The circle of life is hard. I no longer subscribe, but I will occasionally look at the obits. Yes. It is tough. My lovely bride always tells me that I should find some friends closer to my age. This past year was rough. We lost so many good chums. Most I knew from golf. I try to picture their smiles and remember the good times. Easier said than done, folks.
Rose Wheeland passed away late this spring. She was one of my all-time favorites. Rose was quite the character. Sassy. Intimidating. Stubborn. But she had a great heart. We worked very closely when I was at White Deer. Rose was the face of our Women’s Golf Association for many years. She always found me when something went wrong. I had several colorful interactions with Rose. Unfortunately, I cannot share. Webb Weekly is a family newspaper. Rose was so kind when she learned that I had become a father. She would always ask about my son Jensen.
Rose made it to 93. My friend retired in 1995 after 38 years with Brodart. She was originally from Philadelphia, but she spent most of her time in Newberry.
Rose loved the game. She played golf until the very end. A few mentioned that Rose even teed it up with an oxygen tank. She was tough and proud. Rose Wheeland spent years and hours perfecting her game. She made so many friends along the way. Rose also enjoyed traveling and playing cards. She followed the Eagles and cheered for the Phillies. Rose Wheeland was grand.
I was certainly pleased to see the gals at White Deer renamed the Marion Stopper to the Rose Wheeland Memorial. This large ladies’ golf tournament has been a staple. This year’s outing was one to remember. There was a great turnout. I caught up with Bernie Ragan this week to talk about it.
“Rose was special,” Bernie stated. “She was our matriarch. Rose was so helpful to us all. She had her own way of doing things, but it was always for our best. We have talked about her quite often. There are so many fun moments. She is missed. We felt we needed to change the name of the tournament to honor her and her family.”
There was a great turnout. Over 64 players from near and far teed it up in the Rose Wheeland Memorial. Gals traveled from Altoona and Bethlehem. Many local clubs like Wynding Brook, Clinton, Williamsport, and Belles Springs were also represented. The ladies played in a very fun format — the old six, six, and six. The first six holes were a better ball of partners. The next six were a two-person scramble. And the last six were an alternate shot. I love this setup. The scores were impressive. But everyone came home as winners. The weather? Well. It was cold and windy with some showers. Not the most ideal, but the gals didn’t complain. Rose Wheeland most definitely had something to do with the conditions. Many of the ladies blamed her for getting even.
“We received several notes about the tournament,” Bernie continued. “It ran great, and it was very well organized. The food and setting were just splendid. Everyone enjoyed themselves despite the weather. We had so many people pitch in — over 75 items for our silent Chinese auction. One of our friends, Lucy from Florida, gave each participant a lovely tee gift. Candy Nevel and Ellie Tomlinson made the sweetest tributes to Rose on each hole — some of her great sayings. ‘YOU SHOULDN’T BE HERE IF YOU DON’T KNOW THE RULES.’ It was a fantastic day for us and the entire Wheeland family.”
Bernie applauded the entire Women’s Golf Association. She also praised Mary Camp, Candy Nevel, Ellie Tomlinson, Peg Dincher, Dorothy Smith, Michelle LaBelle, Judy Mays, and Deb Bowers, who served on the Rose Wheeland Memorial Committee. Great stuff, gals, and thank you for honoring Rose. Talking with Bernie brought back so many memories. Man. I miss those WDGC ladies. It was great to catch up and hear about the fun tournament. Bravo. Much love to one of my favorites. Cheers Rose.
