by Cloann McNall
A couple of weeks ago I attended a retirement party for a longtime friend, Judy (Stewart) Overberg of Clarkston, formerly of Orofino.
Judy moved to Orofino from Mississippi in 1977, eight years after my arrival here and we established a friendship that has spanned 30 years.
The friendship continued to grow even though she moved to Lewiston in 1988 and went to work at Potlatch.
I recall many happy times with Judy and her family. When she first moved to Orofino she owned and operated a beauty shop in the Burns building and would come into the Clearwater Tribune on business. This is where I first met her.
Later we both attended the Orofino Baptist Church and at that time our two teenage daughters Demetra Stewart and Marcie McNall were into horses.
We boarded Marcie’s horse at the Stewart place on Upper Fords Creek and were guests at dinner many times at the Stewart home.
One thing I remember vividly is how the full moon looked shining through the tall pines at the Stewart place. When weather allowed guests would stay outside where the Stewarts would cook a delicious fare of southern catfish and white perch.
It is strange how two spirits can bond and the bond will continue through the years and many changes. Demetra and Marcie are grown and established in their careers. Demetra as a nurse and Marcie as a publisher.
Judy recently embarked on a new life when she married this fall and moved to Clarkston, and retired two weeks ago.
Seeing the beautiful full moon this week brought back memories of happy times spent with Judy’s family and mine. Time passes but true friendship remains.
(Many will remember Judy Stewart as author of the cookbook Nuggets of Gold, featuring favorite recipes of Orofino residents.)