Go Tigers!

February 6, 2012

Dear Fellow Westporters,

It is with a sad heart that I share with you news related to Bob Becker's declining health. Suffering from Parkinson's disease and coronary heart failure, he is gravely ill and currently under hospice care. Our family has been informed that he has approximately one week to live. As most of you are aware, Bob and I have been divorced for many years, and he has remarried. Bob is a good man and the father of our three, wonderful, adult children. Your thoughts and prayers would be greatly appreciated during this difficult time.

Thank you,

Merry

February 2, 2012

Karen Schrader offered this cool link back to the 1950's >> click here <<

January 30, 2012

Hi Westport Lunch Gals and classmates,

What wonderful January weather we are having! We got through another winter season luncheon without having to cancel due to weather conditions. That makes me happy. We ended up having 12 gals at the luncheon this past Saturday. The following gals enjoyed lunch together at Cheddar's: Terry Renfrow, Carolyn Casey, Mary Ruf, Donna Haas, Juanita Candillo, Judy Eckel, Elberta Long, Phyllis Lodl, Isabel Chaney, Carol Williams, Barbara Field and me, Merry Becker. We came up with a date for the next luncheon but at this time I do not have a location. The date will be Saturday, February 25th.

We discussed the 55th class reunion and Juanita was given copies of the reunion surveys that were sent out by email several months ago. She will be the chairperson for the 55th Class Reunion and will contact those classmates that have expressed an interest in helping to put together the reunion. They will get together to set up their meetings and committees. If you have any questions concerning the reunion or want to be on any of the committees please get in touch with Juanita at 1957jc@iland.net Thanks, Juanita, for taking on this responsibility.

Enjoy the great weather we are having and I will be in touch later.

Merry Becker

January 30, 2012

I'm sad to announce that our classmate Chris V. Lopez passed away January 23rd. You can contact Juanita for additional information.

Jim Carras

November 2, 2011

KCTV5 Story on Dos Mundos. This story will air Wednesday November 2 nd on KCTV5 news at 10 pm

Edward Reyes ,Clara Reyes and Manuel Reyes

September 16, 2011

Hi Classmates,

Thanks, Pat Starner, for sharing your photos and news with all of your classmates. How great it must have been for you and your brother to meet up after all those years. Nothing is more precious than family. Thanks for sharing that website, Pat. I'm sure others will find it useful if they haven't already been using it. I enjoyed reading your contribution to the website as I am sure many others did. I look forward to seeing more news, photos, etc. from other classmates. Let's all give Jim something to post on "our" website. I am sure some of you are getting tired of reading about the Lunch Bunch Gals of '57 (we do have a great time getting together though) so send Jim something new to print.

Thanks and warm hugs to all,

Merry

September 13, 2011

Last month, Gloria and I went to Alpine, NY to visit my brother Errol and his wife, Maureen. The last time we saw him was in September of 1962 when we were in Horseheads to see my mother and the rest of her family. Errol was 5 years old at the time.

I guess we've both changed a little in 49 years. (I'm the nearly bald one on the left.)

While we were up there, Errol and Maureen took us to Niagara Falls. We "went to se" on the Maid of the Mist and got soaking wet even though we were wearing the rain ponchos they gave us.

Errol and Moe invited us to stay with them in their beautiful home on Cayuta Lake, which is about 75 feet from their deck.

I want to close by sharing this useful website I came across recently.

http://www.lasr.net/travel/state.php?State_ID=MO&VS=Y&ShoppeCategory=Lodging

Just change the abbreviation of the state (in red above) and you'll find motels anywhere in the United States - at least I think you will. I only tried the states that border Missouri plus Colorado and New York and they all worked.

Our best to all,
Pat & Gloria Starner

September 11, 2011

Hi Westport Classmates,
The Westport Gals are meeting once again for lunch and if anyone would like to join us please let me know so I can add you in when I call in the number for our reservation. We are meeting at the Olive Garden Italian Restaurant at 6750 W. 95th Street, Overland Park, Kansas 66212. It is located right off 95th and Metcalf. The phone number there is 913-381-8645. The date is Saturday, September 24th and the time is 11:30 a.m. Even if you can't join us for lunch we would love to hear from you through this Westport website. Jim Carras has been so good about keeping the website up and running. Let us hear from you as to how you are and what you are doing.
Stay happy and healthy!
Merry Krause Becker

August 21, 2011

Hi Westport Classmates,

I fell a little behind on my luncheon reports so this one should bring you up to date. On June 25th the following gals met for lunch at the Cheesecake Factory on the Plaza:Carol Nicholson Williams, Barbara Hinshaw Goodwin, Pat Jenkins Turley, Donna Dodds Haas, Linda Bethke Hunter, Elberta Lair Long, Terry Murphy Renfrow, Phyllis Morgan Lodl, Kaye Peyser Muehlberger, Barbara Jones Field, Babette Stamberger Martiny, Isabel Avila Cheney and Juanita Furness Candillo. They had a great time and made plans for the next luncheon. On July 23rd the following gals met for lunch at Avenue Bristo in Mission Farms in Leawood, Kansas: Barbara Jones Field, Barbara Hinshaw Goodwin, Donna Dodds Haas, Elberta Lair Long, Judy Arnold Eckel, Pat Jenkins Turley, Isabel Avila Cheney and Cherlyn Hughes Bruns. Cherlyn's husband, Gene, and Pat's husband, Don, also enjoyed having lunch at Avenue Bristo. We decided not to have a luncheon in August due to the extreme heat we were experiencing. We are looking towards the end of September for the next scheduled luncheon. I will let you know when and where once the plans are made. Enjoy the rest of the summer and before you know it we will be complaining about the cold and snow.

Merry Krause Becker

June 13, 2011

Hi Westport Classmates,

It's me again with another lunch report. The Westport Gals of '57 met for lunch on May 21st at the Blue Moose Bar & Grill in Prairie Village, Kansas. The weather was perfect and we were able to enjoy it on the patio. We had a great time and we all have really enjoyed getting to know one another again over the past years. We have been meeting for lunches for almost 10 years now. I think there were 5, 6 or 7 of us that started after our 45tth class reunion. We now have an average of about 16 gals at each luncheon. The following gals were able to enjoy lunch together on May 21st: Betty Turley Smith, Judy Arnold Eckel, Kaye Peyser Muehlberger, Carol Nicholson Williams, Juanita Furness Candillo, Barbara Jones Field, Carolyn Beck Casey, Pat Jenkins Turley, Isabel Avila Cheney, Barbara Hinshaw Goodwin, Babette Stamberger Martiny and me, Merry Krause Becker. Our next luncheon will be on June 25th at the Cheesecake Factory on the Plaza at 11 a.m. I will make a reservation so if you would like to join us please contact me at merrybecker38@comcast.net and I will include you in the number.

I hope we didn't have any classmates living in Joplin, Missouri at the time of the recent tornado. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who may have lost family or friends and to the survivors of this horrific disaster. It brought back memories of the 1957 Ruskin Heights tornado.

I hope that many of you will let us hear from you through this website which Jim Carras has so generously agreed to keep up and running. We like to hear from our classmates of so many years ago. We all enjoyed those fabulous years of the fifties so write and let us know how you are, where you are and what you have been doing or just share some fond memories you may have from those good ole days at Westport High School. After all, I am afraid these lunch reports are becoming pretty boring so we need to hear from you guys and gals.

Have a fun summer. Be safe and stay healthy.

