Obituaries from 2011

ALPHABETICAL LISTING OF OBITUARIES

Connie Lynn Bolinger, 58, of Nashville, TN, died May 22, 2011, after an extended illness. She was born Feb. 12, 1953, in Gary, IN, the daughter of Elwood and Bonnie (Starks) Bolinger. She grew up in the First Christian Church of Hessville, Hammond, IN. A graduate of Morton High School in Hammond, she attended Indiana University and Saint Brieuc in Brittany, France. After moving to Nashville, TN, in 1990 she became staff assistant at First Christian Church, later Aspen Grove Christian Church, of Franklin, TN, a position she held for 21 years. She was a gifted musician and writer. In addition to serving on the church praise team, she was also an accomplished studio musician who participated in many private and professional recordings. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, David. She is survived by one brother, John of Colorado. A celebration of life service was conducted at Aspen Grove Christian Church on June 4 with Clinton J. Holloway and Cathy Coulter officiating. Her ashes were interred in Colorado.

Richard “Preacher Dick” Boroff, 80, of Eaton, OH, died Jan. 21, 2011, in Eaton. He was born June 14, 1930, in Findlay, OH, to the late Clayton and Mary Iola (Patterson) Boroff. He graduated from Cincinnati (OH) Bible Seminary in 1958, and was ordained by his home church in Findlay that same year. He was married soon after graduation to another CBS graduate, Velma LeFever, in Danville, IL. He served numerous churches in West Virginia, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. He retired in 1996 from the Church of Christ, Eaton. He was a member of the Eaton Kiwanis and Preble County Council on Aging. He was preceded in death by one brother, David. In addition to Velma, his wife of 52 years, he is survived by one son, Mark of Vandalia, OH; and one sister, Donna LeMay of Tempe, AZ. Funeral services were conducted Jan. 25 at the Church of Christ, Eaton, with Paul Nickols and Alan Keesling officiating. Burial was at Mound Hill Cemetery in Eaton.

Ed Bousman, 92, of Lynchburg, OH, a radio and television evangelist for 49 years and a minister for more than 68 years, died May 16, 2011, at his home. He was born Oct. 1, 1918, in Matewan, WV, the son of William Edward and Delpha Smith Bousman. He earned a bachelor”s degree from Cincinnati (OH) Bible College and Seminary and a master”s degree in communications from Xavier University in Cincinnati. In addition to his radio and television ministries, he served churches of Christ in Hartford, KY, and Genntown, Hollowtown, Lynchburg, Allensburg, and Marshall, OH. He began the God Is Just A Prayer Away radio ministry in 1962; this November would have marked the ministry’s 50th year. In 1984, he started the Preaching Christ television program. In 1997, he started Bible Voice Europe, a shortwave radio program reaching all European countries, including Russia. Also in 1997, he began Shortwave Radio Africa, directed at more than 140 million English-speaking people in three former British Colonies: Nigeria, Ghana, and the Cameroons. In 1999, he started broadcasting into India and neighboring countries to reach a potential audience of more than 1 billion people. In 2003, GIJAP began broadcasting into western Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Ukraine, Czech Republic, and Bulgaria. In 2006 he began broadcasting to a potential audience of 344 million via a transmitter in northern Africa. He is survived by his widow, Naomi Angel Bousman, whom he married Dec. 18, 1982, at Madeira (OH) Church of Christ, one daughter, Melanie Rightmyer of Holtville, AL; one son, Eric Vail of Edgewood, KY; and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Roberta, on July 4, 1980; one sister, Lucille Livesay; and one brother, Jay. Services were conducted May 21 at the Allensburg Church of Christ, Lynchburg, with Lee Mason and Bob Stevens officiating. Burial was at Lynchburg Masonic Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to “God Is Just a Prayer Away” Radio Broadcast, P.O. Box 511, Lynchburg, OH 45142. For more information or to send condolences, visit www.turnerfuneralhomes.cc.

Janice L. Burdick, 82, of Blue Springs, MO, died Feb. 19, 2011, after a brief illness. She served in ministries with her husband, Bruce, for more than 55 years in seven different locations. In addition to Bruce, she is survived by two sons, Eric of Arizona and Scott of Kalamazoo, MI; one daughter, Pamela Price of Missouri; and five grandchildren. Bruce Burdick may be contacted at 1621 SW Sixth St., Blue Springs, MO 64014 or (501) 984-1135.

