Jane Ballain (Parks)

A Personal Rememberance----

Thank you, Cheryl.

None of my Stanford memories would exist or my dreams come true if I hadn't met you, Cheryl Ann Blurton.  At the beginning of seventh grade, I had just moved and started Stanford Junior High; we sat in alphabetical order in Miss Barth's advanced math class.  Do you remember?  We became great friends as we transitioned from newly minted teenagers all the way through high school.  On weekends and summers our lives were filled with slumber parties, going to the beach, movies, sporting events, church on Sundays, and in high school we drove around for hours trying to figure out Life.  Throughout our time at Millikan we still sat in alphabetical order in numerous classes, participated in the same clubs, and spent hours on the phone doing homework and helping each other out with teenage angst.

After high school graduation, you went to your parents' alma mater, Stanford, and I went to the University of Redlands.  During my college breaks, you would invite me to spend a few days on the Farm (Stanford).  I would sleep on the floor of your dorm room and we would go to basketball games, Round Table, and take long drives while we continued to try and figure out Life.  After one of my visits, I decided to attempt transferring to Stanford.  You and I never talked about it while I waited to find out if my application had been accepted.  Once I was accepted, you were an invaluable reference and introduced me to many new friends and adventures.  We also roomed together, found jobs together, and  yes, we still tried to find the meaning of Life on many campus walks and long drives to the beach on La Honda Road.

If I had never met you in seventh grade, my life would not be as full as it has turned out to be.  I never would have thought to transfer to Stanford, met my life-long college friends, married my husband two month before you and Mike in 1972, had my sons, and experienced my challenging yet wonderful life.  On the other hand, I probably would have spent a whole lot less time driving around in cars and wasting gas trying to find the meaning of Life.

I miss you, Cheryl.  I think of you often, tear up, and wish we could have shared more time together.  I miss our special friendship.  It was terrific seeing Mike for the first time in decades at our 45th college reunion last year.  He looks well and happy.  I am going to our 50th Millikan Reunion, the first one since you and I went in 1978.   I will definitely be thinking of you. 

 One day I hope you and I meet again and enjoy another long car ride together.  I promise not to bring the Tapestry album.  Love always, Jane

(NOTE:  Cheryl passed away after a very valiant fight against ovarian cancer in 1978, six weeks after the 10th Millikan Class of 1968 reunion.  She is survived by her mother, brother, and husband.)

Linda Greb (Green)

Lynda Facer (Spangler)

 Cheryl was such a special friend. We had so much fun hanging out at YMCA.  We had great memories from Camp Oakes and the Y Christmas tree lot!  Cheryl was one of ‘68’s best.

Kristin Amundson

Thanks for the memories of Cheryl.  She was a wonderful friend whom I  knew mostly from Camp Oakees and the Y clubs we beloged to.  Yes, too short a life, but a full and brillant one.

Scott Noble

Jane's tribute to Cheryl was absolutely beautiful!  There was a lot of "brain power" there at Stanford with both Jane and Cheryl in attendance!

My fondest memories of Cheryl were double dating with her then boy friend Randy Rossi (Wilson Class of 68) and my now wife Ellen and I at the Ram Shack or Bruin Den on Friday nights.  Great times and to this day Randy and I remain good friends and skiing partners.  Randy is also still in contact with Cheryl's brother in Alaska.  

My last physical contact with Cheryl was at our ten year reunion that she gamely attended and I'll always save a place for her in my heart and thoughts.  Great memories Jane and Linda!

Jan Wagner (Kirner)

I'm sad that Cheryl passed way too young.  She was such a sweet and lovely person.  She was destined to have a life of success.  God has his own timing.  She was missed all of these 40 years since her passing. I hope to see her again.