We both drove there for several years. It was fun to get to know her kids. Karla is on Facebook and it is always nice when I read something posted by a friend. I was shocked when I received a post from her explaining the death of her long time boyfriend and later husband, Brian.
I was amazed when I began reading the special responses from all her friends and family. I’m not sure if I ever met Brian, but after reading many of the responses that included stories, I believe I got to know Brian pretty well.
I changed a couple of things around so that I had the opportunity to attend the visitation for Brian Orange at the funeral home. Shortly after I entered the funeral home, I ran across Karla’s daughter, Kelsie. It was nice to see her.
The room was very busy. I had an opportunity to visit with Karla for a short time. She seemed to be doing pretty good. She told me a couple of of Brian stories. I also saw her son Jake, but didn’t get a chance to talk with him. I spoke with a few other folks and we exchanged several great memories.
I found out later that Karla’s niece, Lori Danielle Middleton, provided a very nice stuffed bear to all of the grandkids. The bear had a note attached that read, “When you’re missing me and feeling blue, hug this bear and know I’m there for you.” “In loving memory of Papa Brian.” That was very special. I remember seeing some kids with bears, but I didn’t know the story at that time.
Last week I was informed that another friend and former employee of Beech Grove City Schools had also passed away. Julie Raker Page had been the receptionist. During about my third year of driving for Beech grove Schools, I was assigned a new route driving for Hornet Park School.
This school provides education for the kindergarten and first grade students. When I had any questions or problems, I would go into the office and Julie would help me out.
The Hornet Park staff was always very handy if I needed assistance. Julie took great care of the students, the parents and the entire staff during her years at Hornet Park.
At some point, Julie opened a home day care that was mostly for kids that had parents working at Beech Grove City Schools. Julie also had a bout of cancer. After it had been gone for several years, it returned. I think she had a tough battle for a couple of years.
Her family held a private ceremony to honor Julie last week. I’m certain that like myself, many of her former friends from BGCS, that would include staff, students, student’s parents and many other Beech Grove residents and good friends of Julie have been holding their own private ceremony remembering this special lady.
Last Saturday, Lyn and I celebrated our anniversary. Because we are both recovering from some physical problems and the weather was yucky, we stayed home, sat in our favorite chairs and on occasion said to one another, Happy Anniversary!”
We usually make a special trip to Brown County each year on November 12.
Maybe when she gets to feeling better and a nice beautiful day shows up and we are not busy, maybe we will sneak down to Nashville for the day.
Shonk is a 1960 graduate of Southport High School, a ’63 grad of Indiana Central College (now the University of Indianapolis) and a retired bus driver from Beech Grove Schools. He can be reached through email at fdshonk@aol.com.