2005 NALS Regional Service Medal Recipient
The Mid America Regional Lily Society (MARLS) awarded the North American Lily Society Regional Service Medal for 2005 to Sharon and Ralph Bishop.
They were both charter members of the Mid America Regional Lily Society and served as our first show chairpersons. Ralph was a very dear and valued member and both he and Sharon provided long and devoted service to our regional.
Ralph had been Classification Chairman for our shows for many years and was a very reliable, dependable, and knowledgeable member, always ready and willing to step in to help wherever needed. He also served as the financial officer for the 1993 NALS Show, hosted by MARLS, and kept everyone on the "straight and narrow". Ralph continued to be a source of help as a valuable advisor for the 2004 NALS Show, even though he had a hard time getting around.
Sharon likewise has been an exceptional member. Besides supporting Ralph in everything he did, she has served as chairman for the Design Division for our shows, frequently entering and winning blue ribbons for her talents. She also designed and made the large "lily banner" that has become the hallmark of our shows at the Missouri Botanical Garden. She served as Boutique Chair for the 2004 NALS Show and spent many hours creating most of the items that were available.
Ralph and Sharon also opened their beautiful home and garden to our society on many occasions and always served as welcoming and gracious hosts. They contributed much to the strength of our regional, and thereby to NALS. They are the type of members that any group would be very proud to have. Congratulations!