Merry Becker

May 11,2011

Notice for next Westport Gals of '57' Lunch Bunch

Here are the specifics and I would like a response as soon as possible as I told the restaurant there would be at least 15 of us (the minimum number to get a reservation): The Blue Moose Bar and Grill in Prairie Village (we were there last year in May) at 11:30 on May 21st. The address is 4160 W. 71st., Prairie Village, Kansas 66208 and the phone number is 913-722-9463. (it is right by the Macy's Store in the Prairie Village shopping center). I've ordered some nice spring weather - not too hot or cool - and we plan to be out on the patio. Again, please let me know ASAP if you can join us. I hope I don't have to round up people off the street to meet our minimum number of 15. I hope this works out for everyone. I know it is around graduation time so there may be some of us with other plans. I am looking forward to seeing many of you on May 21st. Contact Merry Becker

March 31, 2011

Hi Westport Classmates,

Our Westport Gals of '57 Lunch Bunch is still going strong. We really enjoy getting together over lunch and catching up on what everyone is doing. We share news and views on just about everything. Our last luncheon was on March 26th at Cascone's Italian Restaurant. This was one of our smaller groups but we had a very enjoyable time. The following gals were able to have lunch together: Phyllis Lodl, Donna Haas, Diane Kaster, Terry Renfrow, Judy Eckel, Elberta Long, Babette Martiny, Juanita Candillo, Kaye Muehlberger and me, Merry Becker. We did not set a date for the next luncheon but it will most likely be at the end of April.
I hope everyone is staying healthy and happy. We would love to hear from you. Just drop us a friendly little note to this website (jim@carras.com) and share with us how you are doing and what you have been up to. Thanks for taking the time to do this.
Warm regards,

Merry Becker

March 28, 2011

Pat and Gloria Starner of Greenwood, MO will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with a family luncheon hosted by their three children.

Pat and the former Gloria Hughes were married on April 8th, 1961 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Kansas City, MO. The happy couple made their first home in Kansas City before moving to Greenwood nearly forty years ago.

Pat retired from the General Motors-Leeds assembly plant and Gloria retired as cafeteria manager at Greenwood Elementary School. They belong to Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Lee's Summit.

Their three daughters are Terri Starner-Crouch, Karen Starner and Christine Lahm. They have six grandchildren: Amanda Pohnert, Lisa and Michael Brown, Charlie and Emily Lahm, and Rachel Crouch. They also have three great grandchildren: Dominick and Danny Pohnert, and Sylar Newcomb.

March 12, 2011

James E. Oakes, 71, of Raymore, MO, passed away March 10, 2011, at St. Luke's Hospital. Funeral services will be 1 p.m., Mon., March 14, 2011, at Mt. Washington Mausoleum, 614 Brookside, Independence, MO, with a visitation from 12-1 p.m. Burial in Mt. Washington Cemetery. James worked for Electrical Magenito for over 30 years and retired from Owen Lumber. Survivors include his wife Carol Oakes, children Ronald Oakes (Wendy), Tellus Oakes (Michelle), James Oakes (Kelly), Brenda Smith (Mark), Leroy Bates (Michele) and Dana Stockton (Marty), brother Eugene Oakes (Juanita), 22 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. You are deeply loved and will be greatly missed. Charter Funerals, 816-921-5555
Published in Kansas City Star on March 12, 2011

Read more: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/kansascity/obituary.aspx?n=james-e-oakes&pid=149203413#ixzz1GNxiorbp

Provided by Pat and Gloria Starner

March 15, 2011

Hi Westport Classmates,

I hope everyone is surviving this winter weather. I also hope that those of you who traveled south in search of a warmer climate had luck in finding one. Trust me, spring will eventually arrive and with it some warmer weather. It will become warmer and warmer and we will then wish for some of the cooler weather.

We had a luncheon scheduled for Saturday, January 22 but decided to cancel it due to the weather. The luncheon was rescheduled for Saturday, February 19 at the California Pizza Kitchen on the Plaza. We had a very good turnout considering it was on such short notice. The following gals were able to enjoy lunch together once again: Bev Martin, Cherlyn Bruns, Darlene Logan, Karen Norton, Carol Williams, Juanita Candillo, Elberta Long, Jane Hollander, Donna Haas, Isabel Cheney, Babette Martiny, Barbara Field, Kaye Muehlberger and Merry Becker. Our next luncheon is set for Saturday, March 26, at 11:00 a.m. at Cascone's Italian Restaurant located right off 91st and Metcalf. We always have a very nice time together and it's amazing to think how far back most of these friendships go.

I would like to encourage everyone to share with your classmates of '57 through this website your thoughts, ideas or what you are now doing. We love hearing from you and Jim Carras has been kind enough to keep the Westport Class of '57 website up and running for us. Let's keep in touch.
Warmly,

Merry Becker

February 12, 2011

Juanita read an obituary for Mary Gagliardi, one of our Westport High School 1957 classmates. We have added her name to our deceased classmates page.

February 4, 2011

Ronnie Hardwick, 71, of Belton, MO, passed away February 2, 2011. Visitation will be held from 2:00-3:00 p.m. followed by funeral service at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, February 5, at Mt. Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Rd. Interment in Mt. Moriah Cemetery. Ronnie was born March 10, 1939 in Kansas City, KS, son of John E., Jr. and Harriet Mary (Oltman) Hardwick. He is survived by his sister Phyllis Sheeley, many nieces and nephews, and all the good people at Beautiful Savior where Ronnie had lived for more than six years. Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents and twin brother Don. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Beautiful Savior, 1003 S. Cedar St., Belton, MO 64012. Condolences may be made at www.mtmoriah-freeman.com. Mt Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home. 10507 Holmes Rd., Kansas City, MO 64131. (816) 942-2004
Published in Kansas City Star on February 4, 2011

Ron Philgreen and Juanita Candillo attended the services as representatives from our Westport Graduating Class of 1957.

January 4, 2011

Carol Buchanan (Bassett)
Carol Buchanan, 71, Oak Grove, MO, passed away Jan. 8, 2011. Visitation 6-8 p.m., Tues., Jan. 11, at Floral Hills Funeral Home. Funeral services 10 a.m., Wed., Jan. 12, at First Baptist Church of Oak Grove, 400 SE 14th St., Oak Grove. (Arr. Floral Hills Chapel, 7000 Blue Ridge Blvd., KCMO 64133, 816-353-1218) D.W. Newcomer's Sons Funeral Homes, Cemeteries, Crematories.
Published in Kansas City Star on January 9, 2011

January 2, 2011

Hi Westport Classmates,

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas with your families andfriends. I wish you all a new year full of good health and happiness. Take a minute in this new year and let your fellow classmates know how you are doing by emailing us through this website. Jim Carras has done an excellent job of keeping the website up and running. We all just need to send him various bits and pieces of info to post. Thanks to those of you who have sent in info in the past. I will be looking forward this year to reading something other than my luncheon notes.

Speaking of luncheons, our Christmas/Holiday Luncheon was a terrific success. It was held at the home of Diane Morrow Kaster on December 4th. Twenty three gals enjoyed some delicious barbeque from Smoke Stack and had a great time with the white elephant exchange. The very best part of the afternoon was the announcement that we had collected $525 for the family that we had adopted for the holidays. Thanks to all the Westport Gals Lunch Bunch for their generous donations and a very special thank you to our classmates, outside of our luncheon group, that sent in a donation. The family was overwhelmed by our generosity and they were very appreciative.

Front to Back and Left to Right

Our next luncheon will be Saturday, January 22, 2011, at 11:30 at California Pizza Kitchen on the Plaza. I will be making a reservation as we get closer to the date so please let me know if you will be joining us. We usually have between 16 and 18 gals that enjoy lunch together.

