Time and Chance

Last updated: 7/1/2023

I have seen something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all.  
- Ecclesiastes 9:11

My posts Al: Remember Me and Al's Place began this whole project. It started as a personal web site, then morphed and grew into this blog, Mona's Memos. 

I feel compelled to add to the list of losses [as mentioned in other blog posts]: my own dear mother, Blanche Haddix Landrum, who died in August 2011. Even though her final years were quite difficult, I still miss her terribly every day. See my post, Mom's Legacy, and various other posts about the Haddix family. She is pictured here (in pink) with her lovely sister, Dove Haddix Margenau; Aunt Dove passed in 2023. 

Another tough loss was my brother James Alan Landrum in October 2013. That tragedy is still too raw; I have not managed to write about him yet. Suffice it say for now that he was the most wonderful, the most loved and adored brother a girl ever had. 

See other blog posts about my dear cousins Jamie Ann Landrum and Sue (Gross) Hoag, who died within a week of each other in 2010. In 2010-2011, within a year and a half, five dear, sweet, fifty-something ladies of around my own age were lost very suddenly and unexpectedly. I miss them all, each in their own special way, and grieve for all of their families and friends. 

I often find myself about to stop for a visit, pick up the phone, or send a note to one or another... then stop. Not there. Yes, I will always cherish and be thankful for the memories, fun, and family ties we shared, but there will always be a raw, empty spot in my heart for each and every one.

Robyn Cyd (Freeman) Clark 

A beloved cousin who shared many summer holidays: 

DAYTON, OH - Robyn Clark, age 54, of Beavercreek, passed away on Wednesday, July 6, 2011, after a fiercely courageous battle against breast cancer. She was an inspiration, comfort and strength to many afflicted with this disease. 

Robyn was preceded in death by her father, Floyd Freeman, and brother, Dennis Freeman. She is survived by her husband of 20 years, Jeff Clark; mother, Anna Mae (Landrum) Freeman; sister and brother in-law, Michelle and Stuart Williams; nieces, Ashley and Melanie Neuner; father and mother-in-law, Marvin and Nancy Clark; sister and brother-in-law, Lori and James Dishman; nephews, Dillon and Devon Dishman; her favorite little girls, Keiaira and Ariana; her furry babies, Elvis, Priscilla, Rufus, and Samba; special friends Becky, Mary Kay and Lise; Noble Circle Sisters, NOLA Sisters; her friends in the chemo room, at Golden City Ballroom; at Lexis-Nexis and numerous other friends and family. Robyn was never happier than when she was dancing the Samba with her husband. She worked for Lexis-Nexis for 25 years where she was affectionately known as the Sales Meeting Diva. 

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 11, 2011 at the Tobias Funeral Home - Beavercreek Chapel, 3970 Dayton-Xenia Rd. at Grange Hall Rd. with Rev. Bill Youngkin officiating and interment following in Byron Cemetery, Fairborn, OH. The family received friends at the funeral home on Sunday, July 10 from 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to SICSA, 2600 Wilmington Pike, Dayton, Ohio 45419. 

To read more about her love of life and her fight against cancer, please visit her blog at http://breastcancerdiva.wordpress.com/. 

See Robyn's complete obituary with photo collage here. 

Virginia Jean (Proctor) Wilson
 

A beloved and creatively talented sister-in-law:

MOORE, SC - Virginia Jean Proctor Wilson, 57, of Moore, died Thursday, September 15, 2011, at Spartanburg Regional. Born February 9, 1954, in Jackson, MI. She was the daughter of the late George "Carl" and Esther Proctor.

Virginia was a freelance photographer, Master Gardener, member of the Spartanburg Downtown Sertoma Club, Spartanburg Ski and Outing Club, Parrot Head Club and a graduate of Michigan State University. Her greatest joy came from her children and grandchildren. Survivors included her son, Jason Christopher (Allie) Higgins of Spartanburg; daughter, Kimberly Marie Wilson of Charlotte, NC; grandson, Nathan Christopher Higgins and Elaina Vaughn; sisters, Catherine (Cathy) Henry of Jackson, MI, Sarah Ellison (Rick Houden) of Horton, MI, and Colleen (Bob) Burian of Bryant, IL; brother, Carleton "Guy" (Sally) Proctor of Sand Lake, MI; late brother, Al (Mona) Proctor of Paris KY; and nieces, Kris (Mark) Hubbard and Gail Proctor of Horton, MI.

A celebration of her life was held Monday, September 19, 2011, at the Main St. Pub, Spartanburg, from 3:00-6:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to her children.

 

Robi Turner Holfeltz

A cousin's cousin who felt like family: 

JACKSON, KY - Robi Turner Holfeltz, 55, died October 10, 2011. 

Stephen Allan Proctor

In 2014, Al's son, after complex health battles: 

MONTROSE, MN - Stephen A. (Steve) Proctor, 54, was born in January 1960 in Jackson MI, son of Allan and Grace Proctor, and died in 2014. Survivors include his wife, Ramona (Spike), and two children, Becky and Sam. 

Re

Carleton Everett Proctor

In 2017, Al's only surviving brother: 

JACKSON, MI - Carleton E. "Guy" Proctor, 70, of Sand Lake MI, went home to be with his Lord on October 20, 2017, at his residence. He was born October 12, 1947, in Jackson MI, the son of George and Esther Proctor. 

During his working years Carl worked in construction. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening, but most of all he loved to spend time with his family. Surviving are: his wife, Sally; two daughters, Kristina (Mark) Hubbard and Gail Proctor; two stepdaughters, Tammy Horst and Teri Corrick; four grandchildren, Dale Hubbard, Dawson Hubbard, Lacey Poulson and Taylor Horst; three sisters, Cathy Henry, Sarah Ellison, and Colleen (Bob) Burian; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant daughter Tina, brothers Jack and Allan, and sister Virginia.

Funeral services took place on Thursday at 3 PM at the Pine Grove Community Church (on M-82) with Pastor Dan Wolters officiating and burial in the North Ensley Cemetery. The family greeted friends at the church from 1 PM until time of services at 3 PM.

Colleen Ann (Proctor) Burian 

In 2019, another precious sister-in-law: 

BRYANT, IL - Colleen A. Burian, 62, of Bryant, passed away at 11:28 am Wednesday, January 16, 2019, at OSF St. Francis Hospital in Peoria, IL. She was born on October 8, 1956, in Jackson, MI, to George and Esther Proctor.

Colleen married Robert Burian on June 20, 1992, in Jackson, MI. He survives along with three fur babies; Charlie, Corky, and Annie. Also surviving are three sisters; Cathy Henry, Sarah (Rick Lowden) Ellison, and Judy (Sayles) Halstead all of Jackson, MI. Colleen was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers; Jack Proctor, Allan Proctor, and Carleton Proctor, and a sister Virginia Wilson.

Colleen worked as manager in food service. Cremation rites have been accorded. Visitation was held from 5-7 pm Friday, January 25, 2019, at Oaks-Hines Funeral and Crematory in Canton, IL. Memorials may be made OSF St. Francis Sisters Charity.