Don Butler, 91, a Christian church minister since 1941, died Feb. 24, 2011, in Thousand Oaks, CA. His wife of 67 years, Gwen, 91, died a few months later, on June 3 in Grove, OK. Mr. Butler was born in Middletown, OH, and enrolled in Cincinnati (OH) Bible College in 1941. There he met Gwendolyn Koss of Decatur, IL. They were married June 22, 1943, after she graduated. He graduated in 1945 and went on to earn a master”s degree while the couple took their first ministry in Sherborn, KY. In 1948 he was asked by the Southern Michigan Christian Fellowship to start a new church in Detroit. After that church was successfully established and a new building was completed, the Ohio Ministerial Association invited him to begin a church in suburban Toledo, OH, and he started that work in 1955. While planting the Garden Park Church of Christ, Mr. Butler was also promotional director of the Lake James Christian Assembly, active in organizing new churches in the northern Indiana and northern Ohio area, and helped establish Great Lakes Bible College in Michigan. In 1960, he was asked by First Christian Church in Yuma, AZ, to lead the church in a major building and growth program. During his time there he became involved with the Christian Mission for Mexican Evangelism, eventually joining the board. In 1967, Regan Flannery and Ralph Dornette invited him to lead a newly formed church in Newbury Park, CA, under the auspices of the Southern California Evangelizing Association and Church Development Fund; this became his longest church ministry. In 1978, the couple sold their home in Newbury Park and Mr. Butler started promotional work for Rancho de los Ninos, an orphanage in El Provenir, Mexico, that had been established while the couple was in Yuma, AZ. He promoted and directed this work until 1995, when he was 76. During his time there, more than 2,000 Mexican orphans received care in a loving family environment. After retiring from Rancho de los Ninos, he conducted a seniors ministry in El Centro, CA, for two years, then fully retired at age 78. Mr. Butler”s services were conducted at Newbury Park (CA) Christian Church, and Mrs. Butler”s services were held at Grove (OK) Christian Church. Burial is at Mason (IL) City Cemetery, an old family cemetery.

Gene Stratton Carter. 84, died June 22, 2011, after a battle with Parkinson”s disease. He was born in Dawson, IL, on Aug. 4, 1926, the youngest of 10 children of George and Edna Carter. The family moved to Springfield, IL, before he entered school. The World War II veteran served in the Navy and saw duty in the South Pacific. He earned a bachelor”s degree from Cincinnati (OH) Bible Seminary in 1950. He also completed a master”s degree in higher education from Michigan State University, Lansing, and a master”s degree in ministry from Pacific Christian College, Fullerton, CA. Hope International University in Fullerton awarded him an honorary Doctorate of Divinity. He ministered with Franklin Street Church of Christ in Grand Rapids, MI; Brookport (IL) Christian Church; Woodview Christian Church, Wyoming, MI; Kentwood (MI) Christian Church; University Christian Church, Los Angeles, CA; and First Christian Church in Long Beach, CA. He also served as board chairman of the North Burma Christian Mission for 20 years. At Pacific Christian College, he was the assistant to the president, served on the board of trustees, was founding director of the EXCEL program, and was a professor in that program when he retired. The longtime Lions Club member served as chaplain, president, district governor, and board member of the International Lions. He served on the boards of many community agencies and was the honorary mayor of Westchester, CA. He met his wife Mary Kent at Cincinnati Bible Seminary. They were married for 64 years and had six children””Edward, Mary Gene, Rebecca, Carol, Wendy, and Margaret””17 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.

John Milton Carter Sr., 95, a resident of Mason (OH) Christian Village and a longtime editor with Standard Publishing, died April 28, 2011. He was born Dec. 6, 1915, in Buffalo, IL, the son of George and Edna Carter. He was raised in Dawson and Springfield, IL, where he was a member of West Side Christian Church. In addition to his widow, Fern Carter, he is survived by five sons, John Jr. of Anaheim, CA, James of Batavia, OH, Lawrence of Grand Ledge, MI, Gerald of Wyoming, OH, and Robert of Waxhaw, NC; 22 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Albert and Gene. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Freda Linn Carter. In 1947 (at age 32), he was valedictorian at Cincinnati (OH) Bible Seminary. He served as a minister with West Side Christian Church, Springfield, IL, Madisonville Christian Church in Cincinnati, and Moscow (OH) Church of Christ, and also as a Sunday school teacher. He was an editor with Standard Publishing for 34 years. Services were conducted May 2 at Christ”s Church at Mason. Interment was at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield, IL. Memorials may be made to Mason Christian Village, 411 Western Row Road, Mason, OH 45040.

