Gordon and I have lived in Seattle, where he finished his PhD in genetics and, the Netherlands where he had a post doctorate; home to Salt Lake City, where he was employed at the U. of U in Occupational & Environmental Health then off to Cincinnati, Ohio where we raised our family and made many dear friends and now in Knoxville, Tn. where he is director of a laboratory involved in Radiation Emergency Medicine.

Though I retired five years ago when we left Ohio, my life has never been busier.  I have had many opportunities to serve in the church as well as in the community.  A year ago I had (Deep Brain Stimulation ) DBS surgery, to control the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease, which I have had since 1990. Making the necessary adjustments to function optimally has been a challenge but what a great blessing;  It has calmed my tremors and reduced my need  for medications that were causing more problems than the symptoms. The brain is a marvelous instrument.   I have gone from a flat affect to mania with the switch of the settings on my monitor.  Very interesting.   My to do list includes:  1) Writing my life history.  2.  Learn to play the piano. 3. Exercise more to keep my Parkinson’s symptoms under control.

Activities I’ve enjoyed include: counseling, gardening, canning, home improvement projects, entertaining, cooking, reading.

Thanks to the committee for their wonderful efforts in organizing this reunion.

After graduating from East I attended the University of Utah for three years, majoring in recreational therapy.  In 1964 I met Gil Bertelson and we were married that same year.  Soon after graduating from the U, Gil applied and was accepted for Air Force pilot training school. This was the start of a life I'd never dreamed would be ours.  We started out in Laredo, Texas and lived there for four years.  From there we just kept moving every three or so years living in five different states and one tour in Lakenheath, England. We learned to love each assignment but, perhaps the best time was our four years in Oahu, Hawaii.  All total, we have moved about 22 times, but have finally settled in a wonderful area in Provo, Utah and have been in the same home for 13 whole years.  The longest place we've ever lived.

Gil's last assignment was commander of the ROTC program at BYU.  We learned to love Utah County, so we retired from the A.F. and Gil was able to work for BYU's business school  for another 15 years.  His position gave us the opportunity to travel all over Europe and South America and associate with amazing people. We have found this a wonderful place to retire and raise our family.

During all of these years we were blessed with four wonderful daughters.  My life has been filled with all a stay-at-home wife and mother could encounter.  As much as Gil was flying to parts unknown, I often felt like a single mom, becoming quite independent and creative keeping our home running smoothly. Between family, church service and the Air Force my life has been richly blessed.

My main interests are centered around family, friends, home and church assignments.  I still love to sing and blend my voice with others.  I enjoy home decorating, gardening, reading, traveling to new places and spending time with our daughters and our ten amazing grand children and I love being a "hands on" grandma.  My hobbies include sewing, quilt making, baking all kinds of goodies and trying new recipes.

As empty nesters we are looking to new horizons.  Hopefully, health will allow us to serve a Church mission or two, catch a few more exotic cruises and continue to make new friends.

Thanks to the reunion committee for all their hard work.  Looking forward to seeing everyone!

I married Frank Benson in 1964. Together we had 4 wonderful children and now have 9 precious grandchildren. However, Frank and I divorced in 1998. Five years later I married Bob Walkingshaw and have expanded my family with his 3 children, 10 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Fortunately, most of our family members live in Utah, and we enjoy being with them.