There once was a little boy named Robert (Williams) Haines, who was so adored, it seemed nearly impossible, he'd ever find a bride acceptable to his doting family
After two adorable daughters, named, June and Marilyn, Eva and Ches Haines, rang the bells with delight, announcing the birth of their baby boy. Bobby was as close to a cherub as any child ever born, and with his curly brown hair, sparkling blue eyes and a sweet disposition, he was like no other.
Little Bobby, though having two doting sisters, was all-boy, growing up loving fast cars, cowboys and pretty girls. (Like most every little boy in the family!!) Bobby's parents encouraged his adventurous nature, believing, someday he'd grow up to be a man they'd be proud of.
And yes, Bobby did grow to be a fine young man, devoted to God, Country and Family, wanting nothing more than to someday find the perfect girl, settle down and raise a family.
Bob, with his sister's June and Marilyn.
So it wasn't that unexpected, when he was bit by the love-bug while a senior in high school. Enchanted by the most remarkable young Maiden, named Jackie, four years his junior - Bob knew, she was the one! Jackie was the new girl in school, from out West in Arizona, a cowgirl, really - now living in the big city of Chicago for the first time. Independent, adventurous - with beautiful blue eyes, and a stunning figure, Bob vowed to follow her to the ends of the earth. But when her family returned to Arizona in her senior year, Bob's family said, not so fast - she's too young son, you might be making a mistake. However, they'd raised him to be his own man, and this was the woman he wanted. So he followed 16 year old Jackie out West - willing to face what ever fate dished out.
As soon, as 17 year old Jackie graduated from High School, in 1953, she married her sweetheart in Prescott Arizona, and they soon started their own family. Bob and Jackie were so in love, nothing was going to stop them, no matter what!!
Jackie and Bob Haines, of the left, followed by Dick and Marilyn Haines-Westhouse, John and June Haines-Gary, Eva Williams-Haines. Below is David and Jerry Westhouse and June and Johns little girl, Kathy.
Soon the Enchanted Maiden, was part of the Williams-Haines family and over the years gave Eva and Ches, 6 grandsons, who grew up to be fine young men, just like their dad and granddad.
Bob and Jackie will celebrate their 62 Wedding Anniversary this year, and as Bob approaches his 83rd, Birthday in August, they remain the longest married couple in the entire family. Now that's a Love Story. Stay tuned for more romantic love stories from The Maybelline Story and the Spirited Family Dynasty, as Valentines Day approaches February 14th.
A long time ago, in another time and place, there were two lovely sisters named June and Marilyn Haines - who wrote to lonely servicemen during WW ll.
Never, was there a more romantic time in history, than World War ll. Young girl's just couldn't help but be caught up in it and the magic of advertising only fanned the flames of desire, for true love.
The Hollywood Canteen was a place where young people hooked up, and exchanged address. Even Movie Stars showed up to dance with out of town Soldiers, Navy men and Marines.
Movies made writing Love Letters, the most romantic thing a girl could do, and being a pen pal hinted at the promise of having a guy home to your arms.
June and Marilyn Haines.
So that's how this Love Story began, with two young ladies,
doing their patriotic duty.
When June graduated from high school in 1943, she realized there were no eligible young men to be found. Which sadly meant, no Saturday night dates, no Summer picnics, and definitely no New Years Eve, kisses under the mistletoe. Being a self reliant girl, she decided the best way to meet a nice man, was to write a lonely soldier overseas and build a friendship.
Marilyn Haines with her cousin Tony.
Her younger sister, Marilyn knew plenty of boys from high school, but none of them seemed as exciting, or worthy, as her new pen pal, Dick Westhouse. After all, he'd grown up in an orphanage and obviously needed her!!
Before long, Marilyn's pen pal letters, turned into love letters, and people began to say, " Marilyn, seem more interested in the mailbox, than anything else in the world."
After the War, Dick Westhouse and Marilyn began dating
andtalking marriage!
As fate would have it, June never had any luck with her Soldier Boy letters, so Marilyn and Dick, decided to bring their two closest people together, on a blind - double date. You see, Dick had grown up with John Gary at the Orphanage - and they were best friends....
when June met Sergeant John Gary, secretary to a General at Fort Sheridan, a flame ignited, true love.