Again, Happy New Year to all and let us hear from you. The Westport Class of '57 was and still is a very special class.
Warm hugs from Merry Krause Becker

November 30, 2010

I talked to Dan Sestak today and wanted to share information regarding his tragic fall down a flight of stairs in his home the morning of September 20th. The fall left Dan with two broken wrists, head injury and spinal cord injury. He was taken to the University of Utah Medical Center where they gave him an MRI and also operated to releave pressure between his C3 thru C7 vertebra. When he arrived at the hospital he did not have any sensation below his neck. Dan said he maintained a positive attitude and praised the University of Utah Rehab Center for being #1 in the country. He was in the hospital for 8 weeks and returned home November 12th.. Today, Dan is about 75% recovered and home. He is using a walker and a wheel chair to get around. He is just now checking his emails and said there were only a few hundred yet to read. He sounded great over the phone and it was good to hear his voice. You can reach Dan at danwsestak@comcast.net

Jim Carras

November 29, 2010

Tony Curtis Tribute

Juanita Furness Candillo

November 24, 2010

We have been asked by Kip Sperry, the classmate and webmaster of the 1958 Westport graduation class website to offer a link to their website. Also, Kip asks if you have any information to contact him directly so they can also update their website.

https://sites.google.com/site/westporthighschool

kipsperry@gmail.com

Thanks for Kip and the 1958 class website.

November 21, 2010

Hi Classmates,

This is Merry with another luncheon report. Eighteen gals met for lunch on November 6 at the Outback Steakhouse in Overland Park, Kansas. The following classmates were able to attend: Darlene Page Logan, Karen Rhinehart Norton, Kaye Peyser Muehlberger, Beverly Kerr Martin. Judy Arnold Eckel, Isabel Avila Cheney, Nancy Shepherd Coates, Donna Dodds Haas, Pat Jenkins Turley, Betty Turley Smith, Ilene O'Hare Blogin, Elbert Lair Long, Terry Murphy Renfrow, Phyllis Morgan Lodl, Juanita Furness Candillo, Barbara Jones Field, Cherlyn Hughes Bruns and Merry Krause Becker. We enjoyed the food and each other's company and made final plans for our Holiday Luncheon. The luncheon will be on December 4th at Diane's home. Please contact me by November 29th if any of you gals out there plan to join us. We will be ordering the food from Smoke Stack Bar-B-Que so I will need a head count. Plans are in order to adopt a family for the holiday season. Please check out the note on this website regarding this very worthwhile project. Thank you in advance for any donation, no matter how small, that you are able to make.
I want to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving. I hope that you are able to be with your families and friends and if you are traveling, travel safe.

Warm regards,

Merry Becker

November 12, 2010

click here >>> Westport Gals Invite You To Join Adopt A Needy Family For Christmas <<< click here

Carol Williams

October 21, 2010

Hi Westport Classmates,

We had another very enjoyable luncheon on Saturday, Oct.2nd. It is always so nice to see everyone and learn something new about one another each time we meet. We had 14 gals at the luncheon: Karen, Cherlyn, Judy, Bev, Diane, Nancy, Pat, Betty, Donna, Carol, Darlene, Isabel, Kaye and me. The next luncheon will be Saturday, November 6, at 11:15, at the Outback Steakhouse at 9501 Quivira, Overland Park, Kansas 66214 . The phone number there is 913-894-5114 The following gals have indicated that they are planning to be at the luncheon: Ilene, Darlene, Karen, Bev, Judy, Isabel, Nancy, Donna, Pat, Betty, Kaye and me, Merry.

We discussed plans for the Christmas Luncheon and as was previously announced the luncheon will be at Diane's home on Saturday, December 4 at 11:30. The menu will be the same as last year's which was Bar-B-Q from Smoke Stack. The amount to be collected for the meal will be determined later once we have a head count. We all agreed that we would like to follow through with the family we adopted last year and make another donation to them. Last year through everyone's generosity we were able to donate $350 to the family. More details regarding the Christmas Luncheon will follow later.

We are having some absolutely gorgeous weather and I hope everyone can get out and enjoy it in one way or another....... just a walk around your neighborhood would do. Take care, stay healthy and happy and I will be in touch.
Warm regards,

Merry Becker

Sept. 18, 2010

Hi Westport Classmates,

It's me again, Merry, with another luncheon report. The Westport Gals Lunch Bunch met again on August 28 at Cascone's Italian Restaurant in North Kansas City. We had an awesome turnout with Elberta Lair Long joining us for the first time and Darlene Page Logan and Karen Rhinehart Norton joining us for a second or third time. It was so good to see them and we all enjoyed visiting with them. The following gals joined Elberta, Karen and Darlene for good food and conversation: Isabel Cheney, Juanita Candillo, Ilene Blogin, Kaye Muehlberger, Phyllis Lodl, Irene Lopez, Cherlyn Bruns, Mary Ruf, Bev Martin, Pat Turley, Judy Eckel, Carol Williams. Terry Renfrow, Janis Jones, Donna Haas, Barbara Goodwin and Merry Becker. The next luncheon is set for Saturday, October 2 at 11:15 at the Brio Tuscan Grille on the Plaza. Please contact me by September 22 if you plan to join us as I will make a reservation that afternoon. At this luncheon we will make plans for our annual Christmas Celebration.

Warm regards from Merry Becker

September 4, 2010

Obituary for Barbara Keith, wife of coach Sam Keith
Barbara E. Keith, age 79, of Leawood, KS, died on September 2, 2010 at the Kansas City Hospice House. She was born in Highland Park, IL and graduated from New Trier High School. She attended Missouri Valley College, Marshall, MO, where she met her husband. Following a long career with the American Cancer Society, Barbara retired in 1995 at which time she and her husband moved to Arizona. They subsequently returned to this area to be near family and friends. Barbara is survived by her husband Samuel, two sons Robert of Independence and Michael of Kansas City, one grandson Robert II of Charlotte, NC, and twin granddaughters Ashley O'Donnel and Amanda Dier. She was preceded in death by daughter Wendy, who was killed in a one car accident in 2005. Other survivors include nieces and their families. Visitation will be held from 5:30-7:00 pm. Monday, September 6, at Mt. Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Rd., Kansas City, MO. A closed family service will precede the visitation. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest contributions to Kansas City Hospice, 9201 Ward Parkway, Suite 100, Kansas City, MO 64114, c/o Bee Haley or to a charity of your choice. Condolences may be made at www.mtmoriah- freeman.com.

August 23, 2010

Hi Jim, I am now living in Tyler, Texas with hubbie of 25 years. We transferred with Trane (American Standard) which is now owned by Ingersoll Rand Corporation. Tyler is an hour and a half from Dallas, TX or Shreveport, LA and is the rose capitol of the world, it is also known for its Azalea District. I am a stay at home mom to my three rescued dogs and enjoy gardening in pots.

Shirley (Goldman) Shallot

August 23, 2010

Thanks Jim. Long live Westport class of 57. I do invite everyone to a Fiesta Sept 11-12 Barney Allis Plaza. >> click here

Manuel Reyes

August 21, 2010

Ken Pollock and Marilyn Bure Pollock, 3 children, 5 grand children, living in New Mexico and Colorado. Health good, retired. May be in Kansas City this summer, dates unknown at this time. Still looking for the big time lottery ticket
.
Ken Pollock

August 21, 2010

Ron and Carol Philgreen celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary (50th) on July 29, 2010. If you would like to see their pictures, go to www.charitablebuckets.com, click the last link on the right, and then underneath the picture of Ron and Carol, click the photo album link. We are certainly blessed with our three kids and seven grandkids - Sherri (and husband Mark Aron, Stephanie and Rachel), David (and wife Hilary, Luke and Lance), Jill (and husband Steve Blazer, Carrie, Kim and Wil), Carol's sister - Dorothy and her bridesmaid (visiting from San Jose, CA) and Mark Aron's mom- Ann Titu (visiting from Chicago). Dancing around the fountain in the Rosemont Room at the historic William Nelson Art Gallery was the highlight of the celebration.

