Sunday is Mother’s Day.
The Tribune asked local residents to share what makes their mother or a mother figure in their life special.
Here’s what they had to say.
Janet Hensen
She is such a role model in the community and has always made our house a family home to my brother and I as well as all of our friends and loved ones along the way. She is an example of grace and poise, respect and loyalty and true beauty inside and out. She deserves recognition and adoration not just on Mother’s Day but every day. (Written by Stephanie Ballage)
Peggy McKain
She is not just just my mother but has been and continues to be a guiding light for so many children. She worked as a custodian at Seymour Middle School for years and still runs into kids who remember her. She’s a Sunday school teacher at Peter’s Switch Church of the Nazarene. She has spent many hours and her own money picking kids up to take to church. She is a two-time
breast cancer survivor. She helped care for my sister, who passed away from breast cancer in 2020. She is an amazing, strong woman who lives by example. Her faith in God and love for her family and others is truly an inspiration and a blessing. (Written by Deseree Haurez)
Stephanie Griffin
My mother, Stephanie, is the best person in my life. She is the most beautiful, kind and loving person I have ever met. She has always been there for me when I needed her most. She has been by my side through being bullied, struggles with my mental health, losing friends and so much more. I don’t know where I would be in life if I didn’t have her. We have been through so much together, but no matter what we go through, I will always love her with my whole heart. I want her to know I will love her until the day I die. Happy Mother’s Day, Mom! (Written by Abigail Griffin)
Marylin Durham
My mother, Marylin Durham, is beautiful, kind and loving. I have been blessed to have her and will count every moment as special with her. Love you, Mom. (Written by Samantha Collier)
Susan Raisor
My mom is special to me for many reasons. My mom is loving, caring, smart, strong, good-hearted and hardworking. She goes above and beyond for me as well as my family. No matter what she has going on during her day, she will text me and ask me what’s going on and how I am doing. My mom puts others and their well-being before herself. I don’t tell her often, but I appreciate my mom and everything she does to support and be there for me every day. My mom deserves much more recognition than she gets. Because of my mom, I have learned to not give up when things get hard. I am forever grateful for my mom. (Written by Kirsten Raisor)
Beverly Ruddick
My mom is special because she did her best to provide whatever my sister and I needed growing up. She always encouraged us to do our best and never give up. My favorite memories include line dancing and going to concerts with my mom. Mom loves horses and really enjoys going to car shows. (Written by Missy Casner)
Staci Reynolds
My mom is simply the best person I know. For the first few years of my life, she was both mom and dad. I can’t imagine the courage and patience she had and still has today. She inspires me daily with her ambition, confidence and her willingness to help others. Happy Mother’s Day, Mom. I love you. (Written by Ashlyn Fox)
Heather Ledbetter
The special mother in my life is not one who raised me but the one who I helped raise, my stepdaughter, Heather Ledbetter. Heather is a young mother with two beautiful daughters, Jovanna, 3, and Journey, 1. I have to praise her for putting her children first in everything, working hard for her family and also for taking care of herself. It is not easy to care for two rambunctious toddlers, but she makes it seem effortless. I can tell by her smiles and attitudes that she is truly happy in the place that God has put her in life as a mother. She is a very special mother. She continues to inspire me to the best mom that I can be — one that is loving, supportive and caring. I hope Heather has a wonderful Mother’s Day. (Written by Vera Reichenbacker)
Martha McIntire
I’m really missing my mom on this first Mother’s Day without her. My mom, Martha McIntire, was so special to me in many ways. She had more common sense than anyone I have ever known. She always spoke the truth and was very practical with her opinions and advice. She never wavered from her Christian values, and she always held true to her core beliefs. She was the first person I would tell when I had either good news or bad news, and she was always the one I would ask for advice. She loved her large family and spent many hours praying for each one of us. My mom was a hard worker, and she spent her entire life trying to make this community a better place. Although she was physically weak at the end of her life, she stayed strong in her faith. I’m so thankful I could spend so many years with my mom. (Written by Linda Moore)
Sonja Everage
There is nothing better than having you as a mom. Happy Mother’s Day to the one who gave me and all of my siblings life, praying for us daily and always putting us first. I would be lucky to be half as great of a mom like you. You have loved us at our worst and continually fought for us. You are a great nana, mom and dog nana. Thank you for being there for me no matter what and for loving me. You truly are my best friend, and I wouldn’t make it without you. I love you with my whole heart. We all love you, Momma. (Written by Abigail Williams)
Annette Johnson and Vera Monroe
The children in our family are so blessed not only to have an incredible grandma but also an amazing great-grandma. We are all blessed we get to spend a lot of time together, and both grandmothers have a lot of influence in all of our lives. We love you, Mammy and Grandma. Happy Mother’s Day. (From Lill, Tori and the kids)
Vickie Hurley
We are very blessed to have this woman in our lives. Thanks, Mom, for always being there and taking care of everyone. We love you more than you know. (From Heather Furkin, your grandkids and your great-grandkids)
My mother’s name is Vickie Hurley. What makes my mother special is she’s always there for us when we need her. She has never tried to make us into anything but ourselves. I have a special needs son, and my husband and I work a lot. My mother cares for my son while we are not home. She does his feedings and changings. She gets him up every morning for school. Without her, I wouldn’t be able to provide for my son the way I do. She doesn’t get told enough just how appreciative we are for her. I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it wasn’t for my mother. Happy Mother’s Day, Momma. We love you. (Written by Kendra Waggoner)
Kim Elmore
My mom is special for being my person, for being the person to stick by my side through my whole life. You are truly amazing, and I have no clue how you have managed to stay this strong through it all. You deserve the whole world and then some. Nearly six years ago, you gave birth to my best friend, and I’ll be honest, I wasn’t too sure at first but then immediately fell in love. You’re doing a great job with her, and I know you don’t hear that enough. I love you, Momma. Thanks for putting up with us. We love you, Mom. (Written by Kali Betz)
Kristy Betz
Our mother, Kristy Betz, is absolutely amazing. There is no better person we would want to call mom. Our mom is a good listener, talker and gives good advice when we need it. She is an all-around great mom. We love her more than words can explain. (From Lee, Colton and Emily)