Preservation Rosebud open house reception welcomes RHS alumni

The 43rd annual Rosebud High School Golden Years reunion was held in Rosebud on Saturday, April 6, and members of Preservation Rosebud opened the museum for a reception to honor them. President Les Heugatter greeted the arriving guests.

Over 40 visitors mingled with friends and Preservation Rosebud members Les Heugatter, Fran Heugatter, James Prothro, Alfred Martinez, Marla Wallace, Greg Wallace, La Verne Withers, Joe Saunders, and Sharon Saunders.

Special guests were Coach Bobby Pollard and Lifetime Members Peggy Clark, Leola Komar, and Richard Schigut.                                                           

Mark Pelzel of The Rosebud News visited the main room and photographed displays. He recognized several family members in an album of newspaper clippings of local servicemen, a recent donation from Galen Huddleston. Thanks to Joe Saunders for coordinating this donation.

Other guests who signed in were: David and Linda Hensel Agee, Ken Hensel, Nan Hensel Bailey, Raymunda Luna Franks, John Henry Williams, Jr., Jason Saunders, Donald and Carole Schmidt, Kathy Parks Clayton, Jo-Carol Parks Fabianke, Don and Mary Lou Kasner, Carroll and Mary Warschak, Glenn Vitek, Ted and Sarah Jo Futschik Vitek, and Eddy Swanzy.

Several members of the Class of 1970, the last class to graduate from Rosebud High School, toured the museum. Glenn Stock and fellow members of the Class of 1964 were there, celebrating their 60th reunion. 

This open house tradition began in 2014 when Preservation Rosebud hosted the RHS honor class of 1964. Since then, this event has become a part of the reunion agenda, with tours of the building and a place to gather before the events at St. Anne’s Center begin.

It was Marla Zipperlen Wallace’s vision to open the museum to returning alumni. Now Preservation Rosebud plans to extend its hospitality to the Rosebud-Lott High School classes of ‘71, ‘72, ‘73 & ‘74 when they meet this summer for their 50+ reunion.

Refreshments for the reception included Marla Wallace’s signature buttermilk pound cake and espresso brownies, pumpkin bites, and rum cake from Artisan Alley. Iced lemon cake, donut squares, Italian wedding cake and iced tea were provided by James Prothro and Alfred Martinez. A special thanks to Matthew Wright for bringing the coffee set up and baked treats.

Sharon Saunders created a lovely arrangement of antique roses from her garden in Travis, Alfred Martinez brought a vase of fresh flowers for the main table, and Donald Zipperlen at Rosebud Feed and Grain provided several colorful arrangements for the entryway and buffet table. The outside urns held flower arrangements from Karen Wolf.

Peggy Clark and Caroline Akers Wright became the newest Lifetime Members. Leola Komar continued her ongoing support with a generous donation, and Nan Hensel Bailey renewed her yearly membership. 

Those wishing to donate to Preservation Rosebud may contact Treasurer Alfred Martinez at P. O. Box 792, Rosebud, Texas 76570. Lifetime Memberships are available for $200. Yearly memberships are $20. New members, donations, and volunteers are always welcome. Thanks to everyone who made this reunion such a success.