1992 - The California-Pacific Conference of The United

IN MEMORIAM
5:
^hA CELEBRATION of MINISTRY
California-Pacific Annual Conference
The United Methodist Church
1992
FRANCIS EMMETT COOK
September 14,1904-July 22,1991
COOK, FRANCIS EMMETT (T. 26; F. 28) Pac.; 26 So. SA; 27 LA: Epwoith, Asst.; 28 Alhambra:
Granada Park; 29 linden; 33 (Jan.) Modesto; 34 Colusa; SCA 39 Hollywood & Vine; 43 (May) LA:
Epworth; 49 Downey; 54Chula Vista: First; 61 Anaheim: First; 64 LB: Belmont Hts.; 68 SA: Spurgeon;
72 R'd (Hollywood: First, Assoc.); PSW 77 (Hollywood: First, Assoc. LFT); C-P 85 R'd.
Francis* favorite hymn was "Amazing Grace."
It was sung the night he was con verted and it became the
theme song of his life.
He was born in Marshall, Texas, in 1904.
Three months before his High School graduation there,
he, as president of a debating society of would-belawyers, scheduled their meeting at the First Methodist
South church to hear a California "orator" who was the
preacher for the revival at the church. After the sermon,
Francis found himself answering the altar call where he
not only accepted Christ, but dedicated himself to the
ministry. The local minister immediately began coaching him on the course of study for a local preacher's
license which he received in May of 1921, at the age of
sixteen. At that time he preached his first sermon on the text "Be Sure Your Sins
Will Find You Out." He wrote on his notes for that sermon, "One girl converted."
Although he was awarded scholarships from five Texas universities (then
colleges) he came to California and attended USC from which he graduated with
honors. He then attended the Seminary there, receiving both M. A. and M. Th.
degrees. During these years he was assigned to various churches where he taught
Bible classes and held prayer meetings.
He was admitted on trial to the Pacific Conference in 1926 and given his
first appointment to the South Santa Ana church, a mission charge. One of his lifelong treasures was the cancelled check his district superintendent sent him for his
first month's salary ~ $25.
Second to preaching he enjoyed studying. One church in which a
memorial window was placed in his honor chose a library and scholar scene as being
the best depiction of his character. He spent at least two hours in his study in the early
mornings studying for his sermons or other talks, or just for the pleasure of studying
the Bible. Just before his death Cora started to read to him a new daily Bible study
beginning in Genesis. He could read the Bible in Greek, Hebrew and German and
preach in Spanish.
His sermons were always based on Biblical texts and were informative,
imaginative, and inspirational with a spicing of humor, but above all, interesting. He
based his personal success as a preacher on whether persons were converted.
Seldom did a sermon end without including an altar call. It was his highest joy to
see someone experience the amazing grace of God.
He did not hesitate to accept the prophetic role in his preaching. One of
his sons said, "I always thought Dad would get shot, or jailed, or lynched because
of his outspoken stand on social issues." But in his sermons he emphasized
affirmations. For instance he preached not just against war but for peace. In one
church during the McCarthy era a man from the ultra-right-wing Birch Society was
assigned to monitor his sermons every Sunday for four years. This did not deter him
in any way from preaching what he believed God called him to proclaim.
Although his thoughts, time, and talents were primarily dedicated to his
local church, he did enjoy serving on boards of institutions such as Fredericka
Manor, a then private retirement home in Chula Vista, where thirty-one years later
he spent the last six happy years of his life.
The ecumenical activity he enjoyed most was fostering a relationship and
interaction between his church and a near-by synagogue. In many places he
organized a Thanksgiving Eve service for the two congregations, holding the
worship occasions alternately in the church and the temple.
Beside his loving shepherding of them, his congregations remember him
most for his pastoral prayers in which he somehow expressed the prayer of almost
every heart in the congregation; and in the reading of the Scriptures, when he made
them a personal and meaningful proclamation from God.
That hundreds of people loved him is good measure of his life and ministry.
"Amazing grace, how sweet..."
God grant that we may be with our beloved Francis "ten thousand years,
bright shining as the sun."
- His family: Cora, Martha, Paul and Mark
WILLIAM HENRY HOBBS
February 17,1922-October 20,1991
HOBBS, WILLIAM HENRY (T. 45; F. 48)SCA 45 School; Oregon 48 Sweet Home; SCA 52 Phoenix:
Broadway; 54 Tucson: First; 63 Riverside: First; 67 Sup't, Whittier Dist.; 72 (Oct. 1) LA: Westwood;
PSW 77; 78 (Sept. 1) LB: Cal. Heights; 83 Palm Springs; C-P 85; 86 R'd.
The eldest of four children, Bill was born in
Washington, D. C. but spent most of his childhood and
youth in Oregon. After graduating from Albany High
School in 1940, Bill entered Willamette University. He
earned a bachelor's degree in education from Arizona
State Teacher's College in Tempe.
In Arizona, Bill met Dorothea Ballenger. They
married in 1947 and moved to Boston for Bill's theological education. In 1949, Julianne was born, followed
by Bill and Mark in 1951 and 1957, respectively.
In seminary, Bill was awarded "The OxnamLiebman Scholarship" and the "Seminary Graduate
Fellowship (Howard Fellow)." He completed his Bach- JJ
elors of Sacred Theology in 1948 and his Masters
*
Degree in 1957, and in 1971 he was awarded a Doctor of Divinity Degree from
University of the Pacific.
Bill's earliest churches were in Massachusetts (1946-48) and Southern
Oregon (1948-52). These were followed by appointments in Phoenix (1952-54) and
Tucson, Arizona (1954-63) and in Riverside, California (1963-67). Bill served as
Superintendent of the Santa Ana District of the United Methodist Church from 1967
through 1972. His superintendency was folio wed by ministry to congregations in
Westwood (1972-78), Long Beach (1978-83), and Palm Springs (1983-86). After
44 years of ministering to congregations and fellow ministers, Bill and Dorothea
retired to Long Beach in 1986.
The son of a railroad man, Bill became a world traveller in his teens. In
1939 he attended the World Conference of Christian Youth in pre-war Amsterdam.
Later trips included cold war Russia and Czechoslovakia, the Mediterranean, the
Holy Land, Europe, China, Japan, Hong Kong, Korea, New Zealand, Australia,
Alaska, and the South Sea Islands. He also returned several times to New England
in the Fall.
Throughout his life, Bill was a fisherman, a gardener, and a reader. He
enjoyed music, theater and spectator sports. But most of all Bill loved his family,
cherished his friends, and valued people.
~ Dorothea Hobbs
FORREST F. HUBBELL
August 5,1902-December 5,1991
HUBBELL, FORREST F. (T. 27; F. 31) N. Dak. 27 Lansford & Grano; 30 School; 31 McCluskey &
Goodrich; 33 Mohall; Ohio 35 Lafayette; 37 Lucasville; 39 Kings Creek; 42 Jamestown; 43 Chaplain
USAF; 46 Sabina; 50 Forrestville-Anderson Hills; 51 Community; 54 Rossford; SCA 56 (Jan. 1)
Victorville; 62 Corona; 66 Alhambra: First, Assoc.; 67 R'd; PSW 77 R'd; C-P 85 R'd.
Reverend Forrest F. Hubbell, 89, Highway
613, Hurley, MS., died December 5, 1991 in Singing
River Hospital. Rev. Hubbell was born August 5,1902
in Quincy, Ohio. He was a retired United Methodist
minister, with 42 years of service with the Pacific
Southwest Conference.
He was preceded in death by his wife Anna
Margaret Hubbell in 1974, and his daughter Mona
Margaret Barber in 1984.
