1995 - The California-Pacific Conference of The United

IN MEMORIAM
A CELEBRATION of MINISTRY
California-Pacific Annual Conference
The United Methodist Church
1995
PAUL H. ALEXANDER
August 22, 1909 - January 2, 1995
ALEXANDER, PAUL H. (D.56. E.58; AM,58) SCA 53 (Nov.l) Imperial Beach; 59 Phoenix, AZ.:
Capitol; 63 Parker, AZ.; 67 Tucson, AZ.; Catalina; Assoc.; 71 LB:Los Altos, Assoc.; 73
Youngstown, AZ.; PSW 75 R'd., 80 (Costa Mesa,First, Assoc); C-P 85.
Paul H. Alexander was the oldest son of a Presbyterian minister. His mother died when he was nine,
whereupon his father turned to farming. Paul learned
to work hard and make the most of what he had
during those difficult years. He helped raise his siblings
and nurtured his dream of becoming a minister. He
began college, but poverty and the depression forced
him to leave after two years to find employment.
He met Olive in 1931 and they shared over 61 years
together. Paul was a lay leader in churches wherever
they lived. This included a tour in the Navy and 17
years as a California Highway Patrol officer. He was
appointed full-time supply pastor of the Imperial Beach
Community Methodist Church in 1953.
From then on Paul worked tirelessly to become a
powerful pulpit minister and effective pastor. A family
anecdote states that Paul always had worn-out shoes and a sore finger from
walking door-to-door pushing door bells to spread God's word and inviting people
to church. And he was successful. The churches Paul served became vital and
active in the community, addressing social issues and meeting people's needs on a
personal level. He was proud to eventually attain Conference membership.
Paul's passion was the elimination of discrimination in our churches and in
society. He chaired the Conference Committee on Christian Social Concerns in
the 1960's and was publicly recognized by Bishop Gerald Kennedy for his
pioneering anti-discrimination stand in Phoenix. Those years brought hate-mail
and harassing phone calls in the middle of the night from bigots and hate-mongers
set on preserving the status quo. But Paul stood firm, sometimes the sole clergy
voice to be raised against hate and discrimination.
Paul became "part-time" minister of visitation at Costa Mesa First UMC in
1975. Ill health forced his full retirement in 1985. His family and friends are
pleased that Paul lived to see the Imperial Beach UMC establish the Paul
Alexander Preaching Series, with such noteworthy scholars as Bishop Roy Sano
and Dr. James Sanders sharing God's word with the local congregation.
Paul Alexander's life was one of love and service. He loved God; he loved his
wife, Olive; he loved his family; he loved people. To all of these he was a faithful
and loving servant, and he will always be our hero.
Olive Alexander
Celia Alexander Moon
David Alexander
LAMBERT (Bert) W. ALL
December 5, 1942 - January 20, 1995
ALL, LAMBERT W. (T.69;F.73) SCA 69 School; 70 Murrieta; 75 Riverside: Rubidoux; PSW 77;
81 Ex. Dir. Conf. Comm. on Camp Fac; C-P 85; 89 (Jan) West Covina; 92 (Dec. 1) D/L.
Loving and Protecting God
please keep him in your care;
I couldn't bear to know he might be alone up there.
He would not have us part with any crying;
Our memory should be only smiling.
Life is always worth the living made better with your
messenger's lesson in giving and forgiving.
Frances Reed
Lambert W. All was born in Roxbury, in the
Catskills of New York State, the third child of Lambert
W. All and Zada Lutz All. His early childhood was
spent on the family farm and in the farm homes of his
grandparents. This agrarian background established his
life long love of nature and gardening.
He graduated from Stamford Central School in 1960
and in 1962 from the State University at Farmingdale. He received his B.S. from
the University of Arizona in 1967 and his doctorate in religion from STC in 1971.
Following his graduation from Farmingdale, Lambert worked as assistant to the
curator of the Museum at Cornell University. While there he became involved in
the Wesleyan Group and ministry in God's service began to call him. Bert, as he
preferred to be called, had grown up in the Methodist Church and had been active
in the youth fellowship of the church. He first preached in his home church in
Stamford for Student Sunday while a university student.
Bert loved his service for the Lord. His work with youth and Camping and
Outdoor Ministries were vital parts of his ministry. In 1988 he saw the need for
the church to reach out to those with HIV/AIDS and was instrumental in
founding the "Strength for the Journey" retreats in the California-Pacific
Conference. To those who knew him and saw his work, Bert's example of loving
care for all of God's people was a lighted candle to face their prejudices and fears
and walk with God to overcome them.
Bert went on Disability Leave in 1992. He continued to show the power of the
Lord in his life as he drew strength to remain active in the Conference Aids
Ministry Task Force. In August 1994, he attended his final "Strength for the
Journey" retreat and then made his last trip home to his beloved Catskills and
time with his birth family.
