This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Couch, Davis, Smith Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/JhB.2ACE/698.712.1 Message Board Post: Mrs. E. H. COUCH We are saddened to report the passing of Mrs. E. H. Couch of Guntersville, Alabama, on November 27, 1965, at the age of 76. Mrs. Couch was a well-known irisarian, and had been a member of AIS and a Garden Judge for many years. In 1959 she organized the Marshall County Iris Society, and was instrumental in promoting more interest in growing newer and better irises throughout this region. Her gardens were always profuse with the latest and best varieties, and she kept in close contact with the best known hybridizers and what they were doing in the iris world. She was an outstanding authority and lecturer on the subjects of gardening, floriculture and conservation. A year before her passing, she was presented the Governor's Award as the "Most Outstanidng Woman of the Year in Conservation" in the state of Alabama in recognition of her life's work in conservation. It was through her work and influence that Mountain State Park, which now provides various recreation for people from all parts of the U.S. and many foreign countries. She was also an authority on early Alabama folk music and history. She is survived by her husband, Dr. E. H. Couch, two sons, Dr. Robert Couch of Bethesda, Me., and Owen Couch of Gunterville, and two daughters, Dr. Maxine Davis of Montevallo College and Mrs. Jeff Smith of Huntsville. Although her passing is a great loss, her high ideals and fine contributions to conservation and the world of gardening will stand in living tribute for years to come. Mrs. A.I. Kuykendall