Ron Philgreen

August 21, 2010

Thanks for all the work you put into the website.
Nothing new on my information-still live in Greenwood Mo. Former City Alderman four years, of which 2 were as Mayor pro Tem. Outgoing Master of my Masonic Lodge, Swope Park Nr 617 AF & AM. Still married to Annelies Hoefner Payne, 51 years. Three married daughters, same husbands, over 25 year each, 8 grandchildren
Two other classmates also reside in Greenwood - Marsha (Ann) Sloan Breitling and Pat Starner, who is a former Greenwood Chief of Police
Hope to live to attend our 60th Class reunion in 2017....

Jim Payne

August 20, 2010

Hi Westport Classmates,

We had a record number of gals at our last luncheon which was held on July 31 at the Jack Gage American Tavern on 50th and Main Street in K.C. Mo. The food was very good and we had a great time visiting with one another. We were seated in a semi-private area in the far end of the restaurant so we were able to get up and move around and visit without disturbing the other customers. The following gals were able to meet and enjoy lunch together: Cherlyn, Beverly, Ilene, Juanita, Evelyn, Irene, Terry, Phyllis, Barbara F., Barbara G., Donna, Jane, Carolyn, Carol, Pat, Betty and her daughter, Judy, Kaye, Isabel and Merry. Our next luncheon will be on August 28th at 11:15 at Cascone's Italian Restaurant, 3737 North Oak Trafficway, Kansas City, Mo. If you would like to join us please get in touch with me. Enjoy the rest of the summer. Autumn will be here before you know it.
Regards,

Merry Becker

July 20, 2010

Hi Westport Classmates,

Once again the Westport Gals Lunch Bunch enjoyed time and lunch together on June 26, 2010, at Mimi's Cafe in Overland Park. The following gals were able to join in the fun: Ilene O'Hare Blogin, Kaye Peyser Muehlberger, Isabel Avila Cheney, Cherlyn Hughes Bruns, Beverly Kerr Martin, Carol Nicholson Williams, Barbara Hinshaw Goodwin, Barbara Jones Field, Donna Dodds Hass and Merry Krause Becker. We made plans to meet again on July 31 at Jack Gage American Tavern at 50th and Main in Kansas City. As always if you would like to join us, please feel free to do so. Take care and stay cool.

Merry Becker

July 17, 2010

Bill Gallup Obituary
William Russell Gallup, 71, moved to heaven on July 9, 2010, after a short hospitalization due to complications from a fall. Bill was born Aug. 19, 1938, near Keokuk, Iowa. As a youngster, he lived in Iowa and Arkansas before his family moved to Kansas City, Mo. His fondest childhood memories included the time spent with extended family in Arkansas. Following graduation from Westport High School in Kansas City, he joined the Navy. Bill was an expert in automotive parts and taught related classes in local junior colleges. He worked at Ford and Lincoln-Mercury dealerships in the metro area. Bill was an Eagle Scout and a Scout master. He was a long-time member and an elder in the Community of Christ Church and attended the Bannister Ridge Congregation. Bill was a talented musician. He played a number of instruments, including the harmonica and guitar. He enjoyed playing with the Bannister Ridge Runners, a group whose musical ministry brought great joy to hospitals and nursing homes. He enjoyed cooking and creating leather art. Bill was preceded in death by his mother, Virginia Kaeding and stepfather, J.F. (Tex) Kaeding and one son. He is survived by his loving spouse, Lorene; a sister, Martha Jo McConaughey (Jack); six brothers, Leonard Gallup (Shirley), Royal Kaeding, Loyal Kaeding (Tessa), Jack Lee Kaeding, Julious Durwood Kaeding (Twila), Kenneth Kaeding (Anne) and nieces, nephews, grand- nieces, and grand-nephews, all too numerous to count. Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 14, at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th Street, Independence, MO 64055. Visitation will begin one hour prior to service time at the funeral home. A graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 15, at Flora Cemetery, Viola, Ark. The family suggests contributions to the Little Sisters of the Poor, 8745 James A. Reed Rd., KCMO 64138 or Community of Christ Bannister Ridge Congregation, 9801 Blue Ridge Extension, KCMO 64134. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.speakschapel.com. Speaks Suburban Funeral Home, 18020 E 39th St, Independence, MO 64051, 816-373-3600 Published in Kansas City Star on July 12, 2010

June 25, 2010

Hi Westport Classmates,
The last Westport Gals luncheon was held on May 22nd at the Blue Moose Bar and Grill in Prairie Village. We had an excellent turnout with 16 gals attending. Jane Gooch Hollander was able to join us for the first time and it was great to see her. The following gals enjoyed a pleasant luncheon outside on the patio: Janis Blackwell Jones, Barbara Hinshaw Goodwin, Donna Dodds Haas, Judy Arnold Eckel, Juanita Furness Candillo, Cherlyn Hughes Bruns, Isabel Avila Cheney, Carol Nicholson Williams, Terry Murphy Renfrow, Pat Jenkins Turley, Diane Morrow Kaster, Phyllis Morgan Lodl, Carolyn Beck Casey, Kaye Peyser Muehlberger, Jane Gooch Hollander and Merry Krause Becker. We have become friends all over again and we have one very important thing in common. We spent some of the best years of our lives together at Westport High School. Our next luncheon will be on Saturday, June 26th at Mimi's Cafe at 11 a.m. Mimi's is located at 11885 W. 95th Street in Overland Park, Kansas. Congratulations to Jerry Bybee's great nephew, Casey James, Casey came in third in the American Idol TV show. He did an awesome job and will be on tour with the top 10 from Idol.

Happy Father's Day to all our fathers and to our sons who are now fathers!

Merry Becker

June 16, 2010

Thanks to Juanita Candillo and others, they researched the Feb. news about the "riot" that took place in front of Westport at the close of the school day.

News article from the Kansas City Times "here"
Photo of the event "here"

Do you remember that day? (email jim@carras.com with your comments to post)

June 11, 2010

Read the article in Time Magazine July 3, 2010 about Westport closing.

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1993877,00.html

Jim Carras

June 10, 2010

Carol Williams and Juanita Candillo continue to amaze me. Their dedication to preserving the history of the Westport area as well as the school is truly a gift to the City. Having followed news reports of the closing of KC schools, I was truly saddened that Westport was on the list. The declining school population illustrates the need for tough decisions, but emotional ties remain. Even though important documents seem to be missing, what has been preserved will contribute greatly to the history of Westport.

I’m sure other ’57 grads are working with them and also deserve credit. Who knows? Maybe some of the items packed away for safe keeping will appear at our 55th reunion.

A work in progress… thanks for your dedication and hard work.

Karen Schrader

June 10, 2010

Dear Mr. Joe Robertson, (the reporter about Westport of the Kansas City Star)

I am sending you this message with deep appreciation for all of your interest and effort to give the people of Kansas City the true picture of our love and devotion for our dear old Westport High School. You deliver the message of our hearts when you speak of old trophies and treasured memories we had at Westport High School where we spent our young impressionable years and where the foundation of our lives were being built.

I also want to thank our dear Carol (Nicholson) Williams for loving the memories of our school enough to want to do everything she could to preserve as much as she could and the many hours she spent on it. I also want to thank Duane Kelly (the brother of Clint Kelly from the class of 1955) for helping her. I took a picture of Carol holding the trowel that laid the cornerstone of Westport and the envelope she found it in, right after she found it. I was privileged to have been there when we were especially looking for items that represented the years we were going to Westport. Carol's devotion represents many of us former students and how we feel about our dear old school. I am proud to have been a graduate of Westport High School and will always hold dear the good memories that brought all that graced the halls of Westport together just by having been there.

