ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Births
• Engagements
• Weddings
• Anniversaries
• Obituaries

Births

Ben and Rebekah Mauldin are excited to announce the birth of their second son, Jacob Andrew. Jacob was born on Dec. 30, 2006, and was 7 pounds 4 ounces and 20 inches long. Everyone is doing well. Big brother Benjamin, who is almost two years older, is happy to have a little brother. Jacob's grandparents are Jim and Becky Shrode of Dallas, Texas, and Ben and Linda Mauldin of Temple, Texas.

----------

Wayne and Lela Solum of the Austin, Texas, congregation are pleased to announce the birth of their fifth child, Coleman Walker, born Sept. 3, 2006, and weighing in at 8 pounds 1 ounce. He was welcomed home by brothers Matthew, Ryan and Reagan and sister, Mariah. Coleman is the 11th grandchild of Jeff and Donna Tucker and the eighth grandchild of Jim and Donna Solum.

----------

Brian and Laurie McGuire are pleased to announce the birth of their fourth child, Caleb John. Caleb was born May 26, 2006. He weighed 8 pounds 8 ounces and was 20½ inches long. Caleb was welcomed by his siblings, Andrew (5), Aidan (3) and Audrey (2). The family attends the Ann Arbor, Michigan, congregation. Proud grandparents are Larry and Karen Walker of Bend, Oregon, and Bev McGuire of Detroit, Michigan. Proud great-grandparents are Wade and Ginny Cole of Bend, Oregon.

----------

Paul and Kira Spenser in Sweden are very happy to announce the birth of Erin Louise Viktoria. She was born on Jan. 24, 2007, and was 52 centimeters long and weighed 4 kilograms. Her twin brothers Isak and Aaron are also very happy and have given her the nickname Ninni.

----------

Michael and Alexandra (Rhodes) Kubik are pleased to announce the arrival of their second child, Elena Gloria Kubik. She was born Feb. 15, 2007, weighed 7 pounds 12 ounces and was 20¾ inches long. Big sister Alyssa is thrilled, as are grandparents Victor and Beverly Kubik of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Melvin and Diane Rhodes of Lansing, Michigan.

----------

Terry and Adrienne (Wills) Hayes of Spokane, Washington, are proud to announce the birth of their first child, a baby girl, Mara Shaunelle. Mara was born on Feb. 24, 2007. She was 8 pounds 4 ounces and 21 inches long. Proud grandparents Hubert and Barbara Hayes and her aunt Shaunelle attend in Covington, Louisiana. First-time grandparents Brett and Barbara Wills attend the Seattle, Washington, congregation. Both families are proud of this new little bundle of joy.

----------

Mattison Jeanene Jackson and Alexandria (Alex) Margaret Dozier make up the fourth generation in God's Church attending the Joplin, Missouri, congregation.

Mattison (right) is the daughter of Matthew and Amanda Jackson. She was born Sept. 7, 2006. She was 18.9 inches long and weighed in at 6 pounds 7.3 ounces.

Alex (left) is the daughter of Joshua and Brittni (Jackson) Dozier. She was born Dec. 11, 2006. She was 19.5 inches long and weighed 6 pounds 15.5 ounces.

Matthew and Brittni are the children of the proud grandparents, Wesley and Judy Jackson, and Wesley is the son of the very proud great-grandparents James and Lois Jackson (deacon and deaconess) of the Joplin congregation. The whole family resides in Grove, Oklahoma. And while dads and moms are working, everyone gets to share in the joy of loving and caring for our special blessings.

----------

Jonathan and Elizabeth French of St. Louis, Missouri, are overjoyed to announce the birth of their first child, Katharine Joëlle. Baby Kate swiftly made her debut at 6:39 p.m. Feb. 9, 2007, as the sun was setting Sabbath evening. She weighed 8 pounds 1 ounce and was 21 inches long. Proud grandparents are Jeannie "Grams" Gladden of Red Lion, Pennsylvania; Stephen "Gramps" Mapes of Edwards, Colorado; Bonnie "Bon-Bon" French and Warren "Pepaw" French of Springfield, Missouri. Great-grandmother Jan "Mommom" Hush attends the York, Pennsylvania, congregation. Baby Kate is a blessing and a joy to all extended family and friends!

