Becky was born Becky Christine Matuski.  Her father, Jake Matuski, was a tall, strapping fellow who seemed to control all situations he encountered.  He mother was a slight and beautiful Evelyn Christensen. They were young when they were married, just before he entered the service.  He started work with Swift & Co., staying with them until he retired.  Her mother was married to Jake for 64 years!

At weddings, one will see the DJ play silly games.  For this game, everyone was dancing.  Then, he would say that the unmarried people should sit.  Then he would say those who have been married less than 5 years should sit.  Then, 10 years and so on.  Well, the DJ gets to 40 years and only Jake and Evelyn are still on the dance floor.  The DJ goes to 45, then 50 then 55 then 60!  Then, he would say, “for Christ’s Sake, are you guys ever going to sit down!”  No, I made up the last part, but this is what it seemed like.  Jake and Evelyn had a long and wonderful marriage.

I never knew Evelyn’s parents; she was the youngest of 11 kids.  I only knew a few by the time I came into the picture.  But, I do remember a family reunion circa 1982.  There was a great big group of people.  We had a great time, but this was the last I really saw many of Becky’s maternal relatives.

Jake’s parents were something else!  His birth mother had died many, many years earlier; his new mother was just as crazy as Jake’s dad.  They make a great pair.  They operated a small set of cabins; Beauty Bay lodge at Nevis, Minnesota.  I visited one time.  We got to dig up worms and go fishing.  We caught many blue gills.  He showed me how to clean them so we had our fill of fish that night.  Then, of course, we played this marble game.  So fun!!  I miss then both.

Becky’s sister is Sandy Drummond.  She was the homecoming queen in high school.  She was 5 years older than Becky, so she admits not having much of a relationship with Becky until they were older.  I guess Becky was that brat sister that always came in the way of what Sandy wanted.  Sandy married Bill Drummond who was a “Iowa Hall of Fame” pitcher in high school and college.  In high school, he compiled a 61-2 record and a still-standing state record of 25 career shutouts.  He was drafted first by the Minnesota Twins and then the White Sox.  He played minor league ball in the Yankee system.  But, in college, he had hurt his arm and never made it to the majors.