On April 16th, 2019, Mojave chapter, Fullerton, Calif., planted a tree at Tri-City Park, continuing their annual tradition to honor members who passed away in the past year. The tradition began on Arbor Day 1931 when the first trees were planted in Hillcrest Park. A bench dedicated to past chapter regent Laurie Duston Musso overlooks a grove planted by the chapter over the years. Families and friends visit to remember their departed loved ones.

The memorial ceremony was led by Regent Judith Baxter and past Regent Joy Gage. This year, the chapter honored three devoted Daughters:
– Helen Janette Brown, a 10-year member, passed away in November 2018. She is survived by two children. Helen’s wisdom she often shared was to “always keep moving”! It certainly worked for her. She lived an amazing, active 94 years.
– Brenda Lee Lidikay passed away in November 2018 at the age of 58. She is survived by two children, her twin sister, and parents Rudy and Ruth Govorchin, who is a former Mojave Regent. Brenda will be especially remembered for her exuberance and decorating beautiful hats.
– Marilyn Knauss Kendricks, a 25-year member, passed away in March at the age of 82. She is survived by three children and six grandchildren. Besides being active in DAR, Marilyn was a longtime member of the American Association of University Women.

At the end of the moving ceremony, Ruth Govorchin played Taps on her trumpet, and family and chapter members each placed a shovelful of dirt around the tree.