On Nov 4, 1903, Hope was born to Bill and Cora Shurtz in the log two room homestead cabin that her father Bill Shurtz had built for the family when they moved to Lyman Wy from Knox County Missouri. The Black's Fork river boardered the north perimiter of their property; and it was probably very enjoyable to cool off in the river on hot summer days. In 1909, they sold the property and purchased and moved to a ranch in Stevinson, California. Hope helped with the chores of the ranch and attended the local schools. She trained as a hairdresser and was very good at it. She met Henry Proctor, they fell in love and were married Sept 16, 1926. After their marriage in Turlock, Ca., they spent their honeymoon on the California coast near Santa Cruz--and that area continued to be a favorite get-a-way for them their entire life. They returned from their honeymoon to Henry's ranch near Westport where they continued to live for several years. Hope and Henry had parents that were ranchers, and they both were perfectly suited to the ranching way of life. All of their life they worked together, prospered and improved the land they were ranching. Their children, Dawna Hope, Henry Wilbur and Cora Darlene, were born and raised in the Modesto, California area. Hope was a loving and devoted mother to her children, and always encouraged them to do their best. They had fun playing school with teacher Mom and all learned to read and write before ever going to school. Hope was active in the Farm Bureau women's club and also helped with the activities along with other mothers of the Milnes School children. She made the "Home Place on Milnes Rd", really a warm loving home for her husband and children and visitors. Visitors would leave with a fresh bouquet from her garden or some fresh baked bread. Family group get-togethers were special fun times. Visits on Sunday with sisters and brothers and their families were common. Hope and Henry enjoyed playing cards, especially Whist Parties at the Grange and Henry and Cora Darlene would go along and punch the score cards -- sometimes there would be dancing after the card playing was over which all enjoyed.
Hope was the loving grandmother of Jan, Mike, Jeff and Jim, and they all were always eager to go to Grandmas. She was thankful that they all lived close by and could be visited or visit at the Home Place practically daily. The grandchildren were very thankful for Grandma Hope.