----------

Kaelyn Brooke was born to Steve and Beth (Whitley) Ferguson on Oct. 14, 2006—a Last Great Day baby! This beautiful baby girl weighed 7 pounds 14 ounces and was 18½ inches long. Kaelyn is adored by her 15-month-old brother, Rylan. At first sight, Rylan called his new baby sister "doggie." He now understands that this "doggie" is a part of our family. This proud family of four attends the Houston, Texas, North congregation. With this new addition, Kaelyn is the 20th grandchild for Floyd and Floyce Whitley, also attending the Houston North congregation.

----------

Bill and Jackie (Mullen) Kyle of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, would like to announce the birth of their third child, Matthew William, born on March 28, 2007. He weighed in at 8 pounds 8 ounces and was 22 inches long. Sisters Elizabeth and Megan are very excited about their baby brother. Grandparents are Patricia Kyle from the Youngstown, Ohio, congregation and Ronald and Wilma Mullen.

----------

Billy and Sarah (Allen) Hicks of the Gadsden, Alabama, congregation joyfully announce the birth of their son, William Vernon Hicks Jr. Will was born on Nov. 13, 2006, weighing 6 pounds 4 ounces and was 20 inches long. His loving grandparents, George and Rhonda Allen and Steve and Jan Hicks of Springville, Alabama, are enjoying their first grandchild.

----------

Alex and Danielle Fox of Salt Lake City, Utah, are pleased to announce the arrival of their second child, Julian Alexander, little brother of Annabelle Marie. Julian was born Nov. 14, 2006.

----------

Lauryn Elizabeth (8 pounds 10 ounces) arrived the evening of Aug. 10, 2006, in the home of Ted and Beth Wilson in Killbuck, Ohio. She has joined big brother Taylor (4) and twin brothers Samuel and Luke (2). Happy grandparents are Tom and Regina Wilson of Killbuck, Ohio, and Gerald and Ardelle Schwartzrock of Rollag, Minnesota. "Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD… Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them" (Psalm 127:3-5).

[back to top]

Engagements

Dr. Garvey Chilopora was engaged to Gloria Milanzi of Blantyre, Malawi, in a colorful traditional family ceremony in late February. Garvey is the son of Dr. Sam and Esther Chilopora and is furthering his studies in gynecology in Capetown, South Africa. Gloria is working for an NGO called Medecines sans frontieres France dealing with HIV and antiretroviral therapy in Malawi. An Aug. 12, 2007, wedding is planned in Malawi.

----------

Emily Ann Orsak, of the Houston, Texas, North congregation, and Jason Lee Hyde, of the Louisville, Kentucky, congregation, were engaged at the Winter Family Weekend in December 2006. The couple met at the Winter Weekend the previous year when Emily was attending ABC. A July 2007 wedding is planned in Houston.

----------

Gabriel Dempsey, son of Gary and Gracie Dempsey of Corpus Christi, Texas, and Virginia Jane Mendez, daughter of Arnold and Janie Mendez, members of the Corpus Christi congregation, are pleased to announce their engagement. The couple was engaged at the Feast of Tabernacles in Montego Bay, Jamaica, in 2006. They will marry Dec. 15, 2007, in Corpus Christi. The couple attends the Corpus Christi congregation.

----------

Tom and Regina Wilson of Killbuck, Ohio, are very pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Risa A. Wilson, to David L. Kennebeck, son of Lon and Kathy Kennebeck of Canton, Georgia. The wedding will be Sept. 2, 2007, in Ohio where the couple will reside and attend the Mansfield congregation.

[back to top]

Weddings

Michael and Amy Rose of Vassar, Michigan, are pleased to announce the marriage of their daughter, Sarah Rose, to Stanley Grabowski, son of Steve and Ada Grabowski, of Laramie, Wyoming.

They were married in Bay City, Michigan, on Aug. 20, 2006, by Gary McConnaughey, pastor of the Grand Rapids congregation. The bridesmaid was Pamela Chelekis, friend of the bride. Corbin Rose, brother of the bride, was the best man. Alicia and Shelby Howard, nieces of the groom, were the flower girls.

The couple met eight years ago at the Feast of Tabernacles in Conwy, Wales. Sarah and Stan currently live in Laramie, Wyoming, and attend the Loveland, Colorado, congregation.

