Honolulu Star-Bulletin from Honolulu, Hawaii • 27

a true in STAR- -BULLETIN MONDAY: JANUARY 26, 2004 NEWS C7 COMMUNITY 17th and 18th District Caucus: Delegates and alternates will be elected to the state Republican convention, 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in the Koko Head Elementary School cafeteria. A Call for the Wild: The Honolulu Zoo will be holding a seven volunteer docent training class beginning tomorrow from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Classes will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Enjoy lectures from the 200's senior animal staff and horticulturist, as well as guest speakers from the University of Hawaii's Tropical Agriculture and Animal Science departments.

A sixmonth commitment to staff an interpretive service station on the zoo grounds for three to four hours a week is required. Call the zoo's society volunteer coordinator, Barb Thacker, at 926-3191, ext. 11, or e-mail Aala: A Japanese Community in Hawaii: 'The Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii is showcasing an exhibit through Feb. 14 about the history of the Aala neighborhood from the 1920s and '30s in the center's Community Gallery, 2454 S. Beretania St.

View never-before-displayed historical photographs and various objects dating back to the prewar decades. Former Aala residents will reminisce as they stroll through the exhibit, and others will learn about the area's rich history of a community that once bustled with business, movie theaters, markets and stores. Call 945-7633. Free admission. Biotech Facilities and Infrastructure: Enterprise Honolulu and the John A.

Burns School of Medicine will hold a symposium, 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel, second floor. The symposium will be led by members of a distinguished panel from San Diego's biotech sector who were instrumental in building pre-eminent information technology and biotech facilities, and they will provide a road map for Hawaii developers interested in capitalizing on Hawaii's emerging biotechnology sector. A luncheon will follow until 1:30 p.m. in the hotel's Kauai Maui Ballroom.

Cost: $35 for the symposium only; $100 with the luncheon ($60 is tax-deductible), Call Joanne Ikehara at 956- 5507 or e-mail Cheerleading Sessions, Pro Bowl Youth Clinic: The Hawaii Tourism Authority, the state tourism agency and the National Football League are holding free cheerleading sessions from Saturday through Feb. 7. The sessions will be conducted by NFL cheerleaders Kristin Beisel, of the San Francisco 49ers, and Shantel Moncito, of the San Diego Chargers. Limited to 50 participants per session. All clinics are open to the public for viewing.

Call 973-2272. 11 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Saturday at Vidinha Stadium, Lihue, Kauai 3 to 5:30 p.m. Feb.

3 at Keaau High School, Hilo 3 to 5:30 p.m. Feb. 4 in Kealakehe Stadium, Kona, Hawaii 3 to 5:30 p.m. Feb. 5 in Keopulani Park, Wailuku, Maui Kamalei Kamanu'ona'lani Akau-Pulawa Jan.

21, 2004 Kamalei Kamanu'ona'lani Akau-Pulawa, infant son of Chantel Akau and Keoki Pulawa, of Kapaa, Kauai, died in Honolulu. He was born in Honolulu. He is also survived by grandparent Stanley Akau. Private services. Hui Pai Cheng Jan.

15, 2004 Hui-Chen Pai Cheng, 83, of Honolulu, owner of Mrs. Cheng's Tofu, died in St. Francis Medical Center. She was born in Beijing. She is survived by husband Hsiao-Chieh, son Michael, daughter Nancy, brother ShiPeng Tang, sisters Hwei-Fang Wang and Hwei-Ching Tang, and three grandchildren.

Buddhist services: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Nuuanu Mortuary. Call after 9:30 a.m. Burial to be held in California. Katherine Kam Ching Jan.

16, 2004 Katherine Kam Ching, 87, of Honolulu, a retired Kaahumanu Elementary School teacher, died in Kaiser Medical Center. She was born in Honolulu. She is survived by daughters Beverly Couture and Calleen, brothers Allen and Harold Kam, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Services: 11:30 a.m. Friday at Community Church of Honolulu.

Call after 10:30 a.m. Burial to follow at Nuuanu Memorial Park. Aloha attire. No flowers. Gail Ching Chun Jan.

15, 2004 Gail Ching Chun, 60, of Honolulu, a retired Kaiser High School teacher, died in Maunalani Nursing Home. She was born in Honolulu. She is survived by son Matthew, daughter Janelle, mother Alice Y.T. Ching, brother Wesley W. Ching and sister Jocelyn Choy.