Westport High School,
We will miss you and we are sorry to see you close, but we love you and will hold you in our hearts and cherish the good memories we had there.

Thank you,
Juanita (Furness) Candillo
from the class of 1957

June 6, 2010

"I was happy to go and speak to the junior and seniors of Mr. Debarthe's classes. Talking with them and answering their questions made me realize how strongly I still feel the Spirit of Westport.

They asked questions such as, Where did we hold our Proms? Did we work while in school and where?, Where did we live when we went to Westport? How were our sports teams? What did it feel like to go away from home to a big college? How often have we gotten together since graduation? They were very receptive to us and some came and gave us hugs afterwards.

We told them how important they were as the "last Senior Class of Westport"

We loved the building, the halls and classrooms, in short the experience of going to Westport, but most important were the people we went to school with. It represent a time in our lives that can never be replicated. It was the time of not only learning, and making friendships, but the building place of a great part of our character. We tell the stories of teachers and classes we all remember and laugh at experiences we shared The longer we talk the more we remembered. It was a good time for us."

Dear Mr. Robertson:

Thank you so much for the article you wrote about the closing schools of Kansas City. As a product of those schools, I have been sadden by the need to close so many of them. I am very grateful to have had the privilege to attend Westport High School and appreciated you comments about Westport. I was one of the class of 1957 who went to visit with Mr.. DeBarthe's Juniors and Seniors and found them delightful. Most of them indicated they were planning to advance their education at college or other training which pleased me greatly.

I particularly enjoyed the comments in your article of SunSierra Payne, a junior moving to Southwest next year. "... she came away from the visit with the Class of ’57 believing a better goodbye is possible. 'I want it remembered the way the alumni remember it, not the way people think of it now.'she said. 'I like Westport for the good times.'”
I have stood with pride as I have cheered the Westport students over the years marching in the Snake Saturday parade. I still "revere the name of Westport " and will always "speak of her with pride."
I love the Westport High School Building, and will hate to see it stand empty. I hope the class of 2010 can remember Westport as I do, by keeping in contact with classmates thru the years. It is the memories of my experiences at Westport and the people sharing those memories that will always keep Westport alive in my heart.
Thanks again for the time you devoted to presenting these schools as we remember them.

Cherlyn Bruns

June 3, 2010

Take a look at a recent article in the KC Free Press and KC Star regarding Westport closing.

http://www.kcfreepress.com/photos/galleries/2010/jun/01/westport-high-school/
http://www.kcfreepress.com/news/2010/jun/02/closure-looming-westport-high-school-alumni-look-b/#c1039
http://www.kansascity.com/2010/06/02/1988984/21-kc-schools-fade-to-memory.html

A note from Carol (Nicholson) Williams regarding the interview with KC Star.

Friends,

This is the thank-you note I have sent to Joe Robertson, the reporter at the KC Star who wrote the article in today's paper describing the closing of the schools in KC. If you are as pleased as I am, please email him at jrobertson@kcstar.com and express your appreciation. I am most grateful, not only for the two hours he devoted to my interview but also for his focus on our school. He is a relatively young man, but obviously his sensitivity runs deeply. So many of you are good writers. If Joe's article has had an impact on you, please consider writing a letter of appreciation to the editor of the newspaper. My name has been cited enough times. Let's hear from some of the others of you. Please and thank you.

Ron, I have an essay from one of Mr. DeBarthe's students who mentions the impact you and Don had when you spoke to the class. I shall make a copy and send to you. Our words did not fall on dead ears!

Carol

Dear Joe,

Although I speak on behalf of my fellow alumni, simple words fail to convey our appreciation for your article on the closing of schools in the KC District. As an English teacher, one of the most difficult tasks I experienced, even with AP students, was teaching the meaning of "voice" in one's writing. I wish that I had been able to refer to your writing as a model.

You certainly succeeded in capturing the essence of the mixed emotions felt, not only by the older alumni but also by the graduating seniors and the underclassmen of Westport. Thank you for emphasizing the thoughts of the students and for showing your readers, through their words, what it means to say goodbye to a school that has been their home.

I hope that you will be hearing from other members of my Class of '57 who can speak for themselves in expressing their appreciation, for you have afforded each of us, who loves Westport, a positive way to say goodbye to an institution that nurtured us during the vulnerable years of our lives....a school that set us on the path to greater academic achievement and civic responsibility. A building so full of memories that not even a bulldozer can destroy it.

Finally, thank you for using the English language to evoke emotions and provoke thought.

Warmest regards,

May 15, 2010

One last look at Westport High School while it is still open. These photos were taken May 2010.

Click to view photos

April 28, 2010

All Class Reunion:

There is change is on the date for the tour of Westport. The date has been changed from May 14, 2010, to May 7, 2010, at 3:00, at Westport. David Wells called yesterday and stated that the principal at Westport wants Westport Alumni to do something with the graduating class of 2010.

David, will get back with me about what the principal wants us to do with the class and I will forward the information on to everyone. Also, our meeting at Rhythm Lanes is tentatively planned for the 7th at 6:00 PM, will know more later this week.

Mary Adair-Dean Class of "66

April 27, 2010

Westport Classmates,
The Westport Gals of '57 have enjoyed several luncheons together since my last report in January. Eight of us enjoyed lunch together at Cascone's Italian Restaurant in Shawnee Mission, Kansas on January 23rd. The following gals there: Carol Williams, Donna Haas, Terry Renfro, Phyllis Lodl, Barbara Field, Juanita Candillo, Isabel Cheney and Merry Becker.

The next luncheon was held on March 6th at Bo Ling's in Overland Park, Kansas. The following gals were able to join us: Donna Haas, Juanita Candillo, Isabel Cheney, Carol Williams, Terry Renfro, Phyllis Lodl, Diane Kaster, Barbara Field, Kaye Muehlberger and Merry Becker.

The latest luncheon was held at the Trezo Mare Restaurant on April 17th. The restaurant is just 5 minutes north of downtown Kansas City, Missouri. Once again we had a very nice turn out and the following gals enjoyed the atmosphere of the lovely restaurant and the company of good friends: Janis Jones, Barbara Goodwin, Donna Haas, Carol Williams, Terry Renfro, Phyllis Lodl, Judy Eckel, Cherlyn Bruns, Linda Hunter, Juanita Candillo, Isabel Cheney, Kaye Muehlberger and Merry Becker.

We always have a great time at these luncheons and we have become a very close and caring group of friends. We are working on the plans for our next luncheon and it will most likely be towards the end of May. I will let Jim know when we have a date and location and he will post it for us. Thanks, Jim, for keeping the web site up and running. It is always good to hear what our classmates are doing. I must report that Jerry Bybee's great nephew, Casey James, is still in the running for the American Idol title. He is one of the last six still in there and they perform tonight, April 27th. Good luck, Casey!!
For now, Hugs from Merry

April 11, 2010

I have looked at the other Westport High School websites and find your work superior.
You have done an excellent job and I want to congratulate you, the website is something to be proud of. Larry Morgan

April 9, 2010

Hello 1957 WHS graduates. I transferred to Westport from Leavenworth High School and was a junior at WHS in 1957. I graduated with the class of 1958 and serve as webmaster of our 1958 website (http://sites.google.com/site/westporthighschool). Please let me know if you are aware of other WHS websites or class reunions and I will add links to our 1958 page. I reside in Orem, Utah. I was able to visit the school during the summer of 2009, visited with students, teachers, and administrators, and took a lot of pictures of the school. I have posted some of them on the 1958 website. It is sad to learn about Westport closing. Kip Sperry kipsperry@gmail.com

