Pam Serra Yokley McNeil
My past 50+ years have been reasonably smooth, and I'm extremely appreciative of all of my blessings. I married Ron Yokley, (Chaffey Class of 1965) did the classic role of working while he finished college, then had a baby, and then divorced. I was fortunate to have both of our families help the "poor single mom" throughout the next 20 years. I worked at various positions in the area, and attended Chaffey Junior College - yes, probably the whole 20 years. I don't move real fast. There was plenty of fun during those years, too. I was active in a local single parent's club and met some great friends there.
My daughter, Karen, left for college and I decided I'd finish too. University of LaVerne offered a program for adults and I obtained my BS in Psychology in my mid-40s. I was working at The Webb Schools at that time, and while the degree wasn't directly associated with my job as Alumni Director, I decided it was a "personal goal rather than a professional goal." That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
About that time, I decided I was done with dating. Too much work, heartache, etc. Which is when I met my current husband, Ken. Fun story of how we met - again - classic. He lived right around the corner. (The whole story is long - I'll tell you later.)
We've been married since June, 1996 and Karen married in November 1996. She moved to Reno in 2000 and Ken and I moved in 2011. Between us, we have 7 grandkids. Karen and her husband, Jeff, have 3 here in Reno. I'm so lucky to be able to attend their activities and do school pick-up. We get down to Upland regularly to visit Ken's "kids" and grandkids. Again, I was very fortunate to retire in 2006 - Ken and I retired on the same day. He gets a kick out of telling people that.
So, two Upland natives have been here in Reno for 6 years - and we're approaching another winter, which would be lovely if we were skiers. But we're not. So, we appreciate the lovely 4 seasons - the leaves are spectacular this year. In addition to both of us being Upland natives - what a surprise - we have other things in common. Ken has always been involved with city and county and water boards. He's continued that here - his latest passion is the Park Committee for a new park right around the corner from us. He is organizing a community garden along with the rest of the committee who are supporting a dog park and children's play area. I just finished a 2-year term on the City of Reno Neighborhood Advisory Board. Very interesting, but 2 years was plenty of fun. My granddaughter just told me the other day - I'm not going to retire. What do you do all day? What do you do for fun? It was all I could do not to say, my fun is doing nothing all day. Spending time with Ken and the grandkids are my biggest pastimes right now; it takes all my concentration just to keep up with our schedules. We don't do much traveling - a few 2-3 day jaunts here and there.
Hmm, that all sounded pretty dull and boring. Maybe I need to take a class in creative writing. Oh well - we welcome visitors - McNeil Bed and Breakfast is pretty fun.
Pam Serra Yokley McNeil - pmcneil49@aol.com
Me at Crystal Hermitage/Ananda Village, near Nevada City.
Ken and I at the Italian Festival.