Services: 11:30 a.m. Thursday at Diamond Head Mortuary. Call after 10 a.m. Burial to follow at Diamond Head Memorial Park. Casual attire.

No flowers. Lucena Serna Domingo Jan. 14, 2004 Lucena Serna "Lucing" Domingo, 80, of Waipahu, died in Kapiolani Medical Center at Pali Momi. She was born in Santo Domingo, Nueva Ecija, the Philippines. She is survived by sons Ruben S.

and Romulo daughters Melva D. Ragudos, Gilda Kilgoar, Cynthia D. Medeiros, Myrlin S. Domingo and Roseliz D. Kondo; sister Doroteo Mascunana; 18 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

Services: 7 p.m. Wednesday at Mililani MortuaryWaipio, mauka chapel. Call after 6 p.m. Mass: 9:30 a.m. Thursday 7:45 to 10:45 a.m.

Feb. 7 at Waipio Soccer Stadium (session one, middle school), 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Feb. 7 at Waipio Soccer Stadium (session two, high school) Honolulu Bay Support Group: Holding a discussion group to provide gay support for those who wish to feel safe and promote their well-being and equal rights, 7:30 p.m.

tomorrow at Waikiki Community Center, 310 Paoakalani Room 202-A. The topic is long -distance relationships. Call 537-2000 or e-mail or visit www.HawaiiGayMarriage.com. Open to the public. Infectious Diseases 2004: The University of Hawaii's John A.

Burns School of Medicine is hosting a conference about emerging infectious diseases such as SARS, influenza, HIV and a new form of the plague, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday at the Queen's Conference Center. National experts will discuss the Center for Disease Control's strategies to combat such diseases, as well as immunizations. There will be discussions about cases that highlight local resources and research of the state Department of Health and the University of Hawaii.

Registration fee: $100 for a full day, $60 for half-day (either morning or afternoon session). The Hawaii Consortium for Continuing Medical Education designates this activity for maximum of 7.0 category-1 credits toward the AMA Physician's Recognition Award; credits claimed should reflect actual time spent in this activity, To register, call Dr. Tice at 586-2910 or Cathy Iwai at 630-1586, or e-mail cathy.iwai@verizon.net. King William Charles Lunalilo's 169th Birthday Luau: A benefit luau will be held Saturday on the grounds of Lunalilo Home in Hawaii Kai, 501 Kekauluohi St. A seating will be held at 11:30 a.m.

and another at 1:30 p.m. Master of ceremonies will be Puakea Nogelmeier, assistant professor of Hawaiian language at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Local entertainment will be provided. Parking and a shuttle service will be available at Kaiser High School. To purchase tickets, call 395-1000 or 536-6540.

Saint Louis School's Blessed Chaminade Walk-aThon: The school is holding its second annual benefit event in celebration of Marianist Heritage Month and Blessed William Chaminade (founder of Catholic Marianist schools), 8:50 to 11 a.m. Thursday, beginning at the campus' McCabe Gym, proceeding toward Palolo Valley. or Diamond Head and back to the gym. Participants may begin assembling at 8 a.m. Lunch begins at 11:15 a.m.

in the gym, with entertainment provided by Da Bruddahs, Paul Ogata, student performances and radio station Da Bomb 102.7 FM. Saint Louis School students are obtaining sponsors, including Menehune Water, Aramark Catering and St. Louis Alumni Association, for their Pennies for Patients benefit for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society of Hawaii and the school's tuition assistance program. Faculty, staff, students, alumni, family and friends are invited to participate. Shinnen Enkai Anniversary Dinner: 'The Japanese' Cultural Society of Maui will welcome in the new year with a celebration focusing on rice, 5:30 p.m.

Saturday at the Maui Beach Hotel, Rainbow Room. A ceremonial opening of a sake barrel will begin the festivities, followed by a no-host cocktail hour. The JCS Maui Nihon Bunka Award nominees Masaru Yokouchi and Lily Tam will be recognized for their excellence and contributions. Rita Goldman, author of "Every Grain of Rice," will be available to sign her book, which features Japanese-American residents from Maui who have contributed to the community. The book is a benefit for the Nissei Veterans Memorial Center.