----------

Mr. and Mrs. Paul Lang of Eugene, Oregon, are very pleased to announce the marriage of their granddaughter Sena Marie Martens to Samuel James Bradley on July 23, 2006. Family and friends came from across the United States and England for the outdoor evening ceremony, held along the McKenzie River at Belknap Hotsprings, Oregon. John Cafourek, pastor of the Salem, Eugene and Coos Bay, Oregon, congregations, officiated. A lovely reception followed the ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Tim Martens of Bentonville, Arkansas, and Debra Martens Larson of Canby, Oregon. The groom is the son of Gilbert and Laura Bradley of Cambridgeshire, England. The couple currently resides near London, England.

----------

Arnold C. Mendez Jr. and Leigha Riley are pleased to announce their marriage on June 24, 2006, in Montgomery, Texas. The ceremony was officiated by John Bald and Tom Clark. The best man was the groom's brother, Adam Mendez, and the maid of honor was the bride's sister, Abigail Riley. After a honeymoon in Maya Rivera, Mexico, they returned to Houston, Texas, where they are both members of the Houston North congregation. Arnold is the son of Arnold and Janie Mendez, members of the Corpus Christi, Texas, congregation. Leigha is the daughter of David and Martha McCarble, members of the Houston South congregation, and the late C.W. Riley.

----------

Adam C. Mendez and Megan Buntin were married on Aug. 6, 2006. The ceremony, which took place in Houston, Texas, was officiated by John Bald. The coupled honeymooned in Maui, Hawaii. They attend the Houston North congregation. Adam is the son of Arnold and Janie Mendez, members of the Corpus Christi, Texas, congregation. Megan is the daughter of Donald and Kathy Buntin of Houston.

[back to top]

Anniversaries

Brian and Jubi Jones observed their 50th wedding anniversary on March 16, 2007, at the home of their son-in-law John and Lolly Parkin, in Johannesburg, South Africa. Children, grandchildren and relatives came from as far as London to be present for this special occasion. It is interesting that both Brian and Jubi were baptized on their seventh wedding anniversary in 1964. They are now retired and reside on the Kwazulu/Natal south coast.

Brian and Jubi have three children, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

----------

Harold and Marge Shonyo of Belle­vue, Washington, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on March 20, 2007. Their daughters Donna Odar and Patricia Garland were in attendance, as well as other family members from Colorado, Florida and Oregon. Their son Dwight and his wife made their appearance via live webcam from Australia. Harold and Marge have been members since 1954.

[ back to top ]

Obituaries

Charles (Chuck) Hayes, a member of the Phoenix, Arizona, Northwest congregation, passed away on March 2, 2007, from melanoma cancer. Chuck was born and raised in a little coal mining town near Hayden, Colorado. At Hayden High School, he lettered all four years in football and basketball. He was also the pitcher for the town of Craig's softball league. He loved growing up in the mountains hunting and fishing.

On Sept. 20, 1953, he married JoAnn (Brenner), and they recently celebrated their 53rd anniversary. He enjoyed his 35-year-long career with Western (now Delta) Airlines. After he retired, he enjoyed pursuing his golfing hobby several days a week.

Chuck was a third-generation member of God's Church. His grandfather and mother were baptized in 1952, and Chuck, along with his wife, were later baptized in 1965. The Hayes have been members in the Phoenix church area for 42 years.

Knowing the extent of the cancer, it is a true blessing from God that Chuck lived relatively pain-free during his brief time after being diagnosed last January.

Chuck is survived by his wife, JoAnn; their three children, Cindy Hill, Tom (and Janie) Hayes and Kathy (and Randal) Rapp; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and two sisters.

The family appreciates all of the prayers, love and support received from the Church.

----------

Leroy Bigler, 75, died unexpectedly Feb. 7, 2007. He was baptized in 1969 and was a member of the York, Pennsylvania, congregation.

When he was a boy, milk was still delivered by rubber-tired, horse-drawn wagons. Leroy was drafted into the army in 1952 and was sent to Japan and Korea.

Leroy wrote in an autobiography, "After I came home from the army, I remember another prayer that I prayed. I asked God for a wife; that we could be married and have a good life together. That prayer was answered May 14, 1955, and my Annie Babe was the proof." His wife, who was baptized in 1972, died a few years ago. He faithfully cared for her during her illness. They were very devoted to each other.

