If you have trouble using the email program that comes up after clicking on one of the classmate email buttons, just hold your cursor over the button and the address should be shown somewhere on your screen that you can write down and use in your own email program.
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Gerry Peters
I just wanted to let you know that my beautiful wife of 37 years went to be with her LORD last night (Sunday, Mar. 1) at 9:00. Marilyn was the light of my life, and I will miss her so much, but I know that she is resting in the arms of Jesus now. All suffering and pain are gone, and she is jumping for joy and renewing old friendships. I don't know what I will do without her, but I do know that I will see her again in the not-too-distant future. I am 88 and on the way to heaven myself.
03/05/26
Sue Ellen (Dikeman) Holleman
Our ship was in port in Manila 2 days ago. We are now cruising toward Bali. My daughter was in Manila as an exchange student in high school, so I took lots of photos for her. Manila looks small compared to Singapore and Hong Kong, but I enjoyed the area we saw very much. The American Cemetery there reminded me of Normandy, France---so dignified but sad. The murals of the battles of WW2 done in mosaic were well done. We also went to the cathedral and the fort built when the Spanish were there, and
a Spanish mansion that is now a museum. Our lecturer for Road Scholar is now doing talks on Buddism, Hinduism, Islam and Christianity and Judaism. We have visited many temples of each belief along the way.
I am sorry to know about the deaths of our friends and classmates. I remember them well. Here, in our RS group, I am the eldest, which is kind of startling! The Queen Anne is cruising along well and is such a comfortable and beautiful ship. Please give our friends my best wishes.
03/05/26
Carol (Nelson) Thomas
I’ve always enjoyed going on the Wilson website. Sometimes when you get old, you can’t always figure things out, but I’m always glad to hear about other people and what they’re doing and what’s happening.
When I was at Bible Study the other night they were talking about when they became Christians, and I said that I’ve been a Christian for 70 years. It started when I started LBCC and a young man at my college Bible study led me to the Lord. Just about that time, I became an LA Rams cheerleader. The Lord has been with me and Gary all these years, with me going through the different ministries.
I'm so thankful that I can still walk, but maybe not as fast. I can talk, which I do a lot of, and my driving is good. (I have my driver's license, which won't be renewed until I'm 96 years old!) Thanks for the news about our fellow students, whom we haven't seen in years.
03/05/26
Nelda (McMichael) Gruenthal
Reading the letters from classmates brings up some memories. Sorry to hear of more passings. We are at that stage of life. I remember Bob Carmichael. I always wondered if we were related in the far past (Carmichael ... McMichael) Scots/Irish.
Alan Heywood’s visits to Maui reminds me that one of my grandsons lives on Maui and is in partnership owning and running Stillwell’s Bakery and Cafe in Wailuku, Maui (breakfast and lunch).
He is back living in Lahaina after losing his condo in the fire. He and his dog couch and hotel surfed until recently. If any of our remaining classmates visit Maui, and have a chance, pay Matthew Portilla a visit, be sure to tell him that his favorite grandma sent you.
Sue Ellen (Dikeman) Holleman reminds me that my deceased husband, Frank, and I cruised all over the world too, just not all at once. We also went down the west coast of Africa (when visiting some of those countries was still safe), ending up in South Africa where we took a safari in Kruger Park. Some years earlier, we toured all around Kenya. Imagine taking an outdoor shower from a bucket. Wonderful experiences. I’m so pleased Sue Ellen has been able to travel as much as she has. I enjoy her letters as well as all the others.
My traveling has come to a halt, especially having to go through LAX. I’ll be reaching 90 in October, and even though I’m pretty healthy, traveling is very difficult.
Right now I’m enjoying life right here in Camarillo. My sister, Judy, and I get along (thankfully), I am blessed by daughters who dote on me, and friends are close by to have lunch with. I can’t ask for more.
My best to all our classmates. Keep writing those letters, I love reading them.
Hugs, Nelda 03/05/26
Later update:
We have left Bali and are now heading to Darwin and then to Sydney. My brother, John Dikeman and Susan, are having health issues so I am hoping to be with them in the short time we are there.
03/06/26
Pat (White) Strobel
My son-in-law, Jack Landers, died suddenly last Monday, which has put all of us into a tailspin. He was married to my daughter, Terri, for 44 years. Even though he was a Lakewood grad, I loved him anyway. We had great times as a family because everyone in my family loved the great man he was. He was one of the good ones. We will all miss him.
03/10/26
Donna (McLeod) McNabb
Just a quick note to let you know of the passing of my husband, Frank Ward McNabb, Jr., on March 27 2026. He had been in memory care facility for a month, and gratefully he passed and is out of pain and confusion.
04/03/26
Jim Marvin Short
Jim's sons, Todd and Guy, invited those WHS classmates who meet for dinner every other Monday to join a Celebration of Life event held last night at the El Dorado Golf Course tent facility. There were 11 of us in attendance. They provided a wonderful buffet dinner and showed slides and videos of Jim and his family. His two sons and three grandchildren shared their warm memories of their dad and grandfather.
