The Sunday Times
February 14, 1999
Valentine Edition
The Geriatric Journal
-
The sun was bright, the sky was blue, it seemed a glorious day, however,
on this Friday there was an undermining feeling of sadness for all who
knew Mrs. Sheryl Lynn Stripling whom had lost her youth. Her place
of employment and co-workers all had realized the levity of the loss and
had made an attempt to make light of the situation with merriment and joke,
but, the actuality was that Sheri had become old folk!!! Services
were held the weekend of 2/12/99 for Sheryl Lynn Stripling
in loving
memory of her youth. The grieving husband, Richard Stripling,
tended
the whole affair. Services were held at Tyler State Park where Sheri
was known to have held breath. The site, number 30, was the final
resting place. Beginning Saturday, February 13 and continuing through
Monday, Feb. 15, a wake was performed in her present memory (at this time
we do not know how long that will last). Rick, holding up as best
a devastated spouse could, had made arrangements for Sheri to look forward
to a weekend of peace and quiet (possibly her last), puttering around in
their new camper trailer, counting tulips and watching what she could of
the sun with her failing senses when surprise!! What to her wondering
eyes should appear came Tim and Clara Kettering
with all
of their gear. Then came the arrival of old friends and best man
Darrel
Gray with his wife Laura and daughter
Meagan
and the
rest of the clan. Third to arrive was Jean, mom of the older
bride. Next to arrive were cb and T wondering why they
were there and Rick stated that this grief we should share. Let the
procession begin:
-
The presentation was a sight to behold. Those in attendance as pall
bearers were her husband, Richard Stripling, Tim Kettering,
Darrel
Gray, and Carter Beam. The pine box was lovingly handmade
by Tim "the Tool man" Kettering, painted black, complete with side
handles and two handles on the top. The personalized message on the top
was R I P-Youth painted in white. Upon opening the lid Sheri discovered
that it had been lined with styrofoam and was a cooler ready for ice and
beverages, and Sheri said "Oh cool!". As another remembrance, the
red and white casket cover, a dive flag with Adventures in Scuba, brought
tears to us all. Next came the presentation of the quad cane from
Rick which was outfitted with a little bell complete with free floating
eyeball, clown's horn, and a rear view mirror. Then came the bereaved daughter
Kristi,
and her husband Cody Schultz. When Stacey Kettering
and Jeremy arrived the party was complete-Stacy-speeding ticket
in hand, and Jeremy, slow down Hogg, At this point Mr. Stripling
was too overwhelmed with grief to drive to the bar-b-que so the rest of
the folks said "What can we do?" Well, I've got some corn and steak,
Darrel has tenderloin and veggies, Jean did the cheesy rice, smoked salmon
on the table courtsey of the Ketterings, Smores for desert, this could
be neat (besides at this point no one should drive), due to the hour of
day and depth of the grief all seemed to sigh and say what a relief.
Then we ate.
-
During this night, we had such a fright. Here came the coon, amidst
our plight. He created havoc, and took a big bite (breakfast), and
thought it was his right. Came the sunrise and all still in mourning, we
fumbled and bumbled while the coffee was forming. Goose by the neck,
everyone said NO!! oh, what the heck. Did bacon and eggs and
cheese all mixed into one, with biscuits and jelly to fill the belly, and
then we were done. The last surprise was still to come - the arrival
of Robin Walker - then all was said and done.
-
-
Sheri's still the closest of us to fifty-one@!!!!!