Dayton women's strength is willingness to serve

By Ruby McFarland

Let's continue, moving into part two of my flight of fantasy in the journey across the 40-Mile Desert with Dayton's strong women:

Last week, I selected several women from the community whom I would like to have accompany me on a fantasy pioneer journey. The list continues.

Next, I would chose Nancy Dallas - wife, mother, teacher, community leader, former county commissioner, writer and volunteer. Nancy is one of those people who sees a problem and seeks a solution. She has been tireless in her quest to make Dayton a better community.

Marna Zachry - wife, mother, teacher, community-minded and a person who did step back in time then took a step forward in technical living. She and husband, Tom, live on an 80-acre parcel in the hills with solar panels and a generator providing electricity. I'm always taken by the sparkle she has when she brings her class through the Dayton Museum. She really loves Dayton's history.

Barbara Peck - wife, mother, teacher, community leader and volunteer - must be included on my journey. Barbara is dedicated to the betterment and continued preservation of Dayton. She often brings her classes to the museum, and is enthused with teaching the town's rich Nevada history.

Ruth Small - wife, mother, community volunteer - also knows how to build a log house. Any task given to Ruth is dispatched enthusiastically. She enjoys challenges and loves Christmas. Not bad traits, I'd say.

Bonnie Matton - wife, special-education technician, wild-horse advocate and volunteer extraordinaire - steps up to ask: "What can I do to help?" Protector of Dayton's wild horses, she always follows through.

Michele Watkins, too, is a wife and mother, but also a youth coalition, drug and alcohol prevention advocate and volunteer. She takes time to extend a hand to the community's youth, doing it quietly and effectively - she's always good for a hug.

Then, there is Jannette Hoffert - wife, mother, community watchdog, county parks and recreation leader and a volunteer who loves Dayton. Much more can be said about this woman, due to the generous amount of time and effort she gives, but there isn't room in this article to express the countless good deeds she provides this community.

Now, maybe these women wouldn't want to be part of my fantasy, but I'm sure they wouldn't have any trouble telling me so.

There are many more women in the area who have contributed so much. It would take a book to record them all. What I wanted to do is to let these Dayton women know that their strength doesn't go unnoticed.

The common thread connecting them is their willingness to volunteer.

So, what is my contribution to the journey? Well, I can play the ukulele and sing.

The Dayton Museum is on Shady Lane and Logan Street in Old Town Dayton. It's also the location of the Dayton Chamber office. It is open during the week at random hours and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays and 1-4 p.m. Sundays. Go to daytonnvhistory.org. Group tours are available. Call 246-5543, 246-0462 or 246-0441.

The Dayton Historical Society meets at noon on the third Wednesday of the month at the Dayton Valley Community Center. Visitors welcome.

• Ruby McFarland is a 17-year resident of Dayton, a board member of the Dayton Historical Society and a docent at the museum.