They began hearing Herbert Armstrong on the radio. Leroy wrote, "He was the only preacher that sounded like he knew what he was talking about." They bought a large family Bible that the Acme stores sold in sections. But then they put it on the shelf.

One night they heard Mr. Armstrong advertise the Ambassador College Correspondence Course. They decided to take the course and learn what was in that large book. Leroy finished all 58 lessons and was a student of the Bible ever since.

Leroy was a quiet, gentle and helpful man. He will be missed. Appropriately, he ended his autobiography with these words: "I thank God every day for the many good gifts He has given me."

----------

Eliza Carico of Coeburn, Virginia, died at the age of 97 on Feb. 13, 2007, at the Lonesome Pine Hospital in Big Stone Gap, Virginia. She was baptized into the Church of God in April of 1975. For the last several years, she had been a member of the United Church of God congregation in Kingsport, Tennessee.

Mrs. Carico is survived by one daughter, Rose Mary Sturgill, who is also a member of the Kingsport congregation; four stepdaughters; three stepsons; two sisters; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

Her smile and cheerful attitude always brightened the day of those around her. The funeral service was conducted by David Dobson, pastor of the Kingsport congregation.

----------

Don Patterson, a member of the Spokane/Coeur d'Alene United Church of God congregation, passed away on March 4, 2007, in Spokane Valley, Washington. Don was 76 years old. He had been a dedicated member of God's Church since March 1972. Don set a wonderful example of being a faithful member of God's Church. A memorial service was held on March 11, 2007, with Mark Mickelson officiating.

----------

Jennifer LeAnn Elder of Shallotte, North Carolina, passed away Feb. 24, 2007, at the age of 25 after battling breast cancer for two years. The cancer had spread throughout her body despite repeated surgery attempts to remove cancerous tumors, chemo and radiation treatments.

Jennifer fought the cancer with courage, determination and a dignity that set an example for everyone. Her faith in God never wavered. Jennifer approached her battle with cancer as a blessing, never complaining and always seeking to help others whenever she could. She saw the good work God was accomplishing in her struggle and suffering, knowing that it is through our suffering that God purifies us and refines us to become part of His Kingdom; as Christ suffered, so must we.

She depended on God as the source of her strength. She knew that God's promise to bring her through it was kept. She lived her life for glorifying God. In her struggle to live, she knew that the outcome was totally up to God. The strength of her faith continues to inspire everyone she came in contact with worldwide.

Jennifer was raised in the Church, and was baptized with her parents on Feb. 15, 2004. Jennifer and her parents attended the Florence, South Carolina, congregation. Attending services was very important to Jennifer. After each of her surgeries, as soon as she was discharged from the hospital, she attended services the same week. The most memorable Feast of Tabernacles, and the one that gave her the most joy, was the Feast of 2006 when she was able to serve as a greeter.

Jennifer was the beloved daughter and only child of Joan Twigg Elder and David Allen Elder, born on April 9, 1981, in Bay City, Michigan. She attended Michigan State University where she studied veterinary medicine, with a dual major of zoology. She worked for a year as a veterinary technician. After being fired for the observance of the Sabbath and Holy Days, she changed careers to be a professional painter, working at her father's side until she could no longer work.

Jennifer was loved by all who knew her. She and her beautiful smile will be greatly missed. We look forward to seeing her again in God's Kingdom. We thank all of our brethren for the prayers, love and support you gave Jennifer throughout her battle with cancer. It is this love and support that strengthened her, gave her hope and strengthened her faith in the promises of God.

----------

Virginia Ghent was born in Searcy, Arkansas, Feb. 13, 1922, to Robert Cecil and Isa Dora Wyatt. She was the third of 10 children. Wilbur, Flora Goad, Louie and Francis Choate preceded her in death. Edna Orkruhlik lives in Texas, and Martha Mayo, Ina Mae Slaughter, Betty Brixy and Carolyn Allen live in Louisiana.

On March 10, 1942, Virginia married George Howard (Bert) Ghent. Their only child, Sandy (Mrs. John W. Cafourek), was born three years after they were married.

Virginia was baptized into the Church of God in the summer of 1954 by Gerald Waterhouse and Carlton Smith, who were on a baptizing tour traveling through the South. In 1961 a congregation was established in Little Rock, Arkansas. It eventually grew from a small flock to 600 people.