April 9, 2010

"Sam Keith just recently moved to Leawood Ks. to a townhome where he doesn't have the maintenance that he did on a regular home. He is still driving and barely passed his eye test to get his drivers license recently. He said he is 87 years old and still driving. His new address is 2233 Condolea Ter. Leawood Ks. 66209 for those that want to send him a card or letter". Juanita (Furness) Candillo

March 26, 2010

"Hi, I don't know you, but in the early sixties I dated a boy that was in your class while he was stationed in Arizona at Williams Air Force Base in pilot training; my father was a pilot stationed in Phoenix also. He was a 1961 graduate of the USAF Air Force Academy, and as fine a person as I have ever known and a credit to your class, and our country. His name was John Ernest Stackhouse and he was killed in Thailand flying an F-4C in the Viet Nam War on September 13th, 1966. I would so appreciate it if you would put this by his name on your website rather than leaving the space blank...I think Johnny would like it, too. Thank you very much for your consideration about this. "

Sincerely, Anne Nevitt Hill
Austin, Texas

March 18, 2010

"Since they turned 70 last year, Ron's wife - Carol - and Don's wife - Martha - and sister Vivian from Chicago threw a 140 year old birthday party for Ronnie and Donnie the day before Thanksgiving with 71 in attendance and 41 stayed over for turkey day at Ron & Carol's pad. Best family reunion that we ever had with 28 grandkids under age 12. And Carol did her part - including producing and hosting the gala - from a wheel chair because she fell Oct 3 and broke bones in both of her feet. Kudos for her courage and persistence. She is just now just past the "Tim Conway Shuffle" but she's making progress. We are thankful for life, for family and God's graciousness to us all." Ron Philgreen

March 11, 2010

"Do we have any American Idol fans in our group? It may interest you to know that classmate Jerry Bybee's nephew is one of the top 8 male contestants. His name is Casey James. He is 27 years old and he is from Fort Worth, Texas. The top 8 girls sang last night and the guys sang tonight. Tomorrow night at 7 p.m. they will eliminate 2 girls and 2 guys so be sure to watch and see if Casey makes it through this round."
Ilene Blogin

Feb. 19, 2010

"The closing of Westport High needs not be looked at with sorrow for it presents us with a great opportunity ; several graduates could pool their financial resources, buy the property and convert it to condominiums. It could be called Westport Woods, a Center for Senior Living.

Classrooms could be converted to apartments of various sizes and amenities.
Elevators installed for those depending on walkers or wheel chairs
One gymnasium can be used as a gymnasium and fitness center, the other used for parties, dances and social gatherings
The auditorium can be used for meetings, motion pictures, concerts and theatrical productions both professional and amateur
The cafeteria will serve as a Food Court offering snacks, casual meals and fine dining
The library shall remain a library and reading room stocking current newspapers and magazines as well as novels and reference books
One or two classrooms would remain classrooms for continuing education
A room will be designated as a music room where the residents can practice and learn various instruments
The basement will be used for an Arts and Crafts Center providing facilities for wood working, metal working, jewelry making weaving, painting and pottery
On the main floor there will be a small shop where the resident's arts and crafts will be sold to the public
The parking area on the west side of McGee will be fenced, well lit and have a security guard/attendant"

Larry Morgan

Feb. 19, 2010

"With the Kansas City MO school board approval they are planning on closing about 29 to 31 of it's 60 schools in the K.C. area. They are planning on laying off up to 285 school teachers. Westport and possibly Northeast are two high schools in the planned closings. The K.C. Star Sunday paper said there has been a decline in enrollment from a peek of 75,000 students in the late 1960's to 17,000 students today. The proposal is that Westport Middle and High --- Students go to Southwest. Folks have moved to the suburbs and away from Kansas City and kids have dropped out of school and they say there aren't enough students and money to keep them all open. It has been on the news the last few days. I am sad that it has come to this but if they close our school that doesn't mean they will tear it down. Hopefully someone will come along and buy it and use it for somthing else.. The building is special in the hearts of all of us classmates" . ...Juanita

Feb. 16, 2010
"Just another sad occassion my fellow Westport classmatres and Dear friends..those of us living in or near to K.C. will know what is in the K.C. Schoolboard plans, the closing of about half of all K.C. schools, this includes our dear old treasured Westport, perhaps some of our old elementary schools.. it is truly another sad situation in our lifetime and our memories..I will pray and protest in my own way this closure and not only the loss of our dear old school, but to me even a historical loss of a grand old structure about 100 years ago..just venting and passing on my thoughts to you..God Bless You All" -

Art White

Jan. 13, 2010

"I have new information for the Westport 1957 Database. I live in Munds Park, AZ which is about 20 miles S. of Flagstaff. My youngest son, Sam, invited me to move in with him. It's beautiful down here & my best friend lives in Flagstaff. Hope all is well with you. I have heard nothing about any of our classmates for over a year & yes, I did send my new email."
Gladys Elain Fredin [Chenault]

Jan. 5, 2010

"To all of my Westport friends, best wishes from our family, Howard, Jeff, Greg and Carol, for a Happy New Year filled with happiness, health and success".

Warm regards,
Carol Nicholson Williams

Jan. 2, 2010

"Hi to all our classmates from the 1957 Westport Gals Lunch Bunch. We wish everyone a new year filled with lots of love, happiness and good health.
Our Christmas luncheon on December 5th was a great success. Twenty one gals enjoyed the luncheon which was held in the lovely home of Diane Morrow Kaster. This year we decided to adopt a family and forego the gift exchange amongst ourselves. Through the generosity of all the gals, even the ones who were unable to attend the luncheon, we were able to share $350 with a single mother, who is battling cancer, and her three children. That was the best part of the afternoon; however, we did have fun with a white elephant exchange and a baby picture identifying game. We made plans to make the "Adopt a Family" an annual project for our group, so next December we hope to expand on the idea. The gals attending the luncheon were Barbara Hinshaw Goodwin, Betty Turley Smith, Beverly Kerr Martin, Cherlyn Hughes Bruns, Carol Nicholson Williams, Diane Morrow Kaster, Donna Dodds Haas, Ilene O'Hare Blogin, Irene Zamarippa Lopez, Isabel Avila Cheney, Judy Arnold Eckel, Juanita Furness Candillo, Kaye Peyser Muehlberger, Linda Betke Hunter, Mary Nichols Bay, Mary Hamilton Ruf, Nancy Shepherd Coates, Pat Jenkins Turley, Phyllis Morgan Lodl, Terry Murphy Renfro and me, Merry Krause Becker.

Our next luncheon will be on January 23 at Houston's on the Plaza at 1:00 pm. The weather may play a part in our meeting so feel free to check with me as we get closer to the date to see if we have made any changes. Again, Happy New Year to all our Westport High School friends."

Warm hugs from Merry Krause Becker!

Dec. 23, 2009
2009 has been a year of technology for us: we both got new computers, Dick received a Kindle for Father's Day and we have new cell phones that "do it all." As opposed to leaving phone messages or emailing grandchildren, we've learned that texting gets an instant response. Dick's garden railroad has continued to grow with bridges, curves, a tunnel and lots of track. I have become fascinated with genealogy and learned that I have ancestors going back to the Revolutionary War and beyond. Also a first for us is that we have become actively involved in politics. Living in MA makes the world of politics very interesting, indeed. Happy Holidays to all of you. Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Karen Harris Schrader

Dec. 10, 2009
The following email from Sara Booth was received... please contact her directly with any memories of Miss Eggleston.

Dear Jim,

I ran across your website for the Westport Class of '57. My great-aunt Mabel Eggleston taught Latin and English at Westport at that time. My sister and I are writing a family history and I was wondering if anyone had any memories of Miss Eggleston. I didn't know if it would be appropriate to post a comment on your website. I know it's a stretch but if you have anything I would appreciate knowing.

