Dear editor,

The 2025 Bellflower School Reunion that was held on Oct. 18 was an enjoyable meeting of classmates from different time periods and who attended the school. Some alumni were from the high school era, while others were from grade school time. 

Thanks to Ted Hicks of Hicks Store of Bellflower for preparing a light lunch that everyone enjoyed and Jeff Arens of My Office Plus in Montgomery City was helpful in the mailouts to the alumni.

The reunion would not have been possible if it were not for the three people on the reunion committee, Becky Reagan, Wanda Sue Carter and Tom Oliver. Tom took over for his wife, Phyllis, who was on the committee, but unfortunately passed away. Tom did all of the legwork and coordination required for the reunion to take place. Many thanks to Tom for taking Phyllis’s place and his time and effort on her behalf. 

Two people were recognized for being the most senior in attendance, Mary Lee (Moore) Biven, age 96 years (graduated in 1947) and Opal Imogene (Varnon) Woods, age 98 years (graduated in 1945). Charles Gregory, Russell and Sue Winters, who were in the last high school graduating class in 1955, were in attendance. The last eighth-grade school graduating class was 1966. Bellflower grade school closed its doors in 2011.

Dean Baxter, who graduated in 1953, always surprises those in attendance with door prizes at the reunions that he makes with special care. Hand carving is a special skill that enjoys doing and giving as gifts to people. This reunion was a hand carved cardinal on a wood post. Thanks, and much appreciation to Dean, who is always there to give grace and to help when needed.

There were approximately 49 people in attendance at the 2025 Reunion, which is less than in past reunions. Over 30 alumni have passed since the last reunion with many more that were unable to locate. Reunion attendance were mostly seniors and past attendees, with very few young people who attended the school prior to closing in 1966. 

Time takes a toll on reunions; our Bellflower School Reunion is not exempt from this. Unfortunately, the Bellflower School Museum is closed. Karen Clark oversaw the museum, but it was closed after Karen passed away. She did a marvelous job and is sadly missed.

For those who have items in the museum and want them back, contact Brian Clark or Patty Ostmann at 573-564-2006 to access the building. The Reunion Committee has decided to pause planning future reunions until January 1, 2026. If that time there are no volunteers to continue with a renewed committee and with a plan for new memberships, we will end the reunions.

It will no longer be feasible to continue with just a handful of people. If anyone is interested in becoming involved, call Becky Reagan at 636-970-9945, Wanda Sue Carter at 314-973-1970 or James Clark at 904-923-5725.

James Clark