Two Fridays, two funerals, and two great ladies

By Rory Ryan
The Highland County Press

On Friday, Aug. 30, I attended a beautiful farewell service at St. Peter and St. Paul Church on Queen City Avenue in Cincinnati for my mother-in-law, Judith Graham.

Pastor Teri Lynn Stackhouse did a wonderful job with the ceremony for Judy. The same goes for my wife, Pam, and son, Colin, both of whom spoke at the service. Hardly a dry eye in the house. I did not cry, because I don't; but I saw a lot of folks reaching for the tissues.

Pam and I were married in "Judy's Church." So were our daughter, Meghan, and her husband, Jeff.

Judy and Jim Graham were members of the church on Cincinnati's west side for half a century or more. For many years, they volunteered for everything that needed a volunteer.

For the 42 years that I've known my in-laws, I can't recall ever having an argument or a cross word. In fact, my father-in-law has often thanked me for "taking Pam off my hands."

That's rich.

At Judy's funeral, Jim thanked me for always taking care of Pam. At Arlington Memorial Gardens in Mount Healthy, Jim reached out for a handshake, as we often exchanged. 

I told him: "Jim, a handshake just won't do it." 

We hugged, probably for the first time in four decades. And I told him that Pam has been taking pretty good care of me. We love you, Jim. Judy will be waiting for you – and all of us.

* * *

On Friday, Sept. 6, I attended funeral services for the one and only Rita K. Blankenship at St. Mary Catholic Church in Hillsboro.

Until I read Rita K.'s obituary, I did not know that she was born in Portsmouth. Since I worked in Portsmouth for a couple years, I found that interesting.

Like my wife, Rita was a registered nurse at Highland District Hospital for many years.

My association with Rita was almost 100-percent related to my association with her husband, Ernie B. Blankenship. I knew Ernie in the 1970s from playing baseball in Hillsboro. In 1980, Ernie hired me at Rotary Forms Press, Inc. in Hillsboro.

I was asked to speak at the 50th wedding anniversary of Ernie and Rita at the Hillsboro Elks Lodge. I remember thanking Rita for letting Ernie "be Ernie." She just laughed, with a knowing smile.

Rita was the perfect match for Ernie, just as Judy was the perfect match for Jim.

They were both spiritual and religious ladies, who lived for faith and family.

Their families are all the better because of them.

So are their churches and communities.

Without a doubt, they have been welcomed to a better place. I am glad to have known both of them.

Rory Ryan is publisher and owner of The Highland County Press.