Though Eva and Ches Haines, weren't too thrilled about their 17 year old daughter, marrying Dick Westhouse, right out of High School, they gave them their blessing and a beautiful Wedding as well.
As for June and John Gary - they dated for a while, before he was sent to Germany and when the long distance romance got old, John returned to the US and they married.
By 1955 all the Haines kids were married, in this picture we see, Jackie and Bob Haines - Dick and Marilyn Westhouse and their two boys - David and Jerry - John and June Gary, with their daughter Cathy, and their mother Eva Williams Haines.
And so the two sisters made their dreams come true!!! They got their Soldier Boys, and lived Happily Ever After..... at least for a while!!!
Tomorrow will continue Maybelline Story, Romance week - as we head towards Valentines Day, Feb 14TH.
People have asked me why I didn't put more pictures in my book so they could see the different family members as they went from children to old age. Well I was only allowed 13 pictures and it was a hard choice as you can imagine. So I'm doing a picture-bio of the main characters - starting with Tom Lyle's youngest sister Eva. Here she is with her brother Preston, my grandfather, on their Morganfield Farm in in 1908, dressed for church I bet. Don't you love the big bow in her hair and the posing? Eva and Preston were very close playmates all their lives and she once told me how they loved to roam the woods around the old homestead, exploring and seeking adventure. When young Preston got in trouble and their father Sheriff TJ locked him in jail to teach him a lesson, it was Eva who snuck in dime novels to keep him busy while he learned his big lesson.
When the family moved off the farm and into their first little warehouse/office in Chicago -with an apartment upstairs - they all helped Tom Lyle get his little Maybelline company off the ground. Fifteen year old Eva's job was to be the "go-for" girl. When anyone needed something it was Eva who ran down the block to get it.
She once told me how when the family wanted a milk shake she gladly took a quarter for 5 drinks and ran down the street to the soda fountain, where she quickly drank her shake before slowly making her way back home so the shakes wouldn't spill. Sometimes the walk home took so long she got thirsty and sipped a little from each siplings drink. By the time she returned, you can just hear the flack she got from her brothers and sister, however Eva was a spitfire with a sharp wit and had a darn good reason for sipping those drinks I'm sure.
I love this picture of my grandfather Preston and auntie E, as my dad called her. She and Preston remained devoted even when my grandmother was at her wits end with his endless trouble making. When my grandmother kicked him out of the house Eva gladly welcomed him into hers and there was nothing I mean nothing she wouldn't do for her darling brother.
Look at those beautiful Maybelline eyes with a twinkle like no others. This picture was taken in 1924 for her sweetheart Ches Haines whom she married Oct 11th of that year. Auntie E once told me that it could have easily been her who concocted the ingredients that gave her brother Tom Lyle the idea for Maybelline. She was serious when she said it made her a little jealous that her sister Mabel got the credit, but then laughed at the idea of Maybelline being called Evaline. Not quite the impact Tom Lyle was going for I'm sure.
Here is my glamorous Auntie E at her daughter June's wedding in the late 1940's. She seemed to get more gorgeous the older she got and that quick wit made her a star in the family. Don't you just love that feather in her hat?
Uncle Ches the father of the bride, on the left next to June and her new husband John Gary.
Here is a picture of Eva with her daughter Marilyn, (Ditty) taken in 1966 at Tom Lyle's estate in Bel Air California. Eva is 65 in this picture, a beautiful, elegant lady with all the style and glamour of anyone of Maybelline's models. Tom Lyle is sitting on the floor with Miss Snoop E. Williams and Sparkie. He once told me chuckling, that the E in Snoop's name stood for his sister Eva. I wonder what he meant?
We little knew that morning, God was going to call your name, In life we loved you dearly, In death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, You did not go alone. For part of us went with you. The day God called you home.
June, Bob, Ches, Eva and MarilynHaines.
You left us beautiful memories, Your love is still our guide, And though we cannot see you, You are always at our side. Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same, But as God calls us one by one. The chain will link again.
The Cousins in 1934.....right to left....Tom Lyle Williams Jr holding baby Joyce Hewes, Helen Williams, Annette Williams, Bill Williams, Noel Williams, June Haines, Shirley Hewes,Marilyn Haines, Tommy Hewes, Dick Williams, Bob Haines.
June and Marilyn Haines.
Tony Williams-Shaver with Marilyn.
Marilyn with Tony
Marilyn with her parents Eva and Ches Haines.