A silent auction will be held to benefit the Nissei Veterans Memorial Project. San Francisco guest artist David Purukawa-Chen will demonstrate the art of paper-doll making with simple napkins, traditional Japanese paper and natural materials. Also featured will be the national award-winning video "Mochi Tsuki Time," by Maui High School students. Tickets: $35 (includes buffet dinner), available through the Maui Box Shop and Credit Associates in Wailuku and Party Paradise in Maui Mall. Call Kay Fukumoto at 283- 9999 or Dorothy Nakata at 878-3831.

Toddler Time at Kahala Mall: Chris Da Clown will entertain children with his "Fun with Animal Balloons" show, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday in the mall's center court. Call 732-7736. MEETINGS Board of Water Supply: 2 p.m, today in the Public Service Building board room, 630 S. Beretania St.

Agenda includes: Status of internal audit. Status of ground-water levels at index stations. 2004 Water Conservation Week poster contest. Seeking of comments regarding the West Honolulu watershed study, the County Watershed and Development Plan, and the watershed studies of Waianae and Koolauloa. Department of Land Natural Resources: Holding a series of public meetings to discuss a proposal to ban lay nets (gillnets), including commercial, recreational and subsistence lay net uses, with possible exemptions for certain areas and consideration of traditional and cultural usages, Fishermen and the community at large are invited to discuss the proposal and other options.

The proposal is available for viewing at DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources offices statewide or by visiting All meetings are scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Call DLNR information specialist Deborah Ward at 587-0320. Today at Mitchell Pauole Center, Kaunakakai Tomorrow at Lanai Public Library, Lanai City Thursday at Maui Waena Intermediate School, 795 Onehee Kahului Friday at Benjamin Parker School, Kaneohe Family Violence Advisory Committee, County of Hawaii: Holding a meeting, 10 a.m. Friday at the County Building, 25 Aupuni Room 105-A (Elections Conference Room), Hilo.

Open to the public. For special accommodations, call Charmaine Shigemura at 961-8223. Neighborhood Boards TOMORROW Ala 7 p.m. at Makiki Christian Church, 829 Pensacola St. Agenda includes: Wal-Mart update.

Swing Video update, Legal Aid Society of Hawaii: Fair Housing Program. Hawaii Kai: 7 p.m. at Hahaione Elementary School, 595 Pepeekeo St. Agenda includes: Update on Schuler Homes project. Request for a conditional use permit to open an adult day care center on Lunalilo Home campus, 501 Kekauluohi St.

Overview on U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-funded program on public education and outreach on Fair Housing and Housing Discrimination. Drug Nuisance Abatement Unit. Law Enforcement Coalition's legislative initiatives. North Shore: 7 p.m.

at Haleiwa Alit Beach Park, 66- 167 Haleiwa Road. Agenda includes: Kaukonahua Road lighting. Ke Iki seawall reconstruction. Pearl City: 6:30 p.m. at Pearl City Library, 1138 Waimano Home Road.

Agenda includes: Wal-Mart update. Rules and regulations of swimming pool use for the handicapped. HECO fuel line construction update. Impact on area roadways due to H-1 Waimalu viaduct widening. Hawaiian Humane Society: Mitigative programs for stray animals and barking dogs and crowing rooster nuisance complaints.

Waimano Juvenile Sex Offender Treatment Facility update. Addition of perimeter parking lots along Waimano Home Road for Manana Community Park. Pearl City School Partnership program. Hawaii's Drug Summit Conference: arrangement of meeting with Lt. Gov.

Duke Aiona to discuss proposed Waimano Juvenile Rehabilitation Facility, Komo Mai Drive: excessive speeding in Waiau Gulch: proposal to install traffic signals at Hoomalu Street. Update on creating a "four-way stop intersection" at Leomele and Noelani streets. Proposal to increase state general excise tax by 0.5 percent to provide funding for light-rail transit. WEDNESDAY 7:30 p.m. at Mililani Recreation Center 111, 95-281 Kaloapau St.

H. and Mitzi brothers Nobutoshi Kinoshita and Charles Ishii, and sister Violet S. Kimura. Private services. Additional information for an obituary yesterday.

