Some Bearcats Have Another Picnic

A bunch o' Bearcats gathered again on March 19, 2011 in Tempe for yet another picnic.  Tess Ozuna '69, who must have been taking notes, had this to say about that:

JUMBO-JET GRACIAS to the following: Damas Salas '71 and family for the music, you all rock! Doug Williams '62 for emceeing cuz you kept us in the "know" all day and generally lent a hand or two when needed ... un abrazo! Leslie Taft Gilchrist '69 for helping me with the "get the hugs here - pay here" table ... couldn't have done it without you. Joanne Hatfield '69 and Linda Hatfield Garcia '68 for getting the flowers for our special mothers and writing out the name tags ... a Godsend. George Dewey '69 for helping set up and your input ... un besito! Kim Dyer Bird '71 for interviewing the moms and creating a DVD for those who want a copy (see more below) and all your great ideas ... we needed your positive energy! Leonor Lopez Osorio '61 for your plucky attitude and strength (helping the guys push the tables to the right spot because we women want things just right ) ... glad to have finally met you in person! Mandy McGee '68 for herding the RHS dancers ... we crown you the "Dance Enforcer" for all future gatherings ... awesome! Chris Dear Hansen '70 for encouraging more folks to join the dancers ... what a smile! ~ Am I forgetting anyone?? ... so many of you were so helpful ... abrazos y besitos! ~ My continual, ongoing appreciation to (my) John (Evancevich) for being the cheerleader and the "behind the scene" worker/support for all these RHS Picnics ... I'd be lost without you ... infinite S.W.A.K.s!

What an honor it was to have seven (7) beautiful RHS Moms at the picnic! Thank you for being in our lives ... for creating those special moments in our hearts: Mrs. Barbara Dyer Lazovich, Mrs. Caroline Giroux, Mrs. Leora Grisby, Mrs. Irma Hatfield, Mrs. Julia McGee, & Mrs. Kitty Van Blitterswijk ... we love you and we look forward to seeing you next year.

And the pictures?  Here they are it is:

L to R:  Joanne Hatfield '69, Linda O'Guin Mitchell '69, Roxana Cluff Garrity '69, Margaret Bobbitt '68.  Background:   Doug Williams '62, (back) Pete Acton '61, ?, Susan Duggins Acton '69.

Mrs. Ruth Coffey Passes Away

Mrs. Ruth Coffey passed away on October 15, 2009.

She was born in Oak Harbor, Ohio and moved to Santa Rita, New Mexico at an early age. She grew up there and attended New Mexico Western in Silver City. A year at Capitol University near Columbus brought her to an English class with Cecil Coffey where they sat next to each other due to alphabetical seating. Ruth stayed in Columbus and married Cecil "Red" Coffey on August 30, 1942. Red graduated from Capitol and then entered the Coast Guard during World War II. Ruth worked in Columbus during that time. She later graduated from New Mexico Western.

After the war, Red attended New Mexico School of Mines in Socorro. When he graduated they moved to Ray where they raised four children: Michael, Patricia, Jeffrey and Robin. Ruth and Red stayed in this area until 1995. During this period, they were both active in community affairs. Ruth taught high school English at the Ray District Schools for twelve years. Most of those years were during the 1970s.

In 1995 they moved to Tucson to be closer to family and doctors. By this time both of them were beginning to show the effects of health issues. After five years of living in the Tucson Mountain area, they moved to the Fountains, a retirement living complex. Red passed away in December, 2007 just shy of 91 years old. Ruth passed away in October, 2009 four months shy of 89 years old. They are survived by three children and three grandchildren.

A memorial service for Ruth was held at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Tucson on November 21, 2009.

Mrs. Gudrun Kelso Passes Away

Our beloved Kelsito (Mrs. Gudrun Kelso) died at 9:42 AM on October 16, 2009, just twelve days before her 99th birthday. She is now our Angel Loved One and at rest.

This picture was taken on March 16, 2009. She is sitting at her desk in her lovely home in Kearny.

Services were held on October 23 at the Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist Church in Kearny. Please click here for a more complete obituary.

Oaxaca 2009

Had a great time at our Oaxaca 2009 mixer. The Ray High Blog was much discussed as people were excited to hear about it. Facebook was also discussed as a way of keeping up with daily activities (see www.facebook.com/neto.corral). Topics that came up were: Did Mr. Kuykendall ever teach in at Washington Elementary? Russ Cooper, where do Joe Cooper & Bob Cooper connect with you? Whatever happened to Queen Saundra Speers & Princesses Sharon Weeks (Weeksie) and Priscilla Osuna?

Anyone remember the big rumble between Ray & Sonora students that went on for three days? Of course, we agreed we won. Much discussed were secret romances between Ray & Sonora students during our high school years (that was taboo, remember?)


Baldo, Sandy (Owl), Goyo & Sandy's wife.

Neto, Tommie, Sandy, Goyo, Papo, Chuey, Baldo.

