Retta Murdy Peer

is honored with a Brick from Kay Peer LaGree.

Retta Roberta Murdy was born on June 9, 1914, in a rural farmhouse in Barton County, Kansas to George and Jennie McDonald Murdy. She passed away September 14, 1996 in Wichita, Kansas, She was 82 years old.

I am reminded of my mother when I listen to music of the 40's and see footage of films made during the days of World War II. I remember mother when I see old-fashion flowers of the variety that my grandmother had in her garden on the farm. A memorable trait was her laughter, her sense of humor and love of life. The photos of her from younger days on the farm playing, swimming with friends, or riding her horse illustrated her love of life, a free spirit and always ready to try and do new things.

After high school, mother went to school in Hays, Kansas. She then taught all grades in a country school outside of Great Bend, Kansas and lived with a farm family. She married my father, Philip E. Peer, on April 19, 1936 and had two children, myself and my brother, Phil. During the war years, my family moved to Wichita where she lived the rest of her life.

Mother spent her early married days taking care of my dad and her children. In the 50's, she went to work for a local bank. In her position at the bank, she dealt with customers and was well known for her professional and friendly manner in helping people.

At 60, her judgment and decision making were questioned. On her 62nd birthday, she retired. It appeared that the beginning stages of Alzheimer's Disease was rearing its ugly head. Although the disease was discovered by a German physician around 1903, Alzheimer's was not a disease that many laymen were familiar with in the 70's. It was not until my father and I read the same article in the newspaper about a husband dealing with his wife's condition that we decided the symptoms were very similar to what had been happening to Mother.

My father was able to care for her in the home for 10 years and then it was apparent, after consultation with her physician, that long-term care for her was required. She lived at the Wichita Presbyterian Manor for 9 1/2 years.

I only wish that her dementia had not attacked her mind at such a young age--the age that I am now approaching. Not as young as some, but much too young to have thoughts and memories go so quickly out of one's head. Too young not to have enjoyed the pleasures of her retirement years and too young to "always be afraid," as she once told me. She would not have wanted to live her later years in this manner, but sometimes we have no control over what God asks us to endure.

It was not until the day of her funeral that I realized we were both born in the same rural farmhouse, without running water and electricity, in 1914 and 1938. Mother was a source of pride to me. I felt we had a bond between us that endured throughout our days and years together. We were much alike, in spirit, in values, and in beliefs. I will miss her forever and think of her every day and thank her for giving me life to enjoy and appreciate.

Submitted by Kay Peer LaGree

September 12, 1998