THE WOMEN BEFORE ME
In Memory Of Helen Jury
When I was young, I idolized the older women who played golf at Lincoln Hills. I miss so many of them now that they have gone into nursing homes or passed away.
It really hit home when Helen Jury, one of my favorites, died this week. She stood tall and drove the golf ball further than many men -- and actually looked like a “ million bucks” doing it. She had owned her own beauty shop for many years so her hair always looked as if she were in control of things.
Helen Jury (1936-2023) : The Look
I loved it when I could be on one of Helen’s scramble teams. But I’ll never forget the look she gave me the time she almost drove a Par 4, and I couldn’t get the next shot on the green. Ha! I’m not sure if she forgave me or thought I should take up a different hobby the next week when she brought me a new recipe to try.
I can still see Helen walking into the clubhouse in that beautiful Ohio State jacket she made. She epitomized the generation of women who took their place right along side men on the golf course — for the first time. Classy women who were confident and talented both inside the home and outside on the course. Women who were extremely competitive, but had impeccable manners. Women who were a playful, joyful community. Women who liked each other.
I’m so grateful these older women were in my life:
Neva McEldowny, Eileen Hall, Verna Reber, Elaine Ruttman, Rosie Stephans, Edna Blair, Jane Nance, Mary Ekleberry, Ann Kirchner, Maxine King, Rosie Woods, Joyce Helge, Colleen Sheeley, Jo Rossel, Edra Houser, Florence Schnepp, Bert DeBolt, Rita Logsdon, Barb Bastel, Jane Hehr, Angie Wines, Irene Hart, Helen Appleman, Katie Thiel, Maxine Ulrich, Marge Walton
As I age, it feels so strange becoming part of the next generation of “older” women. I hope we make the ones that went before us proud. xoxo
It’ll Be OK.
~~~
“Today’s kids have problems we never dreamed of. Like which pair of hundred- dollar athletic shoes to wear.” ~ Maxine, Crabby Road
COMMENT: WHAT IS ONE QUALITY OF THE OLDER GENERATION YOU HOPE TO EMULATE?
A sweet tribute to treasured friends. I have some older friends I consider to be the nicest people I have ever met. I hope the next generation receives great memories from the likes of us.
Great story. I have had some "older" ladies in my Bible study classes who are some of the best people I know. One in particular, who is in her late 80s now, is one of the most vibrant, joyful people I have ever met. She inspires me to keep a sunny outlook and keep living life to the fullest. Hopefully we can do the same for those "younger" women we encounter!