As many of you may know my friend and partner of many years, Benita Keller left us on October 28. I am deeply indebted to all those who came together and helped turn a tragedy into a celebration.

Thanks to Sylvia and Brian Ellsworth, Mary Beth, Trish and Jeff, Cookie and Chuck Vargoson, Linda Shea, Susan, Kathryn Burns, Todd Cotgrieve, Bill Veldran (Chablis) and all the rest who worked so hard without even thinking about it. It just seemed to come out naturally with everybody working together, making a very daunting task into a seamless operation. Thanks to Sam Jonatta, Lisa Lafferty, Don Oesher, Steve Kemp, Anita Thomas, Cam Miller and all the rest of the musicians who led the procession to the cemetery.

A special ‘thank you’ goes out to Randy Tremba, who spent many hours with Benita’s daughter, Sarah, to make the ceremony exactly right and then officiated with his unique style. Benita once told Randy that he has to outlive us all, so he can do the ceremonies. Unfortunately, that came to pass all too soon.

Mostly, I want to thank all of you who came to our house to celebrate the life of Benita. It was very gratifying for me, for all the love and support that came my way. Thanks everybody!

Steve Parker, of Shepherdstown