Page 96 - The Decorative Painter Winter 2016

in memory
In Memory
Mary Bruestle, an SDP member since 1992, passed away June 30, 2016. She was a member of the Periwoods Decorative Painters. She resided in Menifee, Calif.
June Hackbarth, an SDP member since 1977, passed away June 24, 2016. She resided in Midland, Mich.
Grace Kurgan, an SDP member since 1997, passed away peacefully August 28, 2016.
Betty Louise Corsette Miller, a member of SDP since 1994, passed away August 4, 2016. She was a long time member of the Four States Decorative Artists chapter in Texarkana, Texas, where she and her husband Ralph had resided since 1950.
Reba Dickerson, founder of the Painted Daisy chapter in March 1978 and owner of The Old Wood Shop, passed away suddenly in November 2015.
Reba received her degree in Education from the University of Houston and taught elementary school before she
and her husband, Bobby, opened a
very unique studio and wood shop, a rustic, century-old building, in Orange, Texas. For over four decades she hosted and taught classes there. Her students delighted
in her old building with an old wood stove that heated it in winter, a pull-string toilet, and an occasional varmint. When Hurricane Rita took it in 2005, many people felt a tremendous loss.
The shop was not only a center for our chapter, but
for Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana as well. She stocked the newest and best books and a wide selection of paint and surfaces. Bobby cut the wood; Reba designed, painted and taught classes.
Reba’s service to the Painted Daisies cannot be measured. She served in every office over the years as well as on many committees and as Historian. She was our chapter memory and could recall the dates, the patterns, the paint color and appropriate finish for every project.
Every moment of her life lived her Christian faith, in quiet loving service to her fellow humankind. Her patience was renowned. She is sorely missed.
Jean Rogenhofer, long time member of SDP and Gateway Decorative Artists of Greater St. Louis, MO passed away on October 19. Jean served her chapter in many ways; as Secretary multiple times; Memory Box painter; painting name tags for National teachers; helped with table decorations for SDP conventions and many other ways. She will truly be missed by all who knew this sweet lady.
Cristy Keeton, a long time staff member of Society of Decorative Painters, passed away on September 8, 2016. Cristy was born in Wichita, Kansas on September 29, 1971. She lived with her husband, Wade and son, Alexander
in Wichita, Kansas. Joining the SDP staff in 2002, she served the Society as the Certification Coordinator and the Financial Assistant.
Cristy was an avid hockey fan and loved animals; kitty cats, ducks, etc. Cristy and her smile will be missed by all she helped at the SDP office, working at the convention, and on the phone.
“She was really sick the day I met her in Charlotte, but she
stuck it out the whole week. Quickly, she earned our respect and love with her dedicated service to the Certification Program and its applicants. She was a joy to work with as any Certification Chair could tell you. Larry has memories of working with her on what is needed on frames and surfaces.” — Cheri Rol mda
“Cristy epitomized the perfect Society employee – easy to deal with, loyal, pleasant and always willing to help out. She’ll be sorely missed.” — Bev Marx cda
“Cristy was a wonderful support for all of us judges and the Certification Program,
a sweet lady who cared deeply. It was a pleasure for me and my classes to make 100 cranes to cheer her up. During her valiant battle with breast cancer she was given a Senbazuru – the making of over 1000 origami paper cranes, by her friends and loved ones, organized by Yuko Culliney mda.” — Sherry Nelson mda, tda
In lou of flowers, Cristy requested donations be given to the Kansas Humane Society. If you would like to send a donation to the Kansas Humane Society in memory of Cristy, please send your check to SDP, Attn. KHS, 1220 E. First St. Wichita, KS 67214-3907. We are hoping to raise enough money for a memorial with Cristy’s name to place on the wall at the Kansas Humane Society.
94 The Decorative Painter • ISSUE NO. 4, 2016 DECORATIVEPAINTERS.ORG