The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Missing A Special Lady

Dessa Rodeffer, Quill Publisher/Owner

December 11, 2019

There is a special lady missing in our midst and it has left a space inside our newspapers where the "Lomax News" use to be. Jeannette Pence of rural Lomax, was a very special person who always went above and beyond to bring us and you the news.

On a good day, it is not easy to encourage others to communicate their news to the newspaper in order to keep us caring about each other, but for Jeannette, who always had her plate full, helping others, it was always extra work and in these past few years especially this past year and last month, with her health deteriorating, and then a broken hip, Jeannette always worried about her readers of the "Lomax News" and wanted to make sure she mentioned everyone who had a need or had a cause.

A couple days before she died, she made sure her daughter brought me news for "The Christmas book" and in it, she wrote the most uplifting article, including a "Thank You" to all of you readers and friends who meant so much to her.

I was so upset when the next day I received a note on my desk from Shirley, my editor, that Jeannette had died. I still cry everytime I think of it, wishing she and I had time to chat like we use to when she dropped in.

I think we all loved this special lady who took it on herself to help her "Aunt Pauline" write the Lomax News until Pauline passed away, then Jeannette took over for her readers.

Jeannette's daughter Stephanie Skidman from Ohio wrote to me about her mom:

"She loved contributing to the Quill. It was a highlight for her. ...I would love to take over the Lomax news if I could get someone to send me updates. I feel Aunt Pauline left a legacy that I'm called to carry on....if I can get my family and friends to give me news."

For Jeannette's sake, I hope those in the Lomax area will please help Stephanie carry on Pauline's legacy. Email Stephanie Skidmore at stephanie.skidmore@fedex.com or call her at 614-638-5484.

God bless Larry, Stacia, Stephanie, and your families. We miss her too!