School buddies reunite after nearly 50 years

WARDEN — Warden resident Josie Moreno, 69, received an unexpected surprise when her high school friend from nearly 50 years ago contacted her.

Both graduates of the class of 1958 in Madera, Calif., they took separate paths to Washington state.

Moreno's friend Olga Miller, 67, moved to Washington in 1966, when her husband found work. She lives near the state capital in Napavine, Wash.

Moreno moved to Othello after graduation in 1958 because her husband is from Washington. She later moved to Warden.

Both had children and became involved with politics — Moreno joined the Warden City Council and Miller became the Washington State Republican Party vice chair.

Through the Web site classmates.com, Miller spotted Moreno's brother, a former high school sweetheart. From Moreno's brother, she came in contact with Moreno. They played volleyball and basketball together in high school and shared classes.

Miller came to Eastern Washington on business in July and decided to visit Moreno. She did not know how far the drive would be to Warden from Moses Lake, but she didn't care.

"I was willing to do the drive just to see her," Miller said. "Come to find out, it's a 15 to 20 minute drive out there."

Even though time passed, Moreno still recognized Miller when she saw her.

"We may be older and a little heavier, but our face is still the same," she said.

Moreno learned they share a faith in God, an interest in their communities and a commitment to family. Moreno has nine children, 16 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Miller has three children and five grandchildren.

For both of them, politics came secondary to family.

"It was a natural progression," Miller said. "It wasn't something that we sought."

Next year is the 50-year reunion for the class of 1958. Moreno hadn't planned to go to their reunion, but when she learned Miller was going she decided to attend.

They both plan to keep in touch now that they are in contact once again.

"We picked up where we left off," Miller said. "I know people say that, but the only thing that's passed is time."