# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Me, my classmates, and Ms.Killough in 2019 at the water conservation essay contest!

# data[].attributes.body
Ms. Killough will always hold a special place in my heart. She was the reason why I loved history in 7th grade. She made it so easy and fun to learn. She also shaped me into the writer I am today. If you would have told me 6 years ago that I had competed in competitions for writing and that I won I would not have believed you. One of my all time favorite memories of Ms. Killough was in 7th grade. We our UIL competition at Myserville and I had competed in Oral Reading and we were waiting in the results. Since the my event was the last one of the day, the results were taking longer than expected and we had to be back at Westhoff by a certain time so we were loading up the bus but then we saw people with papers with the results of the placements. Ms. Killough ran after them as soon as she saw the paper.

Then she came running back and told me that I placed 1st and we both jumped up and down with excitement! It made me even more excited to see how excited she was for me because I was so nervous after my event. Ms.Killough helped me reached my full potential as a student. I was not confident in myself whatsoever in school but she would always encourage me and tell me that I was a good writer and a good student. She will always be a special teacher who helped shaped me into who I am today 🤍

# data[].attributes.body
As someone who grew up in Westhoff and it being such a small school, you tend to have the same teachers and same close knit friends throughout the years. Ms. Killough was one of the most tough, funny and caring teachers me and my brothers had growing up. She never gave up on you when you’re struggling with a hard assignment and always helped you figure out a solution. I remember when my mom worked at the school, we would always have time once school was out and she would always let us hang out in her room and help with any homework if we had any. I will miss her daily Facebook positivity post and always commenting on my pictures of my family and my little girl. I know she’s proud of all her “kids” she taught over the years with seeing them prosper. We will miss you sweet lady! Til we meet again ❤️

# data[].attributes.body
Ruth and I knew each other in high school. She was always quiet and a little shy, but so very kind. When my family moved back to the area, she was first my son’s, then my daughter’s teacher. I remember sitting at a softball game with her and her telling me that it didn’t matter that my son had dyslexia, he was smart and needed to be in the advanced classes in high school. I put him in several and he did excelled. My daughter would get mad because Ruth always pushed her in school, but she too was very successful, and Ruth ended up as one of her favorite teachers. She was an exceptional human being, and I am so proud to have called her friend. She blessed everyone she came into contact me. Her legacy will live for generations through the lives she touched and the students she taught.

# data[].attributes.body
Ms. Killough taught me so many life skills that I’ve carried with me beyond the four walls of the second to last classroom at the end of the shotgun-style hallway that used to make up Westhoff Elementary School. There are too many amazing memories to pick a favorite. Afternoons spent in GT, shaving cream desk spelling tests, Flat Stanley projects, “How To” presentations, reading Social Studies passages pop corn style around the semi-circle table in the corner, UIL preparation, studying past winning Spelling Bee words, & of course, THE BEAN BAGS. Ms. Killough would always tell me how she knew our relationship would go beyond those four walls the first time I asked her what onomatopoeia was in the 5th grade before she was even able to explain it. She saw so much potential in me much like she did in all of her students. She always supported me even in my years beyond Westhoff. She encouraged me throughout high school & helped me apply for college as a first generation student. Anytime I had a question about FAFSA, citing sources in MLA format, grammar, & just overall adulting Ms. K was always right there for me. Ms. Killough’s love & support for her students was unwavering, selfless, & always genuine. It’s educators like her whose legacy continues on even when they’re no longer with us. I am forever grateful & indebted to her for the impact she made in my life, the times we spent together talking about a range of things like literary devices to margaritaville, laughing, spelling words that almost seem made up, & catching up on life. Thank you for everything Ms. K. Love you always & forever.

Sending y’all so much love & strength during this time Lacey, Trisha, & Caleb.

# data[].attributes.headline
My Parrothead 🦜 Pal. Every morning she would share her Beach posts. We would talk Parrothead talk. I met her in highschool and we became wonderful friends on Facebook. I ask God to Bless her Spirit and Soul and all her family and friends. She was a very awesome friend. 

# data[].attributes.subject
My Parrothead 🦜 Pal. Every morning she would share her Beach posts. We would talk Parrothead talk. I met her in highschool and we became wonderful friends on Facebook. I ask God to Bless her Spirit and Soul and all her family and friends. She was a very awesome friend. 