Goyo, Papo, Chuey & Baldo

Papo, Monchie & Chin0

Chuey, Papo & Chino (Mystery Pic from a previous blog)

Eddie & Papo

Neto & Goyo

Ray High Graduates Thirty-Six in 2009

Here are some pictures from the 2009 Ray High graduation ceremony, sent by Jack and Kitty Van Blitterswijk. They report a fine looking group of 36 graduates.


Margaret Golden Ford '79, son Sam '09, and hubby John.


The Ray High graduating class of 2009.

Cliff Golden '69.


Annette Van Blitterswijk and Margaret Golden Ford '79.


Mrs. Betty Jenkin and son Mark '79, with John Ford looming in the background.

Some Bearcats Have a Picnic

Thanks mostly to the diligent and skillful organization of Tess Ozuna '69, a bunch o' Bearcats (1961 - 1976) gathered in Phoenix for a reunion picnic on March 14, 2009. About 115 people showed up, and from all indications (to borrow a phrase from small town newspapers everywhere), a good time was had by all!

The prize for the best group photograph goes to George Dewey '69, who sent this fine shot of the class of '69. But wait. It seems that George is in the picture. Figure that out. Anyway, the picture:

Front row: Jim Lemon, Susan Duggins Acton, Joanne Hatfield, Lorrie Winkle LeFevers, Doug Endsley, Bill Castro, Clarine Brandt Haslag (standing). Second row: Jack Garrity, Linda O'Guin Mitchell, Roxana Cluff Garrity, Tess Ozuna, Sue Ann Jenkin Fountain, George Dewey, Eliza Guzman Brunner, Terry Dear. Third row: Larry Avants, Keith Otts, Phil Bidegain, Craig Duffy, Leslie Taft Gilchrist. Back row: Charlotte Giroux Johnson, Tony Meza.

Hold on. There are more pictures. Lots and lots more pictures. And hey, if you see a name that's wrong or you know somebody who's identified as "???" in one of the captions, please help us out by leaving a comment with the correction. We don't want to be contributing to anyone's identity crisis here.

Doug Williams '62 and Louella Ozuna '63 can't help but say, "This is a great gathering!"

Avelardo Munoz '63 catching up with Mrs. Ellen Endsley and Mary Lou Knauff Long '66. While Charlotte Giroux Johnson '69 and Doug Endsley '69 contemplate the years past.

Front: Mrs. Ellen Endsley, Mary Lou Knauff Long '66. Back: Mrs. Caroline Giroux, Patty Coffey Sirls '66, Doug Williams '62. ~ That looks like some serious talking in the back.

Patty Coffey Sirls '66 and Louella Ozuna '63 confidently smiling because they know that Jill Barras has their backs as she diverts the attention of the headless man. Shhhh!

Mrs. Ellen Endsley and her boy Doug. ~ Can you believe that Mrs. Endsley actually remembered us all!? Well, mostly those who made regular visits to the school office ... all official school business, of course!

Hatfield girls: Joanne '69 and Linda Garcia '68 ... SISTER POWER!

Jenkin girls: Sue Ann '69 and her mom, Betty. ~ Gotta hug her for making the trip up from Kearny to visit with us! We love you, Mrs. Jenkin!

Winkle girls: Gretchen Boggs '77, Lorrie LeFevers '69, Debbie Castro '71? ~ Hey! Where's that Melissa girl '70 ... maybe next year she'll be able to make the trip up from Tucson?

Front: Craig Duffy '69, George Dewey '69, Jack Garrity '69. Back: Mandy McGee '68.

Mrs. Betty Jenkin, Patty Coffey Sirls '66, Mike Coffey '64.

Tony Bueno '68, Robin Coffey '69. ~ Hey, what is it about the hands in the pockets? ... is Jack Garrity behind this trend?!

Chris Dear Hanson '70, Jack Garrity '69, Phil Bidegain '69. ~ See? ... hands in pockets.

Joanne Hatfield '69, Doddi Van Blitterswiijk Garner '68, Linda Hatfield '68, Linda O'Guin Mitchell '69. ~ Okay ... whatcha looking at ... pictures ... do tell!?

Roxana Cluff Garrity '69, Sue Ann Jenkin Fountain '69. ~ We remember those smiles!

Leslie Taft Gilchrist '69 pondering, "Why am I here ... aren't I retired?" Tess Ozuna '69 pretending to have a clue as she explains the complicated but simple labeling system she threw together at 5:00 a.m. and John Evancevich smiling in relief, "I had nothing to do with this system!"

Charlotte Giroux Johnson '69, Mrs. Caroline Giroux, Mary Roensch '69 ~ You are so awesome, Mrs. Giroux, for spending the day with us! She's a keeper.

The Coffey Sibs plus one: Mike Coffey '64, Mary Lou Knauff Long '66, Patty Coffey Sirls '66, Robin Coffey '69.

Roxana Cluff Garrity '69, Clarine Brandt Haslag '69. ~ There go those smiles again.

Manuel Lopez '68 and his wife, Levina.