Charles E. Cook, 84. died Jan. 11, 2011, at Chesapeake Medical Center in Bel Air, MD, after a seven-year battle with lung cancer. The influential Christian leader and retired church minister served most recently (1984″“2005) with Mountain Christian Church in Joppa, MD, the first 10 years as senior pastor. At MCC, he oversaw the growth of what is now the largest nondenominational Bible-based church in the Northeast. After retirement, he was named pastor emeritus. The son of a coal miner and grade school teacher was born in Christopher, IL, and grew up in the nearby towns of Elkville and Du Quoin. He began serving in ministry in 1945, at age 19, as a student pastor with a tiny rural church in Glen Elder, KS. In 1947, he received a bachelor”s degree in ministry from Manhattan (KS) Christian College. He was awarded a graduate divinity degree from Phillips University in Enid, OK, in 1952. That same year he married Barbara Jean Gregory, from Hennessee, OK, his wife of 58 years. From 1952 to 1954, he and his wife served with the Barnes-Cook evangelistic team, touring numerous states while leading revival meetings. An accomplished cornet player, he co-recorded several contemporary renditions of traditional Christian hymns while also performing vocal and instrumental duets with his wife in churches and revival meetings across the Midwest. During his lifetime, he established and pastored several small- and medium-sized churches into thriving congregations in Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, and Arizona, including Central Christian Church in Mesa, AZ, which is now one of the largest nondenominational Christian churches in the Southwest. From 1979 to 1984, he was professor of pastoral ministry at Manhattan Christian College. He was a founding board member of Christian Missionary Fellowship International, and served more than five decades in such capacities as director, chairman, and president. He served as president of the 1993 North American Christian Convention, St. Louis, MO, and also served on Standard Publishing”s Publishing Committee from 1986 to 1997. He visited churches and missionaries across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. Among the many honors he received during his lifetime was the James A. Garfield Award from the Emmanuel School of Religion in Johnson City, TN, and an honorary doctorate degree from Pacific Christian College in Fullerton, CA. In 2005, Mountain Christian Church designated its former worship center as the Cook Auditorium. That same year, CMFI established the Cook Conference Center in honor of his 50 years of leadership and service. In 2006, the Emmanuel School of Religion established the Cook Institute for Excellence in Ministry. In addition to his widow, Barbara, he is survived by one son, Kevin of San Jose, Costa Rica; two daughters, Charlesa Kay Mullin of Bel Air, MD, and Leah Ann Crussell of Indian Hills, CO; one sister, Lowenn Land of Fullerton, CA; and six grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted Jan. 14 at the Cook Auditorium of Mountain Christian Church, Joppa, MD.

Ransom E. Ebersole, 95, of New Carlisle, IN, died on Aug. 3, 2011, at Hamilton Communities in New Carlisle. He was born June 6, 1916, in Elkhart, IN, the son of Edward and Maude Ebersole. He had lived in New Carlisle since 1969. He was a graduate of Cincinnati (OH) Bible Seminary. He served as minister with the Prairie Garden Christian Fellowship Church, New Carlisle, for 20 years, retiring in 1989; he also held ministries in Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas. He is survived by two daughters, Valinda Westman and Judy Cox; one son, Ransom; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two brothers; and one sister. He was preceded in death by two wives, Bea (Smith) Ebersole and Ruth (Hennen) Ebersole, and six brothers. Burial was Aug. 8 at the New Carlisle (IN) Cemetery.

Robert C. Ellenberger, 77, of Reynoldsburg, OH, died March 19, 2011. He was born in Punxsutawney, PA. He was a member of Benfield Christian Church, Columbus, OH. He was an ordained minister who had been married to Fayetta Little Ellenberger for 55 years. He received a BA in religious education from Kentucky Christian College in Grayson. He served in ministry with eight churches for a total of more than 57 years, including 13 years with the Grove City (OH) Church of Christ and 14 years with Benfield Christian Church. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Miriam Kay. In addition to his widow, Fayetta, he is survived by three children, Christi Sweet of Florence, KY, Lisa Allen of Louisville, KY, and Felicia Davis of Indianapolis IN; four grandchildren; one sister, Louise Gschwendtner of Dubuque, IA, and one brother, Ronald of Sun City, AZ.