Reverend Hubbell was a graduate of Quincy,
Ohio High School and Ohio Wesleyan University. He
also attended Bonebrake Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.
His pastorates were in North Dakota, Ohio,
and California.
He was Chaplain USAF: Wing Chaplain of the Ohio Wing CAP for nine
years. His rank Lt. Colonel.
His Community and other activities were: United Fund Board, President
Community Services Council, Chairman Family Counseling, Boy Scouts, Member
Conference Board of Missions, Member Board of Managers Claremont Manor,
Member of the Southern California Laubach Literacy Council, Member Victorville
Lodge No. 634 F & A.M., Valley of Cincinnati Scottish Rite.
Reverend Hubbell received honors: United Fund Award for Community
Service, Victorville Rotary Club "Man of the Year" award 1957-58, Eagle Scout,
Scoutmasters Key.
He went to Italy as a Chaplain in World War II, Mexico preaching mission,
Laubach Literacy Mission to Kenya (1965), Africa, France, Holy Land, and Greece.
He was director of Futuro Del Oro Mission in Tijuana, Mexico 1967 to
1969.
Reverend Hubbell is survived by his wife Mrs. Betty M. Hubbell of
Hurley, MS., two stepdaughters, Mrs. Sallie Maples of Forts Lake, MS., and
Margaret Mizelle of Hurley. Three grandchildren Daniel Barber of Ocean Springs,
MS., Flint Barber, and Mrs. Fawn Huberty of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and five
great-grand children. One sister Mrs. Mary T. Loffer of St. Marys, Ohio and
numerous nieces and nephews.
Reverend Hubbell was still the caring, loving Pastor of his many charges
until he went to be with his Lord.
In loving memory, we believe that Forrest would say:
/ have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the
righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them
also that love his appearing.
-II Timothy 4:7-8
--Mrs. Betty M. Hubbell
ROGER HUEBNER
December 29,1927-September 1,1991
HUEBNER, ROGER H. (T. 51; F. 55) SCA 51 School; 53 Avondale, AZ; 57 LA: Woodcrest; 62 (Oct.
15) Fallbrook; 67 Kailua, HI: Community; 69 Costa Mesa: First, Pastor of Family Service; 74 Sur. Min.
Office; C-P 89 Readmitted & R'd.
Roger was born into the Christian Parsonage
Family of Paul and Hazel Huebner on December 29,
1927 in Oxnard, California. His early memories revolved around the church. He accepted the challenge to
serve Christ as a minister when he received the call at
12 years of age. He was strongly influenced by his
father. Roger became the Pastor he dreamed of being.
Extremely active in the Methodist Youth Fellowship,
Roger was honored to become President of the Annual
Conference MYF and was one of the key creators of
Youth Day at Annual Conference at Redlands. He
never lost his youthfulness or his concern for youth. He
won praise from Bishop Kennedy for helping create
vital opportunities for young people to commit themselves to Christian Service.
Roger graduated from Hoover High in Glendale in 1947 then went to
Glendale college and on to the University of Redlands where he graduated. He
continued on to the University of Boston. He was ordained a Deacon in 1952 by
Bishop Baker and then ordained an Elder in 1955 by Bishop Gerald Kennedy. He
served churches in Arizona, Los Angeles, Fallbrook, Hawaii, and Costa Mesa and
also led various Youth Groups in our Conference on Missions Tours through several
southwest states where the Methodist Church had Mission Projects. In 1967 he
received his Doctor of Religion degree from the School of Theology at Claremont.
He made a unique contribution as a Pastoral Counselor and as a Marriage,
Family, and Child Counselor in the wider community. Although Roger officially
retired, he never really ever retired from ministering to others. As he once said, "My
call to minister has remained the center of my life, what has been done in a parish
setting continues on into the secular arena." Roger accepted an invitation from the
First United Methodist Church of Long Beach to be Director of Pastoral Care where
he preached, led spiritual growth groups, and also counseled. He said that it was
very satisfying to him to finish his ministry in a church in which he had wonderful
experiences as a youth with his parents.
Roger was courageous in his struggles with his physical health problems.
He became a witness to many because of his faith. Despite health problems, Roger
continued to create loving and caring communities until his death. One measure of
this is Roger's contribution to the fellowship of the Antique and Classic Boat Society
of which he served as President. The members have expressed their profound
thanks for his leadership and indeed his ministry. The president of the society closed
their memorial to Roger with these lines,
"The waves on the water by the passing boat
will quickly disappear.
But the impact on our lives,
made by the man who drove the boat
will be felt by all of us forever."
-- Betty Venegas Huebner
MATTHEW MOORE JEFFERSON, JR.
July 27,1916-April 25,1992
JEFFERSON, MATTHEW M. (T. 42; F. 44) Wash. 42 School; 43 Wash.: Asbury, Asst.; 44 Sparrows
Pt.; 46 Baltimore: St. Matthews; SCA 50 (Sept. 1) SD: St. Paul's; 55 LA: St. John's; 61 Pas.: Scott; 72
HoUypark;75Inglewood: First; PSW77; 84R'd.(447.2c)(LA: Martin Luther King) (RM);C-P 85 R'd.
My loving husband, Matthew Moore Jefferson,
Jr., was born on July 27,1916 in Bristol, Tennessee, to I
the Rev. M. M. Jefferson, Sr. and Sarah Madora Watts ;
Jefferson of Atlanta, Georgia. The oldest of three
children, he attended public schools in Georgia, Vir- jj|
ginia, and West Virginia. Matthew attended Clark
College in Atlanta, Georgia and transferred to Morgan |
|
State College, Baltimore, Maryland, where he received
his B. A. degree in sociology in 1939. He later received '
his Master of Divinity degree from Gammon Theological Seminary in Atlanta, Georgia.
Matthew (Jeff, as I fondly called him) and I
met in 1941 at Gammon Theological Seminary. I had
come from Nashville, Tennessee to Gammon in Atlanta
as a student and candidate for a degree in Christian Education. We graduated
together in 1943. Jeff went to Washington, D. C. for his first appointment as Youth
Pastor at Asbury Methodist Church and I went to Morgan State College in
Baltimore, Maryland as the assistant to the director of the Christian Center. We
married in April 1944 and began a team that served for 44 years in the Christian
ministry. This year we celebrated 48 wonderful years together. We are the proud
parents of 5 wonderful children - Matthew III of Fountain Hills, Arizona; Willa
Jefferson-Stokes and Phyllis Jefferson Foster of San Francisco; and the twins,
William of Paris, France and Lillian Jefferson Carr of Los Angeles.
Throughout his nearly 50 years of service, Jeff worked untiringly to make
the Kingdom of God a reality on earth. With Jesus of Nazareth as his inspiration,
he was involved in many church and community activities.
During the 1960's, Jeff served as Secretary of the committee that laid the
foundation for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference West in support of Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Some of his Conference responsibilities included LA
District Chairman of the Board of Ordained Ministry, President of the Ebony
Prophets, President of BMCR, and LA District Co-Chair of Lay Speakers School.
In the Inglewood Community where he served 9 years as pastor and his
remaining years as pastor emeritus, he was Vice-Chairman of the YMCA Board of
Managers, member of the YMCA Youth Counseling Committee, member of the
YMCA Century Club, President of the Inglewood Ministerial Association, and
taught history and sociology at the Inglewood Community Adult School.
His most recent involvement since retirement was chairman of the
Inglewood Adult School Advisory Council for the past 8 years, member of the
YMCA Board for the past 14 years and a member of the Morgan State University
Alumni Association. He also remained a loyal and supportive member of the
Inglewood First UMC.