June, Bob and Marilyn.
At The Villa Valentino, Eva, June Tom Lyle and Marilyn...in the pool, Ches and Bob
Eva and Marilyn.
Bob and Jackie Haines, Dick and Marilyn Westhouse, John and June Gary, Eva Haines, David, Jerry Westhouse with June and John's, daughter Kathy.
Eva, Marilyn and Tom Lyle Williams, at his home in Bel Air California.
Bobby Westhouse, Tom Lyle Williams, Marilyn and John Gary, Lori and Cindy Gary in Bel Air.
Eva and Marilyn with Marilyn's grandchildren.
The Haines family...Eva and Ches' 45th Wedding Anniversary, 1969. Marilyn first on the left seated next to Jackie Haines.
Marilyn, Ann Louise and Shirley at the Family Reunion at Bob and Jackie's in Virginia, 1990.
John Gary, Gloria Williams, Jackie Haines, Marilyn Gary,Bill Williams, Bob Haines. Family Reunion.
Marilyn and John's home in Virginia, the hub of family joy and Happiness for over 30 years.
This picture encapsulates everything Marilyn loved - family, animals, nature, and her home in Virginia. One other thing she loved was plants. Marilyn told Shirley it took her hours to water all the plants she kept in her huge home. She was truly a nurturer. (Linda Hughes) Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life's been full, I savored much, Good friends, good times a loved one's touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief; Don't lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your heart and share with me-- God wanted me now, God set me free. Darling Marilyn Rest in Peace....
In the Arms of the Angels
Marilyn Gary's Obituary
Marilyn Frances Gary, 83, of Natural Bridge, formerly of Chicago, died on Thursday, October 11th, 2012 at the Lexington Court Nursing Home in Richmond, Virginia.
She was born on April 11th, 1929, in Chicago, Illinois,
the daughter of the late Chester and Eva Haines. In
addition to her parents, Marilyn was preceded in death
by her beloved husband, John Gary.
Marilyn was a devoted and incredible wife, mother,
grandmother, and great grandmother. A lover of animals and the environment, she took great pleasure in caring for her numerous dogs, cats, and horses as well as exploring the Shenandoah Valley. She spent a significant amount of time nurturing her environment by cleaning litter and debris from roads, streams, and rivers - as well as caring for the home she loved, Forest Oaks.
Surviving are Marilyn's six children, Jerry Westhouse, David Westhouse, Kathy Obermaier, Robert Westhouse, Cindy Callaway and Lori Caveness; 17 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
A mass of Christian burial will be conducted at 11 A.M.
on Saturday, October 20th, 2012 at St. Patrick's
Catholic Church by Father Joe D'Aurora. Burial will be at
High Bridge Presbyterian Church Cemetery,
Natural Bridge. Marilyn's Eulogy
Good morning. My name is Andrew Westhouse – I am one of Marilyn Gary’s seventeen grandchildren.
LOVE That is the word that comes to my mind – and always has – when I think about Nana and the kind of Grandmother that she was. Nana loved with everything that she had. Indeed, she loved with every fiber of her being. And let me give you a few examples:
Nana loved adventure:
Visiting the Peaks of Otter and hiking to Sharp Top
Exploring Grey Ledge Climbing Indian Rock…and, if you were brave enough, sliding down the steep stream
And, of course, trips down the back road, in the truck, packed with kids and dogs Nana loved nature:
Cleaning up garbage on the side of route 11 and side roads Cleaning sticks and rubbish in the stream leading to the pond Swimming and playing at the waterfall at the Foot Bridge.
Nana loved to cover her mouth after a slight….OR A GREAT…slip of the tongue: Everyone can remember the famous Nana (cover mouth)
Nana loved animals:
Visiting the Cat House on the back road…and trying to make the water pump work
The Dogs – Shamus, Mata, Bridget, Anna, Kelsey, Inga
The Horses – Cricket, Sargent, Mimi, Blue, Finley, and, perhaps her favorite, Keatser
The Cats – Tiny Kitty, Prince Gary
…And about few hundred more…
Nana loved movies – however, there were two strings attached:
She had to have a big, soft paper napkin to put on the bridge of her nose to cushion the weight of her eye glasses
- AND –
(2) No animal of any species may appear - at any point - in the movie.
