Rhena May (Leatherman) Hayes (1901 - 1992)

Rhena and my grandmother, Ida Duckworth Woods, were first cousins. When Ida adopted my mom from Rhena's daughter, Patty, Rhena and her daughter, Jannett, made it a point to visit often, despite the long distances. I have memories of a scarf from the Grand Canyon, teddy bears that made tinkling noises, and a tiny, blue-haired old woman we called, "Aunt Rena" and her tall, very thin daughter, whom we called, "Aunt Janet". I was a kid when I was told my mother was adopted, but I was an adult before I knew "Aunt Rhena" was actually my great-grandmother. How I wish I'd have known while she was visiting!