In Memoriam

About a month after her appearance at the Big Muddy last year, Gerry Armstrong informed us she had terminal cancer and a few months left to live. She lived those last months at peace with her life and her faith. At her memorial service last Halloween, her daughters testified to the richness in their lives because a mother who sang raised them. Some of Gerry's songs have echoed in my heart for years. To honor her, we all should, each one of us, have at least one song we can sing to those who love us; so they will know our voice, know our song.

Iris Beiber, Sandy's wife and Friends Director Judy Shields' mother, died during the time of this writing at the age of 83. She had lived in Boonville since 1919. She loved the Big Muddy festival, and she and Sandy were two of the first volunteers. Their presence helped nurture the sense of intimacy and informality we enjoy about our festival.