First Lady guests dine in tropical paradise
By KATHRYN MARTINEZ news1@kilgorenewsherald.com

Complete with tropical flora and fare, Evelyn Bolding accepted the honor of membership in a long line of dutiful women who have been pillars and servants to this community as the 61st First Lady of Kilgore.

Bolding told how she and her family came to Kilgore through the efforts of E.T. Laird, a college acquaintance of her husband's.

"The Rangerettes are not the only ambassadors of Kilgore," Bolding said. "Anybody can be an ambassador of Kilgore."

Bolding recalled Beta Sigma Phi as the first group of people she met after she and he husband moved from Oklahoma.

"They helped a young couple settle in," she said.

Bolding has served Kilgore for many years.

"We all try to make the best of where we live with our families. Bolding said. "We should all strive to give back to Kilgore."

Although Bolding expressed a feeling of being unqualified for the position, she graciously accepted and promised to live up to the title.

"Kilgore has given my family and me more than I could ever repay," she said.

Special guests of the first lady were her husband, Lloyd Bolding, the couple's sons and their wives, Bo and Beth Bolding and Jeff and Tami Bolding, and long-time friends Carolyn Freeman and Sannie Sue Hoffman.

"I think you made a good choice," Lloyd Bolding said of his wife's selection as First Lady of Kilgore Friday night. "She has been my choice for 48 years."

Beta Sigma Phi presented Bolding with a sorority pendant and a single yellow rose, as a token of friendship.

"We welcome you to this distinguished group of First Ladies," Gladys Crouch, BSP City Council president, said.

Janet Murray entertained, playing the piano and sang a ley of beach and water-focused songs. She also led them in a sing-along and led a "name that tune" contest.

The banquet was catered by Julie Jordan of Coffee Express. Guests dined on grilled chicken, wild rice, beans with almonds and pineapple upside down cake.