Bessie Zunkel

I am placing two names on my stone, because these two ladies have been the most important people in my life.

My great grandma, Bessie Zunkel, that I was fortunate to have in my life for 17 years before she passed away at the age of 92. She always told me to seek a college education because she was unable to attain it herself. She also taught me to respect others and to be kind to animals. She was a super grandmother and I was very fortunate to have her in my life. She was not only a grandma to me, but to everyone. Everyone called her Grandma Bessie whether she was their grandma or not. If she wasn't their grandma she treated them with the love and kindness that their own grandmother would have shown them.

My mother and best friend, Gail Rodgers, was also a big inspiration in my life. She encouraged me to get a college education. As a kid growing up, she taught me to strive to be a kind and caring person. She always found the good in people and tried to overlook the bad. My mom always taught me to help those in need and to live life to its fullest.

These two women mean everything to me. That is why I dedicated this stone to them. I love them both for teaching me to believe in myself.

Submitted on 4/26/94