The 78th annual Heller-Higgins family reunion was held July 27 at the Marion County Lake hall.

Seventy-three family members enjoyed a potluck dinner and afternoon of visiting. Earnest and Wanda Higgins of Galesburg, Ill., were recognized for their attendance. Earnest will celebrate his 100th birthday this fall.

Keith Collett, president, conducted a short business meeting. Officers for 2009 were elected. Briant Lewis of Augusta will serve as president. Marsha Donaldson of Spring Hill was elected secretary. The 2009 reunion will be July 26.

Those attending from out-of-state were Mark, Debbie, and Eric Hessler, Dahinda, Ill.; Howard and Debbie Higgins, Story City, Iowa; Earnest and Wanda Higgins, Galesburg, Ill.; Randy, Rachel, Zach, and Maggie Collett, Jefferson City, Mo.; Marcy and Elise Tourville and Hazel Selvy, Colorado Springs, Colo.; and Blaine and Bonnie Stinchcomb, Canadian, Texas.

Those from Kansas were Ken and Anita Sly, Salina; Jim and Lenore Thompson, Osage City; Briant Lewis, Augusta; Jack and Patty Higgins, Virginia Higgins, and Karen Smith, Hutchinson; Ralph and Charlene Janzen, Hillsboro;

Beverly and Dale Curry, Ruth Lewis, and Tom and Diana Higgins, Emporia; Jeanne and Vernon Owens and Bill and Clarice Higgins, Olathe; Georgia Higgins and Adam and Taylor Higgins, El Dorado; Chuck and Barb Stinchcomb, Russell; Rick and Collette Erickson, Chapman;

John Higgins and Marci, Hannah, and Hayli Daugherty, Topeka; Marge Talbott, Halstead; Rich and Susie Mueller, Assaria; and Gail, Sandra, and Kristi Dody and Brad, Elizabeth, Katie, and Kara Dody, Wichita.

Those from Marion were Keith, Anne, Lucy, and Caroline Collett, Shirley Bowers, Harold and Virginia Bowers, Howard and Beth Collett, Stacey and Carla Collett, Greg and Mary Beth Bowers, and Charles and Rosaline Stinchcomb.