With a couple of weeks of good weather, local farmers have, indeed, been making hay while the sun shines. Driving through the valley between Almartha and Souder, one passes field after field filled with big round bales, creating a beautiful rural sight for passersby. Theron Oxley, Mark and Dwain Ray, Max Murphy, Howard and Glen Plaster and Steve Ralls are neighbors who have all been busy making the most of these good days for harvest.
Rich and Betty Lou Rennaker Montgomery of Columbia have been spending a few weeks at her home place at Almartha. Betty Lou enjoyed seeing Max Murphy mow hay in the field adjacent to their yard. The Montgomerys have been doing some remodeling to the house while here. Betty Lou has stripped wallpaper and repainted several rooms, as well as making other needed repairs.
The Montgomerys’ grandson, 15-year-old Brian, son of Rick and Katrice Montgomery, lives in Columbia and plays on a traveling baseball team. So last week, when Brian’s team happened to be playing in Willard, Rich and Betty Lou were able to go up to see a few of his games. Amanda and Tyler, Brian’s siblings, came home with their grandparents to spend the night.
Betty Lou’s uncle and aunt, Rondo and Virginia Prock of Ava, came down to visit one day while they were here. The Montgomerys also visited cousins Nadine and Bill Cook of Theodosia and made time for a tasty dinner at Rockbridge, as well as a visit to Dawt Mill to see the updates on that historic property. Rich and Betty Lou hope to return to Ozark County for Relay for Life later in the month.
Betty Gardner says she is like so many others who are battling allergies this spring but is finally feeling a little better. Fallis and Carol Gardner Frazier of Ozark visited Betty over Memorial Day weekend, bringing a couple of their grandchildren. Betty is looking forward to a visit this weekend from granddaughter Ashley Gardner of Warrensburg. Ashley is continuing work on her Master’s Degree and also is employed by the university there.
Ed and Sharon Hawkins’ Memorial Day visitors included their daughter, Rhonda Powers, of Willard, and Sharon’s sisters, Glois Appleton of Nixa and Joyce Strejeck of Willard. They were part of a large group sharing dinner on the grounds at the Loftis Cemetery on Sunday after church. Sharon said the crowd for decoration and dinner was a good one this year, estimating that between 40-50 folks, most of them Loftis cousins, showed up for the annual event.
Ralph and Kay Thomas Johnson enjoyed having Ralph’s brother, Harley Johnson, and his friend, Marie Owens of West Plains visit in their home over the weekend. Ralph grilled and the two couples played games and had a good time visiting.
This Saturday is Ladies’ Day at Barren Fork Church of Christ. Organizers have chosen Pioneer Days as this year’s theme, and the Barren Fork ladies, hostesses for the annual event, will be dressed appropriately. Jane Maynard will once again be the guest speaker, and lunch will be served at noon. All area ladies are invited to attend.