Jack Garrity '69, Susan Duggins Acton '69. ~ Clever. The camera man taking a picture of the camera woman. Jack, what say you?

Roxana Cluff Garrity '69, Leslie Taft Gilchrist '69, Manuel Lopez '68. ~ Quick, Leslie, look away! Manuel's about to bedazzle you.

Tessie Ozuna '69, Sue Ann Jenkin Fountain '69.

Lorrie Winkle LeFevers '69, Linda O'Guin Mitchell '69, Roxana Cluff Garrity '69.

Charlotte Giroux Johnson '69, Mrs. Caroline Giroux, and Mrs. Ellen Endsley getting a lesson from Jim Lemon '69 on the intricacies of "da cap." Doug Williams '62 and Mike Coffey '64 having a sit down chat ... Robin Coffey '69 are you daydreaming about the good old days? Way in the back: ???, ???, Keith Otts '69 and Nancy Otts.

???, Ramona Meza, Linda Hatfield '68 ~ Is this one of those scary RHS tales, Linda? Oh, oh, remember that time at the cemetry?!

Terry Dear '69, Craig Duffy '69, Larry Avants '69, and Phil Bidegain '69 all shooting the RHS bull ... just like it was in those days of yore!

Gerri Garcia Putman '66 and Roy Putman taking in the fun. "Bet ya' that they can't get that grill going."

Arranged by height order: Charlotte Giroux Johnson '69, Leslie Taft Gilchrist '69, Mary Roensch '69, Joanne Hatfield '69, Sue Ann Jenkin Fountain '69, and Jeanne Roensch Stritzinger '72 (lilac shirt).

Tony Meza '69 with Terry Dear '69 and Eliza Guzman Brunner '69 in synchronized arm positions. Cool!

Jack Garrity '69 and Pete Acton in eye-to-eye conversation ... dah hands?!

Mrs. Caroline Giroux and Larry Avants '69.

Tess Ozuna '69 and Sue Ann Jenkin Fountain '69 ... "Sue Ann, keep looking for something to throw at this guy. I'll blind him with my shiny teeth, but any closer and "I" will bite him!? Dang the papparazzo!"

The Meza Family: Jessica*, Tony '69, TJ, Ramona. ~ *Or is this Amanda, sorry.

Craig Duffy '69, Terry Dear '69, Eliza's guest, Eliza Guzman Brunner'69, Rena Avants.

Doug Williams '62, Robin Coffey '69, Patty Coffey Sirls '66, Mike Coffey '64, Gary Barras '70. ~ Gary, are you getting all technical?

The Herricks. Lots and lots of them! Cal's behind the picture taking. Hope you all had fun cuz we loved that you all could make it!!

Jack Garrity '69, Phil Bidegain '69, Corrine Bidegain, and Levina Lopez. ~ Okay, I will say it, "Way cool hat!"

Avelardo Munoz '63, John Evancevich, Terry LeFevers ... what are you up to?!

Hey! what's she got in her pocket?! Debbie Winkle Castro '72 and these two smiley girls?

Jack Garrity '69, Robin Coffey '69. Okay, n-o-w do you believe me about those hands? Must be a guy thing.

David L. Williams '68 and his wife, Terry.

Mary Ann Corral Bueno '68, Linda O'Guin Mitchell '69, Charlotte Giroux Johnson '69 ~ this has to be about grandkids.

Jan Herrick and daughter-in-law?

Rena Avants and DeAnn Hepler Smith '69.

Jack Garrity '69, Doug Endsley '69 ~ Ahhh! Finally, showing hands.

Craig Duffy '69, Phil Bidegain '69, Corrine Bidegain.

Doddi Van Blitterswijk Garner '68, Rena Avants, Mrs. Charlotte Giroux, Larry Avants '69 ~ Oh, oh. Avants are you trying to thumb a ride from these gals?!

Brenda Steveson Rupert '69, Tom Rupert '68.

Mandy McGee '68, Sue Ann Jenkin Fountain '69, Leslie Taft Gilchrist '69 ~ How sweet ... a Kodak moment. "Just a moment ... I know the little whatca-ma-jigger button is somewhere. Sue Ann can you see where it went?" (Note Leslie's quick action to strike a pose ... she still has it after all these years!)

Keith Otts '69 and his wife, Nancy. ... hope you two had better luck starting the fire.

SMILE! You're on RHS candid camera: Mrs. Aletha Dewey (George's mom), Karen Dewey (sister), George Dewey '69. Our proms would have been a disaster without the Dewey Floral and Nursery? (cough! Really, the guys would have been up a literal Gila River without the corsages ... you know know how women never forget those little details!!) Thanks for blessing us with your presence!

???, ??? ~ Are these cool looking people part of the Acton family?

Class of '66: Mary Lou Knauff Long, Robert Henderson, Patty Coffey Sirls, Calvin Herrick, Tom Rupert (imposter from the class of '68), Gerri Garcia Putman, Diane Taft LaVera.

???. Hey, is that Billy Castro with the red hat? It is. He tried to trade with Phil, but no deal.