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Now in its 20th year, Clark Funeral Home’s Widow to Widow program has been helping women regain their footing after the death of their husband.
On Wednesday, the group celebrated its 20th year with a luncheon and reception at the Neosho United Methodist Church Christian Life Center.
According to Tina Hierholzer, who founded the group with her mother-in-law, Sue Clark, the group began in the fall of 1988 with eight women and 100 women on the mailing list for a monthly newsletter.
Today, the group boasts an active membership of 35 to 40 people who attend twice-monthly meetings on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, as well as about 100 members who attend annual Thanksgiving and Christmas luncheons. Several hundred women receive the monthly newsletter.
The group is perhaps best known for its day trips to various destinations, such as Branson and Tulsa, Okla., as well as other regional points of interest, such as performances at the Coleman Theatre in Miami, Okla.
“Membership in the group is free and there are no dues,” Hierholzer said. “The trips are optional and we try to keep the costs for the trips down. And it’s a real upbeat group. Our main focus is to offer support and friendship. We hope it goes for another 20 years.”
Members are encouraged to bring a partner, a friend, or a sister along for the trips. Hierholzer said women do not need to be a member to attend.
Although her husband, Joe, is alive, well and working as an over-the-road truck driver, Peggy Farmer said she has been on three Widow to Widow trips and enjoyed each one. At Wednesday’s luncheon, she talked about a recent excursion to the Coleman Theatre in Miami to see “Riders of the Purple Sage,” an old-time country / western group.
But the club also offers advice as well. One of the behind-the-scenes services is providing members with a variety of workshops on subjects ranging from legal matters to car repair to personal finance. People knowledgeable in those fields are brought in to speak on their areas of expertise and to offer advice.
But Hierholzer said the advice hasn’t been one way.
“I’ve gotten some wonderful advice over the years,” she said. “I appreciate each and every one of them and appreciate their support.”
During their 15th anniversary, Widow to Widow produced a cookbook of members’ recipes. And Hierholzer said many friendships have been formed as a result of the group.
For more information on the group, please contact Hierholzer at Clark Funeral Home, 451-2345.
Now in its 20th year, Clark Funeral Home’s Widow to Widow program has been helping women regain their footing after the death of their husband.
On Wednesday, the group celebrated its 20th year with a luncheon and reception at the Neosho United Methodist Church Christian Life Center.
According to Tina Hierholzer, who founded the group with her mother-in-law, Sue Clark, the group began in the fall of 1988 with eight women and 100 women on the mailing list for a monthly newsletter.
Today, the group boasts an active membership of 35 to 40 people who attend twice-monthly meetings on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, as well as about 100 members who attend annual Thanksgiving and Christmas luncheons. Several hundred women receive the monthly newsletter.
The group is perhaps best known for its day trips to various destinations, such as Branson and Tulsa, Okla., as well as other regional points of interest, such as performances at the Coleman Theatre in Miami, Okla.
“Membership in the group is free and there are no dues,” Hierholzer said. “The trips are optional and we try to keep the costs for the trips down. And it’s a real upbeat group. Our main focus is to offer support and friendship. We hope it goes for another 20 years.”
Members are encouraged to bring a partner, a friend, or a sister along for the trips. Hierholzer said women do not need to be a member to attend.
Although her husband, Joe, is alive, well and working as an over-the-road truck driver, Peggy Farmer said she has been on three Widow to Widow trips and enjoyed each one. At Wednesday’s luncheon, she talked about a recent excursion to the Coleman Theatre in Miami to see “Riders of the Purple Sage,” an old-time country / western group.
But the club also offers advice as well. One of the behind-the-scenes services is providing members with a variety of workshops on subjects ranging from legal matters to car repair to personal finance. People knowledgeable in those fields are brought in to speak on their areas of expertise and to offer advice.
But Hierholzer said the advice hasn’t been one way.
“I’ve gotten some wonderful advice over the years,” she said. “I appreciate each and every one of them and appreciate their support.”
During their 15th anniversary, Widow to Widow produced a cookbook of members’ recipes. And Hierholzer said many friendships have been formed as a result of the group.
For more information on the group, please contact Hierholzer at Clark Funeral Home, 451-2345.