Thank you,
Sara Booth

sarakbooth@hotmail.com

Dec. 8, 2009

The following email was received by Bryon London, son of classmate William (Bill) Jay London. Please respond directly to him if you would like to share any memories you have of his father...Jim Carras

Dear Jim,

It was interesting to see "William Jay London" listed on your web site when I googled my fathers name. Bill was my dad, and died when his c-130 crashed off of Okinawa. I was only seven months old, so of course I have no recollection of him or the events.

Looks like your reunion was a great success! On behalf of my father I wish you and all the classmates all the best of Health and success.

Bryon London
blondon@powersoak.com>

Nov. 19, 2009

"Happy Thanksgiving to all!. Bev and I are enjoying life on the west coast with all the great skiing, hiking, biking wining, dining and dancing we can get in! I try to get as much tennis in as possible too. Two years ago I bought a new knee and it's been wonderful to be a kid again!" - Dick Kiehl

Oct. 23, 2009

"The Westport Gals of '57 met for lunch at Houlihan's north of the river on Saturday, October 17th, 2009. The food was good, the weather was great and the company could not have been better. Those attending were Ilene O'Hare Blogin, Mary Nichols Bay, Phyllis Morgan Lodl and her daughter, Kim, Donna Dodds Haas, Kaye Peyser Muehlberger, Cherlyn Hughes Bruns, Juanita Furness Candillo, Mary Hamilton Ruf, Betty Turley Smith, Pat Jenkins Turley, Barbara Hinshaw Goodwin, Isabel Avila Cheney, Beverly Kerr Martin and Merry Krause Becker. We made plans for our holiday luncheon and it will be held on Saturday, December 5th, 2009 at Diane's home. The menu will include barbeque from Smoke Stack. We will also continue to have our gift exchange. Be sure to get in touch with me if you plan to join us for some holiday fun and friendship. We are not planning to meet in November as most of us will have Thanksgiving plans and activities with our families. I hope everyone is staying healthy and happy and I will see many of you in the merry month of December." - Merry Krause Becker

Oct. 10, 2009

"This spring Mary and I took son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren ages 8, 6 and 5 on a one-week riding vacation in the Sierra. The little ones are all competent riders, and they loved it. I suspect this is going to have to be a yearly affair. I really appreciate the skill and dedication the Westport web site reflects. Congratulations to you. I'm retired, but I shepherd a group of former and present newspaper people. They message me, and every night I publish, via e-mail, a compendium of their comments and memories, along with some of my thoughts. This thing has been tremendously successful. There were 95 members when I took over two years ago, and we're up to 455 now and hope to keep growing. My best to all my Westport buddies."

Jack Justus Reber
P.O. Box 2239
Ramona, Calif. 92065
USA

Oct. 8, 2009

Retired and ready to do some traveling!!! Larry Morgan

Oct. 7, 2009

"It was good to hear from you. My cancer is in remission at this time so I feel wonderful and all my blood counts are normal.

Ken still has eye problems but can drive now in the daytime.
That is a blessing.

We are enjoying all of our eight grandchildren and six of our grandchildren live down the street. We live two exits from KCI Airport and are enjoying living up north.

Other than enjoying retirement, keeping up with our church and helping out with the grandchildren and our the children, we are incredibly lucky. " Janis Blackwell Jones

Oct. 7, 2009

Manuel Reyes and his family (including six Grand Dauthters) all live in Overland Park, KS. Take a look at Manuel's Bio >>click here.

Dos Mundos and Staff Recieve LifeTimeAchivement Award from GKCHCC 2006

Clara Reyes Editor & Manuel Reyes Publisher of Dos Mundos and now have two Spanish Radio Stations 1340 AM & 1480 AM

Business of the year Award to Reyes Media Group Curtis,Diana (Daughter)Raymer,Manuel,Clara Reyes, Edward (Son) and Susie 2007

Submitted by Manuel Reys

Oct. 7, 2009

On September 18th, 2009, the following classmates came together at Loose Park and had lunch. Also, Barbara (Jones) Field brought 4 Monarch butterflies she raised and they were released at the park to fly to Mexico for winter.

Kaye (Peyser) Muehlberger, Merry (Krause) Becker, Carol (Nicholson) Williams, Barbara (Jones) Field, Juanita (Furness) Candillo (not in this first picture)

Kaye (Peyser) Muehlberger and Barbara (Jones) Field

Juanita, Merry, Carol, and Kaye

Barbara, Merry, Carol and Kaye

Submitted by Juanita Candillo

Oct. 5, 2009

"Jim, I do not have any pictures, which is ok since I would not know how to get them into the computer and forwarded anyway. I am very limited in computer skills.
As for news, I finally retired last Wednesday , the 30th of Sept was my last day. That completed 48 years in the packaging business.
Marilyn and I are planning a trip to visit old friends and family this fall. My sister Jane is living in Keller Texas, and will be one of our stops on the trip. Marilyn is now a "stay at home Grandma" and I am training for the next class reunion.
See you then." Ken Pollock

Oct. 4, 2009

"Congrats on the great class of 57 web site. My e-mail address is
mach1gil@everestkc.net." Jerry Gillihan

Oct. 2, 2009

"My name is Manuel Ramentol. In case you wonder who Maria is: she is my better half, constant companion and caregiver. I have been a Parkinson's patient for at least 9 years..
First, thanks for this great link to a part of my own history. Most likely you do not remember me, or even we were never introduced or share a class.
Just the same, I wish you count you as a friend, and hope you do likewise.
I was able to make to the 40nth Class of 57 reunion, but missed the 50nth.
I have been in touch with Juanita Furness, (Mrs. Candillo)
I hope you are in good health. My wife's computer is my window to the world.
No longer do I drive, or even walk as well as I did a couple of years ago,
Parkinson works slowly, bu as it progresses there is no going back.
So, I do my best to keep busy: t is the best therapy.
Keep always your spirits high.
Peace." Manuel Ramentol

Oct. 1, 2009

Hi Westport Gals,

"Our last luncheon was the picnic in Loose Park and what a beautiful day we had. There were only 5 of us that were able to make it but we had a very nice time. I guess I should say 5 of us gals and 4 special guests. The guests were beautiful, small and very light and they were headed for Mexico. They were butterflies that Barbara Field brought with her that were ready to be released for their flight south. The following gals enjoyed an afternoon in the park: Juanita Candillo, Barbara Field, Kaye Muehlberger, Carol Williams and Merry Becker.

We decided it was time to go north for our next luncheon so mark your calendars for Saturday, October 17th, at 11:30 a.m. at Houlihan's Kansas City North. The address is 8660 Boardwalk Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri, 64154. The phone number there is 816-584-9910. Ilene provided me with some basic directions and said Houlihan's was really easy to find. Go out I-29 and take exit 8 for NW Barry Road. Turn right at NW Barry Road. Go to the second light and turn left at N. Ambassador Drive. Go about 1 block and Houlihan's will be on your left. It is across the street from Wal-Mart.

Please let me know by Thursday, the 15th if you will be joining us so I can make reservations.

Stay happy and healthy and I hope to see many of you on the 17th.
Hug to you from" Merry Becker

Sept. 2, 2009

Hi Westport Gals,

"The luncheon on July 25th at Cinzetti's was enjoyed by the following gals: Barbara Field, Barbara Goodwin Mary Ruf, Donna Haas, Kaye Muehlberger, Pat Turley and Isabel Cheney. I was unable to attend but I heard that they had a very nice time.

The next luncheon will be Friday, September 18th at noon at Loose Park. By being on a Friday the children will be in school and hopefully there won't be a large reunion-type group using the main shelter house. We will meet at the shelter house that we used for our Sunday picnic for the 50th reunion. Carol and I will arrive early to stake out the shelter house (if it hasn't already been reserved) or a nearby table or patch of earth. The menu will be of your own choosing as everyone will bring their own picnic lunch and beverage. You might want to bring a lawn chair or blanket just in case the shelter house is occupied. I hope the time and date will work for most of you. Let me know if you are planning to join us.

