Preservation Rosebud Welcomes Alumni

The third annual Rosebud- Lott 50+ Reunion for the Classes of ‘71, ‘72, ‘73, ‘74 and ‘75 was held in Rosebud on Saturday, August 2, 2025, and members of Preservation Rosebud opened the museum for a morning reception to honor them. President Les Heugatter greeted the arriving guests.

Visitors toured the museum, reconnected with friends, and took pictures while sitting on a very popular addition to the display area - a beautiful antique settee recently donated by James Prothro and Alfred Martinez. It is perfect for chatting with friends or pausing to enjoy exhibits.

Karan Kilgore, R-L Class of ‘74, and Marla Wallace, R-L Class of ‘73, reminisced while spending time looking at displays. Joining them were Preservation Rosebud Lifetime Member JoCarol Fabianke and her sister Kathy Clayton,

Photo courtesy of Fran Heugatter

R-L Class of ‘73, known to Preservation Rosebud members as “The Parks Girls.” Tim Kirkscey, R-L Class of ‘71, talked with Les Heugatter about the Kirkscey Locker Plant in Rosebud.

Marla Wallace’s signature buttermilk pound cake, a tradition for all Preservation Rosebud events and meetings, had a reserved spot on the buffet table. Coffee and chilled water were also served. Thanks to Ken Hensel for supplying the ice. Many hands were busy preparing the building for the guests.

Members who came for the Friday workday were: James Prothro, Les Heugatter, Fran Heugatter, Ken Hensel, Greg Wallace, Marla Wallace, and Joe Saunders.

Internationally known local artist Sharon Saunders added beauty to the black and gold reception table with an arrangement of sunflowers and witch grass in an emerald green vase. These flowers were chosen from her yard in Travis.

Vicki Pomykal Deshazo, President of the Rosebud-Lott Reunion Committee and R-L Class of ‘71, visited with volunteers on the August 1 workday to check on progress for the reception.

This open house tradition of hospitality began in 2014 when Preservation Rosebud hosted Rosebud High School’s Honor Class of ‘64. It was Marla Zipperlen Wallace’s vision for a reception at the museum to provide a place for returning alumni to gather before their reunion. Those traveling distances could come to Rosebud, enjoy refreshments, and mingle with friends. This event has continued through the years, and now that Rosebud-Lott graduates have begun having 50+ reunions, Preservation Rosebud will continue welcoming “The Original Cougars.”

These Preservation Rosebud members opened the museum: Les Heugatter, Fran Heugatter, Greg Wallace, Marla Wallace, Ken Hensel, Caroline Akers Wright, Joe Saunders, and Sharon Saunders.

Special thanks to volunteers Nancy Lorenz and Khloe Lorenz, R-L Class of ‘30.

Lifetime memberships to Preservation Rosebud are available for $200. Yearly memberships are $20.

New members, donations, and volunteers are always welcome. Those wishing to join or contribute may contact Treasurer Alfred Martinez at P.O. Box 792, Rosebud, TX 76570.

Preservation Rosebud operates solely from grants, individual contributions, and volunteerism. Please join us and over fifty life members in our commitment to preserving Rosebud’s history.

Thanks to everyone who made the reunion reception such a success.

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