Judy Pereira Rogers

Well I never left Santa Maria, after high school I worked at J.C. Penneys in the office and like Janice Freitas I do remember the capsule line from floor to office. Got married in 1961 to Ronnie Souza, was stay at home mom, had two boys, Ronnie Jr. (Tike) no not after Tyke Minetti just coincidence, and Mike. Ron raced cars so we attended a lot of races, family functions, and spent summers at the lake. Did a lot of farming and ranching things also. Involved in my boys sports and 4-H, F.F.A. never missed a game or animal show. Sadly in 1978 Ron and I divorced but we are still good friends today. I moved from the Souza Ranch back to the Pereira Ranch. Wow I've only lived in 2 places in my life and only about 15 miles apart!!! Being an only child I did a lot with my parents, and took care of them in their old age. I still have the Ranch but I only have about 15 cows, lol and they are mostly for the grandkids and weed control.I worked in bookeeping and helped an old friend, Harley and Dee Estabrook at the truckstop. And as they say the rest is History, ended up being the manager and worked for four different owners. After 30 years, I retired in 2008. Time went on and in 1981 I married Don Rogers and aquired a step son who came to live with us Chris has Brittany 1988 and Travis 1992 . Britt has a little boy . Don was a CHP officer and an avid gunsmith of antique guns. We attended many Black Powder Cartridge events all over, including the National Championships in Raton, NM. And yes, I compete also, still do when I can. What can I say, always been a tom boy, competitive, but quiet life. Don retired in 1992 with a Medical Discharge (man didn't want to be arrested) so he took up his hobby and became a Gunsmith well known in his circle of customers. Don passed away in July of 2002 suddenly of a massive heart attack, needless to say shocking to us all. We were getting ready to go to Raton, N.M. for the annual matches. Since then I live alone up on my sand hill with my pets and the joy of my live my grandkids spend a lot of time with Grandma.
For fun I tow my 5th wheel wherever I decide to go, spend a lot of time outdoors, visit my friend Sue in Wyoming, and mow everything I can with my garden tractor........... I've led a rather quiet life compared to most of my fellow graduates no degrees, no high tech jobs etc. but I have accomplished the most wonderful thing, a large loving family and many trips to Disneyland with grandkids. Does life get any better???

One of my fondest memories is sitting out front of the school on the corner under the big tree and Broadway was the old 101 , we watched all the "traffic rush" by. I loved the games, dances, and all the new people I met since I went to St. Marys and only had a few people in our graduating class. The rides Mariella McCoy and I took up 166 in the car that the hard top went into the truck. Of course we were supposed to be in some boring class. Walking to the corner of Stowell and Broadway to Bianchi Market (later called Averbecks) to get soda and pies for lunch. I was really kind of shy and totally dense about life. After all my parents taught me if you are nice to people they will be nice to you. Boy can that take a bad turn!!! I also remember Pereira's Pasture as one of the favorite party and parking places of the day. I never got invited to any of the parties????