Bert passed away January 20, 1995 and is survived by his mother, Zada, his
sister, Frances and brother, Frank. His family and his many, many friends will
long hold his memory dear.
Zada L. All
MARIANELA E. AYALA
December 7, 1904 - January 6, 1995
AYALA, ANTONIO (T.30; F.39) Rio Grande, 30 Miss'y to New Mexico; 39 Miss'y in So. GalAriz., Latin Amer., Prov. 41 Westminster-Stanton; 43 Orange-El Modena-Olive; 46 Orange; 47
Orange-El Modena; 48 Sab'l Lv.; 49 Santa Ana; So Cal.-Ariz. 56 Santa Monica, Latin Amer.; 59
Phoenix, Primera Iglesia; 63 Douglas, Ariz.; El Divino Salvador; 70 R'd (362.1); Pac. and S.W.;
77 R'd (362.1). Died September 8, 1982.
Marianela was born December 7, 1904 in San
Dimas, Mexico and raised in Sinaloa, Mex. In 1919 her
father, Antonio, died and the family immigrated to the
United States. She attended Central Elementary School
at Bisbee, Ariz, for one year of English. They moved
to El Paso, Texas where other family members lived.
She attended classes at Lydia Patterson Bible Institute
and Effie Eddington School for girls. At age 16,
Marianela received Christ as her personal Saviour. In
spite of opposition, it wasn't too long before all the
immediate family were "one" in their new found faith.
Marianela worked for a Japanese doctor in El Paso
when she met and married Antonio Ayala on January
20, 1929. His first appointment was in Don Ana, New
Mexico. He remodeled a former horse stable into a
beautiful parsonage. Their first son, Daniel, was born
here. Their second pastorate was in Socorro, NM were their children, Eunice and
Bill were born. In 1936 the big move to California happened just in time for Alice
to be born. Now there were six in the smallest parsonage yet. They continued
to live in California until 1959 when they accepted an appointment in Phoenix,
Arizona. They retired while at Douglas, Arizona in September 1970. They
ministered to the Spanish-speaking Methodist community for over forty-two years
and enjoyed interdenominational work too. They moved to Hemet, CA where
they enjoyed 12 years of retirement. After Antonio was called home, Marianela
moved to Baker Home in 1983. Here she spent 12 years of wonderful fellowship
and great walks into town. The great friendships with all and the lovely welcomes
at Bell Memorial United Methodist Church will never be forgotten. Marianela's
favorite Bible verse was: "Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to
dwell together in unity." (Psalms 133:1) On January 6, 1995 the Lord permitted
her promotion to heaven and so many family members were by her side.
Marianela will be remembered as a loving, concerned, generous and energetic
mother and wife who co-labored arm-in-arm in the ministry. She taught Sunday
School for children so long that she felt like one. She was a good recording
secretary, letter and card sender and a wonderful choir soprano. She enjoyed hand
stitching, hiking and cooking. She had a great sense of humor and never a
haughty spirit as she felt as God's last servant.
She is survived by her four children, 11 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. We take this opportunity to thank God for her life among us.
The Ayala Family
FRANCES SMITH BALDWIN
December 11, 1908 - March 4, 1994
BALDWIN, FRANCIS B. (T.33; F.35) KY., 33 Yellow Creek; 34 Vicco-Yellow Creek; 35 (Sept.)
Yellow Creek; 36 Campton-Hazel Green-Berry; 37 Mt. Hope; 38 Pine Grove; 40 Wallingford; 43
Chaplain U.S. Army; 46 School; 49 Cent. Texas, Lakeview; So. Cal.-Ariz., 50 (Sept 1)
Independence; 53 L.B. East; 63 (Nov.) L.B. Los Altos, Assoc.; 67 Long Beach, Silverado; 69 D.L.;
71 R'd; PSW 77 R'd; Died April 21, 1979.
Frances Beauchamp Smith was born in Hindman,
Kentucky, a small mountain community where her
parents served as Presbyterian home missionaries. She
grew up with her three younger brothers, attending
schools and churches established by her father. She
graduated from high school at 14 and went on to the
University of Kentucky where she graduated at age 19.
She taught in Vermont, until 1930; then returned home
when her father was killed in a fire. Frances began
teaching in a small Kentucky coal mining town to be
near her mother and brothers. During this time she
met and fell in love with Francis B. Baldwin, who was
assisting at a small Methodist church nearby.
They were married on July 4, 1932. Together they
served circuits of churches in central Kentucky, where
their two older children Faith and Byron were born.
World War II took them to Texas where Fran was a chaplain in the Army Air
Corps and their two younger children Karol and David were born. They moved
to California in 1950. Over the next 25 years, they pastored churches in Independence and in the Long Beach area, remaining at East Long Beach Methodist (now
Wesley) for over ten years.