We will miss his wise and loving counsel as a devoted husband and father.
-- Matthew's loving wife,
Mary Frances Jefferson
BERNARD G. KEMPER
August 7,1903-November 15,1991
KEMPER, BERNARD G. (T. 33; F. 35) Upper Iowa 33 Elberon; 34 Charles City: St. Charles; 35
Dubuque: Grace Asbury; 38 New Albion-FrenchCreek; 40 Dumont; 43 Stanwood-Mechanicsville; 45
Clarence; SCA 47 Holtville; 49 Bishop; 52 Rialto; 57 Yucaipa; 60 LA: Los Feliz; 61 San Jacinto; 63
SD: Linda Vista; 65 SD: Encanto; 67 Nestor Comm.; 68 R'd.; PSW77RU; C-P85R'd.
'
In November we lost our dad, Bernard Kemper,
after 88 wonderful years. He was a loving, devoted
husband and dad besides being a caring and understanding minister.
He was born on a farm in Muscatine, Iowa of
German parents. He met Coral Eis and they were
married in 1925. After their daughters Patricia and
Billie were born he decided to go into the ministry. He
put himself through seminary while serving two churches
and taking care of his family. During the period of 1932
to 1947 he served churches in the Upper Iowa Conference. In 1947 we moved to California where he served
several churches in Southern California.
In 1964 Coral died and in 1965 he married
Dorothea Anderson. He retired in 1968 and they built a home on the Fredericka
Manor grounds in Chula Vista where he was living when he passed away.
He will be missed by family and friends. His 2 daughters, 5 grandchildren,
who he had the pleasureof marrying, and 10 great grandchildren, who he baptized
will especially miss him. His love will live on forever.
~ Billie Baker
MURRAY HOWARD LEIFFER
August 30,1902-February 2,1992
LEIFFER, MURRAY HOWARD (T. 24; F. 27) SC 24 School; NW Ind. 27 School; SC 27 (Oct. 2)
Instructor, Chicago Training School; 29 Asst. Prof., Garrett Biblical Institute, Evanston, IL; 36 Prof.,
Garrett Biblical Institute; SCA; 39 Prof. Garrett Biblical Institute; 73 R'd.; PSW 77 R'd.; C-P 85 R'd.
Murray H. Leiffer was born in New York, but
was a man whose home was the world. For two years
he attended the College of the City of New York. He
received his A. B. from the University of So. California;
his B. D. from Garrett Biblical Institute, his M. A. from
the University of Chicago, and his Ph. D. from Northwestern University.
Dr. Leiffer spent his entire life as an educator.
For more than forty years he taught at Garrett; in 1931
he established the pioneer Bureau of Social and Religious Research, serving as its Director for thirty years.
He was a visiting professor at the University of Southem California; Iliff School of Theology; Texas Christian University; and the School of Theology atClaremont.
He also taught in Singapore, the Philippines and Japan.
Dr. Leiffer was also active in many areas of the United Methodist Church.
He served twenty-four years as a Technical Consultant for the Department of
Research & Survey for the Board of Missions; six quadrenniums on the Committee
on Correlation and Editorial Revision for the General Conference; and two
quadrenniums on the Judicial Council (one as its President). One of his most
significant services to the Church was his study of the Episcopacy, in which he
interviewed every Bishop in the Church. He was a man of forthright character who
gave himself joyfully in service to his Church.
He was married to Dorothy C. Linn, who was his constant companion
through every phase of his personal and professional life. They were devoted
companions to the very end of their days. Together they shared wide interests to
which they made contributions; including the La Jolla United Methodist Church, the
Nature Conservatory, the San Diego Zoological Society, and one of their last gifts
was an organ for the chapel at Garrett Biblical Institute. They had only one son,
Donald John Leiffer; but countless students across the world think of them as
parents. Such was their love for youth and students.
He is survived by his wife Dorothy Leiffer, and a brother Donald Burgoyne
Leiffer; both of La Jolla, California.
-- Donald B. Leiffer
CHARLES D. McGREGOR
February 13,1916-September21,1991
McGREGOR, CHARLES D. (T. No Record; F. 46) Trans, from Wesleyan Meth.; N. Dak. 46 PageHope-Finley; 48 Page-Hope; 49 School; SCA 53 Camarillo Heights; 60 Monterey Park: Bella Vista; 64
Pasadena: First, Assoc.; PSW 76 (Nov. 1) Rosemead; 80 R'd.; C-P 85 R'd.
Born on the North Dakota family farm, Charles
was the youngest of 5 children. He attended a one-room
school where he developed his love of poetry which he
would often quote. At 17, being an adventurous soul, he
hitchhiked to California and worked on a ranch.
His love of music began early with his dad
playing the fiddle and his mother the piano. Whether it
was directing music at an Absoraka camp meeting,
touring with a gospel quartet, or around a campfire at
night Charles shared his love of music.
While attending Chicago Evangelistic Institute he met and married Florence Holmquist. Adventure still ahead, he served several student pastorates in
the Mid-west, starting a church in a restaurant living
upstairs, a 3-point circuit he smilingly referred to as having a semi-modern
parsonage and several 2-point circuits. During this educational period his 2
daughters, Kay Lynn and Janine, were born.
He completed his degree at Garrett Theological Seminary, and urged by
retired friend and mentor the Reverend Charles Wallace, he moved to California.
The immediate challenge was to start a new church in Camarillo and for 7 rewarding
years he built the church family and lasting friendships.
In June 1980, Charles retired. Two days later he accepted part-time
positions in both Glendale- Wesley and Pasadena First. After Florence passed away,
he married Greta Cope and gained a new family. Charles retired again in the fall of
1985, this time forced by his congestive heart condition. Then came the major
adjustment to a restricted life in bed - away from people and church activities he
had enjoyed for 43 years. However, the constant outpouring of love and prayers
from family and friends, a feisty kitten companion and the surprise discovery of
artistic creativity enabled him to again attend church. His love for people
manifested itself in decorating and personalizing clothespins which he joyously
gave away ~ thousands of them. In his bright happy designs he was able to give of
himself again.
As pastor, husband, father, grandfather and friend he leaves a remarkable
legacy. Charles cared for everyone, especially the sick, lonely, and forgotten, or as
he would say "I never met a stranger." He always gave of himself, sharing his
stories, poetry, music, and his ever-present smile. But most of all, Charles reflected
God's Love by spreading that love and acceptance to everyone he met.
We are grateful for his impact on each of our lives.
~ His wife, Greta, and his daughters,
Kay Lynn and Janine
JAMES O. MILLER
June 12,1906-May24,1992
MILLER, JAMES O. (T. 32; F. 59) EUB Cal. 52 Julian,Nebr.; 55 Stockton: Woodruff; 60 Selma;
63 Durham; 68 Torrance: Hope; SCA 69Torrance: Hope; 71 R'd.; PSW77R'd.; 79 Hacienda Hts:
Hillgrove (PT)
C. LESLIE PALMER
July 30,1914-May30,1991
PALMER, C. LESLIE (T. 39; F. 42) Minn. 39 School; 41 St. Charles; SCA 43 San Miguel; 46 Indio;
50 Canoga Park; 56 SD: Park Blvd.; 60 Gardena: Alondra Park; 64 SD: Mission Hills; 73 West LA:
First; PSW 77 (Mar. 1) D/L; 80 R'd.; C-P 85 R'd.
Born and raised on a small farm near Carlos,
Minn., he was able to graduate from high school in
Alexandria, Minn, because his older sister and her
husband let him live with them. He started to hear his
calling to the ministry in 1934. In 1936, while working
for the Kroger Grocery and Baking Co., he accepted an
appointment as a supply pastor to two small churches.
