The Simple Lives We Live

Sally Abernethy

Sally Abernethy, 88, shares stories from her life from being born in Aberdeen, South Dakota, and raised near Ellendale, North Dakota, to moving to Beach after her father passed away unexpectedly at 32 and her mother became ill. Sally recounts a childhood story of being briefly taken from a car by a carnival “gypsy,” living in the old nursing home by the hospital where her mother worked for Dr. Bush, and working to afford Seventh-day Adventist academy and nursing school. She describes marrying Bob Abernethy, his championship rodeo career, a severe neck injury, and their decades-long stock-contracting business that took them to the National Finals Rodeo for 28 years and into rodeo history. Sally also discusses raising three children, her 22-year real estate career, love of community and friends in Beach, faith in God, and lessons she has learned about loving family and caring for others. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2174573/support]

Jean Hardy

Jean Hardy reflects on her upbringing in a large faith-filled family that moved often before settling in Valley City, North Dakota, so several of her siblings could receive special education support. She shares memories of childhood routines, caregiving, holidays, and the lessons she learned through hardship, loss, and family responsibility. Jean also talks about her 32 years as a speech pathologist and teacher, life on a family farm with her husband Don, motherhood after the loss of their first child, and the faith and resilience that carried her through life's joys and sorrows.  Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2174573/support]

Jan Wales

Jan Wales shares memories about growing up on a South Dakota farm in a large family with strict gender roles, few modern conveniences, and a one-room schoolhouse, where chores, homemade food, and simple fun shaped daily life. She reflects on supportive grandparents, the heartbreaking loss of her father in a farm accident and meeting her husband Rick in college. Jan also shares stories from Rick's years in the Army band in Chicago and at West Point. Together, they raised four daughters in Mobridge while balancing work, sports, and family life. She reflects on Rick's sudden death on Christmas Eve and her eventual move to Dickinson to be closer to family.  Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2174573/support]

John Ross - Part 2

In part 2 of my interview with John, we talk about enlisting at 18 and serving in Vietnam, where he experienced guard duty, patrols, and the realities of war - including the loss of his best friend, John Quam. He shares what it was like returning home and, years later, facing a diagnosis linked to Agent Orange. John reflects on what it's been like to walk through both - war and illness - and what's carried him through.  Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2174573/support]

John Ross - Part 1

John, 78, is a North Dakota farm kid and the oldest of four. He shares memories of growing up without running water, using party-line phones, and the rhythm of farm chores that shaped his strong work ethic. From one-room schoolhouses and county fairs to baseball, hunting, and meeting his wife Angie, John shares what life looked like "back then" - and what really mattered. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2174573/support]