Dorothy and L. N.

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DOROTHY DAWSON graduated from the Ford KS High School. Shortly afterward, she married Lenes Norton (L. N.) Close. They together served their home communities with the opening of a grocery store in Ford, Ford Co., Kansas. It was well-known for the fine produce which was trucked in to this small community town. Later the family moved to the Oklahoma City area where Lenes became involved with the wholesale/brokerage side of the grocery business.

Dorothy was a wonderful homemaker and enjoyed her flowers and family.

Together Dorothy and L. N. made it possible for the families to have many family times of sharing childhood days back in Kansas.

They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 1996. Their three sons and families surprised them at the home of Bob and Barbara Close. Many guests attended the occasion-- both local and out-of-state family and friends.

ODE TO DOROTHY AND L. N.
By an unnamed sister of Dorothy

Each year as New Year's rolls around
Most everyone knows where this family can be found.
They come from far -- they come from near,
And very often the whole clan is here.

It isn't to be a surprise -- or at least but for few
And oft times the biggest surprise is on you,
Soon as Christmas is over your telephone rings
And sisters, and nephews, and nieces and "kings" --
Start asking, "Where are we going for New Year's this year"?
And after much calling -- you always say, "Come here".

We know you've just come through Christmas with activity galore
Your decorations may be down -- but still all over the floor.
You've shopped for months on end to make the whole rounds
But now the joy of the family gathering on New Year's abounds.

They say Christmas is for kids as well it should be
But the New Year's Reunion is for "Old Kids Like Me".
There's no way you can beat it -- looks like you are trapped
'Cause young and old chime in that "This just can't be scrapped".

They may need to make a trip out of town
But if you think they won't be back for New Year's -- you're acting a clown.
The doctor may order one to bed with pneumonia --
But they vow they won't miss this -- so immediately phone ya!--
To say "Count us in" -- I've been ordered to bed
But if Doc think I'll miss this -- he's sick in the head.

There are parades and ball games -- and more ball games to watch
And visiting and visiting -- that takes time -- "a lotz".
There are hilarious stories that we've heard o'er and o'er
And each time with the telling they're funnier than before.

To say nothing of the food that each one hauls in --
We eat and enjoy it until it's a sin.
We're known by all for our "Closeness" you know
And occasions like this is what makes it so.

So now you see that because you're so dear
To all of the family throughout the whole year
You're the victims of circumstance -- like it or not
So God Bless both of you -- we love you A LOT.

New Year's 1975
Author not Revealed!