Charles R. Gibson, 79, of Joplin, MO, died Oct. 4, 2011, at his home. He was born March 8, 1932, in Miami, OK. He was a 1955 graduate from Ozark Bible College in Joplin. While in college he held ministries in Sherwin, Oswego, and Galena, KS. After graduation he held ministries in Enid and Tulsa, OK, planted a new church in Norman, OK, and then held ministries in Indianapolis, IN, and Amarillo, TX, where he retired in 1997. After retirement, he moved back to Joplin and held ministries at Hornet, MO, and Quapaw, OK. He served in ministry for 60 years. He married Barbara Poor on Dec. 18, 1955, in Galena, KS. In addition to his widow, he is survived by one son, Doug of New Braunfels, TX; one daughter, Sheri Mecom of Bedford, TX; seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one son, Dick; five brothers; and one sister. Services were conducted at Park Plaza Christian Church, Doug Gibson and Virgil Eubanks officiating. Burial followed at Edgmand Cemetery, Columbus, KS. Memorial contributions may be made to the building fund for Blendville Christian Church, 2201 S. Picher Ave., Joplin, MO 64804.

Arthur L. Grove, 72, died Nov. 29, 2011, in Hospice House, South Bend, IN. He was born July 20, 1939, in Bremen, IN, the third son of Theodore and Myrtle (Reuter). After graduation from Bremen High School, he continued his education at Cincinnati (OH) Bible Seminary, graduating in 1961. He completed studies at Indiana University for teacher certification, and in 1990 received his master”s degree in library science. He married his college sweetheart, Martha McIntosh, in 1959 at the Syria Christian Church, Orleans, IN. They served in Christian ministry in Indiana, Arkansas, Virginia, and Michigan. He spent 30 years as a senior minister in local churches, pioneered the wilderness canoe trips at Rock Lake Christian Assembly, and served as librarian at Great Lakes Christian College, Lansing, MI, for 11 years. He was also involved with the Boy Scouts of America for more than 60 years. He was a member of Milford (IN) Christian Church at the time of his death. In addition to his wife of 52 years, Martha, he is survived by two sons, James of Stuttgart, AR, and David of Littleton, CO; one daughter, Deborah of Columbus, OH; one brother, Bill of Sheridan, AK; one sister, Carol Miller of Valparaiso, IN; and one stepgranddaughter. He was preceded in death by one brother, Kenneth. A celebration of life service was conducted Dec. 3 at Milford (IN) Christian Church, Stephen Leininger officiating. Burial was at Bremen Cemetery.

Francis Leigh Hargrave, 90, of Bristol, TN, died Feb. 9, 2011, after a brief illness. He was the fifth of seven children born to Ed and Ethel Hargrave; he was raised in Anna, IL. Early in life, he joined the entire family in singing and preaching to churches throughout southern Illinois. Later, he received bachelor”s degrees from Johnson Bible College, Knoxville, TN, and Milligan (TN) College (where he also taught for a short time), and a master”s degree from Lincoln (IL) Bible Institute. He was also certified to teach in public schools. He served many congregations over the course of 60 years, including: Forest Avenue Christian, Knoxville, TN; First Christian in Anna and Findlay, IL; and East End Christian and Central Christian, Bristol, TN, where he met and married Mary Emma Combs in 1946. Together, they worked with First Christian, East Gary, IN; Hampton (TN) Christian; First Christian, Griffith, IN; Avoca Christian, Bristol, TN; Camarillo (CA) Christian; First Christian, Lansing, IL; Hartford (KY) Christian; Central Christian, Winter Haven, FL; South Shores Christian, Decatur, IL; Huntsville (AL) Christian; Dothan (AL) Christian; Jasper (IN) Christian; Harmon”s Chapel Christian, Shady Valley, TN; and Central Church of Christ, Johnson City, TN. His work included church planting, rebuilding congregations, constructing new facilities, teaching, and discipling. Areas of emphasis also included music, church camp, youth outreach, revivals, and global missions. At 78, he became a greeter at Wal-Mart in Bristol, TN, serving for 10 years before retiring after the onset of dementia. In addition to his wife of 64 years, Mary, he is survived by two daughters, Kathy Harless of Indianapolis, IN, and Andrea Braziel of Martinsville, VA; five grandchildren; three great grandchildren; one brother, Bob; and one sister, Joy Johnson. Services were conducted Feb. 12 at Central Christian Church, Bristol, TN. Memorial gifts may be made to Johnson Bible College, 7900 Johnson Drive, Knoxville, TN 37998. Condolences/memories may be shared with Mary at 120 W. Cedar, Bristol, TN 37620.