The Ghents' lives revolved around God's way of life and the truth of Jesus Christ. Virginia served the congregation by providing food for potlucks, socials and work parties and offering her home as a place for Bible studies. She also served by praying for God's work, the sick and for Jesus Christ's return to relieve the suffering on this earth.

Mr. Ghent died in November 1986 from a long bout with cancer. Virginia had been a devoted wife and nurse to her husband. Virginia loved her family above everything else in life. She delighted in her beautiful and precious granddaughters Roxanne (Mrs. Jonathan Sears) and Carmella (Mrs. Berkeley Weis). She loved her great-grandchildren Autumn Amber Weis, Warren Wolfgang Weis, Austin Noah Sears and Cameron Matthew Sears.

Virginia died Feb. 8, 2007, but her memory lives on in the minds and hearts of her family and her friends in the Salem, Oregon; Olympia, Washington; and Little Rock, Arkansas congregations. We all look forward to seeing Virginia again in the Kingdom of God. Special thanks to so many who participated in the lovely memorial for Virginia Feb. 17, 2007.

----------

Victor Vance Woodbury and Barbara Anna Woodbury, who attended the Liberal, Kansas, congregation, died in their home on Wednesday March 28, 2007. Vance and Barbara, who were second-generation Christians, attended Ambassador College Big Sandy in the late 1960s. Vance also worked on the college farm for several years.

They lived for a time in both Colorado and California, before settling down back in Vance's home area in the Oklahoma panhandle. Vance, who had been involved with farming and ranching all his life, continued a small farm and maintained a small beef cattle herd. He also worked for Beaver County, Oklahoma, as a road maintenance worker, primarily as a heavy equipment operator.

They were both known for serving and helping whenever and wherever needed, and were greatly respected in their community.

One wish Vance and Barbara had expressed to their children was their desire to face the end of their lives together. God granted them that wish when a powerful Oklahoma tornado leveled their home.

They are survived by Barbara's mother, Fern Davisson; Vance's father and stepmother, Ledru and Lola Woodbury; three children and their mates: Curtis and Jolynda Woodbury, Brad and Carissa Woodbury and Vickie and Troy Shook; as well as eight grandchildren.

----------

Emmett Clyde "Bill" Sidars, 77, of Bridgeport, West Virginia, passed away Jan. 3, 2007. He was born Dec. 8, 1929, in Columbus, Ohio, a son of the late Harry Raymond and Rhuea Blanche Cale Sidars.

His loving wife of 53 years, Frances Nutter Sidars, whom he married July 25, 1953, survives him.

Additionally, Bill is survived by his two sons, James Raymond Sidars of Gainesville, Georgia, and his children, Steven, Nikki and Kriston; and Stephen Earl Sidars and his wife, Marci, of Denver, Colorado, and their children, Marissa and Janelle. Also surviving Bill are two of his sisters: Jeanne Pettigrew of Concorde, North Carolina, and Patricia West of Wake, Virginia.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Harry Sidars and James Sidars; and one sister, Mary Maribella.

Bill was a very active member of the United Church of God, and he and his family began attending services with the Radio Church of God in the mid-1960s. He was employed for 15 years with the U.S. Postal Service, but was terminated for not working on the Sabbath. While the U.S. Supreme Court had not begun to grasp the importance of the Sabbath, Bill and Fran's example of obedience was not lost on their sons and other members of the Church of God.

A veteran of the Korean conflict, Bill served as a master sergeant and attended George Washington University while in the U.S. Army, from which he was honorably discharged in 1952.

Funeral services were conducted by pastor Tim Waddle. Full military graveside honors followed at the West Virginia National Cemetery in Pruntytown. The sorrow and the noise of guns at that service were powerful in early January, but they both will be overshadowed by the joy and noise of triumph on the day that our Savior returns.

----------

Bob Fergen, 79, of Kennewick, Washington, died on Dec.13, 2006. He was born in Parkston, South Dakota, on Jan. 22, 1927. He married Joan Mengenhauser of Plankinton, South Dakota, on Oct. 22, 1953.