Gordon Alexander McKay Jan. 22, 2004 Gordon Alexander McKay, 89, of Keaau, Hawaii, a retired owner of the former Fantasia Pacific died in Hilo Medical Center. He was born in Battle Creek, Mich. He is survived by wife Lois; son Jack; daughters Alix S. McKay, Linda Hart and Anita Norris; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

No services. Steve McNeil Jan. 15, 2004 Steve "Mac" McNeil, 75, of Mililani, a retired aircraft mechanic, died at home. He was born in Mississippi. He is survived by sons Michael and Steve daughters April and Robin McNeil, Richelle Turner and Cheryl Honda; brother James six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Private services. Chiyoko Kogachi Miyashiro Jan. 6, 2004 Chiyoko Kogachi Miyashiro, 87, of Kailua, died in Ann Pearl Nursing Home. She was born in Hakalau, Hawaii. She is survived by sons Harold Thomas Paul Edwin James S.

and Howard daughter Maytha H. Sorayama; brothers Richard Y. and Robert S. Kogachi; sister Edith F. Tokuda; 18 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Private services. Masato Muraoka Jan. 16, 2004 Masato Muraoka, 80, of Pearl City, a retired U.S. Postal Service mail carrier, died in Kapiolani Medical Center at Pali Momi. He was born in Honolulu.

He is survived by son Michael brothers Harry, John and James; sisters Helen Kanemoto and Grace Muraoka; and two grandchildren. Private services. Yoshiko Nakasone Jan. 16, 2004 Yoshiko Nakasone, 93, of Honolulu, a homemaker, died in Kuakini Medical Center. She was born in Makawao, Maui.

She is survived by sons Edward S. and Richard daughters Florence S. Shimabukuro and Patsy H. Oshiro, brothers Walter and Harold Higa, sister Mitsue Ota, 10 grandchildren and 16 great -grandchildren. Private services.

Adela Narito Jan. 14, 2004 Adela Narito, 70, of Mililani, a retired Pay and Save Drug Store Lawmakers visit Libya to rekindle relationship Associated Press TRIPOLI, Libya The sight of the white jet taxiing down the tarmac yesterday the first U.S. military plane to touch down in Tripoli since 1969 left no doubt that a pariah state was coming in from the cold after renouncing its nuclear weapons program. In a landmark visit, seven U.S. Congress members emerged from the U.S.

Navy jet and heaped praise on the recent reforms of Col. Moammar Gadhafi, who former President Ronald Reagan once called a barbarian. "We're very excited about opening this new chapter in our relations," said Rep. Curt Weldon, a Republican from Pennsylvania, who stepped off the plane wearing a pin with the American and Libyan flags. Rep.

Solomon Ortiz, a Texas Democrat, put it more simply: "We want to be friends." The U.S. military aircraft was the first to touch down in Tripoli since 1969, when Gadhafi seized power. In the interim, American warplanes have flown only overhead, notably in 1986 when they launched attacks that killed 37 people, including Gadhafi's adopted daughter, in retaliation for the bombing of a German disco that killed a U.S. soldier and a Esther Tsuneye Toyofuku Jan. 17, 2004 Esther Tsuneye Toyofuku, 89, of Wahiawa, a retired U.S.

Postal Service postal clerk in Wahiawa, died at home. She was born in Wahiawa. She is survived by son Glenn daughters Karen T. Miyakawa, Barbara H. Kuba and Joanne T.

Hirata; sisters Joyce T. Hashimoto, Charlotte Y. Takahashi, Virginia Shindo and Elinor K. Kikugawa; 12 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Private services.

Modesta Ramelb Valite Jan. 20, 2004 Modesta Ramelb Valite, 96, of Paradise Park, Hawaii, a home-. maker, died in Hale Anuenue Restorative Care Center in Hilo. She was born in Bacarra, locos Norte, the Philippines. She is survived by daughters Benita Bonilla and Veronica Limayo, brother Raymondo Ramelb and numerous grandchildren.

Services: 7 p.m. Friday at Dodo Mortuary. Call after 6 p.m. Visitation: all night at Valite residence. Mass: 10 a.m.

Saturday at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Keaau, Hawaii. Call after 8 a.m. Burial to follow at Homelani Memorial Park. Casual attire. McKenna Keohohou Victor Jan.

15, 2004 McKenna Keohohou "Kenna" Victor, 25, of Waipahu, died in St. Francis-West Medical Center. He was born in Honolulu. He is survived by mother Arden father Wayne brothers Byron and Christian, sister Pi'ilani and grandparents Elaine and Herman "Gus" Victor Sr. and Edward "Papa" Keohohou.

