Sharon Fay Hitch

The following is a letter I received on January 5, 1995 from Darla (Hitch) Trenner and her sister Sharon (Hitch) Voelkers. It is a truly heart-warming thing that tells a story all by itself: --------- The most extraordinary thing has happened to me, and I want to thank you for your part in it. I was 3 years old, the youngest of three children, in 1952 when my father died. Throughout the years I thought it was strange that we had no contact with my father's family, but when I'd question my mother, it was obvious that it troubled and saddened her to talk about it. Since I did not want to add to her burdens, I simply stopped asking. But I never stopped wondering. I was 22 when I learned that Dad had been previously married and had a son . . . I had a half-brother! I remember being so excited at the time; however, I was busy with the seemingly important things in my life . . . and as it will, time marched on. Suddenly, in August of 1990, my world stopped. My mother died. In talking with my brother, I found out our half-brother lived in Ohio in the 1980's. Again, time went on . . . abruptly stopping in September of 1994 when my brother died. My sister and I discovered the name and address of our half-brother and talked about contacting him; it was such a very difficult time for us, we simply weren't ready. The first of your newsletters was addressed to my brother and forwarded to me after his death. I very much enjoyed the glimpse into my father's family and wrote to you stating that my brother was deceased and asking that you continue mailing them to me. I included your newsletters while packing to visit my sister for Christmas this year, thinking only that she would enjoy reading them as much as I did. Obviously, it was the catalyst we needed. When we recognized our half-brother's name in the 'Acknowledgments' section of the Spring 1995 issue we decided to call him. The emotional roller-coaster was incredible. Did he know of us? Had he tried to find us? Would he even want to talk to us? Did he care? After the questions, tears, and laughter . . . the answer was YES. I can't begin to describe the sheer joy we felt at speaking with him; we are busy gathering pictures to send, eagerly awaiting his first letter, and being extremely appreciative to have the opportunity to know him. We wish to express our gratitude to you for helping us find him, and for the exceptional timing of your newsletter.

Sincerely,

Darla Trenner and Sharon Voelkers

Lineage:
Francis Marion Hitch (12/05/05-?/?/52)
Treva Lillian Powell (8/27/10-8/1/90)
Lawrence Marion Hitch (3/1/36-9/4/94)
Sharon Fay (Hitch) Voelkers (b.7/26/46)
Darla Marie (Hitch) Trenner (b.3/3/49)
Half-brother: Dr. Francis M. Hitch ---------------------

Sharon married Michael Raymond James Bedford on 13 May 1966 in Davenport, Scott Co., IA.¹ (Michael Raymond James Bedford was born on 30 Jul 1944 in Davenport, Scott Co., IA ¹.)

Sharon next married Richard Allen Voelkers on 22 Jun 1981 in Davenport, Scott Co., IA.¹