When I decided I needed to work full time I first worked as a teacher's aide at the elementary school. Then was hired as the secretary in the Superintendent's office where I worked until I retired as Board Clerk 35 years later.

What are your children's names/What was the most difficult about raising them?

Stephanie Elizabeth and Jason Thomas

To be honest, both of my children were not hard to raise. I guess it was good parenting but they knew right from wrong and didn't give us much grief.

What are some special memories you have about your children?

Probably the best memories of my daughter, Stephanie, was watching her in her dance recitals. She was SO good and she loved it. And the best memories of my son, Jason, would be watching him play football in middle school and high school. In high school he may have been the best running back the school had seen in a long time.

What do you hope for your children and grandchildren?

I wish for my children and my grandchildren to be the best they can be. Follow their hearts and dreams.

What is the hardest choice you have ever made?

Maybe having to put Ben to sleep. He was such a good dog of ours and it was a very difficult decision to put him down. I didn't want get rid of him, he was like a family member.