Dennis Speicher, In Memorium

Posted on November 28, 2010 by Cindy

My nephew, Dennis Speicher, died in a tragic accident on November 13.

I have included his obituary and link to the video played at his memorial service.

March 4, 1968 - November 13, 2010

Dennis Speicher, age 42, of Denton, Texas, passed away November 13, 2010. Dennis was born March 4, 1968 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. He was a heavy machine technician, an avid outdoorsman and was a member of the NRA as well as a staunch Republican. He enjoyed hunting, camping, fishing, and four-wheeling, animals, his pets, and nephews.

He is survived by his mother and father, Susan and Steven Startz of New Braunfels, Texas; sister, Lori L. Gunningham of McKinney, Texas; nephews Aidan Gunningham and Liam Gunningham; grandparents Andrew and Arlene McCauley of Cloudcroft, New Mexico and Willard and Elaine Startz of New Braunfels, Texas; several aunts, uncles, and cousins; and his dog, Drake and his cat, Rowdy.

He was preceded in death by his father, Dennis Lee Speicher in 2004, and his grandparents, Margaret and Robert Speicher. A memorial service was held on Wednesday, November 17, 2010 in Allen, Texas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to SPCA of Texas, www.spca.org.I

Click here on his name to see the video: Dennis Speicher

Congratulations, Shani and John!

Posted on August 9, 2010 by Cindy

The recent wedding of my niece was wonderful on all counts! Of course, it is always great to spend time with my sisters, who are hands-down absolutely my best friends and who I do not get to see often enough.

And, in the days prior to and after the wedding, I noshed my way through my old hometown favorite foods, like an Em’s Original Torpedo, Murphy’s wings, Shaffer’s teaberry ice cream, Gibbles potato chips, AND topped all that off with my brother-in-law Ken’s fantastic grilled steak dinner, which made my taste buds and tummy extremely happy!

I got to visit with my extended family and I went to the cemetery to see Mom and Dad and Dennis. I did the covered bridges tour and visited Gravity Hill with Carrie and Pam (which will be written about in future blog posts). And, we shopped at Boscov’s, a very cool department store where you always leave thinking you have found a bargain!

But, the highlight of this long weekend spent in western Pennsylvania, my whole purpose in being there, was for Shani and John’s wedding.

: John and Shani May 29, 2010

(Photo copyrighted by Kelley P. Smallman Photography)

To Shani and John,

It was a lovely wedding and reception! Thank you for sharing your day and showing your guests a wonderful time! I watched the two of you laugh a lot together on your wedding day, and I thought to myself that YES, laughter is the secret to a long lasting loving relationship. And, so my wish for you both, on your journey through this life together, is that you always make each other laugh!

Oh, and in 20 years or so, when you have your Renewal of Vows Ceremony, be sure to invite me!

A sister vacation remembered

Posted on May 23, 2010 by Cindy

This weekend I will see my sisters. No, it’s not the yearly sister vacation, but we will be together at my niece’s wedding. I haven’t seen my sisters since last summer and I can’t wait to be with them, even though this trip is going to be a very short one for me. I am hoping we can plan the next sister vacation while we are together, and I hope we can do one before this year is over!

I came across a few photos from our 2008 sister vacation in Colorado.

This is us, ready to begin our whitewater rafting adventure. From left to right, front row are Jason, me and Linda. On the back row are Gary, Bonnie and Pam. Our guide for this trip was Kemper. He is Pam and Gary's friend and always ready to go rafting!