Services: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Mililani Mortuary-Waipio, mauka chapel. Call after 8:30 a.m. Burial: 11 a.m. at Mililani Memorial Park.

Casual attire. Edward Katsuo Yanai Jan. 23, 2004 Edward Katsuo Yanai, 71, of Honolulu, a retired University of Hawaii faculty housing director, died in St. Francis Medical Center. He was born Honolulu.

He is survived by wife Eleuteria, son Mark, daughter Laura Brown, brother Herbert, sister Grace Ono and five grandchildren. Services: 6 p.m. Thursday at Kalihi Union Church. Call after 5 p.m. Casual attire.

No flowers. Turkish woman. The United States imposed sanctions that year, accusing Libya of supporting terrorist groups. Ten years later, America said it would penalize the U.S. partners of European companies that did significant business in Libya and Iran.

Over the last year, Gadhafi has made a startling turnaround. He admitted his country's involvement in the 1988 bombing of a Pan Am jetliner over Lockerbie, Scotland, and agreed to pay $2.7 billion to the victims' families. He also admitted he had tried to develop weapons of mass destruction including a nuclear bomb and invited U.N., American and British teams to inspect his weapons programs and dismantle them. "I think clearly that Gadhafi is for real in that he has made this switch," said Rep. Darrell Issa, a California Republican.

Some have suggested that Libya did not want to face the kind of war that drove Saddam Hussein from power in Iraq last year. But diplomats say Libya appears to have made a firm decision to remake itself in 2002, before the United States launched its war on Iraq. Gadhafi's decisions followed months of secret negotiations with the United States and Britain. at St. Joseph Church, 94-675 Farrington Highway, Waipahu.

Call after 9 a.m. Casual attire. Trina Leihuanani Faimealelei Jan. 13, 2004 Trina Leihuanani Faimealelei, 34, of Honolulu, died in the Queen's Medical Center. She was born in Honolulu.

She is survived by husband Loa, hanai son Kona Fujiyama, hanai daughter Kelsy Fujiyama, parents Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Kelekolio brother Kel Kelekolio and sisters Edwina Uta, Lori Kelekolio and Nancy Moe. Services: 9:30 a.m. Friday at Diamond Head Mortuary.

Call after 9 a.m. Burial: 2:30 p.m. at Valley of the Temples. Casual attire. William P.

Gomes Jr. Jan. 12, 2004 William P. Gomes 44, of Kaneohe, a painter, died in Halawa. He was born in Honolulu.

He is survived by parents William and Sylvia, brother Garrett and sister Cherie Hudson. Private services. Herbert Kiyokazu Hashimoto Jan. 14, 2004 Herbert Kiyokazu Hashimoto, 77, of Pearl City, a retired Matson Navigation Co. warehouseman, died in Straub Clinic Hospital.

He was born in Waipahu. He is survived by wife Yoshiko, daughters Clarice Y. and Lois brother Fred and two grandchildren. Private services. Roger Robert Johnson Jan.

14, 2004 Roger Robert Johnson, 62, of Honolulu, a mason, died in Castle Medical Center. He was born in Minneapolis. He is survived by daughter Shareen and sisters Lavell and Lavern Kiyabu, Vivian Yamane and Marcella Kuboyama. Private services. Elizabeth Kuulei Kealoha Jan.

13, 2004 Elizabeth Kuulei Kealoha, 70, of Waianae, died at home. She was born in Honolulu. She is survived by sons Wendell, Russell, Vernol "Kimo" and Vincent; daughters Albertine "Ala" Griffin and Fern Kealoha; brothers Sonny and Dyke Aken; 17 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Services: 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Nanaikapono Protestant Church, 89-235 Pua Ave.

Call after 9 a.m. Burial: 1:30 p.m. at Mililani Memorial Park. Casual attire. Leis and flowers welcome.

Shigeharu Kinoshita Dec. 18, 2003 Shigeharu Kinoshita, 83, of Pahala, Hawaii, a retired Kau Sugar Co. inventory clerk, died. He was born in Pahala. He is survived by wife Hisako, daughters Blanche retail clerk, died in Wahiawa General Hospital.

