Buzz Dabolt, recently reactivated, has become a dear
friend. Brother Buzz has a great
sense of humor and is a hard-working grape farmer, so Elder Jeppesen especially
enjoys his colorful farm stories. The first time we went to visit Brother Buzz
our GPS led us far astray. We
called him and he gave us directions.
When he asked what kind of car we were driving he laughingly stated that
he was standing on his deck watching us drive back and forth past his house—the
reason for the photo of him standing on his deck phone in hand. It makes us laugh whenever we think
about it.
Sister Ruthie Wease joined the church about two years
ago. Her husband Terry is not
interested in the church. Ruthie’s
son David was baptized too but is not active. Because the family doesn’t own a car we spend many
afternoons taking Terry to the eye doctor or Ruthie to buy groceries. Sister Ruthie is always so appreciative
and shows her appreciation by fixing dinner for us now and then. She loves to cook and recently gave me
a hand-written recipe book of her favorite recipes.
Sister Jenny John was injured in a car accident the December
before our arrival. Through it all
she lost her leg and was very sick.
When we first visited her she was in the hospital and it was doubtful
she would survive. She has since
returned home and has around the clock nursing services.
Sister Judy Boehm is another sister who has come very close
to leaving this life. We have
spent many hours with Judy taking her to dialysis, providing her with dinner
and Gospel Principles lessons, always happy when Vickie Seneca and Jeanne
Berlin join us. At the
present time Judy is doing quite well and coming to church. When she first regained her strength we
picked her up for church but more recently Vicki has been bringing her. Vicky lost a 3 year-old grandson in
tragic circumstances a few months ago and has always been an attentive, loving
grandmother so we have been concerned about her and glad she is coming with
Judy to church. Jeanne Berlin has
become a dear friend but does not attend church at the Cattaraugus Branch.
William and Pat Shomers live in East Otto. They have a beautiful home on a
gorgeous hillside complete with pond and beautiful flowers. Through our visits they have become
good friends. Recently, as we were
leaving, Sister Shomers stated, “Don’t be surprised if you see us in church one
of these Sundays.” We were
thrilled.
Monty and Corline Campbell are long-time members of the
Branch who do their part and more when it comes to supporting the
missionaries. We have had
several delicious meals in their home.
Their home, yard and surroundings are incredibly beautiful and they work
hard keeping it that way.
Brother Douglas Bunker is in our Stake High Council. He is a devoted, dedicated and
articulate man, active in civic and national affairs, and has traveled widely. Although his health is failing somewhat he
still remains active. His wife, a
non-member, is an accomplished academician with a busy, influential life who
has taught at Columbia University and now works as a consultant for Disney
Corp. Brother Bunker owns a large
farm where he raises beef cattle, sheep, and pigs. Recently he took us on a tour of his farming operation. The meat is packaged and sold at
weekend Farmer’s Markets throughout the wider Buffalo area. The Bunkers live in a beautifully
expansive wood home of modern architecture. At the back of their stunningly decorated great room/library are
two-story windows where one can peer down across the treetops and into the
valleys of their lovely mountain property. We’ve enjoyed these farm tours and also enjoyed getting to
know Brother Bunker. He is truly
an asset to our Branch.
Brother Stephen Blood is an example of many on our visiting
list who lives such a busy life it is impossible to catch him at home, and
phone calls are seldom answered.
We visited Brother Blood just once in the 14+ months we’ve been here and
were pleasantly received. Even though it’s likely he won’t be home we willingly
drive the several miles out to his home in Springville in part because the
drive is beautiful, through rich farm country and lush green rolling hills and
to get another glimpse at his beautifully landscaped yard, home and barn. Included is a photo of his barn,
taken just last week.
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