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# The Grandchildren's Tapestry: Weaving New Threads

As the echoes of Newell's thoughtful words faded into the Wyoming twilight, the Humpherys family stood poised on the precipice of a new era. The torch, heavy with the weight of tradition and the warmth of shared memories, was passed to the grandchildren of Dean and Neva, a generation tasked with weaving new threads into the ever-expanding tapestry of their family story. The world outside Etna, Wyoming, was a world in flux. The Cold War had thawed, giving way to a sense of global interconnectedness, but new anxieties simmered beneath the surface. The rise of the internet, the dawn of the information age, promised unprecedented opportunities, but also presented new challenges to the values and traditions that had sustained the Humpherys family for generations.

As the grandchildren stepped into the spotlight, their individual stories began to unfold, each one a unique expression of the Humpherys spirit, shaped by the lessons of the past and the possibilities of the future. The annual family newsletters, now a cherished tradition, became their canvas, a space to share their triumphs and tribulations, their dreams and aspirations, and their unwavering commitment to one another.

The newsletters from the late 1990s and early 2000s offer a glimpse into the lives of these grandchildren, a diverse group of individuals navigating the complexities of adulthood in a rapidly changing world. There was Jimmy, the Star Valley handyman, and Carol, the quiet observer. There was Kim, the barrel-racing queen, and Pam, the keeper of family memories. There was Kelly, the Nevada adventurer, and Sherrie, the Alaskan pioneer. There was Florence, the storyteller, and John, the quiet strength. There was Robert, the outdoorsman, and Gerald, the jovial host. And there was Newell, the thoughtful chronicler, who had set the stage for them all.

Each of these grandchildren carried within them the indelible mark of Dean and Neva, their values etched into their souls. They were hard-working, resilient, and fiercely loyal to their family. They were also independent, creative, and eager to explore the world beyond the familiar landscapes of Etna, Wyoming.

Kim, known as Kimberly Ann now, a granddaughter of Dean and Neva, found her passion in the world of horses. As the 2016 newsletter revealed, she was a force to be reckoned with on the barrel-racing circuit, her skill and determination honed through years of practice and a deep connection to her equine partners. Her love for horses was more than just a hobby; it was a way of life, a source of solace and strength in the face of adversity.

The newsletters often highlighted Kim's achievements in the arena, her victories celebrated with pride and admiration by the entire family. But they also revealed the challenges she faced, the long hours of training, the financial sacrifices, and the emotional toll of competition. Yet, through it all, Kim remained steadfast in her pursuit, her passion fueled by a deep love for the sport and a desire to honor the legacy of her grandparents.

In 2017, Kim took on the mantle of editor for The Humpherys Herald, a testament to her commitment to preserving the family's history and connecting generations through words. Her edition, filled with heartfelt anecdotes and family photos, captured the essence of the Humpherys spirit. "2016 was a mixture of good and bad," she wrote, acknowledging the inevitable ebb and flow of life. She spoke of the loss of Bob, a father figure to her, and the lessons she learned from his life and death. She recalled a trip to Wyoming with Mandy, Chris, Sawyer, and Sophia, where they played softball with Neva, a testament to the enduring power of family bonds.

While Kim was carving out her own path in the world of barrel racing, her sister, Pam, found her calling in a different arena: the world of retail. As a long-time employee of Murdochs, a local store that catered to the needs of ranchers and farmers, Pam became a fixture in the community, known for her friendly demeanor and her expertise in all things related to power equipment.

The newsletters often mentioned Pam's dedication to her work, her willingness to go the extra mile for her customers, and her deep knowledge of the products she sold. In 2016, Sharon wrote of Pam, "Pam still works at Murdochs in Missoula. I hope they have half a clue how lucky they are to have her, especially in these wacko days of covid. As with all businesses, help is almost impossible to find. I know she carries more of the weight than she should. I'm thankful and proud of my sister."

While Kim and Pam were making their mark in the world, their cousins, Kelly and Sherrie, were exploring new frontiers in Nevada and Alaska. Kelly, after a stint in the military, settled in Henderson, Nevada, where he worked as an estimator, his analytical skills and attention to detail honed through years of service. Sandra, his wife, continued her career as a dental assistant, providing care and comfort to patients in need.

The newsletters often highlighted Kelly and Sandra's adventures, their travels to exotic destinations, and their involvement in community events. In 2016, Kelly recounted a whirlwind year that included a heart attack and open-heart surgery, a trip to San Diego for their 28th anniversary, and a visit to Ketchikan, Alaska, to see Sherrie and Brent. His resilience and positive attitude, even in the face of adversity, were an inspiration to the entire family.

Sherrie, along with her husband, Brent, had embraced the rugged beauty of Alaska, carving out a life in the remote town of Ketchikan. Brent worked as the Port Captain/dock facility and operations manager for NOAA, while Sherrie devoted her time to managing their home and exploring the vast wilderness that surrounded them.

The newsletters often featured Sherrie's descriptions of Alaskan wildlife, her encounters with bears and eagles, and her appreciation for the unique challenges and rewards of living in such a remote location. In 2021, Sherrie wrote, "We really love Alaska and all it has to offer for us. It’s just too far away from Idaho and living on an island has its major challenges."

While Kim, Pam, Kelly, and Sherrie were forging their own paths, their cousins, Florence and John, were navigating the complexities of family life and professional careers. Florence, a warm and nurturing presence, devoted her time to raising her son, Vance, and supporting her husband, Larry, in his various endeavors. John, known for his quiet strength and unwavering integrity, worked as a teacher, shaping the minds of young people and making a positive impact on his community.

The newsletters often highlighted Florence and John's commitment to their families, their involvement in church activities, and their dedication to serving others. In 2016, Jan wrote of John, "John is doing okay. For those that don’t know, John was diagnosed with progressive supranucleur palsy in December of 2020. It is an aggressive form of Parkinson’s. He’s been doing therapy since his diagnosis, which helps keep him active. My health is fine."

As the grandchildren of Dean and Neva continued to weave their individual threads into the Humpherys tapestry, their lives became a testament to the enduring power of family, the resilience of the human spirit, and the importance of cherishing the moments we have with those we love. Their stories, shared through the pages of The Humpherys Herald, served as a reminder that even in a world of constant change, the values instilled by their ancestors would continue to guide them, providing a compass for navigating the complexities of life and a source of strength in times of both joy and sorrow.

The grandchildren of Dean and Neva, in their diverse pursuits and unwavering commitment to family, were carrying the torch of their ancestors, illuminating the path forward for generations to come. As the next chapter would reveal, the great-grandchildren of Dean and Neva were poised to inherit this legacy, ready to add their own unique colors and textures to the ever-expanding tapestry of the Humpherys family.

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