The Pinecone

Our Beautiful Rose

The word “rose” has several meanings. It is often used as a name in a song or a poem, or, a category of flower. Generally, when we hear the name, we think of something pretty, sweet, or, romantic. To know Rose Strange is to sense the essence of sweetness, kindness and beauty of soul. No doubt her happy childhood, successful marriage of 60 years and the rearing of three wonderful children defined “the Rose” we know today-“Our Rose of Kirby Pines”.

Rose Strange (nee Scott) was born at Methodist Hospital on November 15, 1928 and spent most of her life in Memphis. The family moved to Marked Tree, Arkansas, when Rose was in the second grade and lived there for 6-7 years. Small town living and school life was different but very enjoyable. Rose sums up her childhood this way: “I had a wonderful family with a great sister and brother and a Mom and Dad who loved each other for 60 years. Our family life was always peaceful, fun and loving.

At age 5, Rose was diagnosed with polio and the family was quarantined for a period of time. Fortunately, Rose had the attention of the well-respected pediatrician, Dr. Tom Mitchell, who came to their home and taught her father how to exercise and massage the affected leg. Rose recovered fully after her father dutifully followed the instructions.

Rose graduated from Bellevue Jr. High and Central High School, then enrolled at Memphis State University. There, during her sophomore year, she met her future husband, Ralph Strange. They were married on February 25, 1949. Their first child, Diane, was followed by another daughter, Julie and a son, Ralph III. The family lived in Whitehaven for many years and according to Rose, “the children seemed to think that Southland Mall was built for them! There was always a yard full of children playing”. Her husband Ralph traveled in his work but found time to build a water fountain for them. Rose and her husband were active in the National Iris Society and were recognized for their hybridized irises. Their garden was so outstanding that visitors from the National Iris Society visited by busloads when the convention was in Memphis. They also raised and showed German Shepherd dogs. The iris gardens and the dog shows were always a family endeavor. They required “lots of hard work but were also lots of fun”.

The family moved to Arlington, Texas, for a few years and was there when President Kennedy was killed. They also lived outside Batesville, Mississippi at one time and enjoyed the country living. There, their iris garden was also a tour site for the Iris Society. However, collectively, the family lived in Memphis the majority of time. One of the most favorite things for the family to do while living in Memphis was to fish in Sardis Lake.

Rose moved to Kirby Pines in 2010, following the death of her husband Ralph in 2009. Rose said that on her first visit she knew that Kirby was her new home. The first thing Rose appreciated at Kirby Pines was the peace and quiet after a tumultuous period of medical emergencies with her husband’s illness. She says of Kirby Pines, “I love the staff and there is always something to do”.

Music has always been important to Rose. She took piano lessons for several years and has shared her talent by playing for Vespers and piano duets on several occasions. Also, since moving to Kirby Pines, Rose has been a member of the singing group, The Entertainers. She has this to say about the experience: “The Entertainers have been an important part of my life here. The hard work and love of music by this group always results in a good program. There is nothing like the anticipation as the curtain opens and you see the large, appreciative audience waiting.

Soon after moving to Kirby, Rose was introduced to a card game “Joker”. Thus began weekly meetings “with a great group of people and which took place no matter what!” Rose also enjoys Bingo, and other card games, reading and watching her favorite soap operas and Masterpiece Theater on WKNO.

Rose feels fortunate to have among her family, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Rose has always been active in the Methodist Church, formerly involved in the Women’s Missionary Circle and teaching young people. She is currently a member of Emmanuel Methodist Church but considers Chaplain Don and Cheryl Johnson’s ministry at Kirby Pines “close to my heart”.

To know Rose Strange is to love her. The only unkind thing to be said of her is that she, reportedly, can “be quite mean” when playing cards! When asked what the future holds for her, she replied, “I want to continue to enjoy my friends and the fun I have at Kirby Pines, but I also have a date with DeDe Scott to go fishing when we meet in Heaven”. Way to plan, Rose!

An unknown author has said, “Someone with inner beauty will live forever, like the essence of a rose”.

