Our people: Oklahoma native always big on family

Dannette Ewers doesn't mind if you call her an "Okie."

The executive assistant to the president of Clovis Community College is a big fan of the state where she grew up.

The News learned more about Ewers last week.

Q: Where are you from?

A: I am from Oklahoma City, Okla. I still call Oklahoma home and go to visit family at least twice a year. More often if I can. There's always lots of graduations, weddings, and new babies to meet.

Q: How did you come to be in Clovis?

A: My former husband was stationed at Cannon Air Force Base in 1990 and I stayed. I remarried and raised my children here.

Q: What did you want to be when you grew up? What changed your mind?

A: An elementary school teacher.

Life happens and I got busy moving around and raising children.

Q: Tell us about what you do now.

A: I've been at CCC since 2000.

I'm the assistant to the president.

I also teach part-time Business and Office Technology skills courses -- keyboarding and computerized 10-key.

Q: Tell us about your family.

A: I grew up in a large, close family, one of six kids.

My dad was one of 13, and my mom was one of six.

We grew up very close to my mom's sisters and brother; our cousins were like siblings, there were 18 of us.

I have been with my husband, Rob Ewers, for 27 years.

We have a blended family of four kids, a daughter-in-

law, and two sons-in-law.

We are blessed with 10 grandchildren.

The oldest is 15 and youngest is one month.

None of them live in Clovis. They are in Florida, Virginia, Colorado, and Texas.

Q: What other places have you lived? Was there one you'd like to return to?

A: Michigan, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Florida, Texas, Nevada, and England.

I would like to return to England. Just to visit not to live.

My mother-in-law is from there and my husband was born there. He spent part of his childhood there, so, it would be fun to go back and see it with him.

Q: What does it mean to be an Oklahoman?

A: For me it is family, outdoor activities, and sports.

Boomer Sooner! Thunder Up!

When I'm there we are sure to be with family watching something sports related or spending time at a lake or other outdoor activity.

Q: You have mentioned your family Thanksgivings in Oklahoma are a really big to-do. Tell us a little about that.

A: Our Thanksgivings are all about family, tons of food and football on TV. We usually have 50 to 75 people ... family and friends, the more the merrier.

There are at least two large turkeys and two large hams.

Everyone helps by bringing the side dishes and desserts. There's even birthday cake to celebrate several November birthdays.

For me it is a time to celebrate with family and friends, to see how much the kids have grown each year, and to reflect on my blessings.

This year I am grateful that I will have Colorado and Texas grandchildren there and I will be meeting my brother's first grandchild.

Q: What's your favorite place to vacation?

A: We enjoy going to Cloudcroft with our friends. We load up our Jeep and go trail riding. There's lots of wildlife, beautiful scenery, and hiking.

Q: Tell us something about yourself few people know.

A: I was born in Michigan, but my family moved back to Oklahoma City when I was a year old to be closer to my mom's family.

Q: What do you like to do when you're not working?

A: Any opportunity I get would be spent visiting my grandkids.

Otherwise, we spend most weekends, year-round, at Ute Lake.

I also enjoy gardening and grow tomatoes and peppers to make salsa.

We can't go to OKC without bringing cases of salsa.

Q: What's the best sandwich?

A: Definitely tacos. Put anything in a tortilla and you have a sandwich.

Q: What's the worst smell?

A: I'm not a fan of deep-fried food so that would be a top contender.

Q: What's your favorite dish?

A: I love salad and could eat it every day and maybe even for breakfast.

Q: Who inspires you?

A: My children inspire me.

All four put themselves through college and graduated with a bachelor's and/or master's degree.

When my oldest finished high school and started college, it pushed me to start taking classes too.

Q: You're hosting a fantasy dinner party. Who's there? What's for dinner?

A: My parents and grandparents have passed away. I would love to have them all back to listen and learn more about their lives.

Now that I am older, I want to know more.

My maternal grandfather was a chef and my husband loves to cook, so maybe they could have a friendly cookoff.

We'd have salad, steak, potato, and some jalapeños or green chiles on the menu.

Q: What's your favorite saying or quote.

A: "Do unto others as you would like to have them do unto you."

The Golden Rule was posted in classrooms when I was growing up and has always stuck with me.