He and Mary D. Balis were married March 24,1936, on
the farm where Mary was born and raised near Footville,
Wise. Their honeymoon was the trip to those two
churches in Minn. There were other small churches in
Minn, and 111. while Les completed his education at
Hamlin University (Class of '39) and Garrett Biblical
Institute (Class of'42). Because of Mary's ill health they
moved from St. Charles, Minn, to San Miguel, Calif, in 1943. Then on to Indio in
1946, Canoga Park in 1950, Park Blvd. (San Diego) in 1956, Alondra Park
(Gardena) in 1960, Mission Hills (San Diego) in 1964, and his final charge -- West
Los Angeles in 1973. A severe heart attack there put him out of active service on
a medical disability. They moved to retirement in Brookings, Oregon in 1976.
Les lived for the opportunity to minister whenever and wherever. He had
a deep love for his family and enjoyed nature, travel, fishing, reading, gardening and
many other activities, including scouting, the U. S. Power Squadron, Spiritual
Frontiers Fellowship, teaching and seminars. He was a questioner, seeker, counselor and didn't believe in "religious boxes." He believed strongly in the power of
prayer and the ongoingness of life. He loved challenging others to think for
themselves, to grow in their faith and to share with others.
-- In loving memory, Mary Balis Palmer
and daughters Nina Palmer Bowman
and Lyn Palmer Griggs
DAVID ANDREW SCOTT, SR.
March 17,1918-January 31,1992
SCOTT, SR., DAVID ANDREW (T.75; F.78) Wise. 75 Milwaukee: Solomon; PSW 79 LA: Vennont
Square; 84 Sup't, Pasadena Dist.; C-P 85; 88 R'd.
David Scott was born in Aurora, Illinois, March
17, 1918, to George and Nancy Scott, the 12th of 13
children. He was the 12th to die.
After graduation from high school, David entered Langston University in Oklahoma, finishing in
1941 with a B. A. degree in Social Science. This was
also the year that he and his college sweetheart, Mary
Jane Tucker were married on June 2nd. In 1942, he was
inducted into the U. S. Army, served three years and was
honorably discharged in 1945.
David was baptized in 1943 and became a
member of Bethel A. M. E. Church, Haskell, Oklahoma. This was the beginning of his journey in
Methodism as a lay person and, in later years (resisting
the call no longer) an ordained minister. It was during the fifties that he became very
actively involved and continued until his demise.
Because of David's late entry into the ordained ministry, his educational
and employment experiences were varied, and proved to be exceptionally useful to
him in his final chosen field.
He possessed a Masters in Educational Administration, University of
Illinois, Champaign-Urbana 1948; Juris Doctorate (Law), Howard University,
Washington, D. C. 1952; Master of Divinity, Garrett Evangelical Theological
Seminary, Evanston, IL 1977. He was a Senior Property Investigator of L. A.
County; an Assistant Superintendent, Business Affairs for Enterprise School
District, Compton, CA. In 1971 he was chosen to be Executive Director of an
experimental health delivery program in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and later was the
Misericordia Hospital Administrator.
David was a member of Enterprise UMC, Compton, CA, where he served
in many positions/offices. Upon moving to Wisconsin he and Mary Jane became
members of St. James UMC, actively working on the local, district and conference
levels.
In 1975, following a tragic incident, he was asked to serve temporarily as
a local pastor until an appointment could be made at Solomon Temple UMC. When
the congregation requested that he should be their pastor this necessitated a return
to school after 22 years. It was probably then that David realized that the flight from
the call was over. He enrolled in Garrett Seminary, was later ordained a Deacon,
then an Elder in 1978.
The winter of 1979 brought the Scotts back to the Los Angeles area, having
been appointed to Vermont Square UMC where many pleasant and rewarding spirit
filled years were spent. At the 1984 Annual Conference, David was appointed D.
S. of the Pasadena District from which he retired in 1988. This period in their lives
brought many new friends, happy episodes, miracles and blessings. He served as
Assistant Pastor of North Glendale UMC and as a Development Officer for the
United Methodist Church Foundation, L. A. Area after retirement.
He had been on the Board of Ordained Ministry and was Chairperson at the
time of his appointment as District Superintendent. For a number of years he was
on the Board of Trustees for STC serving in whatever capacity his talents could be
used. David gave generously of his time, talents, tithes and prayers to the United
Methodist Church which he dearly loved.
His survivors are: Mary Jane, his mate of 50+ years; 3 adult children,
David Jr., Stephan, Susan Porter; their spouses; 10 grandchildren; 1 sister - Mrs.
Naomi Moulton and other relatives.
"A life is like a song we write
In our own tone and key
Each life we touch reflects a note
That forms the melody.
We choose the theme and chorus
Of the song to bear our name,
And each will have a special sound,
No two can be the same.
So when someone we love departs,
In memory we find
Their song plays on within the hearts
Of those they leave behind."
-- Mary Jane Scott
LEE ALLEN THIGPEN, JR.
January 8,1920-April 22,1992
THIGPEN, JR., LEE A. (T. 42; F. 44) Gulf Coast 42 School; 44 Clarksville, TX; 45 Chaplain, U. S.
Army; 46 School; 48 Chaplain, Vet. Ad.; 52 Chaplain, U. S. Army; 54 Chaplain, Vet. Ad.; 55 Chaplain,
V. A. Hospital, Memphis; 62 Chaplain, U. S. Army; Texas 70 Chaplain, U. S. Army Res.; SCA 74
Chaplain, V. A. Hospital, Los Angeles; 75 (Aug. 18) Chaplain, V. A. Hospital, Waco, TX; PSW 77 LA:
Crenshaw; 79 Alhambra: First; 80 S/L; 81 LA: Bowen Mem.; C-P 85; 86 Pomona: Trinity, Assoc.; 88
Wesley, Assoc.; 89 R'd.
Lee Allen Thigpen, Jr. was born to Lena and
Lee Allen Thigpen, Sr. on January 8,1920 in Houston,
Texas. The eldest of four children, Lee became an
ordained licensed clergyman of the United Methodist
Church in 1937. He attended Wiley College in Marshall,
Texas and received a B. A. degree in English. Following college graduation, Lee attended Gammon Theological Seminary in Atlanta, Georgia. Upon completing
Seminary, he was appointed to pastor St. Paul's Methodist Church in Clarksville, Texas.
During World War II, Lee served in the U. S.
Army overseas in Okinawa and returned home to serve
at Ft. Devins, Massachusetts. Completing his military
service, he matriculated at Boston University School of
Theology and then went on to become a chaplain at the Veterans Administration
Hospital in Tuskegee, Alabama. During that time, he organized Bowen United
PAULINE ELIZABETH WEBSTER BUTCHER
February 4,1898-February 14,1992
BUTCHER, W.T. Cong. Church. So. Cal. 22 Calexico; 23 SD: Mission Hills; 26 LA: Grace; 27 R'd.
(Died March 7, 1933)
Mrs. Pauline E. Butcher died at peace on
Valentine's day, February 14,1992 at her home of 54
years in Huntington Park, California. A service was
held at the Huntington Park Methodist Church on February 21st. There was no interment, as her body was
willed to the USC School of Medicine.
Pauline was born at Penryn in the California
Sierras on February 4,1898 and lived in California all
but ten years of her life. She was the daughter of the
Rev. David Webster, a Baptist minister, and of Lillie E.
Kerns, a Methodist Elder. She became a member of the
Methodist church at the age of 11 and was a member of
the Huntington Park First United Methodist Church for
more than 50 years, where she served on the Church
Board for more than 25 years. She was the widow of the Rev. William T. Butcher.
