Married Jay Ritter April 22, 1961. We were married for 37 years. Divorced and Jay is now deceased (passed February 7, 2001). Married John Samarich May 21, 2004. First job was at National Bank and Trust right out of high school. Worked there two years. Worked at South Bend License Branch from 1972 to 1977. For the next 30 years I worked for various construction companies as an accountant. My last job was for O.J. Shoemaker as their Chief Operation Officer from 2000 through 2007. Retired in 2007 and have been enjoying life with my husband and children and grand children. As many of us age health issues have begun popping up for both my husband and myself. But we are extremely happy together and still very much in love.

One of the things I remember most about high school was walking to School Field for football games. The weather was, at times very cold but we had more fun getting there and getting home. It was a long walk from E. Irvington St. to School Field. I remember the Proms (I think I attended 5 of them) going ice skating at Studebaker in the winter, roller skating most all year long. Slumber parties, sock hops, having lunch at Hawley's or Bushbaums during the school year. Driving down Ewing St. in Jay's dads 1955 Crown Vic with the glass packs rumbling all the way down the street. So many friends, some gone now, miss them all. Summers at Tower Hill and at cottages of friends. Life was wonderful and oh so simple back in the 50's. I graduated in 1960, married in 1961. Had my 1st child in 1962 and life was busy and wonderful. Great memories of high school. I remember crying the day of our Senior assembly, knowing I would never see some of my friends again. I have managed to stay close with a few of my classmates and every now and again, I run into someone in my class. Oh my how we have all changed. Still the wonderful bunch of people ever to graduate from Riley High School.

Due to the death of my mom, I attended 7 elementary schools. I can't begin to remember the names of most of them.

My parents moved out of town in my senior year and my brothers went to school in Michigan City while I stayed here in South Bend and graduated with my class of 1960.

Wayne Taylor
Tom Hawkins