How do we begin? Let's start with 1955. Graduated in February and became employed with American National Life Insurance as a keypunch operator. The company was in the process of initiating the first computer system, UNIVAC. I retired from that job in June of the same year and never worked again. Now stop right there! I was told to be serious in this bio so I will make up a few things to make it sound like my life has been interesting and constructive! .Well it has been! Not everyone agrees being a homemaker is a full time job. It is what you make it and I found it to be a full time job with a lot of overtime. I happened to be mowing our backyard when a guy in an Air Force uniform popped his head up over the fence. That was it! The uniform did it! Two dates later he popped the question. Three months later we wed, June 18, 1955. It was the beginning of my wonderful life as wife, mother, homemaker, repair person , gardener, car washer, accountant, designer, hostess, chef, civic volunteer, and chauffeur. Life has been wonderful. Three years later our daughter was born (1958) Then we had a son five years later (1963). We have three grandsons. The first nine years we were an Air Force family. Dick was a pilot. During his service career he flew air refueling tankers (KC-97 and KC-135) .in Strategic Air Command . We were based in Tucson , Arizona, Moses Lake Washington, and Amarillo, Texas. Those years were exciting, fun, rewarding, and at times trying. We are very proud to have served our country.

After nine years it was time to move on. Here comes a new life style as family of Northwest Airlines. We lived in Las Vegas NV, Scottsdale AZ, Paradise Valley AZ., and then to Memphis TN (1986) We both commuted to Los Angeles, with a stop in Phoenix , 1989-1993.. I stayed at our condo in Scottsdale, Arizona during the time Dick flew his trips. They were all overseas, mainly the Orient. He was Captain on the 747…He says "It beats working for a living". That aircraft was the frosting on the cake! He misses flying! He flew for NWA for 29 years. Retired in '93. F.A.A. force retires airline captains at age 60.

During our time in Memphis Tennessee area we built our so called retirement home. We named it "Cox's Coop", as we have all of the homes we have owned. Why? People always ask! Frankly, our sir name is one to joke about…Right?! And, to top it off Dick's parents named him Richard. Well we attempt to draw attention to the Coop rather than to….yes, you are right! No, we do not raise chickens!. .Elvis does serve as our gardener but then most people do not believe that. He keeps our woods "rockin "!

To sum up our lives, The years have blessed us with many friends.We have been very involved in civic projects and numerous volunteer work, St.Judes Children's Hospital, Childrens Rehab Centers, National Patriotism Week, (invited to meet with former President Ronald Reagan at the White House) Fund Raising for various organizations. We used our home in Paradise Valley Arizona to accommodate parties for many fund- raisers. Party giving is one of my favorite things. I adore to decorate and prepare buffet and sit down dinners always with a theme. Church is very important to us and the activity it brings. The Tennessee area is very spiritual. Family is very important.

It looks as though we will remain in Tennessee for retirement. The winters are mild, spring is very beautiful, autumn is colorful, summers are like everywhere else. We have fun at Cox's Coop. We plan a very special event for every holiday. Our favorite is Easter. Of course Dick is dressed as a bunny.We hide 1000 plastic eggs stuffed with candy, We have pony rides, moon walk, games, and Easter parade. 120 neighbors attended last year. Smile! That's it from Cox's Coop! Remember, "Keep Your Sunny Side Up"!

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