She was an elementary teacher and a principal in California for 45 years,
beginning with an experimental program for gifted children at San Diego State in
1922, later moving to Lemon Cove, and then to the Los Angeles school system. Her
outstanding work in education was an inspiration to many, teachers and students
alike. So much so that on her retirement in 1963 she received a special commendation from the California State Legislature for "forty-four years of dedicated
service to the youth of California."
She is survived by her sister, Helen E. Halladay of Huntington Park; her
niece, Paula Underwood Spencer of Fairfax, California; her great-niece Rev. Laurie
A. Wallace of Taos, NM; her great-nephew, Randal M. Spencer of San Rafael, CA;
and by her step-daughter, Lois Kapp of Altadena.
~ Paula Underwood Spencer
BARBARA ELEN BUTLER
October 8,1904-May 25,1992
BUTLER, W. FAY (T. 24; F. 26) Central IL 24 Bradley; SC 25 Chandler, AZ; 29 LA: Woodcrest; 33
Van Nuys; 38 LA: St. Marks; SCA 39 LA: St. Marks; 43 Chaplain, U. S. Army; 45 (Dec.) Pasadena:
HartzellMem.;51 LA: Highland Park;; 60 Ingle wood: First, Min. of Parish; 67 R'd.; PS W 77 R'd. (Died
August 27, 1977)
Barbara Butler exemplified unconditional love. She accepted people as
they were.
She was a role model for all of us. After raising two beautiful children,
William Harold Butler and Virginia Ruth Gollery, she earned her bachelor's degree
at about age 50, and went on to earn her master's degree as a reading specialist.
She taught Special Education in inner city schools in Los Angeles 1955-
1965.
Her accepting attitude continues to be a great influence on her two
children, her eight grandchildren, and her six great- grandchildren.
She was active in P. E. O. and ministered to others by driving cancer
patients to their treatments. She continued to learn, grow, and study new ideas
throughout her life.
- Barbara Butler's Family
DOROTHEA ANDERSON KEMPER
December 16,1904-April 13,1992
KEMPER, BERNARD G. (T. 33; F. 35) Upper Iowa 33 Elberon; 34 Charles City: St. Charles; 35
Dubuque: Grace Asbury; 38 New Albion-FrenchCreek; 40 Dumont; 43 Stanwood-Mechanicsville; 45
Clarence; SCA 47 Holtville; 49 Bishop; 52 Rialto; 57 Yucaipa; 60 LA: Los Feliz; 61 San Jacinto; 63
SD: Linda Vista; 65 SD: Encanto; 67 Nestor Comm.; 68 R'd.; PSW 77 R'd.; C-P 85 R'd. (Died
November 15, 1991)
Dorothea Anderson Kemper was born December 16,1904 to the Reverend and Mrs. Karl Anderson, Methodist missionaries in Madras, Bangalore, Kolar
and Bidar; India 1898-1931. The family also resided
and served in the Mt. Vernon, Iowa area and other
locations in Iowa and Illinois during the periods 19091913 and 1919-1924. When in India, Dorothea attended Kodaikanal school in the Palni Hills in southern
India until the start of high school. She attended and
graduated from high school in Clarence, Iowa and
finished undergraduate work (English major) at Cornell
College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa in 1926. She undertook
missionary and teaching work in Hyderabad, India and
at Kodaikanal school in 1927 through 1929 but due to
poor health returned to the U. S. She lived in Glendale,CA from about 1931 to about
1950; involved in teaching and other Christian service roles and received an M. A.
(in Education along with a teaching credential) from Broadoaks in Whittier, CA.
She taught in the Christian Education Department at the Presbyterian San Anselmo
Theological School for seven years, 1951-1958. She continued as a teacher, at then
Methodist Cal-Western University and finally with Grossmont High School District; La Mesa, CA 1961-1966. She was married in 1965 to the Reverend Bernard
Kemper and served as "preacher's wife" in two pastorates. Dorothea died April 13,
1992; less than a year after her husband. She is survived by a brother, Edwin, living
in Rancho Bernardo, CA; and several nieces and nephews.
~ David Anderson, nephew
JEANNE RANSOM KOFOED
April 1,1911-August 8,1991
KOFOED, RALPH K. (T. 26; F. 30) Rock River 26 Spring Valley; 27 Bristol; 30 Joliet: Ingalls Park;
33 Chicago: Washington Hts.; 34 Davis-Dakota; 35 Greenwood-Ringwood; 39 Erie-Zion; 43 ErieZion-Lyndon; 44 (Oct.) Sandwich-Millington; W. Wise. 48 Monroe-Browntown; 53 River FallsPrescott; SCA 57 Phoenix: Central, Assoc.; 61 (Nov.) Las Vegas: First; 63 SD: Trinity; 67 Huntington
Park; 72 Sun City, AZ: First; 76 R'd.; PSW 77 R'd.; C-P 85 R'd.
Jeanne Kofoed was born in Chicago and grew
up in Evanston, Illinois. After High School she enrolled
in Northwestern University, but due to the Great Depression was forced to change to secretarial work in
which she had excellent skills. She served as secretary
for the Dean of Education at Northwestern where in
addition to routine office work she typed several Masters and Doctoral theses, and later at the University of
Chicago prepared a professional book for publication.
Raised in the Methodist Church tradition, she
attended youth camp near Dixon, Illinois, and it was
there that we met and began the courtship that eventuated in marriage on August 22,1931.
Her primary vocation was that of mother,
homemaker, and pastor's wife with all that entails. Of the six children born, one died
in infancy, and the others were nurtured through school, music training and college
degrees, and all have found professional tasks in the world of work.
In spite of the burden of home duties she found time to direct choirs and
Christmas pageants, teach Sunday School classes, entertain church groups, lead
prayer studies, hold annual open house at the parsonages, and entertain visiting
dignitaries. This included hosting the Bishop, his cabinet and their wives, during
the West Wisconsin Annual Conference held at River Falls, Wisconsin, in 1957
when we were stationed there.
When we were at Central Church, Phoenix, she served as interim secretary
of Christian Education for that church. Later she was employed as administrative
secretary for the Phoenix Council of Churches, and also for the Arizona Council
Churches, at the time the John Birch Society was infiltrating the local churches and
many pastors were losing their positions. She was greatly appreciated for this work.
In the 1960's she met and became a disciple of Louise Eggleston, known
for her work as an international author and leader in the field of prayer. Through
this experience she organized and led prayer groups in San Diego and Huntington
Park, and served on the Board of the Long Beach District United Methodist Women.
Other interests to which she gave considerable time and effort were the P. E. O.
sisterhood and the causes of conservation.
It was her nature to be outgoing and loving with all whom she met. She
was unusually perceptive of and sensitive to the feelings and needs of others, and
is remembered for her hugs and kisses and her gentle laughter. She rejoiced in the
celebration of our 50th wedding anniversary, and was only two weeks short of
observing our 60th.
She passed away at the age of 80 years, and is lovingly remembered by her
five children, eleven grand-children, one step grand-child, one great grand-child,
and her grateful husband.
- Ralph K. Kofoed
TUPOU FUSIPALA KUMA
May 5,1930-December 25,1991
KUMA, SIAOSI FINE C-P 85 Pearl City: Trinity; 88 Kilohana
Her father is Fekitaki from Holonga Vavau,
her mother is Ane Luisa from Kolomotua, Tongatapu.
Tupou Fusipala Kuma was the youngest of
their children, born on May 5, 1930, living until her
death on December 25,1991. She was 61 years old. She
married the Reverend Siaosi Fine Kuma on November
12,1949. They had 5 children: 4 sons and 1 daughter.
