Kleese family reunion held

The 83rd Annual Kleese Reunion was held July 19 at the West Chester Heritage Center in West Chester.

Secretary Ruth Maddalozzo welcomed and assembled and Terry Griffith asked the blessing before the 12:30 Cooperative Meal.

Minutes of the previous reunion were read and approved. Patricia Dusenbery, Kleese Family Historian reported 1 marriage, 7 births, and 2 deaths during the past year. Patricia Dusenbery was the oldest family member present. Grayson Thomas, 16 months, was the youngest. Joe Wright of Keota traveled the least number of miles and Amy Starbuck of St. Louis, Mo., traveled the most. Wilma Wright and Patricia Dusenbery were recognized for attending the most reunions. C.J. Griffith, Ted Griffith and Ed Kleese have attend many. Correspondence was read from family members who could not attend. An Item of interest was a hand carved horse and cycle mower crafted by Donald Griffith while attending West Chester High School in 1935. Terry Griffith displayed the Kleese Family Tree Sheets. President Dennis Griffith informed the group the reunion will be the third Sunday in July 2016 at a site to be secured. Officers elected for the 2016 year are Amy Starbuck, President/Treasurer; Kathy Starbuck, Vice President; Ruth Maddalozzo Secretary. Patricia Dusenbery remains Kleese Family Historian.

Those relatives attending were: Ed and Linda Kleese of Washington, Steve Wright of Knoxville, Sonny and Rita Phipps of Washington, Joe Wright of Keota, Wilma Wright of Keota, Brian and Ann Phipps of Bettendorf, Patricia Dusenbery of Washington, Ted Griffith of Washington, Dennis Griffith of Iowa City, C.J. and Vivian Griffith of Washington, Terry Griffith of Manchester, Mike and Gina Hill of Ankeny, Jill Thomas and Grayson of Ankeny, Jim and Kathy Starbuck of Queen City, Mo., Adrian Starbuck of Queen City, Mo., Ashton Starbuck of Lancaster, Mo., Amy Starbuck of St. Louis , Mo., Lynn Starbuck, Jon, Riley, and Lydia of Maryland Heights, Mo., and Dave and Ruth Maddalozzo of Seymour, Iowa.