Bob spent most of his life in the real estate business, 23 years in Rapid City and the past 11 years in Kennewick. He also served in the U.S. Coast Guard, attended Northern State College in Aberdeen, South Dakota, and Ambassador College in Pasadena. He was baptized in 1970, and ordained a local elder in 1975 at Rapid City, always having a great zeal for God's truth throughout these years.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years; four sons: Mark of Sundance, Wyoming; David (Karen Woodbridge) of Wellington, Kansas; Ken (Caroline Davies) of Pasco, Washington; and Patrick (Anita Boring) of Spokane, Washington; two daughters: Peggy Morgan (Tim) of Spokane, Washington; and Lisa Arner (Steve) of North Odgen, Utah; 11 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Burial took place at the Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon.

----------

Ruby Haydon died on Feb. 5, 2007, in Merritt Island, Florida. She turned 86 on Jan. 21. She suffered severe complications after two major surgeries in one week.

Ruby was baptized in the spring of 1967 while living in Waltham, Massachusetts. She attended services with the Orlando, Florida, congregation. She lived for her Church family and looked forward each week to being with them.

Her husband, Robert Haydon, preceded her in death approximately 15 years ago. She is survived by her two daughters, Frieda Sikes and her husband, Harold; and Elizabeth Rodamer and her husband, Robert. She leaves seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Ruby was an inspiration to all who knew her, and she loved everyone so deeply. Her beautiful smiling face and outstretched arms are already missed.

----------

Nancy Ann Skinkle, 68, of Central Lake, Michigan, died Jan. 16, 2007, in Zephyrhills, Florida.

Nancy was born on Dec. 10, 1938, in Detroit, Michigan. She married Allen Skinkle on June 26, 1957. In 1969 Nancy and Al moved from Detroit to Central Lake and built their home on Skinkle Road where they raised their six children. They also had six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. They owned and operated Central Heating and Cooling. Nancy also worked for the Antrim County Commission for the Aging, later working there as a volunteer after retiring. She was also president of the Central Lake Women's Club for many years.

Al and Nancy were baptized in 1971 and ordained deacon and deaconess in 1972, and together they served the Church for many years.

Nancy for the last 10 years attended the United Church of God in Wolverine, Michigan. She was a true servant of God. She took Paul's words in Romans 12:1 to heart, presenting herself as a living sacrifice, first to God, her family, the Church of God and the community she lived in.

Arve, her grandson, said, "Our grandmother had a chalkboard and a Bible, and she made us sit down and she taught us about God's way."

Her daughter Karen wrote in a letter that was read at her funeral: "Mom loved to bowl and play cards, especially euchre. Mom always had a deck of cards in her purse, so when she visited her children, they could play euchre. Mom loved to go to movies, enjoyed the circus and parades and carnival rides. Mom was pretty much game for anything fun. Mom loved to laugh and have fun. At church in a large crowd, all we had to do is listen for her boisterous, cheerful laughter and we could find my mom."

Nancy will be greatly missed by her husband, her family, her community and God's Church.

Funeral services were conducted by United Church of God pastor Steve Shafer and elder John Sackrider.

----------

George K. Arnold, 94, of Somerset, Ohio, died Nov. 27, 2006, after a period of declining health.

He was born July 9, 1912, in Boyce Station, Pennsylvania. After graduating from Somerset High School in 1931, he lived a life of diversity. He farmed, worked for the U.S. Post Office and was a machinist. He was always ready to help his family, neighbors and friends when a need was known. He loved working in the soil and following retirement spent many hours in his garden.

During retirement, with his wife, Alta, he did house and barn painting in Florida and Ohio. He has told many amusing stories of his experiences with roofing tar, ladders and paint buckets. He enjoyed traveling by car and was fond of steam engines, trains and model railroading.

George loved studying the Scriptures with his wife of 69 years. He was a member of the United Church of God in Athens, Ohio, and also a member of the New Reading Grange.

He was a devoted husband to his wife, Alta, whom he married on Oct. 14, 1937. They have four children: Elizabeth "Betty" (and Doyne) Swackhammer of Somerset; George R. (and Barbara) Arnold of Wooster, Ohio; Jim (and Linda) Arnold of Mount Perry, Ohio; and David (and Vera) Arnold of Bowling Green, Ohio. They also have eight grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren. He is survived by a brother, Walter Arnold, and a sister, Lois Winegardner. His sister Avis Rarick preceded him in death.

Over the years, George and Alta sent many hundreds of cards and letters to the sick and shut-ins in the Church. They considered this an important part of their mission in life.

A graveside service was held at Mr. Arnold's request on Nov. 29, 2006, at the New Reading Cemetery with David Rambsel officiating.