Written by Joan Dodson, Resident, Kirby Pines

A Lifetime of Adventure

Imagine that you have traveled to 7 continents and in excess of 70 countries. Imagine a successful marriage, profession and the rearing of 3 children. Such are the experiences of Dale and Peter Jones. Their life together chronicles so many adventures and experiences it is difficult to condense. Here are only the highlights of their lives:

Dale (nee McBride) was born in Alexandria, Louisiana in 1944. Her high education studies began by attending Texas Women’s University in Denton, TX. Although TWU only accepted women students at that time, Dale was invited by the U.S. Marine Corps to join and “become a leader of men”. She was tempted to accept the offer! Returning home after 2 years, Dale enrolled in Louisiana Tech, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. in Food and Nutrition. She then began a dietetic internship at Duke University. While there, fate stepped in and on a blind date, met the one to become her life partner, Peter Jones. Following a year of courtship, they were married in September, 1967.

Peter Jones was born in Palmerston North, New Zealand in 1940. Following high school, he began his studies in chemistry at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. Following the awarding of both a B.S. and an M.S. in chemistry, Peter was awarded a Fulbright- Hays scholarship for graduate studies at Duke University, eventually earning a PhD in Biochemistry.

During Peter’s academic climb, Dale worked as a dietitian at Duke University. Following graduation, they moved to Tucson, Arizona where Peter had accepted a post-graduate fellowship at the U of Arizona College of Medicine. Dale worked as a clinical dietitian. 18 months later they traveled on a 3 week voyage to Wellington, New Zealand where Peter had accepted a position at his alma mater. While there, Dale gave birth to their first child, Stephen. An interesting story in itself, Dale gave birth in the Salvation Army Home for Unwed Mothers. Fortunately, they accommodated private patients in a special section of the home.

In 1972, Dale and Peter returned to the U.S. and Memphis, TN. Peter had accepted a position as Assistant Professor of Biochemistry at UTCHS. At UT, he was actively involved in curriculum development for the College of Medicine and served for many years on the Admissions Committee. Peter became a naturalized citizen of the U.S. in 2006 and after 35 years at UT, retired as Professor of Molecular Science in 2007.

Dale and Peter became parents to 2 other children, Katherine and Phillip, after moving to Memphis. Dale’s career moved from being a full-time mother to being a pre-school teacher and eventually moving back into a clinical dietitian position until retirement. She was involved in church activities as well as the Cub and Girl Scouts. When the children became old enough to travel, frequent trips were made to New Zealand to visit grandparents and family members. However, following retirement, most of Dale and Peter’s travels occurred. How exotic are visits to countries like Mongolia, Tibet, Antarctica and a safari in Kenya? One of their favorite trips was celebrating their 45th anniversary, on the actual date of their anniversary, in an authentic village of Old Believers near Ulan-Ude in Siberia. Dale and Peter performed in a simulated Siberian ceremony acting as bride and groom and wearing authentic Costumes.

Peter has had an interest in Rugby (New Zealand’s National sport) since early childhood. Thus began an almost 70 year involvement in the sport, from player to becoming one of the top 5 referees in the U.S. He was recently inducted into the Memphis Rugby Hall of Fame. Dale and Peter now have 4 grandchildren, all of whom lived in Colorado at the time they began looking at retirement communities. They didn’t like the idea of cold winters and finding a Garden Home that met all of their needs, they moved into Kirby Pines in early 2019.

Since moving to Kirby, Dale and Peter have been involved in many activities. Peter says “yes” to almost anything asked to do. They enjoy the Book Baggers, Saturday Trivia, the Travelers Group and walking around the campus. Peter walks 4 to 5 miles daily, sometimes in the Oasis. Dale participates in water aerobics, Arthritis Sit & Stand, Needle Arts Group and Line Dancing.

Dale and Peter are members of Woodland Presbyterian Church where Peter serves as one of the trustees and Dale gives the Bible study in the monthly Women of the Church Circle.

Both Peter and Dale state that the proudest accomplishment for them is raising and educating 3 talented children, all of whom are gainfully employed in chosen professions and who are now raising and educating their own,. Peter adds, “I am very fortunate that I’ve been married for almost 53 years to the same wonderful lady”. Dale says, “I’m blessed that I am married to a delightful, steady, faithful, never boring man who led me to places I never would have gone and introduced me to an outside world I never dreamed was there.” To meet and engage in conversation with this wonderful couple is a joyful experience. Their willingness to participate and serve in various activities has made them a welcomed addition to Kirby Pines.

Written by Joan Dodson, Resident, Kirby Pines