My Personal Autobiography

While my father was stationed in Walla Walla, Washington, Lynda Anne Stafford, was born as the second child to Mel and Anna Lou Stafford. At the age of one month, my family (Mom, Dad, Ronnie - my brother, and Nanny -- my grandmother) drove back to Phoenix, Arizona. where I have lived the rest of my life.


During my grade school years, I attended three schools within the Alhambra district -- Alhambra, Montebello, and Robert E. Simpson. I attended Central High School where I lettered in tennis. My parents bribed me to stay in Arizona for school by giving me a new car and a trip to Europe upon my graduation from Arizona State University with a Bachelors in Education.

I finally began my teaching career at the Melvin E. Sine School in Glendale, Arizona in 1967. I started teaching fifth grade with Mr. Sine as my principal. Since that time I have taught fifth grade, sixth grade, a combination fourth and fifth, and a combination fifth and sixth. About eight years I started looping the fifth and sixth grades; this means that I keep a group of students for two years.

In 1969, I met an fell in love with Terry Beloat. The best result of our marriage was a beautiful red-headed girl named Nikki who was born in 1973. In 1978 we moved to the house that Nikki and I still reside. In 1979, Terry and I divorced. I have remained single since then.

The last few years have been hard on my body. I fell when accidentally pushed at a D.A.R.E. skating party in 1995. In 1996, while our school was being renovated and we were housed in portables, I fell over a trash can going into the dark room and not watching what I was doing. In 1997, I was accidentally kicked by a student who was trying to protect me in a kickball time. This accident really threw me for a loop, and I am finally recovered, although my leg will never be the same again.

During the last few years I have gone traveling with my mother. We saw New England in the fall and Western Canada. Both were beautiful to see. This year we will be touring through the Black Hills, the Grand Tetons, and Yellowstone. I can't wait.

To view pictures of my house and Mom and dad, Ron today,my mom today and Nikki click on the underlined word.