We knew this day would come

Editor,

We knew the day was coming someday, and I have dreaded if for a long time; but now it is finally here. Dodie Evans is retiring from the paper.

You have been in the newspaper business for more than 60 years, most of that chronicling Gravette. You have watched many changes in the business community over the years. You were also there when we suffered economically. You were there when a lot of us were born. You watched us graduate from high school and observed our proposals and weddings. In fact, you performed some of the weddings as a part of your second job as Justice of the Peace.

You watched as we got our first jobs, and you watched as we started our own families. And, of course, you watched as we grew old and some went to their final resting places. You took ink to paper and recorded all of these events in our lives -- the serious, the victories and the tragedies.

When we read the paper each week, we realized why we lived in Gravette. Many people who moved away still receive the paper and they carry the news with them about the great place that Gravette is. And this is largely thanks to you, Dodie.

Some of your stories made us laugh. We smiled at your effort to find a use for the sweet gum tree balls. We read of your battles with rabbits, bugs and deer which attacked your garden.

You were also serious on many issues -- the danger of driving without headlights on rainy days. You chided us when we acted badly, but you did it with a gentle word -- never hateful or mean spirited.

I think, in your writing, you collectively reflected the heart and soul of this town and the people who live here.

We are sorry this day has finally arrived -- not just for us but for all of Gravette. We do wish you the very best and hope that every day of your life will be as special for you and Louise as you have been to us.

Thanks for the memories!

Bob and Sandy Kelly

Michael Kelly

Kent, Kathleen, Kently and Kelsey Baker

Gravette

Editorial on 06/18/2014