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# The Humpherys Herald: A Chronicle of Lives and Legacies

"Such is life," Dean would often say, a phrase that had become a mantra for the Humpherys family. It was a reminder to accept the challenges and celebrate the joys that life inevitably brings, to find strength in faith, and to cherish the love of family.

And as the Humpherys family looked to the future, they knew that the annual reunion would continue to serve as a vital link, connecting generations and preserving their shared heritage. It was a testament to the power of family bonds, a reminder that even in the face of adversity, love and loyalty would always prevail.

In 2017, as Kim prepared for the next reunion, she wrote, “37 Annual Reunions and 27 Years of Humpherys' Family Newsletters…Traditions Continue…” In a world of constant change, the Humpherys family found solace and strength in their traditions, in their shared history, and in their unwavering love for each other.

But traditions, like rivers, require a source, a wellspring from which they flow. And for the Humpherys family, that source, in the realm of shared stories and chronicled lives, was *The Humpherys Herald*.

The late 1980s in America were a time of both technological advancement and lingering Cold War anxieties. While the world marveled at the rise of personal computers and the burgeoning internet, the threat of nuclear conflict still cast a long shadow. The AIDS epidemic continued to spread, prompting both fear and a growing awareness of the need for compassion and understanding. It was a time of rapid change and uncertainty, a world that felt both exhilarating and unsettling.

Yet, in the small town of Etna, Wyoming, the Humpherys family found solace and connection in the simple act of sharing their stories. They had always been a close-knit clan, bound together by blood, faith, and a shared love for the land. But as the family grew and its members scattered across the country, maintaining those bonds became increasingly challenging.

The idea for a family newsletter had been brewing for some time, a way to bridge the miles and keep everyone informed about the latest happenings. But it wasn't until 1988 that the vision finally became a reality, thanks to the editorial efforts of Newell Humpherys.

Newell, a thoughtful and introspective man with a keen eye for detail, was the perfect choice to spearhead the project. He possessed a deep appreciation for family history and a genuine desire to connect with his relatives, near and far. With his trusty typewriter and a stack of paper, he set about gathering news and anecdotes from across the Humpherys diaspora, weaving together a tapestry of triumphs and tribulations, milestones and everyday moments.

The first edition of *The Humpherys Herald* was a modest affair, a simple compilation of typed and photocopied pages. But it was more than just a newsletter; it was a lifeline, a tangible link to a shared past and a hopeful future. In the pre-internet era, when long-distance phone calls were expensive and infrequent, and email was still a distant dream for most, the newsletter became a vital means of communication, a way to stay connected and celebrate the bonds of kinship.

The early editions, meticulously crafted by Newell, reflected the values and priorities of the Humpherys family. They chronicled the births of new babies, the graduations of young adults, and the achievements of family members in various fields. They also acknowledged the challenges and hardships that inevitably arose, from illnesses and job losses to the everyday struggles of raising families in a changing world.

But the newsletters were more than just a recitation of facts; they were a celebration of life, a testament to the enduring power of love and laughter. Newell, with his warm and personal writing style, had a knack for capturing the essence of each family member, painting vivid portraits of their joys and sorrows, their hopes and dreams.

As the years passed, *The Humpherys Herald* evolved, reflecting the changing times and the growing family. The torch of editorship was passed from one member to another, each bringing their own unique perspective and voice to the project. Ray, Kelly, Jim, Nadean, Sherrie, Mary Lynn, Linda, Stephanie, Pam, Lisa, Michelle, Nicole, Laurie, Hilary, Ryan, Josh, Curt, and Kim all took their turn at the helm, each contributing to the growing chronicle of the Humpherys family.

In 1995, Ray took over the editorial duties, infusing the newsletter with his own unique perspective and voice. The mid-1990s were a time of technological revolution, with the internet rapidly transforming the way people communicated, worked, and lived. While the Humpherys family may not have been on the cutting edge of this digital revolution, they were certainly aware of its potential, and they embraced new technologies as they became available.

Kelly stepped up in 1996, followed by Jim in 1997, Nadean in 1998, and Sherrie in 1999. Each editor brought their own style and personality, further enriching the tapestry of the family history. As the 20th century drew to a close, the Humpherys family stood poised on the brink of a new millennium, ready to face whatever challenges and opportunities lay ahead.

As the calendar turned to 2000, Mary Lynn assumed the editorial mantle, ushering *The Humpherys Herald* into a new era. The dawn of the new millennium was a time of both excitement and trepidation. The Y2K scare had gripped the world with fear of widespread computer malfunctions, but as the clocks ticked over to January 1, 2000, the anticipated chaos failed to materialize. Instead, the world embraced the new century with a sense of optimism and possibility.