Robert James Hargrave, 94, of Heron House, Largo, FL, died Nov. 25, 2011. He was born April 27, 1917, in Ana, IL, the third of seven children to Ethel and Edwin Hargrave. He was ordained into ministry of the Christian church at Dixon Springs Christian Service Camp in 1939. He graduated from Johnson Bible College with a bachelor”s degree in religion in 1942 and began a ministry in Hutsonville, IL. He attended chaplain school at Harvard University in 1944, joined the U.S. Army during World War II, and served as a chaplain in the Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe; he served until 1946. He graduated with an MA in religion from Lincoln (IL) Christian Seminary in 1947. He married Mary Martha Horning of Hutsonville, IL, on Dec. 22, 1946. The couple had their own radio show and composed more than 30 songs. He concluded his ministry with the Hutsonville church in 1951, when he was called to plant a church in Defiance, OH, where he stayed until 1965; the church there grew to more than 300, and also helped start a church in Archbold, OH. The couple then started a new church in Cape Coral, FL, staying for two years. The couple were called by Great Lakes Bible College in Lansing, MI, in 1967, where he served as professor in New Testament studies and Mary Martha was a professor of music. During their time there, they started a church in North Lansing, MI. The couple “retired” from GLBC in 1982 to preach at the Chiefland (FL) Christian Church. While there, they helped start the Crystal River Christian Church. After retiring again, they moved to the Sunshine State Home in Holiday, FL, where they helped start another church. He wrote the book, Revelation: God”s Final Word (1996). His wife, Mary Martha, died Feb. 23, 1996. He moved to Seminole, FL, to live with family in 2005, then moved to the Heron House in 2007. His funeral service was preached by his grandson, Shane Hargrave. He was buried next to his wife in Hutsonville, IL, on Dec. 3, 2011. A memorial service was conducted Dec. 10, 2011, at Friendship Community Church in Treasure Island, FL. He is survived by one sister, Aleta Joy; two sons, Robert Lance and James Michael (“Mike”); four grandsons; and several great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Great Lakes Christian College, Lansing, MI; Lake James Christian Assembly in Angola, IN; or Suncoast Hospice of Florida.

John Calvin Hays, 74, of Columbus, OH, died Feb. 9, 2011. He was born May 5, 1936, in Lexington, KY, the son of Daniel Lewis Hays and Anna Bruce Monson Hays. He attended the University of Kentucky and holds bachelor and master”s degrees from Cincinnati (OH) Christian University. He was ordained in 1960 at his home church, Broadway Christian Church, Lexington. He retired after 50 years of ministry in Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia. In addition to his widow, Patricia Carringer Hays, he is survived by two daughters, Sue Anne Barnes of Grove City, OH, and Gay Lynn Alsop of Clinton, TN; one son, Philip John Hays of Arlington, VA; and three grandsons. He was preceded in death by one brother, Donald Lewis Hays. Activities included serving on the founding committee of the Kentucky Minister”s Retreat and the founding board of Sayre Christian Village (in Lexington), and participation on The Christian”s Hour radio broadcast, the North American Christian Convention, and Billy Graham Crusades. He also took mission trips to southwest India. His community activities included serving with chambers of commerce, hospital boards, Masonic organizations, and Kiwanis clubs. He was a Paul Harris Fellow with Rotary International. Upon retiring from senior ministry in 2001, he and his wife received a trip to Scotland, which was a lifelong dream. In 2006, he completed his professional ministry as chaplain at Worthington (OH) Christian Village, where the couple moved in 2007. Services were conducted Feb. 12 at the Amazing Grace Christian Church, Grove City, OH, with burial Feb. 14 at Lexington, KY. A memorial service was conducted Feb. 20 at Worthington Christian Village. Ministers who participated included Ed Wilson, Brad Walden, Ben Heskett, Rand Richardson, Jay Fabin, Ermal Allen, Ronald T. Sams, Chuck Shonkwiler, Jim McClaren, Frank Shaut Sr., and Glen Wheeler. Memorials may be made to Southwest India Christian Mission, c/o Bill Klarich, 3414 40th Terrace E., Bradenton, FL 34208 or Worthington Christian Village Benevolent Fund, 165 Highbluffs Blvd., Columbus, OH 43235.