Mr. Arnold is greatly missed by his wife, his family and all who knew him. He is now awaiting the first resurrection of the saints.

----------

Bonnie Ioline Fulton (Ikey), 85, died on March 4, 2007, following a courageous battle with rheumatoid arthritis for 35 years. Ioline was born July 14, 1921, in Wichita, Kansas, to the late Edward and Blanche (Woods) Woofter. Ikey had several different jobs throughout her life but retired from Trans American Title.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles T. Fulton, in 2003 and one sister, Wilda Epps, in 2002. She is survived by one cousin, Alberta Rollins of Tucson, and two nephews in Kansas. She was a longtime member of the Church of God and a member of the United Church of God in Tucson since 2000.

----------

Nellie Heddleston, 90, of West Union, Ohio, died March 12, 2007. She was born Feb. 19, 1917, at Quick Run, Kentucky, and was the daughter of John and Minnie McCall.

In 1937, Nellie married Wendell Heddleston. Wendell and Nellie farmed south of West Union. Mrs. Heddleston was a homemaker and helped her husband with the work of the farm. Their marriage lasted 63 years until Wendell's death in 2000.

Mrs. Heddleston was baptized on May 29, 1969, and ran her Christian race for 37 years. She was a member of the Portsmouth, Ohio, congregation of the United Church of God. Her children Wilma, Dorothy and Philip are also members of the Church of God.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wendell, and a daughter, Wilma. She is survived by one daughter, Dorothy; two sons, Roy and Philip; one sister, Mollie; four grandsons; one step-grandson; three great-granddaughters; and several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Heddleston died in the faith looking forward to God's coming Kingdom and will be greatly missed by her friends and family.

----------

Tribute: Evelyn Keeley

Evelyn (White) Keeley was born on Nov. 27, 1915, in Joliet, Illinois, to parents Will and Ada (Pape) White. Evelyn met her future husband, Glen Keeley, while both were high school students. Glen and Evelyn were married on Jan. 5, 1934, and enjoyed nearly 66 years together. Evelyn was a devoted homemaker and mother. Over the years, she and her husband supported and/or housed her parents, Glen's parents, Glen's sister and her family as well as several brethren.

In 1942, the couple decided to make their dream to become farmers a reality by purchasing a farm in Gobles, Michigan. To get their farming business started, Glen took a job in town and Evelyn raised vegetables and sold them door-to-door. After several years, the couple became leaders in the local dairy business and were credited with the development of a subbreed of red Holstein cattle. Their son, Rockie, and his wife, Hope, now live on the Keeley farm in Gobles.

Both Glen and Evelyn were baptized in a pond on the family farm in 1959 by a young Dennis Luker, who was in the area on a baptizing tour. The family attended services in Chicago.

During the Spring Holy Days, Glen would milk the cows in the early morning while Evelyn prepared food for the family's trip to Chicago and the potluck meal that would be held between the two, long, daily services for all seven days of Unleavened Bread. The family would make the two-hour trip to Chicago, attend both services and the potluck, drive home, milk the cows and start all over again the next morning!

Evelyn was always serving, organizing countless potlucks and gatherings and extending hospitality to family, friends and many in the ministry over the years. Her biscuits were legendary and many a minister and his family enjoyed a meal prepared by Evelyn.

She was an avid gardener, raising produce that was canned or frozen every year. She also created and maintained extensive flower gardens, so striking in their appearance that those driving by would often stop and take pictures. She was her husband's helpmate in every way—a tireless worker, a loving wife and mother. Their success in farming was truly a joint venture.

Evelyn loved her husband, her children and her friends. Sadly, Alzheimer's disease took over the last years of Evelyn's life. She died on March 24, 2007, at age 91, at Borgess Nursing Home in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband, Glen, and a sister, Dorothy Peterson. Surviving are four children, Joanne Harrington, Glen Keeley, Rockie Keeley and Roxanne Healy; 17 grandchildren, as well as numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

[ back to top ]

Announcements: Members are welcome to submit announcements of the births, engagements, weddings, significant anniversaries (25, 40, 50, 60, etc.) and obituaries in their families. Please include a self-addressed envelope if you would like photos returned. Most items are 50 to 100 words and should not exceed 250 words. Please e-mail (preferred) or give them to your local pastor to forward to United News.