Judy and I were both born in Mesa, Arizona and went thru the school system there. We started dating when I was a sophmore and she was a freshman at Mesa High School, we met during a freshman/sophmore play that we were both in. I joined the Navy in 1951 after graduating from High School and Judy finished her senior year and graduated in 1952.
We were supposed to be married in June after Judy graduated but I contacted hepititas while in Japan and was put in the hospital there for 3 months. The ship I was on set sail for the United States about the time I was admitted to the hospital so I was there without any of my shipmates. I arrived back in the states in early September of '52 and we were married on September 13th in the O'Connor's front yard. I didn't have much time on furlough so before long we had to go back to California where I was stationed. The years have passed quickly and our daughters are grown with families of their own. We have 5 daughters, 5 son-in-laws, 19 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren plus another on the way. We are so happy when we can be with our family and they have all been so good to us.
Meludy was born in 1953, and is married to Jim Beasley. Meludy has a daughter, Michelle, from a prior marriage and together they have 2 sons, Jim and John. Michelle lives in Gilbert, AZ. She is married to Randy Williams and has four children. The rest of the Beasleys live in Douglass, Kansas. Jim still works at Honeywell, Meludy takes care of their 40 acre farm with Jim's help, and the boys are working and pursuing their college educations. They like it back there away from the AZ heat and probably will never return out this way to live. On their farm they have dogs, cats, horses, donkeys, ducks, chickens, rabbits, goats and sheep along with lots of fruit trees, tomatoes and other veggies. Meludy weaves, with wool they have sheared from their sheep, cleaned, dyed and made into yarn, she also crochets, makes soap, and loves to sew on her old treadle machine. Jim and the boys have a little band and they play gigs at different restaurants and places there in Kansas. They sing and play many difference instruments, including the guitar, banjo, and piano. Jim loves playing again after so many years - he was in a band when he and Meludy were married some 31 years ago.
Our Second daughter Jodie
Jodie was born in 1957, and is married to Sam Pew. They have 3 children, a daughter Amy and 2 sons Ben and Chris. They all live in Sandy, Utah (or close by). Jodie and Sam love living in Utah by their sweet little grandchildren. Amy and Brent Thomsen have 2 boys, Zac & Owen and a little girl, Avery. They are expecting another baby, a girl, in a few months. Ben and Kiley were married last year and they are doing well. Chris and Jade have a baby girl, Kennedy, who will be one in February. Grandma and Grandpa Pew love having all of them over on Sunday evenings for dinner - they have also enjoyed watching the kids play ball and the adult kids running marathans and 1/2 marathans. Jodie still works for Rhodes, the place with the good rolls and bread. She works from home sometimes and goes into the office sometimes. Sam works for Canbera Foods, based in Canada - he is the United States representative and travels a lot. We love it when they come to see us here in AZ.
Wendy's Family
Our Third Daughter - Wendy
Wendy was born in 1959, she is married to Doug Vivian. They have 2 children, a daughter Brandee and a son Bud. Brandee has 2 daughters, Emma and Rae. Bud and Mary have twins, Justin and Devin and one daughter, Molly. Grandma & Grandpa Vivian love to have them all come and visit whether it is in Benson or up at the Lake. Brandee lives in Gilbert and Bud and Mary live in San Diego where Bud is in the Navy. Bud just left a few days ago for overseas - he will be gone for 6 or 7 months. Wendy and Doug live in Benson, AZ, where Doug owns Oakley's Garage and Wendy works as a realtor. In their spare time they scoot up to San Carlos Lake where they own a mobile and a party boat. They love to go fishing and just enjoy other family that lives there. Doug's parents, John and Nell, live there and also some of his aunts and uncles - Wendy's uncle Don lives there year round and now we have a mobile there and will be going up often. It's a fun, friendly place.
Kelli's Family
Kelli - Is Our fourth Daughter
Kelli was born in 1963, she is married to Clifford Rogers and they have 5 daughters, Carlee, Ali, Sadi, Halee and Emmee and 1 son, Riley. They love being together as a family and have lots of fun together. Carlee is a Paramedic and will soon be getting married to David Burtch who is also a Paramedic and a Fireman. They have bought a home in Phoenix and are anxious to move in - February 6th is the wedding date. Ali has been going to BYU and will do her student teaching there this year. She likes to go and join the Pews on Sunday evenings for dinner and they love having her. Sadi is a freshman at Boston University and loves it. She wasn't there very long when she met Morgan, a student at Harvard. Now a second Roger's wedding is being planned for May - she and Morgan became engaged around Christmas time. Halee is a Sophomore at Highland High School and is involved in volleyball and basketball - she is a almost 5'11" and growing. Riley is in the 7th grade, is also involved in sports and plays in the school band - he is growing taller everyday. The baby of the family, Emmee, is in 2nd grade and loves singing and dancing. Kelli is still in the candle business doing well - she loves to travel so will pack a bag and go most anywhere, any time. Clifford retired from Honeywell and works for US Airways. He recently had back surgery and is still recovering. The family enjoys having flying privileges and they use them often.
Traci's Family
Traci - the baby
Traci was born in 1968 and is married to Frank Raia. They have 5 children - 4 daughters, Kristen Megan, Brooke and Shelby and 1 son, Andre. Kristen is a manager for Carrabas and enjoys it alot. She is buying a home and has a new car (and a new dog) so seems to be doing very well for herself. Megan loves to work with children and has a part time job for a day care center. She lives at home and is trying to save for a car. She's a fun girl but if you don't want to know the truth, don't ask her 'cause she doesn't beat around the bush. Andre is being home taught by his mother and has just finished his requirements for Eagle Scout, in fact he is now an Eagle Scout and we are proud of him. Brooke is a big 5 year old but missed the kindergarten cut off so she is being home taught by her Mom also. She loves to play dress up with all of her princess clothes, she loves books and all of her toys of which she has many. Shelby just turned 1 year old - she stands alone but prefers not to walk yet no matter what you are trying to bribe her with. She gets a kick out of her brother and sisters and loves Mom during the day but when Dad comes home it is all over - it's him she wants. Traci turned 40 her last birthday but she is still the baby of the family and loves it. She dabbles in all kinds of things like BPOs, Mary Kay, candles and clothing - she also enjoys making greeting cards with her friends. She loves to shop but has had to cut down on that a bit since real estate is not selling so good. She and Frank enjoy going on long hikes and usually take the little girls with them. Frank still works for Honeywell and has become quite the biker and camper.
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