Linda took over in 2001, followed by Stephanie in 2002, and Pam in 2003, each editor contributing their unique voice to the ongoing family saga. The early 2000s were marked by the September 11th terrorist attacks, which shook the nation to its core and ushered in a new era of heightened security and geopolitical tension. Yet, even in the face of such tragedy, the Humpherys family found strength in their shared values, their faith, and their unwavering commitment to one another.

Lisa took over the newsletter in 2006, followed by Michelle in 2008, Mary Lynn again in 2009, and Nicole in 2010. These were years of economic turmoil, with the financial crisis of 2008 sending shockwaves through the global economy. Yet, amidst these challenges, the Humpherys family remained resilient, supporting each other through job losses, foreclosures, and other hardships.

The newsletters from this period reflect the anxieties and uncertainties of the time, but they also showcase the family's unwavering spirit and their ability to find joy in the midst of adversity. They tell of weddings and births, graduations and new careers, and the everyday moments that made life worth living.

In 2016, as Kim took over the editing duties with the help of her daughter Mandy, the *Herald* had become a cherished tradition, a tangible link to their shared heritage. As the world grappled with political upheaval and social change, the newsletter provided a sense of continuity, a reminder of the enduring power of family bonds.

Kim’s edition, filled with heartfelt anecdotes and family photos, captured the essence of the Humpherys spirit. She wrote of the loss of Bob, Neva's husband, a man who had become an integral part of the family. She recalled a trip to Wyoming with Mandy, Chris, Sawyer, and Sophia, where they played softball with Neva. Bryan had a successful hunting year, and Kim enjoyed barrel racing with Mandy.

Mandy and Chris, writing together in 2016, highlighted Sawyer and Sophia’s preschool experience, their summer of horses, and their visit to Wyoming with Grandma Sharon, Grandpa Bob, and Aunt Pam.

Pam and Ray, in their 2016 newsletter, shared their love for their jobs, fishing, and spending time with family. They looked forward to Kim and Bryan’s visit for Thanksgiving.

Kelly and Sandra, Brooke, Tanner and Teesha, DeAna and Brian, Mary Lynn and Gary, Barry and Alisa, Florence and Larry, Jan and John, Mikki Ann, Curt and Jerri, Chelsea and Jason, Marisela and Neva, Ray and Becky, Lisa and Jim, Michelle and Ben, Stephanie and Drew, Melanie and Elliot, Ryan and Natalie, Gerald and Tena, Linda and Nathan, Trae and Marley, Shawn and Hilary, Shane and Nicole, Newell and Sally, CJ and Laurie, and Camille and Lance, all shared their stories, weaving a tapestry of lives connected by blood, love, and a shared sense of belonging.

Even in 2019, as editor Tim noted in the newsletter, several family members were still living in Star Valley, while the rest lived far and wide. The power of family, however, was still strong.

As the years passed, the newsletter evolved from a simple collection of family news into a rich tapestry of shared experiences, personal reflections, and enduring values. It became a repository of family history, a testament to the bonds that held them together, and a source of strength and inspiration in times of both joy and sorrow.

And so, as the story of the Humpherys family neared its conclusion, the question lingered: what was next? How would the legacy of Thomas and Mary Sudbury Humpherys, Dean and Neva Clark Humpherys, and all those who followed, continue to resonate in the lives of generations yet to come?

The answer, it seemed, lay not in grand pronouncements or sweeping gestures, but in the simple, enduring acts of remembrance, connection, and love that had always defined the family. It lay in the annual reunions, where laughter and tears mingled freely, and in the pages of *The Humpherys Herald*, where the stories of their lives were preserved for posterity.

In 2020, as the world was plunged into turmoil by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Humpherys family, like countless others, faced unprecedented challenges. The annual family reunion, a cherished tradition for nearly four decades, was in jeopardy. Travel restrictions, social distancing guidelines, and concerns for the health and safety of loved ones made it impossible to gather in person.

Newell took on the role of editor for the 30th edition of the Humpherys Herald, a testament to his enduring commitment to family and tradition. The theme of the newsletter was "Special Baby Pictures Edition," a celebration of new life and a reminder of the enduring power of family bonds.

The newsletter entries from 2020 reflected the anxieties and uncertainties of the time, but they also showcased the family's resilience and their ability to find joy in the midst of adversity. They told of graduations and new careers, of virtual gatherings and heartfelt messages, and of the unwavering love that bound them together, even when they were physically apart.

And so, as the sun set over the mountains of Etna, Wyoming, the echoes of laughter, the whispers of stories, and the warmth of shared memories lingered in the air. The Humpherys family, a tapestry woven together by time and circumstance, remained united, their circle unbroken, their legacy secure.

The Humpherys Herald, a chronicle of lives and legacies, stood as a testament to the enduring power of family bonds, a reminder that even in the face of adversity, love and loyalty would always prevail. The story of the Humpherys family, a story of faith, resilience, and unwavering commitment to one another, would continue to inspire and guide generations to come.

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