People

Sam Norris of Owensboro, Kentucky, passed away on November 19, 2002. Sam will be missed by many areas of the Horticultural Community. His contributions to so many societies and associations has earned him our gratitude and admiration.

Ed Ostheimer who lived from 1940 to 2002.

Ed Ostheimer, a past president of the Society for Louisiana Irises and co-owner with his wife Rusty of Bois d' Arc Gardens in Shriever, Louisiana, died on July 22, 2002 as the result of an automobile accident.

Ed was a longtime member of SLI, served as president from 1986 to 1987, and was an AIS judge. With Rusty, he regularly attended all the SLI Lafayette conventions, brought many irises to shows for all to enjoy, and was an exceedingly valued member of the Society who will be sorely missed.

Zelma Patchin of Stillwater, OK, and formerly of Lafayette, LA, died in the  fall of 2000 at the age of 91.

Larry Harder of Ponco City, Nebraska, died in September of 2000 after a long illness.

Faenelia Hicks and Laurel Bridgman at an SLI Board Meeting in 1980
Faenelia Hicks of Lafayette, LA died January 25, 2001 at the age of 81.

Faenelia Hicks and Laurel Bridgman at an SLI Board Meeting in 1980
Laurel Bridgman, a long time member of the Society, died on January 1st, 2001, in Houston, TX. Laurel would have been 76 in February of this year, but had been ill for many years.

Ellene "Rokki" Rockwell who died May 20th, 2011
I am sorry to report the death of another of our 'old timers' , Ellene (Mrs. C. C.) Rockwell of Fentress, Texas, who had been living in a retirement apartment in Temple, Texas recently. Rokki, as she was better known, died May 20, 2001 of a massive heart attack. 

Neil BertinotNeil Bertinot of Opelousas, Louisiana passed away on the 25th day of September, 2000 at the age of 69. He suffered from esophageal cancer for the last three years. Neil's first passion was his family. He is survived by his wife, Lorraine, three sons and two daughters and their families. Neil and Lorraine have 14 grandchildren and five great-grand children, They spent many weekends and vacations camping out and traveling together.