James Beale Hunter, 89, of Joplin, MO, died at his home on May 26, 2011, after a brief illness. He was born May 4, 1922, in Parthenon, AR, to Andrew and Obedience Hunter. He graduated from Johnson Bible College, Knoxville, TN, in 1944 and Butler School of Religion, Indianapolis, IN, in 1947. He married Kathryn Reynolds of West Lebanon, IN, on June 9, 1947. Together they served in Christian churches in Indiana, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Ohio. They moved to Joplin from Millersburg, OH, after he accepted a teaching position with Ozark Christian College. He taught church history, Restoration history, and New Testament courses for 22 years. He was a member of College Heights Christian Church, Joplin. He was preceded in death by his wife, Kathryn, on her birthday, Feb. 10, 2009. Survivors include one daughter, Joyce Smith of Carterville, MO; two sons, John of Webb City, MO, and Gary of Joplin; eight grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Graveside services were conducted May 30 at Mount Hope Cemetery, Webb City, MO, with Rick Bushnell officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Ozark Christian College, 1111 N. Main St., Joplin, MO 64801.

Evelyn Jane Longdon, 76, of Indianapolis, IN, died of Parkinson”s disease on March 26, 2011. She was born Dec. 19, 1934, in Indianapolis to Arthur and Clemma Keys. After graduating from high school, she attended Lincoln (IL) Bible Institute (now Lincoln Christian University) for one year where she met and married Tom Corn, also a student there. They had two children: Andrea and Eric. Tom was killed in an automobile accident before the children turned 2. In 1958 she married Bob Longdon and together they had two children: Aaron and Athena. At the time of her death, the couple had been married more than 52 years and served in ministry together for more than 50 years. In addition to her widower, Bob, she is survived by her four children””Andrea Openshaw, Eric F. Corn, Aaron Longdon, and Athena Newcomb””eight grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

Leah Moshier, lifelong missionary at Kulpahar Church of Christ Mission, Kulpahar, India, died on Nov. 4, 2011, in India. She was surrounded by her children and loved ones at the time of her death. She was buried that same day in the church cemetery beside the grave of Dolly Chitwood, who died in 1995. For 65 years, she was a dedicated worker for the advancement of education and Christianity in Kulpahar and throughout India. The mission began taking orphans in 1947 and has seen more than 800 students graduate from Kulpahar Christian School. Graduates of the school have become nurses, teachers, preachers, and business leaders. Many of these orphaned or abandoned children, through the ministry of the home and school, have been saved literally and spiritually for productive service for Christ and Indian society. A memorial service in her honor will be conducted Dec. 11 at Lincoln Heights Christian Church, 2121 E. Lincoln Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85016. Memorial donations in her honor and to benefit the Kulpahar Church of Christ Mission may be made viawww.lincolnheightsphoenix.com/kulpahar or sent directly to Kulpahar Kids home, c/o Ann Huffman, P.O. Box 32574, Phoenix, AZ 85064.

Susan Sweeney Schultz, 92, died May 31, 2011, in Springfield, VA. She grew up in Lexington, KY, where her father, William Elza Sweeney, was minister with Broadway Christian Church during its “golden age” of growth in membership and attendance (1920-31). A gifted organist and pianist, she graduated from Transylvania College in Lexington. She met and married Robert F. Schultz in 1944, when both were officers in the U.S. Marines. They ultimately settled in Northern Virginia and raised three children. She played the organ at area churches. In addition to her children, she is survived by four grandchildren. She was preceded in death by Robert, her husband of almost 60 years, and her three siblings. She was buried with military honors on June 8 at Quantico (VA) National Cemetery.

George “Clark” Sloneker, 92, of Schertz, TX, died May 12, 2011. He was born Oct. 4, 1918, to George and Julia Sloneker. He was raised on a farm in Kuna, ID. He married Beryl M. Bassingthwaite on Sept. 2, 1943, at San Jose (CA) Bible College, where they were both students. During his 55 years of preaching, he held ministries in Vallejo and Fellows, CA; Jerome, ID; Chadron, NE; Santa Cruz and Aptos, CA; Arlington and Hetland, SD; and Schertz, TX. During his retirement, he was active in new church plants at New Oaks Christian Church in Cibolo, TX, and LifeBridge Christian Church in Schertz. He was preceded in death by Beryl, his wife of 65 years; one brother; and two unborn grandchildren. He is survived by three daughters, Lois Sloneker of Schertz, TX, Claudia Tyler of San Antonio, TX, and Carla Billingsley of Abilene, KS; one son, Mark of Carthage, MO; and two granddaughters. A memorial service was conducted May 29 at Castle Hills Christian Church, San Antonio, with Robin Thompson and Al Houk officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to LifeBridge Christian Church, Schertz, TX.