# data[].attributes.body
Ms. Killough was one of the best teachers I have had in my school years! She taught me everything I know about writing and social studies. She was one of the few teachers who would sit down with you and repeatedly go over your question until you got it right!! Such a sweet soul!

# data[].attributes.body
I remember as a child my step dad (John Davis) moved our entire family to El Paso Texas & when it came time for Ruth to come visit Trisha, Lacey, & Caleb; my sister, Sam, & I were upset because we weren’t getting to go. I personally was dreading the weekend the entire week before. We get to the airport to do the children exchange and there she was with a bag in her hand. She handed it to Trisha & said “I got those for the girls because I didn’t want them to feel left out this weekend. It’s nothing big just some stuffed animals from the gift shop in the airport.” I’ll never forget the way that day made me feel. & that weekend without my step siblings went by so fast and painless because of her simple gesture.

-Mel

# data[].attributes.body
I was a student in Ms. Killough’s class for four years, and I can say without hesitation her teaching went beyond middle school. She taught me the value in writing, how to create a captivating story, and how to speak in a way that intrigues the ears of others. Till this day whenever I write a paper for one of my college classes, her framework, and hers alone, is the only one I follow. Her methods have never failed me, and they are a constant reminder of how brilliant she was inside and out. She was a woman who made all of her 8th grade students memorize the Bill of Rights and know it by heart. She was quick to instill in us the value of what patriotism means, and how each of us could pull something away from history that caused us to admire where we come from. She would have us create our own “products” to sell in class when the weeks discussion turned to advertising and bandwagons, where we as small 5th & 6th graders attempted to sell our own designs of toothpastes, shampoos, fishing lures, shoes, etc. She never turned an idea down, no matter how outrageous, because if one student found it interesting, it was good enough for her too. Every ribbon I won in UIL, every 100 I made in high school English, every speaking event that gave me a plaque, every history question in college that I already knew the answer to, and every paper I wrote that granted me a scholarship to attend university… I owe that all to her. She wasn’t given credit enough. Ms. Killough never stopped reaching out even after I left Westhoff. She was always there, cheering any and all of her students on to the success they so desired. As a student, if there was one teacher I wish I could sit in the classroom with again, it would be her. You shaped us all. Thank you Ms. Killough, for your contribution to so many of our educations. You are one in a million, a teacher and a friend. We love you, and may God be by your side walking with you in His Heavenly Kingdom.

# data[].attributes.body
Ms.killough was my teacher through my westhoff years and honestly one of the most amazing teachers , even now she would come into Walmart with a big smile on her face always give me a big hug and ask how me and my son our doing. Really just an amazing person .

# data[].attributes.body
Like coffee on a napkin she stained my mind with knowledge. Phosphorus in her teachings she was vital to the development of our adolescence. Her swagger, the way she controlled a room with her voice to every mannerism she was crucial. She mothered us, molded and shaped us, helped us tool through struggles that were printed in monochrome. A teacher is one that has a lasting impact and dare I say she made one. All these years later and I find myself thinking about her sitting on her reverie embedded in it thinking of everything she ever told me, taught me. A true teacher is one that leaves a mark one forever encased within you. A scar that never heals. In this case she was the knife that broke skin and imprinted her teachings, her knowledge into every student that ever stepped foot into her classroom. To say I am forever grateful would be an understatement. No words could ever give justice to what she gave me. There’s only a few people in this world that I’m forever in debt to and she’s one of them. They say someone dies twice if you forget them. Never let go of her memory. Once a sharp personality. To a seraphim beyond the existential plain. Goodbye.

# data[].attributes.body
In Westhoff, we were stuck with this woman for four whole years. And those four years were the greatest blessing any Westhoff kid could have ever had. We didn't realize it at the time, but she was setting us up to succeed in life. Just like several memories mention, she is the reason for our attention to grammar, spelling, and vocabulary. She helped me build the foundation of my education, which enabled me to excel in high school and go on to college. She was goofy, loud, strict, but also kind. As our writing teacher, she would always encourage us to be descriptive and elaborate, but words alone cannot describe the impact she has had on our lives.

# data[].attributes.wish_content.attachment_props.alternative_text
Honoring Ms. Killough at the 2006 Bell Ceremony

# data[].attributes.body
I wasn’t the best kid but she taught me well. She would always tell me Clayton go to the hall way so I would carry my desk outside and sit by myself but she never gave up on me. As I got older I always got a hug and she asked how I was doing. Such an amazing woman taken to soon but god must have needed her.

