A Wonderful Mother
Vedna Elaine Lemley Girten was a wonderful mother to four children. She was always very supportive of her all of her children, providing them with unconditional love. She constantly encouraged them to do their best, to get a college education and serve their community and their country. All four of her children have college degrees and all four went into public service. Vedna was an active member of the PTA at her children's schools. Her children were in the Boy Scouts, the Girl Scouts and her two youngest girls were Camp Fire Girls. Vedna helped out with scout activities and was a Camp Fire Girl Leader for her youngest's Blue Bird troop. After her children were grown she went back to nursing at Grandview Hospital in Dayton, Ohio, and was Head Nurse on the medical floor during the third shift. Vedna enjoyed reading, good restaurants and going on cruises. She always said that one of her greatest achievements were her children, so here is a little more about them.
Her oldest child was Candace Vedna. Candy initially studied art and drama at Marietta College. She obtained her bachelor's degree from Kent State University in social work. Candy worked in the social work arena for a number of years, helping people who could not always help themselves. Candy married Jim Arcaro and had two children, David Arcaro and Angela Arcaro. David married Erin, and Angela married Brad Wade and they have two children, Riley and Emily Wade. Candy looks forward to spending time with her children and grandchildren and enjoys going on cruises.
Her second child, Gary Stanley, was an account major and obtained his bachelor's degree in accounting. He served in the Marines and worked for the Federal government as a Savings and Loan Inspector and was manager of several regions. Gary has run a marathon in all 50 states and is a member of the Marathon Maniacs. He married Luanna and they have a number of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Gary volunteers for a variety of activities at their church, including teaching Bible. Gary and Luanna enjoy traveling around the country in their RV and going on cruises.
Her third child, Beverly Elaine, obtained her bachelor's degree in biology from Miami University and taught high school biology and coached. She also earned a master's degree in exercise physilogy from Akron University and her Ph.D. from Ohio State University. Bev did postdoctoral work at the Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory, and was a researcher at Wright State University School of Medicine. She worked in the pharmaceutical industry for almost a decade and has worked at NASA for almost 15 years. Bev supports many outreach events and is a member of the Speakers Bureau. Bev enjoys reading, flying of all kinds and hunting and collecting fossils and meteorites.
Her fourth child, Rebecca Lee, obtained her bachelor's degree from Wright State University in elementary education. Bec worked as a child care worker and substitute teacher for several years before becoming an elementary school teacher at East Dayton Christian School. She taught fourth grade for many years and then later became a fifth/sixth grade math teacher and head of the department. Bec married Fred Strong and they raised their grandchildren, Dillon and Erika Strong. Bec enjoys reading, playing the flute and is always available to give her friends and family a helping hand when needed.