Tupou Fusipala Kuma and her husband were
at the United Methodist College of Tonga (Sia'atoutai)
from June 12, 1954 through June 15, 1957. They
worked as lay leaders all over Tonga Island until she
came over to Hawaii with her family in 1974, where
they even continued their lay leadership at the Honolulu
United Methodist Church, Tongan Ministry.
Tupou Fusipala Kuma was chosen to be the leader for the Tongan Women
Crusades of Kilohana United Methodist Church. It was a great honor for her to be
Vice President for United Methodist Tongan women residing in Hawaii.
Tupou Fusipala Kuma was a loving mother and the best wife. She was a
strong lady, holding fast to what she believed in God. Her first priority was her
mission at church, then her family, and then other things. She had a big heart and
helping hands for those in need. She welcomed people to share what she had.
Tupou Fusipala Kuma will always be in our heart, remembered for her
smiling face by family, friends, close relatives and all the Tongan people. She will
be especially remembered by the people of Kilohana United Methodist Church, and
her beloved husband.
~ The Rev. Siaosi Fine Kuma
RUTH C. MORTENSEN
April 23,1910-December 15,1991
MORTENSEN, RAY E. (T.41; F.43) Idaho 41 Boise: First, Assoc.; 43 Boise: Immanuel; SCA 4
Magnolia; 50 Norwalk: Trinity; 52 LA: Asbury; 59 Pasadena: Hartzell Mem.; 64 LA: Trinity & Firs
Assoc.; 67 (Feb. 1) LB: First, Dir. Sr. Adult Sen; 71 D/L; 73 R'd; PSW 77 R'd; C-P 85 R'd.
Ruth C. Mortensen, beloved wife of the Rev.
Ray E. member of the California-Pacific Annual Conference, was carried over into Glory December 15,
1991.
With her husband Ray, she attended regularly
Worship Services of the Pasadena United Methodist
Church for eighteen years. Ruth was a native of
Winnipeg, Canada, and came to live in the Los Angeles
area with her mother. Here, she attended the Aime
Semple Four Square Gospel Church and was active in
its program for several years, participating in its musical program. For more than thirty years she was married
to William Donaldson Jones, who developed the
Cheviot-Dale land area in West Pasadena laying out
streets and houses. For several years Ruth lived in the tract office house of thi
building enterprise assisting her husband as a secretary in the tract office.
After the demise of Jones, Ruth was married to the Rev. Ray E. Mortenser
in the parsonage home of the Rev. Dr. Donald R. O'Connor and his beloved wife
Ollie Mae, in Long Beach, California. Ruth, and her husband Ray, were extensive
travelers. During their twenty years of marriage they visited every state in the Unior
and some, including the Yukon, several times. Their favorite Summer vacation are<
was Hat Creek in the Mount Lassen National Park. It was here that the Mortensen
spent two months of each Summer for eighteen consecutive years. Ruthie was ar
ardent fisher person. She knew how to catch the wily Rainbows and loved every bi
of it.
All who came to know Ruthie, were impressed by her gentle, unassuming
nature. She lovedher Lord Jesus, and the new Testament studies. Her faith was botl
simple but highly fulfilling. She studied her bible studiously and regularly. It wa
the bulwark of her daily living. She gave generously and often to the many work
of our Lord and Church. Ruth will long be remembered for her gentle and generou
nature, her abiding faith, and for her Christian spirit that revealed itself in manifoh
ways. To all who follow after we can only say: "Well done good and faithfu
servant." And, to the Saints in Heaven, "Here she comes, and, may God in heavei
be the Glory."
-- Ray E. Mortensei
STELLA MURILLO QUINTANILLA
February 21,1906-April 4,1992
QUINTANILLA, FRANCISCO O. (T. 20; F. 24)SC 20 Latin Amer. Mssn.; SCA 39 Latin Amer. Mssn.;
Latin Amer. Prov. 41 Watts-Compton-Willowbrook; 42 LA: FJ Buen Pastor, Watts-ComptonWillowbrook; 46 LA: Watts; 47 LA: FJ Buen Pastor, SCA 56 LA: El Buen Pastor (Died May, 1959)
,
Stella Murillo Quintanilla was born February
21, 1906, in the city of Los Angeles, California to
Vicente Murillo and Gregoria Gonzales Murillo. She
was one of fourteen children. She is survived by two
sisters and two brothers.
At the age of fifteen she received a scholarship
to the University of Southern California. S he left school
after a year to marry the Rev. Francisco O. Quintanilla,
Sr. whom she came to know in her parents' home, where
he would conduct prayer meetings.
They had eight children: seven girls and one
boy. Stella devoted her time to her family and her
church. She loved to play the piano at Sunday night
services and prayer meetings or when needed. When
not busy with children or church she loved to work in her garden raising flowers with
her husband. Two of her best known hobbies were knitting and crocheting. She
would make (one of a kind) gifts for family and friends, young and old, up until the
last two years when her fingers were too deformed with arthritis.
Stella was known for being a very quiet lady, very loving and giving. She
was always looking for something good in everyone and she always found it. She
believed in prayer and the poser of positive thinking.
She was left a widow in 1959 when Rev. Quintanilla died at age 59.
Stella passed away April 4, 1992 in West Covina, California. Services
were conducted by the Rev. Benjamin Rodriguez at Inglewood Park Cemetery.
Four daughters are deceased. She is survived by four children: her son
Francisco O. Quintanilla Jr.; three daughters, Esther Quintanilla, Helen Moreno,
and Orpha Myers; all of Los Angeles County. She is also survived by eighteen
grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren.
She will be missed by all.
-- Orpha Myers
BEULAH MAE RASMUS
June 15,1900-February 16,1992
RASMUS, JR., HENRY IRVING (T. 17;F.25)SC 17School; 18U.S. Army; 19LaMesa;22Glendale
First; 26 El Monte; 28 Paso Robles; 29 LA: Los Feliz; 32 Pomona: First; 35 LA: University; 36
Pasadena: First, Assoc.; 37 Santa Ana: First; 38 Genesee (Jan. 19) 38 (Oct. 10) Buffalo: Central Park
56 Sbtl Lv.; SCA 57 Balboa Island; 59 (Jan.) FuUerton; 59 R'd.; PSW 77 R'd. (Died Feb. 5, 1981)
The first of three children of Claude and Virginia Byrum, Beulah Mae was born in Springfield,
Illinois on June 15, 1900. She lived with her parents,
sister Anna Maybell, and brother George in Havana, IL;
Merced, CA; Santa Rosa, CA; and Long Beach, CA,
before marrying Henry I. ("Harry") Rasmus, Jr. on
February 20,1919. The two were inseparable throughout Harry's 42 years of ministry, which included 16
years (1938-1954) as senior pastor of Central Park
Methodist in Buffalo, N. Y. There were numerous
pastorates in southern California both before and after
the Genesee Conference appointment in Buffalo. Beulah
and Harry had no children of the flesh, but many of the
spirit as ministry was very significant. Gentle, humble,
quiet spirits who displayed a wonderful combination of dignity and humor, Beulah
and Harry modelled Christian marriage for 62 years, until Harry's death in 1981
Beulah lived on atMt. Miguel Covenant Village in Spring Valley, CA until the Lord
took her home on February 16,1992
~ Tad Slocum, nephew
Terry Slocum, nephew
Claudia Byrum, niece
JANIE M. SMITH
January 9,1900-April 6,1992
SMITH, CLYDE E. (T. 23; F. 26) Northwest 23 Boulder, 27 Missoula; 30 Corvallis, OR; Arizona 31
Executive Secy. Conf. Bd. of Christian Ed.; SCA 39 Asso. Ex. Secy. Conf. Bd. of Educ.; 40 Pasadena
Hartzell Mem.; 45 (Dec.) Ontario; 54 Monrovia. (Died August 14, 1956)
Born Janie McClean Mathews, the fourth of five children to Walter B
Mathews and Laura Caroline Brown Mathews in the bustling railway and cotton
town of Cordele, Georgia.
