Our Grandparents

Alvin Eugene and Martha Rose (Hershberger) Kelley

What can I say about grandma and grandpa. I am lucky to still have them with me. They have always been there for me, no matter what. I was spoiled by them as a child! I am their oldest grandchild. Here is a little about them...

Alvin--I grew up hearing grandpa get called 'PeeWee' or 'Gene.' He was always watching wrestling. They lived in Independence, Missouri until retiring to the Lake of the Ozarks about 15 years ago. His father was David and his mother was Nellie. Grandma Nellie died when grandpa was only 6 years old, but Aunt Irene stepped in to help raise him. He was one of 15 children. He is a wonderful man who worked hard to take care of his family. He was a welder by trade. Now he just enjoys the simple life with grandma.

Martha--Grandma was called 'Tootie.' She spoiled me rotten to say the least. She taught me how to cook, and to clean. And she instilled in me the joy of reading. There isn't a time when I can't remember grandma having a book in her hand! Her dad was Charles and her mother was Martha. She is one of 5 children. Together grandma and grandpa had four children: My dad (Mike), Uncle Johnny, Uncle Pat, and Aunt Shari. I will try to tell you more about them when I can.

Charles Eugene and Dorothy Marie (Watson) Parker

Charles--April 11, 1920 to January 19, 2010

I just lost my grandpa. It's hard to believe he is really gone. I miss him so very much. He was called 'Gene' for as long as I can remember. He was an optomitrist and owned his own eyeglass shop in Independence, Missouri on Noland Road. I don't remember the name of it though. I remember hearing stories about how he made Pres. Harry S. Truman's eyeglasses. His dad was Robert and his mom was Carrie. He has 2 brothers, 1 sister, and 1 half-sister. He wasn't around much when I was growing up, but the times I did get to spend with him are priceless memories to me.

Dorothy--November 3, 1922 to December 4, 1970

Grandma died before I was born, so I can't tell you much except the things that were told to me. She was strict, but she was loving in her strictness. Her dad was Oscar and her mom was Nora. She was one of four children. Together grandma and grandpa had six children: Aunt Judy, Uncle Wayne, Aunt Donna, Aunt Sandy, My mom (Debbie), and Aunt Hope. I will try to tell you more about them when I can.

Paul Ahrens and Lula Elizabeth (Clark) Stauss

George Washington and Henrietta Mae (Warren) Wentz

George--February 22, 1912 to April 16, 2008

Henrietta--January 22, 1911 to April 28, 2002