MARY RUTH'S 75TH BIRTHDAY

JUNE 1998:  Even though her Birthday is actually in March, the whole family gathered in Walkertown the last week in June to celebrate a real milestone in the "ole woman's" life ... 75 years young.  With all five children & their spouses, four grandchildren, and assorted daughters-in-law in attendance, it became a little crowded at the big presentation ceremony.

  Glenn & Peggy, plus their daughter Jenny and her new husband Jason came all the way from Nova Scotia.  Sister Peggy came up from Tampa, and Tom, Marilyn, Mary Catherine, Mike & Michelle drove in from Northern Virginia.  And of course, Kenny came up from the Basement.

Like any other big "to do", Mary Ruth slaved in the kitchen and out did herself for the big feed.  Everyone pigged-out and afterwards found a comfortable spot in the living room to fall asleep.

There is no visit with Mary Ruth that doesn't include at least one trip to the mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway.  Her Birthday was no exception ... beginning with breakfast at Doughton Park.

Mary Ruth's favorite place in the whole world is "the Parkway", and she rarely misses the opportunity to visit.  Any excuse will get her headed toward the mountains.

A shot of the whole group (Tom-Sister Peggy-Mary Ruth-Glenn-Glenn's Peggy-Jenny-Jason).

Another popular stop during any trip to the mountains is Sparta.  Here Glenn & Tom practice hurling Mary Ruth down "Jack Bank"....a popular place for the locals to dispose of dead animal carcasses and any other refuse.

Despite her 75 years and being constantly harassed by her un-appreciative kids, Mary Ruth has retained her sense of humor and here poses with one of her more valuable pieces of art.

MARY RUTH'S 76TH BIRTHDAY

MARCH 1999:  This birthday celebration was not nearly as elaborate as her 75th, but did occur in the same month as her real birthday.  Glenn was down from Nova Scotia on his annual 4991 pilgrimage and Tom, Marilyn, Mike, and Michelle drove down from Virginia to join in the festivities.

Mary Ruth was happy to have most of her kids at home for her birthday.

Mike & Michelle enjoy some Birthday cake while Glenn continues the incessant teasing that poor Mary Ruth has to tolerate from her two oldest offspring.

Kenny in his most common TV-viewing repose.  Marilyn was a little under the weather and takes a therapeutic snooze on Nana's bed.

MARY RUTH'S 78TH BIRTHDAY

APRIL 2001:  Better late than never; Everyone gathered for Mary Ruth's 78th and enjoyed Libby Hill Seafood carry-out and a Birthday cake.  Evelyn made a special guest appearance at the festivities.

The "ole woman" is doing extremely well for her years.

Evelyn gets Mary Ruth up-to-date on all the Beeson family happenings while Kenny swills-down a Corona and flips through the channels.

Mary Ruth and Marilyn enjoy a little Birthday cake.

It was obviously a very strenuous Birthday Party as Mary Ruth fades into blissful slumber.