An excellent student, she was also a leader in sports, especially basketball.
Popular with her classmates, she was warm and friendly to all. Driving to school,
picking up friends on the way in her Buick Touring Car earned her the title "Jitney
Janie."
Here began her adult commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord of her life. This
followed a childhood of regular church attendance and the example of her father
who taught Sunday School and faithfully supported the church and practiced its
tenets in his everyday life.
-f
Early in her college days at the Georgia State Teachers College for Women
at Milledgeville she felt a strong call and committed herself to serve as a missionary,
but she was to serve in a different way as her high school sweetheart, E. Clyde Smith
asked her to become his wife and join him in the pastoral ministry.
While he continued studies at Gaudier Theological School at Emory
University, Atlanta, she accepted a teaching position at a private school in Tulsa,
where she taught for two years before returning to Cordele for the year prior to their
marriage, and taught in the public schools there.
They were married August 29, 1923 and went on their honeymoon to
Boulder, Montana where Clyde was appointed as pastor in the Northwest Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. They served together and their
relationship deepened as they became partners in building the Kingdom.
Three children were born to them; a daughter, Ramona Faye, and twins a daughter, Norma Jean and a son, Edward Clyde II. They faced the adversities of
the early depression years with courage, joy and humor.
When Clyde was appointed to be Executive Secretary of the National
Board of Education of the denomination and assigned to the Arizona Conference,
Janie showed herself to be creative in providing leadership in youth work. They
were affectionately known as Aunt Janie and Uncle Clyde by the young people.
Both her undaunted spirit and her vision are demonstrated in their decision
for her to go back to college and complete her degree. She enrolled at Arizona State
Teachers College at Tempe where she graduated Magna Cum Laude and continued
on to complete a Masters of Education in Rural Education.
She became a master teacher for the College at its Rural Training School.
She taught until Clyde was appointed to a pastorate in Pasadena in the recently
constituted Southern California-Arizona Conference.
In Pasadena her leadership talents were put to use in several ways. S he and
Clyde were at the forefront of youth activities and programs both locally and
through the Conference, especially the Camping program. They were widely
known as "Mom" and "Pop" Smith, and the parsonage resounded with teenage
music and laughter.
She was also a strong leader in the Woman's Society of Christian Service
on the Conference level, serving as Vice President (Program chairperson) as well
as shepherding the local World Friendship Girls in their activities and programs.
Shortly after Clyde was appointed to First Church Ontario, the teacher
shortage which followed World War II prompted her to return to teaching in the
Ontario School District.
In 1953 Clyde was appointed to Monrovia and it was there they were parted
by death. She returned to Ontario and continued teaching. She served several years
as Principal of Cypress school. California still had mandatory retirement at age
sixty-five and, not to be stifled, Janie moved back to Georgia in order to continue
teaching for another eight years.
She became the integrating faculty member in her hometown of Cordele
as the state began the long, hard job of integrating its schools as required by the 1954
Supreme Court decision mandating equal, integrated schools. Once more her
witness was strong and visible in the community.
After her retirement in 1973 she found many ways to continue her
teaching. She led the Adult Bible Class at Pittman Park United Methodist Church,
Statesboro, Georgia. Another avenue of her teaching was the contact she hadwith
her many grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was in her element as she
shared her knowledge and experience, always at the level of her listener and full of
enthusiasm. She would get down on the floor to play "pick up sticks" or carefully
explain a solitaire game to a curious child.
Throughout her life she was self-critical and continually sought God's
purpose for her. Through her prayer life and intensive study she strove to be her best
self in all her actions
She lived the last two and a half years first with Norma Jean and then with
Ramona Faye, giving much meaning and joy to their lives, remaining alert and vital
until a critical illness taxed her frail body and she went home to the Heavenly Father
and that great reunion with all the Cloud of Witnesses.
She made an impact for good on those with whom she shared the everyday
moments of life -- whether through her teaching, family relations, church activities
or the routine contact with banker, hairdresser or cashier; she was gracious and
friendly, charming all with her southern accent and her interest in life.
Her dream was a memorial fund in Clyde's name that could help to ease the
burden of poverty in the world and she lived sacrificially to make it a reality.
But the true legacy is in the values and example of living up to principles
that she gave to those who loved her. She leaves a sister, Dr. Walter B. Mathews
of Statesboro, Georgia, her three children, fourteen grandchildren, thirty-one greatgrandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
She was truly "going on to perfection."
~ Ramona Faye Rombach
MARIAM LORELEI TRACKER
January 2,1918-November 6,1991
THACKER, ERNEST (P. 38, F. 40) SCA 3 8 San Diego: Nestor, 40 Carpinteria; 42 Calexico; 43 Roscoe;
46 Susana Knolls; 49 School; 51 LA: Calvary; 54 LA: Calvary, Assoc.; 55 S/L; 56 Sn'y; 60 Vol. Loc.;
PSW 77; 79 R'd (Died August 17, 1981)
Bom in St. Louis, Missouri on January 2,
1918, Lorelei Ihrig was raised in Independence and
became a teacher in Kansas City. Intheearly 1940's,she
moved to California to earn her B. S. in library science
at the University of Southern California, at the same
time serving her country through work for the Army Air
Corps. In January, 1946 she met the Reverend Ernest
Thacker, they married precisely one year later and
remained devoted partners for 34 years. Three children
were born to them.
Mother instilled in us a spiritual faith and a
conscience regarding myriad social problems. Lorelei
actively participated in the United Methodist Church,
the PTA, the American Red Cross, and, during the
Vietnam War, in the Another Mother for Peace organization. After our father's
death in 1981, she began a productive widowhood, being helped and helping others
to cope with bereavement. Mother found the text of Isaiah 41:10 especially
comforting: "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God."
In recalling her life, what really stands out is how she was always there for
us, as children when we came home from school, and as adults when we phoned her
for advice, moral support, and love. In so many ways, Lorelei was the quintessential
mother. She baked oatmeal cookies with her daughters, served generous and
delicious Thanksgiving dinners, augmented her collections of plates and porcelain
birds, and furnished her home in traditional Early American style. She was always
mindful of ways to enrich her children's lives and aware of the individual interests
of each of us. When we were away, nearly every week brought a card written in her
beautiful handwriting. As each child married, she welcomed the newcomers to her
family and her affections. Her daughter-in-law felt that any visit was a special
occasion, as Lorelei's greeting was so warm. Alice's stepchildren gained a new
grandmother. With a gracious Southern hospitality, she made guests, including
church fellowships and fellow PTA officers, feel at home.
Mother had a fine sense of occasion. Her special "moments of happiness"
embraced holidays and the everyday. She loved to watch lighted candles, especially
on an Advent wreath, and sunrises, cup of coffee in hand.
On November 6, 1991, mother quietly passed away. Gracious in life,
fearless in death, Lorelei is herself a work of God. Those of us who remain behind
will always love and miss her.
-- Elizabeth, Alice, and
Joel Thacker
PHYLLIS OECHSLI THOMPSON
November 23,1914-July 8,1991
THOMPSON, TYLER (T. 36; F. 39) SC 36 School; SCA 40 (July 1) Miss'y to Malaysia; 46 School; 49
Prof, of Philosophy of Religion, Allegheny College, Meadville, PA; Erie 50; 51 Prof., Garrett
Theological Seminary, Evanston, IL; 71 Prof., Garret-Evangelical Theological Seminary; W. PA 78
R'd.; PSW 83 R'd.; C-P 85 R'd.