# data[].attributes.body
Ms. Killough was my teacher throughout my time in Westhoff. She always pushed me out of my comfort zone, and I’m so thankful she did. She made me believe that I’m capable of so much more than I ever thought.

I was lucky enough to see her a couple of years ago while walking into HEB in Gonzales.

I heard someone screaming/yelling when I turned around she was walking towards me with arms wide open, and gave me the biggest hug. ❤️ I had no idea she was working there, but I sure was glad to see her. She was truly the best teacher I’ve ever had.

# data[].attributes.body
She was awesome, from the first time I entered her class room to the last.She was always there willing to help any student that needed it or did not realize they needed it,from a gentle push to "your not leaving till its done" type of stuff.She was always encouraging bright minds and giving the type of advice that one gives when they truly care about students.She will be heavily missed...

# data[].attributes.body
Ms. Killough was my teacher throughout my years in Westhoff and also my siblings before me. She was the teacher that never gave up on me and always pushed me to do my best no matter how much attitude I threw her way or how much I wanted to give up! (lord knows I have her so much grief back in the day! I stayed parked in the desk she had in the corner of her classroom away from everyone)😅 I’m 26 with 2 kids of my own. I still catch myself saying “pull out the dictionary and show me the word ain’t” when my kids say it! I would always see her at the grocery store on my lunch break and we’d chat forever, I didn’t care if it made me late back to work. She was the one teacher that cared about her students’ life and success even as adults. She left a lifetime impact on me and I’m forever grateful for her and will miss her dearly.

# data[].attributes.body
Mrs Killough was the driving force behind me becoming a successful person later in life. I was a lazy, rambunctious kid and she always pushed me to be better. Spending approximately 700+ days in her classroom, she laid the foundation for what turned out to be an awesome education. I could always tell she was there, not only to teach, but to strive to help each of us achieve a better life. I remember how excited she was explaining real life things that were happening in the world. We talked a lot about Chernobyl and the Challenger accidents, that were fairly recent at the time and that I didn't realize were so impactful. We spent time learning about polution, which she was really passionate about. That's what I remember the most about her, her PASSION for teaching. She WANTED us to learn and be the best we could be. She was a kind, compassionate woman and I'll never forget her. Mrs. Killough thank you for all you did for me, in what was the most difficult time in my life. You will definitely be missed! 💞

P.S. Yes ma'am, I proofread this before sending just like you taught me. 🥲

# data[].attributes.body
She always pushed me to excel and exceed which prepared me for the shock of high school. My Westhoff years were some of the best years of my life. We would always make her laugh, and her laugh would make us laugh. She would try to be stern and we would get her to laugh every time. She was close with my mom as she worked at the school in various roles over the years. She will be greatly missed and so glad I cross her path recently and she kept up with me on snap chat too. You touched so many lives and your purpose was fulfilled.

# data[].attributes.body
Ms. Killough was by far one of the best teachers that I had the pleasure to come across. She taught with such passion. I’m now 30 years old, with a child of my own and every time I come across bad grammar on his homework, Ms. Killough would come to my mind and I would instantly think, “Ms. Killough would never be okay with this!” She had such patience, even when dealing with all the ‘Stehling’ children throughout the years. I’m sure that wasn’t an easy job! I can only hope, that one day, my child will be able to experience a teacher as impactful as she was.

My deepest condolences to the family. 💐

-Kayla Jacob

# data[].attributes.body
Ms. Killough taught me through my Westhoff years she always pushed me to do my best. She always told me never give up. Years went by and we would always see each other and wave. After I had my children I enrolled them in Westhoff and I started working in Westhoff as the Bus driver. Everyday Ruth would give me and update on my kids and they would always wonder how I found out what they did lol. After her retirement I didn't see her alot but we would go to Gonzales heb just to see her she would always walk up to us with open arms with a hug. She was always there for my children. We texted everyday for the past few years. She will truly be missed in my family.

# data[].attributes.body
Ms.Killough was my teacher throughout my time in Westhoff. She was by far the most caring teacher I have ever had. She always pushed me to be better, and I would not be who I am today without her. I remember when I ran into her one day while she was working at HEB and we literally yelled and hugged each other. She was an amazing person and will be greatly missed.