Rolland Alvin Steever, 94, died on Dec. 3, 2011, at Mount Healthy Christian Home in Cincinnati, OH. He was born in Harrisburg, PA, to Walter and Edna Steever. He came to Christ at age 9 and was active in the Fourth Street Church of Christ. He graduated from William Penn High School in 1935, then went to Bethany (WV) College, transferring after one semester to Cincinnati Bible Seminary, where he graduated four years later. At CBS he met and married Ethel Sorrell, his partner in ministry and family for 72 years. He served churches in Columbus, Kokomo, and South Bend, IN; Granite City, IL; Elkins, WV; Savannah, GA; and Bel Air, MD. He also worked several years in the Estate Planning Department at Ozark Christian College, Joplin, MO. During his years of ministry in the East (1958″“71), he spearheaded the effort to relocate Eastern Christian College in Bel Air, MD, where he served for a short time as president and many years as a professor. He planted and pastored the Creswell Church of Christ in Bel Air. He also helped start Indian Lake Christian Service Camp, Darlington, MD; Mid-Atlantic Christian Church Evangelism (a church planting agency); and the Eastern Christian Convention. He was a historian with an intense love for the history of the Christian churches/churches of Christ. In retirement he put together an innovative multimedia presentation of the history of the Restoration Movement that he presented in numerous churches. For 13 years, he wrote historical essays for The Restoration Herald. At age 90, those essays were published in a book called Looking Back to See Ahead. He is survived by his widow, Ethel, of Mount Healthy Christian Home, Cincinnati; three children, Dick, Norma, and Bart; and six grandchildren. A memorial service was conducted Dec. 6 at the Parkside Christian Church, Cincinnati, OH.

Ruth Elaine (Baker) Stith, 76, of Toledo, OH, died June 1, 2011, at Swanton Valley Healthcare, where she had been a resident. She was born Aug. 5, 1934, in Quapaw, OK, to James Franklin and Frances (Burke) Baker. She attended Ozark Bible College in Joplin, MO, Cincinnati (OH) Bible College, and Franklin Technical School in Joplin, MO. She married Kenneth W. Stith on June 6, 1958, in Quapaw, and together they served many Christian churches. She served as a song leader, choir director, children”s teacher, church camp teacher, drama director, and in other ways. Survivors include one daughter, Kendra Mizer of Toledo. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ken; an infant son, Eric; two brothers, Ray and Jim Baker; and one sister, Sue Clark. Memorial contributions may be made to Garden Park Christian Church, 8605 Salisbury Road, Monclova, OH 43542; Brazilian Evangelism (Jim Moreland); or the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Dewey Anderson Thackston, 73, of Waterville, OH, died there on March 13, 2011. His more than 50-year ministry touched the lives of people across the United States and in Canada, Europe, and Asia. He was born in Mason County, KY, on Nov. 15, 1937, to Anderson Walker Thackston and Ella Hord (Walker) Thackston. He was valedictorian of White Oak High School, Mowrystown, OH. The Timothy of Sugar Tree Ridge Church of Christ, Hillsboro, OH, graduated from Cincinnati (OH) Bible Seminary in 1959. He also attended Goethe Institute, Universitaet Wien, Fort Hays State University, and Niagara School of Broadcasting. He was married to Barbara Lee (McElroy), who died in 1997. He is survived by his children, Jeffrey Allen of O”Fallon, MO, Col. John Michael of Tucson, AZ, and Joy Melinda Snell of Appleton, WI; seven grandchildren; two brothers, Ronald and Allen; and two sisters, Barbara Rendell and Evelyn Thackston. He served as evangelist/minister with churches in Dry Ridge, KY; Hays, KS; Tulsa, OK; Plainfield, IN; and Olney, IL. He also served as a missionary in Niagara Falls and Toronto, Canada, and behind the Iron Curtain with TCM International, Vienna, Austria. In addition, he was campus minister with Active Christians Today at Bowling Green (OH) State University. He also was a gifted vocalist and worship leader serving, among others, the North American Christian Convention and National Missionary Convention. He pioneered a radio news program called Crossfire in Niagara Falls, NY. While in Canada, he was editor of the Canadian Christian Harbinger. He was a member on many boards and advisory committees for church and missionary organizations, including the Philippine Mission Churches of Christ, Central Luzon. A memorial service was conducted at Sugar Tree Ridge Church of Christ, Hillsboro, OH, on March 19. Memorials may be made to the Center for Church Renewal, 1027 Commercial St., Appleton, WI 54914.