Take care and enjoy this unbelievably nice weather". Merry Becker

June 21, 2009 Westport Friends,

"I have a couple of luncheons to report on. The Westport Gals' Luncheon scheduled on Sat., May 16, 2009, at Loose Park had a change in location due to inclement weather. We went with our "Plan B" and met at Uno's Chicago Grill on the Plaza. The following gals were able to attend: Phyllis Morgan Lodl, Barbara Hinshaw Goodwin, Beverly Kerr Martin, Ilene O'Hare Blogin, Donna Dodds Haas, Isabel Avila Cheney, Carol Nicholson Williams and Merry Krause Becker. We always have a great time and leave feeling upbeat. Old friends make the best friends.

Our latest luncheon was held on Friday, June 19, 2009, at the home of Carol Nicholson Williams. Carol was such a lovely hostess and everyone enjoyed an afternoon of delicious food, fun and friendship. The friendship we all share is very special. The following gals were able to join in the fun: Judy Arnold Eckel, Isabel Avila Cheney, Carolyn Beck Casey, Linda Bethke Hunter, Donna Dodds Haas, Juanita Furness Candillo, Mary Hamilton Ruf, Barbara Hinshaw Goodwin, Cherlyn Hughes Bruns, Pat Jenkins Turley, Merry Krause Becker, Phyllis Morgan Lodl, Diane Morrow Kaster, Terry Murphy Renfrow,Carol Nicholson Williams, Ilene O'Hare Blogin and Betty Turley Smith.

Our next luncheon will be on Sat., July 25, 2009, at 1:00 p.m. at Cinzetti's Italian Market Restaurant located at 7201 W. 91st (91st and Metcalf), Overland Park, Kansas. I will make a reservation for us, therefore, please contact me (merrybecker38@comcast.net) by July 20th if you plan to join us.

Happy 4th of July to everyone!
Merry Becker

June 20, 2009 - Dear Friends,
I promise to keep this message brief; however, I feel compelled to write a note to those of you who attended the WGs' luncheon yesterday in my home. I want to thank each of you for taking the time to gather. How fortunate we are to share this special bond of friendship. Think of it. There is just one common denominator among us: Westport High School; yet, we always manage to find a "million and one" topics to laugh/talk about.

I thoroughly enjoy hosting our group because it provides more time for us to visit at greater length, and we can position ourselves so we can actually hear each other. I have come to believe that all of us are avid story-tellers at heart....and what stories we tell. We might not solve all of the problems of the world, but we manage to cover just about every topic imaginable. Also, thank you for the delicious food you brought.

Although Bev and Mary Bay were unable to attend (Mary's flight was delayed in Chicago), we missed both of you. To all others who were not able to join us yesterday, we hope to see you at the next luncheon. (Merry will be sending out that information in a few days.) Whenever my non-Westport friends hear that I am attending/hosting a Westport Gals' luncheon, they are envious of our long-standing friendships.

With that said, I know you will join me in sending a special thanks to the ladies who have kept our group intact: Ilene assumed the lead role for a number of years, and Merry has now held the post for the past few years. The rest of us might take for granted that our luncheons will automatically continue, but these ladies have invested time and effort to coordinate our get-togethers and to ensure that our gatherings are well-attended.

Did I promise that this message would be short? So much for trusting me! I look forward to our next luncheon in July.

Warm regards, - Carol (Nicholson) Williams

February 5, 2009 - What a great day for our luncheon. There were 11 of us that met Thursday, Feb. 5th at Uno's Chicago Grill on the Plaza. The following gals were at the luncheon: Nancy Wilson (all the way from Florida), Terry Renfrow, Irene Lopez, Juanita Candillo, Mary Ruf, Betty Smith, Pat Turley, Phyllis Lodl, Mary Bay, Carol Williams and me. Lunch was good but the company was even better. I want to thank Nancy for making time to join us. We all enjoyed visiting with her and I hope that seeing all her old friends helped to make her visit to Kansas City a little easier.

The next luncheon will be Thursday, April 16 at 12 noon and it will be at Taqueria Mexico #4 located at 3300 Rainbow Blvd., Kansas City, Kansas and the phone number is 913-722-9200. I will send out another note as we get closer to the date so you don't need to let me know if you will be able to attend until later. Check your schedules, however, and I do hope many of you will be able to join us.
An update on Donna's recovery is a good one. She seems to be coming along very well and appreciates the cards and notes sent her way. Donna, you are doing great and hopefully, you will soon be able to join us at a luncheon.

Cherlyn is doing better also, however, she is having quite a bit of back pain and isn't sure what the next step will be. Cherlyn also appreciates our cards and notes. Cherlyn, we miss seeing you at the luncheons and we hope that you too will be able to join us soon.
Try to keep up with the weather. It seems to change faster than a teen age girl can change outfits in one day. Take care, stay healthy and most of all stay happy. Hugs! Merry Becker

January 31, 2009 - The next Westport Gal's luncheon for the class of '57 will be Thursday, February 5, at 12:00 Noon at Uno's Chicago Grill on the Plaza.
Uno's is located at 4710 Jefferson St., adjacent to the Plaza theaters parking lot, just across the street, west of the theaters. Please email Merry (Krause) Becker at merrybecker38@comcast.net if you plan to attend so that she can give Uno's a number and possibly reserve the back room. Nancy (Conklin) Wilson will be in town and plans to attend the luncheon. Juanita (Furness) Candillo

January 13, 2009 - The next Westport '57 class gals luncheon will be 11:00 AM, Friday, Jan. 16, 2009 at Chili's restaurant at 5880 Antioch, Merriam, Kansas, 66202 The phone # is (913) 262-0067
It is located at Johnson Drive and Antioch, right off of the freeway I-35 All gals from the class of 1957 are welcome. RSVP Merry (Krause) Becker at merrybecker38@comcast.net to reserve a place at the table and/or get on the email or telephone list to be notified of the monthly luncheons. Juanita (Furness) Candillo

April 21, 2008 - "SUCCESS!! We got a new DVD Player and the disc you sent played perfectly. The original still does not . Thank you...(Juanita)...so much for taking the time to send a new one. That was so thoughtful of you and I enjoyed watching it very much. I must admit that it's been fifty years since I've seen anyone in our class and would have been hard pressed to recognize any of them if I had met them walking down the street, and I'm sure they'd feel the same about me. I think Jim Carras and the committee did a wonderful job of putting it...(the DVD)...all together and I'm sorry I couldn't attend the reunion. Do let me know if you're going to be in my area and I'd love to reciprocate your kindness. Fond regards", Barbara (South) Cheek

Nov. 18, 2007 - "Dear Classmates, we thought that you would want to be informed that Juanita Furness Candillo had Laparoscopic RYN Gastric Bypass surgery last week. Even though the surgery was deemed successful, the day following surgery, Juanita experienced complications related to a vastly increased heart rate which caused serious concern. When she did not respond to medication, plans were made to sedate her in order to shock her heart into a regular heartbeat. Fortunately, on the morning of the planned procedure, her heartbeat returned to normal. Those of us who were aware of her surgery and the post-surgery heart condition maintained a prayer vigil for her. Thank God that she is now doing fine and has returned home.

The Westport Gals, here in KC, have sent flowers, but we would encourage our fellow classmates to send messages to Juanita's email address or cards to her home address, both of which are listed in the Reunion Memory Book. We know that Juanita would be so pleased to know that her classmates are thinking of her and keeping her in their prayers. So, if you have a moment, please let her know that she is in your thoughts." Reunion Committee