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Rosemary LaForce...Happy 100th Birthday
My name is Rosemary LeForce. I was born on September 1, 1923 in Oilton, Ok. This year will be my 100th birthday.
When I was in the 5th grade we moved to Bristow, Ok. Our home was directly across the street from the First United Methodist Church. That was the beginning of my journey in trying to follow Christ. At 12 years old I was baptized and I still attend and support this church.
While attending Bristow schools, I participated in many organizations and activities. When I was in the 11th grade, Clyde LeForce asked me on a date and that was the start of our history together. At our high school graduation Clyde was the valedictorian and I was the salutatorian. Upon graduating, Clyde went to Tulsa University on a football scholarship. I had two sisters and my parents couldn't really afford to send me to college. I took some accounting courses at Bristow Junior College. I worked at Clark's mens clothing for about six months keeping their books. Even though I didn't finish college I never quit learning, taking all the classes I could afford.
Clyde and I married, lived in Tulsa, and after his sophomore college year he was called to the Navy during World War II. With the war, there were plenty of jobs available. I worked for Carter Oil Company in the oil and gas accounting department. Once Clyde returned from war, he finished college. He signed with the Detroit Lions in the late 40's.
After his NFL football career we returned home to Bristow.
At age 42, I became the registrar at Bristow High School, a position I held for 19 years. At age 78, I was asked to teach the computer lab at Collins Elementary and I held this position until I was 84 years old.
During both my active and retirement years, I served on a vast number of committees at church, delivered meals, and volunteered my time with many organizations. Some of those organizations include PTA, the Campfire Girls,International Order of the Masonic Rainbow Girls, and the Philanthropic Educational Organization known as PEO. When our train depot was scheduled for demolition, Robert Chadderton stepped in and purchased a caboose. This was followed by many volunteers, myself included, serving over fifteen years in renovations for what's now the location for the Bristow Historical Society. One of the highlights of a Christmas season was riding the Polar Express, where many Bristow students served as train employees. It was fun for all!
My hobbies over the years have been playing golf, cross stitching, knitting,and painting. Each year I sent a hand painted ornament to the Smithsonian to hang on their trees during Christmas. One year, my ornament was chosen for their permanent collection. Such an honor! I enjoy watching sports and predicting the outcome and scores of our high school and college football games - still a football wife at heart!
Clyde passed away on June 9, 2006. When he went to heaven, he took a part of my heart with him. The girls and I will never forget the love he had for us. Our family includes three daughters, six grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.
courtesy photo