We stayed in touch through cards and letters over the years, with our family looking forward to her annual Christmas card/year recap letter. She was so gracious to open her home to us and to be our official tour guide of the DC area during our stay. Mary Kaye was in Maryland at that time and my mother and I got to stay with her while my dad worked. I had the opportunity to attend the citizenship cross country trip, during the summer of my 6th grade year, as part of the family traveling with my Dad who was leader for that trip. She and my father worked together in similar roles as they were both launching their 4-H Leadership careers. I have been blessed to know Mary Kaye for over 45 years, through 4-H, and her work with the National 4-H Organization. With love and respect always, Brian Wadlington. May the Lord our God bless you and keep you safe always and forever. Upon my own mom’s passing in 2021, Mrs Branning sent me a card in the mail, condolences from the family. She always had a smile on her face and was always so kind to me. Branning and her strength! I also remember listening to her on Sunday afternoons as the Chicago Bears played, yelling at the players on the TV. She stood over us and said, “Mark, I am not a taxi service for your friends!” lol! After that I had a great appreciation for Mrs. Finally it got to be about 8pm and Mark asked his mom if she could drive me home. It was a Friday night and we were wrapped up in video games. My fondest memory is when I took the bus home with Mark. I’ll never forget our hours-long conversations of our political standpoints while Mark waited patiently for us to stop butting heads. Vince was our Son-in-Law who was loved as a Son & will forever be missed & remembered! Will never forget all the hunts that Vince graciously invited us, Dominic & Jimmy as well as our friends & family, to enjoy the feel of nature Millbrook Hunt Club, Our adventures included White Sox Spring Training Camps in AZ, Mecum Auto Auctions, Lake Geneva & South Haven Weekend Adventures. This was usually followed by flying across the countryside on his Quads & great chats in the barn about our yard projects for the coming week. Our nice weather activity was mowing on either Saturday or Sunday.Vince on his zero radius mowing & me on the tractor, we referred ourselves as the Mowing Swat Team.

It was common to go out to Dinner with Vince & Tristen (driving in Vince's 'Big Ass Truck' as Tristen described it) a couple times a week and then, going to their home on Sunday to cook out, usually regardless of the weather. We were indeed fortunate to have Vince in our Life & Family.

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