I had the pleasure of being a neighbor and friend with Hovey White during our childhood and teenage years in Waverly, Morgan County, Indiana. We were nearly the same age, and in a small town everyone knew each other. There was a group of us kids, and Hovey certainly was a big part of that group. At one time we had a "crush" on each other.

I remember Hovey as a fun person to be with; she always had a pleasant disposition and was outgoing with others. She was family oriented and watched out for her siblings.

Besides other activities, our group had a favorite "swimming hole" in a nearby creek, where most of us learned to swim. Hovey was right there with the rest of us, laughing, having fun, enjoying ourselves, yet always on the lookout for the occasional water moccasin we had to share the swimming hole with! When one of us saw a snake the alert was sounded. It was everyone out of the water, let the snake swim through, then everyone back into the water! None of us were ever bitten.

Too soon our teenage years came to a close and life sent us in different directions. I clearly recall my last talk with Hovey. Our good bye included promises to keep in touch and go out on another date real soon. I never saw Hovey again but often thought of her, the fun we had as kids, and hoped she had a happy life.

What I remember most about Hovey White is her positive personality and her genuine and frequent smiles. My sincere hope is that I will see her again one day.

Dan Stropes