Nana loved to:
Laugh, she loved Church, Forest Oaks, reading, the Palm Parlor, a Wendy’s frosty, white wine and cigarette on the portico after 5, Little House on the Prairie, and, let’s not forget, peanut butter – jelly – bologna – and mayonnaise sandwiches …
-AND-
More than anything, Nana loved her family: Jerry, Dave, Kathy, Bob, Cindy, Lori, 17 Grandkids, 11 great grandkids …and counting, and…not least of which, the love of her life, Poppa…and, even with such a large roster to manage, she made everyone feel so special and so loved.
Nana also loved St. Francis of Assisi – the patron Saint of animals and ecology…two things that were so close to her heart. So it’s easy to see why these words, a prayer of St. Francis of Assisi, so embodied Nana:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace Where there is hatred, let me sow love Where there is injury, pardon Where there is doubt, faith Where there is darkness, light And where there is sadness, joy
O divine master, grant that I may not so much seek to
be consoled as to console To be understood as to understand To be loved as to love For it is in giving that we receive It is in pardoning that we are pardoned And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life Nana, we love YOU with all of our hearts and all of our souls. We are blessed and better people for having known you, for having been touched by you, and, more than anything, for having been so deeply loved by you. Memories of Marilyn I remember being amazed that Marilyn was very athletic, unlike the other ladies of her generation. As you know she loved riding horses, but I recall when we went to Mercer she water-skied. I especially remember because a ski came off and smashed into her leg leaving the biggest bruise I've ever seen, but she was very stoic about it. LLL (Linda Hughes) Here's Joyce's story:
When we grow up we often wish we had been closer as children with our relatives. But it usually doesn't work out that way. And as an adult Marilyn was such an exuberant person. I remember at the reunion at Bob and Jackie's house Marilyn just rushed me the moment I appeared on the scene. She was shrieking "Auntie Mabel, Auntie Mabel ". She insisted I looked exactly like my mother. She flung herself at me and almost knocked me over in her excitement. After greeting me, so to speak, that way she then dragged me around throughout the crowd yelling at the top of her lungs, as you know, "Look it's Auntie Mabel. Can you believe it? Can you believe it?!!" She was quite the character. Joyce Hewes Here's Shirley's story: Though Diddy and I seldom saw each other after she and John moved to Virginia we took great pleasure in long phone conversations, catching up on family news. We never lost our special connection. As young mothers Diddy and I took long walks with our first-born babies Janet and Jerry (the world's cutest) whose birthdays were one month apart. (Shirley Hughes)
Bill and his cousin June and Marilyn were best
buddies and played house by throwing
a sheet over the kitchen table and crawling underneath it with
snacks
from the pantry. Sharrie Williams
That was beautiful Sharrie. She was a very special gal. We will always remember zest for life. She was so dear to me always giving me a boost when I needed it. RIP our dear Ditty. (Jackie Haines) Wonderful article about Marilyn! She was so beautiful. Who do I send condolences to? (Donna Williams)
Steve Haines ...Perfect Sharrie, all my Love..............
Steve HainesHow I will miss my "Favorite Aunt" there aren't enough words!!! She is now RIP with my Beautiful Grandparents in this photo. How I miss those days, but so Blessed that I/We had them, huh, cousins? Love You ALL!!!
Sharrie Williams - I miss all of them so much. The fun, the laughter the thrill of being part of an amazing family. I'm so glad another generation of cousins are keeping the memories alive. X0
Jacqueline Ann Haineslove love love
Ann CarnerosLove the picture and the blog. I have a great memory of visiting Marilyn and John in Virginia, we had such a great visit lots of laughs and memories! I really bonded with her after seeing her Santa collection! Ann L.
Andrew Westhouse...Thank you for your beautiful piece on Nana Sharrie - it means a great deal to all of us. With love
Scott R. WilliamsGod Bless all in this family. Had great memories growing up With Aunt Marilyn and Uncle John. Loved the house and view!
Thank you all so much for your kind words about Nana. Her Memorial Service wil l be this upcoming Sat. - a week from today - (please contact me for information on Memorial Service.) The blog and stories will be such a good thing for everyone to see as we celebrate her life. Thank you Linda and Sharrie - please give everyone my love, Andrew Westhouse Watch this beautiful video of Marilyn's life, created by her son Jerry Westhouse http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpXjVk7iJiI&feature=youtu.be
