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| Photo by Christine Proctor |
Just days after posting the conclusion to the Dehart family's story, I was contacted by my very dear friend Lawrence Hyatt. Readers may remember that I have previously written about Lawrence's family. Lawrence and my other wonderful friend Christine Proctor have, for years, donated countless hours and thousands of dollars to provide tombstones for unmarked graves (when the identity of the deceased is known) in both the North Shore cemeteries and in the Lauada Cemetery. They have also placed stones in other cemeteries throughout the county, including the Watkins Cemetery where the Deharts are buried.
Lawrence wished to purchase new stones for Ruffin and Susan, whose stones are crumbling and will soon be lost to time. In this way, their new granite markers will ensure their remembrance forever. I was very touched by this extremely generous gesture. After verifying the dates of birth and death of each, Lawrence ordered the stones. On a beautiful day in late summer, he made the trek to the Watkins Cemetery from his home in Farner, Tennessee, and Christine joined us for a reverent placement of the stones.
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| Photo by Wendy Meyers |
Thank you, Lawrence and Christine, for making certain that Ruffin and Susan's presence in this county is preserved for posterity. I love you both.
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| Photo by Wendy Meyers |
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| Photo by Wendy Meyers |