I have been married to John Hayes since June of 1965. We have three daughters; Leanne (1968), Joy (1970) and Heather (1972). We also have four grandchildren, ages 22, 18, 16 and 15. My mother, Evelyn Muck, moved to Indiana some 20 years ago and resides a few miles from us in the City of Auburn. She is 92 years young and still maintains her own home. My brother, Dennis, resides in West Henrietta, New York.
I began my teaching career with Fort Wayne Community Schools in September 1965, teaching Kindergarten, as well as Head-start during the summer sessions. Following the birth of our first daughter I worked part-time as a substitute teacher in Fort Wayne and for many years in the county schools after we moved to DeKaib County, which is about 25 miles north of Fort Wayne. In 1987 I left the teaching world to take a full-time position as a deputy in the DeKaib County Auditor's office. In 1998 I was successful in my bid for election to the office and fulfilled two terms as the County Auditor, from 1999 to 2006. The auditor is the chief fiscal officer of county government in Indiana, and the position is limited to two consecutive terms. I retired in January of 2007 and enjoy being at home with John, and our very busy German shepherd and two cats.
We have a very large garden and fruit trees, so we preserve much of what we raise. John is the "farmer" and I spend more time among my flowers. I have been known to operate a mini-hospital and taxi/ambulance service for the grandkids. I try to read at least two books per week, but have given up much of my sewing due to arthritis in my hands. I still love to cook and bake, so I decorate an occasional cake for family celebrations and friends. I begin several weeks before Christmas to bake cookies and make candy to give all the neighbors and I keep in touch with family and friends with lots of email.
I am looking forward to a great visit with all of you, and discovering what has kept you busy for the past 50 years. Remember when our teachers told us that we would live to see the next century and that seemed like forever? We did it, and now it seems to me as if it was all just yesterday. Time passes so quickly. Make the most of every moment with family and friends.
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