Phyllis was born of missionary parents
(Leonard and Loula Oechsli) in Singapore. Before she
was old enough to remember, the family was transferred to Medan, Sumatra, where she grew up to age 9.
In 1924 the family was forced home because of Mrs.
Oechsli's health. The rest of her father's ministry was
as a pastor and district superintendent in this conference. By age 10 Phyllis had circled the globe 1 1/2
times and lived (at least briefly) in Singapore, the
Netherlands, the Indies, Canton, Switzerland and the
U.S.A. Somehow this made her feel so much at home
in the world as a whole that she never completely
settled down in any one place, and her travelling never
ceased.
Phyllis and Tyler first met at an Epworth League institute at Pacific
Palisades in 1931. In due course their lives were joined in mission service, pastoral
work and teaching. Phyllis served as a conference Epworth League officer,
graduated from USC in music education and, when she and Tyler went to Singapore
as missionaries in 1939, taught in the Methodist Girls School and assisted in Wesley
Church (where her father had been pastor at the time of her birth).
When her first daughter, Francia, was 7 months old she was forced to leave
Singapore shortly before its fall and find her way home, in an exciting adventure,
by way of India and the Ferry Command Route. She was separated from Tyler for
4 years by his imprisonment in the Singapore Japanese internment camp, and did
not know whether or not he was alive for a year and a half. Her courage, character
and faith were proven during these hard trials in a way which impressed those who
knew her best.
When Tyler survived and returned they subsequently served as a faculty
family at Allegheny College and Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary for 29
years. Four other children joined the family: Wendy, Heidi, Becky and Peter.
Phyllis was a spirited, sensitive, insightful person with a gift for enduring
friendship and a wonderful sense of humor. She had rich musical and artistic gifts,
and we all bear witness that she was a wonderful wife and mother!
While in seemingly excellent health, she died without warning during the
night of July 7/8 in Wisconsin. The cause: an intercerebral hemorrhage in an
inapproachable area of the brain.
-Her loving family
HAZEL ANITA TROTTER
June 24,1899-July 5,1991
TROTTER, FREDERICK B. (T. 12; F. 15) SC 12 Silsbee; 13 Yucaipa; 14 Santa Ana Ct.; 15 LA: Noel;
16 School; 17 Patterson; 18 U. S. Army; 19 Coalinga; 22 Merced; 24 Ventura: First; 29 North
Hollywood; 31 Long Beach: Atlantic Ave.; 34 Huntington Park; SCA 39 Huntington Park; 50
Alhambra: First; 54 Sup't Pasadena Dist. (Died Sept. 4, 1955)
Hazel Anita Trotter was born June 24,1899, in lola, Kansas. Her father,
John E. Thomas, was a carpenter/farmer from Indiana. Her mother, Sadie, had been
born in Keokuk, Iowa. They were all staunch Methodist Episcopal. They moved
to South Pasadena when Hazel was five. She soon had a brother and sister.
Her father tried dry farming for a while in Penis, and then was supervisor
of a rice ranch west of Delano. There, teenager Hazel drove the nearby farm children
and herself to Delano high school. The family finally settled in Fresno.
Hazel graduated from Fresno Normal College (now Fresno State University), where she was Student Body President, during World War I. With a degree
in music education, she was supervisor of music in the Porterville public schools.
She met Fred Trotter at the High Sierra Methodist Campground at Big
Creek. She was helping her mother cook for the Fresno First Church campers, since
every group brought their own food in those days. Fred was pastor of the church in
Merced, and a popular Conference speaker. They were married in June of 1923 in
Fresno by Dr. Frank G. H. Stevens. Fred was having some trouble with the KKK,
and everything was hijacked from their Merced parsonage while they were out of
town.
There followed a succession of appointments together, in Ventura and Los
Angeles counties. The longest pastorate was 16 years at Huntington Park. During
the '20's and '30's six children were born, in order: Pat, Tom, Irwin, Peggy, Mark
and Martha. Once she was asked why she didn't teach Sunday School. She replied
that getting six children ready for Sunday School was a big enough job. In 1948 she
was named Mother of the Year by the local Junior Chamber of Commerce.
f
She and Fred worked as a team-he relying on Hazel to check his English,
the clarity of his ideas, and the singability of his hymns. She often typed his speeches
and articles for him, sometimes on the way to a meeting, portable typewriter on her
knees.
After Fred's death in 1955, Hazel was employed by J. Wesley Hole in the
Conference Treasurer's office in Hollywood. She loved the exacting work and the
continuing contact with her church friends, retiring in 1969. She kept their home
in Hasting Ranch, Pasadena, and she lived there longer than she had in any other
place. There she enjoyed entertaining her various and far flung family.
Living alone so as to be no burden, she only moved in with Martha (Jagger)
in La Jolla in the fall of 1990, which she insisted was a temporary visit. She died
there in dignity and peace on July 5,1991, attended by her physician son-in-law, and
surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
She left these legacies to her family: a love of music and books, a tough
and unsentimental faith, an appreciation and respect for each other, an eagerness for
games, puzzles, laughter and good theater. Bright and alert to the end, she remains
an inspiration for us all.
~ Her Sons and Daughters
HELEN M. ZIMMERMAN
March 6,1907-April 6,1992
ZIMMERMAN, EDGAR T. (T. 35; F. 37) Central PA 35 School, West Fairview; SC 36 Calexico; SCA
39 LA: Sunnyside; 44 Pasadena: Lincoln Ave.; 46 El Monte: First; 49 Burbank: Magnolia Park; 53
San Diego: Trinity; 55 R'd; 71 R'd. (Died November 17, 1975)
4
Helen Margaret McPhail was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on March 6,1907. Helen moved to
Harrisburg in 1916, where she grew up and became
active in the church. She served as a Sunday school
teacher and was a member of the Christian Endeavor for
Pine St. Presbyterian church.
Helen was a very bright young lady, she became involved with many activities through school.
She graduated from Central High School in Harrisburg,
Penn., being a member of the Demosthesian Society
and serving as class President and Vice President for
many terms.
" 1
After graduating in 1925, she went on to work
as secretary for the Pennsylvania Railroad, then for the l
Pine St. Presbyterian Minister and later secretary for Henry B. McCormick.
During these years she had fallen in love with Edgar Thomas Zimmerman,
they married in 1930 at Ridge Ave. Methodist church in Harrisburg. Edgar and
Helen left to Boston where Edgar would pursue his education at the Boston
University of Religious Education and Theology.
Helen was very dedicated to her husband and his dedication to the ministry.
She took care of the home and her family. By 1939 she had given birth to two sons,
Edgar Thomas Jr. and John Alton.
Through years of traveling for the ministry, Helen and her husband settled
down in Chula Vista in 1956. Here Edgar became the Membership and Evangelism
Coordinator of the First United Methodist Church. Helen began her work at the
Fredericka Manor where she was Director of Residence Services for 17 years. She
also was one of the first charter members of the Susanna Wesley Womans Circle.
After her husband's death in 1975, Helen still stayed active in the church.
Her keen spirit and will to do many things kept her busy and full of life. She was
known for her talkative personality with interests that could never bore anyone.
With her many experiences in life she taught a lesson to many.
Helen is survived by one sister, two children, eight grandchildren, and two
great-grandchildren. We will miss her deeply, but we know we will see her again.
-- Grace Zimmerman Wood