George A. Tietze, 96, of Phoenix, AZ, died Oct. 24, 2011, after battling cancer. He was an orphan who persevered through tough times, became a minister, and served churches in Minnesota, Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois for more than 70 years. He attended Minnesota Bible College (now Crossroads College), Rochester, MN; Butler Theological Seminary, Indianapolis, IN; and graduated with a BA from St. Louis (MO) Christian College. In 1945 his first wife, Nola Bell, died during childbirth; the baby, Larrimore, lived only five days. He was also preceded in death by his second wife, Stella Ashley Tietze, and two sisters, Alyce Williams and Esther Oliver. Memorial services were conducted at his home church, Chaparral Christian Church, Scottsdale, AZ, and at Christian Care/Fellowship Square in Phoenix, where he resided.

Thomas Richard “TR” Todd Sr., 91, died on Nov. 10, 2011, at the Oklahoma Veteran”s Center in Talihina, OK. He was born on Oct. 13, 1920, at Quinton, OK, to Cecil William Todd Sr. and Emily (Cent) Todd. He completed the eighth grade at Nashoba, OK, and later a 17-month mechanic”s course. He graduated from Clayton (OK) High School with the class of 2002, and was honored as their oldest graduate. He served with the Civilian Conservation Corps, the U.S. Army (Pacific theater during World War II), and later, the U.S. Air Force. He was wounded in combat on Okinawa; enemy artillery fire partially penetrated the metal-covered Bible in his shirt pocket. He was the recipient of three Purple Hearts and one Silver Star. His brother Cecil led him to the Lord, baptized him into Christ, and later ordained him into the gospel ministry at the First Christian Church, Clayton, OK. While attending San Jose (CA) Bible College, he began a “street ministry” in San Jose and San Francisco. He made several missionary trips to India and led tens of thousands of people to Christ and baptized them. His efforts in India helped lead to the establishment of several churches, a children”s home named for his mother, and The Thomas Todd Evangelistic Team. He served as minister with Christian churches at Quinton, OK, DeQueen, AR, and Two Mile, near Talihina, OK. While residing in Clayton, OK, he was a member of the American Legion post (serving as chaplain), the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and was an active member and leader in the Clayton Christian Church. He was preceded in death by one brother, John Daniel Todd Sr. He is survived by two sons, Thomas Ray “Tommy” Todd of Dallas, TX, and Thomas Richard Todd Jr. of Santa Rosa, CA; two sisters, Lucy June Joslin and Marie Josie Young; seven brothers, Gaston Hershel “Bill” (who died 10 days after TR died), Robert “Bob,” Cecil William, Harry Price, Lee Albert, Grady Clyde, and Donald Wayne “Don”; four grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. The funeral service was conducted at Clayton High School. Among those participating in the service were brother Cecil Todd (who presented the eulogy); brothers Bob, Lee, Grady, and Don Todd; and Ava Kasich. His interment was at Blackfork Cemetery, Nashoba, OK, with Grady and Don Todd, along with Johnny Joslin, participating.

Larry Lee Young, 70, died on Sept. 14, 2011, at Cedar County Memorial Hospital in El Dorado Springs, MO. He was born Oct. 1, 1940, to William Ernest and Beulah Esther Crider in Shoal Creek, MO. In 1960 he entered the U.S. Army and served in South Korea, Vietnam, and as a member of the ski and rifle team while serving in Alaska. He was a recipient of the Bronze Star and other service-related medals. On Nov. 2, 1962, he married M. Josie Todd and together they had three sons and one daughter. He started preaching in 1968 and served churches in Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, and Ohio. He entered Ozark Bible College, Joplin, MO, in 1970 and later Midwest Christian College in Midwest City, OK. After ministering in Booker, TX, he started an 18-year career in law enforcement. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Howard, Ewell, and Donald; and two sisters, Nora Elizabeth Myers and Juanita Kemper. He is survived by his widow, Josie; three sons, Larry, Donald, and Michael; one daughter, Teresa; and eight grandchildren. Services were conducted Sept. 19 at Roscoe (MO) Christian Church, with interment at Concord Cemetery, Crocker, MO.