She was born in Paauhau, Hawaii. She is survived by husband Selbistre; sons Stanley Lloyd K. and Jason daughters Stephanie and Amanda F. Narito and Selena Kalahiki; brother Melvin Antonio; and 10 grandchildren. Mass: 11:30 a.m.

Friday at Mililani Mortuary-Waipio, mauka chapel. Call after 9:30 a.m. Burial: 12:30 p.m. at Mililani Memorial Park. Casual attire.

Gualberto Paguyo Nicolas Jan. 5, 2004 Gualberto Paguyo Nicolas, 91, of Honolulu, a retired carpenter, died in Kaiser Medical Center. He was born in Laoag, llocos Norte, the Philippines. He is survived by daughter Zenaida Salvador, sister Coleta Nicolas, four grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren. Services: 7 p.m.

Friday at Nuuanu Mortuary. Call after 6 p.m. Mass: 9:30 a.m. Saturday at St. John the Baptist Church.

Call after 8 a.m. Burial to follow at Valley of the Temples. Hortencia Medina Nicolas Dec. 26, 2003 Hortencia Medina Nicolas, 79, of Honolulu, died in Honolulu. She was born in Laoag, llocos Norte, the Philippines.

She is survived by daughter Zenaida Salvador, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren." Services: 7 p.m. Friday at Nuuanu Mortuary, Call after 6 p.m. Mass: 9:30 a.m. Saturday at St. John the Baptist Church.

Call after 8 a.m. Burial to follow at Valley of the Temples. Sakae Nishimoto Jan. 16, 2004 Sakae Nishimoto, 89, of Ninole, Hawaii, a retired owner of the former Nishimoto Store in Ninole, died in Hilo Medical Center. She was born in Pahoa, Hawaii.

She is survived by sons Delbert and Robert, sisters Kazuko Kodama and Toshiko Ota, four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Private services. No flowers. No monetary offerings. Eugene Arthur Silva Jan.

22, 2004 Eugene Arthur "Gene" Silva, 78, of Hilo, a retired Kona Surf Hotel employee, died at home. He was born in Holualoa, Hawaii. He is survived by wife Debra; sons Michael, Steven and Deaton; daughters Debrajean Agcalon, Ebrajean Silva and Abrajean Alvarez; brothers Robert, Abraham, Paul and Thomas; sister Beatrice Hanna; eight grandchildren; and four great -grandchildren. Services: 7 p.m. Thursday at Dodo Mortuary.

Call after 6 p.m. Cremation to follow. ALEXANDRA RIPLEY 1934-2004 Author of. 'Gone With the Wind' sequel dies By Zinie Chen Sampson Associated Press RICHMOND, Va. Alexandra Ripley, the prolific historical-fiction writer best known for "Scarlett," the official sequel to "Gone With the Wind," has died.

She was 70. Ripley died of natural causes Jan. 10 at her Richmond home, her daughter, Elizabeth Lyon Ripley, said yesterday. The estate of "Gone With the Wind" author Margaret Mitchell picked Ripley to write "Scarlett." The 1991 novel was met by lackluster reviews but ended up a bestseller. Ripley had always wanted to be a writer, but "didn't get up the nerve" until after she had worked at several publishing houses, writing catalog and flap copy for books that had been accepted for publication, said the author's friend and former publicist, Lynn Goldberg.

Her first novel, "Who's That Lady in the President's Bed?" was published in 1972 under the pseudonym B.K. Ripley. Ripley's "Charleston" became the first of the historical novels for which she was best known. It was followed by books including "On Leaving Charleston," "The Time Returns" and "A Love Divine." Part of Ripley's charm was her wholehearted enjoyment of life, Goldberg said. She would regale her friends with stories about her adventures and misadventures with self-deprecating humor, she said.

"Her recollections were the stuff of novels," Goldberg said. "She often said that if it hadn't happened to her, she wouldn't believe it, either. If asked if her life story was real, she could quote Marco Polo, saying, 'I did not tell half of what I saw." Ripley is survived by two daughters and a granddaughter. She was separated from John Graham, of Charlottesville. Many Annuity Owners Lose Money.

Do You? Most annuity owners lose over of the value of their annuity when it pays off! It's and we show you exactly how to avoid the loss in our booklet "Annuity Owner Mistakes." The booklet is free and shows how to get more benefits from your existing assets and help preserve your annuity value. Call 1-800-348-4505 and leave your name, address and phone number for your FREE Copy!.