In 1953 Frances obtained her teaching credential and substituted in the public
schools. She did not work full-time because, as a minister's wife, she felt she was
needed to be available for the work of the church. She was supportive of Fran in
every aspect of his work, lovingly working wherever and however she was needed.
Frances was a wonderful mother and a loving daughter, providing guidance and
encouragement to each of her children and caring for her own mother in her final
years. Frances cared for Fran until his death in 1979. She missed him greatly but
continued her active role in her church and did some traveling back to her roots
in Kentucky. She was always available to her four children and 12 grandchildren,
ever providing loving assistance and a faithful role model. Before passing on
March 4, 1994, she was blessed with two great-grandchildren as well.
Frances had many talents which she used to the glory of her Lord. She was a
gifted teacher and storyteller. She had an insatiable curiosity and was always
learning new things. She played the piano and had a lovely singing voice. She had
a boundless capacity for caring and giving of herself to others. She will always be
remembered by her family and friends for her deep and abiding faith which
provided inspiration for many to the end of her days.
Her Children: Faith, Byron, Karol and David
LEONIDAS I. BROCK
January 5, 1912 - June 15, 1994
BROCK, LEONIDAS L (T.35; F.37) Missouri; SC., 38 Phoenix, AZ: Creighton; SCA (39); 41 (Feb)
Ajo, AZ.; 43 Chaplain U.S. Army; 46 (Mar) Needles; 47 Montebello; 52 Pacific Palisades; 54
Lancaster; 59 El Centre; 62 El Segundo; 65 Pomona: Westmont; 68 Bardsdale; 72 Pismo Beach:
Shell Beach; 74 Newhall: Friendly Valley; 76 R'd; PSW 77 R'd; C-P 85 R'd.
Leonidas Isaac Brock was born January 5, 1912 in
Cisne, Illinois. He was the eldest of four brothers.
The family moved to the backwoods of Possum Trot,
Arkansas, when he was five years old. There Leon
attended grammar school and high school. He was the
first member of the Brock family in the Missouri Arkansas area to proceed beyond the eighth grade.
Against his parents' wishes, he moved to Springfield,
Missouri and enrolled in Southwest Missouri State
College. Leon's attendance at college inspired his
brothers to follow his lead, where they studied to
become a lawyer, a professor at the University of
Chicago, and an electrical engineer. Leon graduated in
three years, Cum Laude, and subsequently entered
Garrett Theological Seminary to study for the ministry.
He later received his Masters Degree from the University of Southern California.
Leon married Sybil Moomaw, a college classmate from Springfield, Missouri.
At the urging of Methodist Bishop Baker, they moved west to the Southern
California-Arizona Conference. Their first appointment was at Creighton Church
in Phoenix, Arizona. Soon after the outbreak of World War II, Leon volunteered
to join the U.S. Army, where he served as a chaplain with a field artillery unit in
Germany and France. He was involved in numerous major battle theaters
including D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge. He was awarded the Bronze Star for
meritorious service.
Leon served as a pastor for 40 years in 11 churches located in Phoenix and Ajo,
Arizona, and Needles, Montebello, Pacific Palisades, Lancaster, El Centre, El
Segundo, Pomona, Bardsdale, Pismo Beach, and Friendly Valley, California.
Along with Sybil, Leon was active in the American Christian Ashram
movement with E. Stanley Jones. He served the local communities, where he was
appointed, in many volunteer capacities, including PTA president, Rotary
International, and Kiwanis.
Leon was a loving, caring, dedicated, and committed'servant for our Lord Jesus
Christ. He made a major impact in so many peoples' lives. His favorite pastoral
activities, which he held dear to his heart, were adult Bible classes and counseling
to young married couples.
Leon is survived by a brother, Charles Brock, sons Kurds and David Brock,
and grandchildren Marilyn, Jonathan, Sharon, and Leslie Brock.
The Brock Family
ORLANDO CHAPMAN
July 16, 1916 - April 3,1995
CHAPMAN, ORLANDO. (T.60; F.63) SCA 57 (Peoria); 59 (El Monte: Potrero Ave.); 60 El
Monte: Potrero Ave.; 63 Miss'y to Hawaii; 67 Kaaawa, HI; 69 Chaplain, Hawaii National Guard;
70 Kaaawa & Kahaluu; 72 Agana, Guam: Community; PSW 77; 82 Altadena; 84 Trona; C-P 85;
87 R'd.
In all God's creation there were created natural laws
of His universe. These laws govern our human life's
experience from birth, to death, to eternal life. In our
sojourn on earth our lives are governed by four
seasons: Spring; Summer; Fall; and Winter.
From his early youth, Orrie wanted to serve the
Lord and in this unquieted nudging he would be
required to go in other directions dictated by circumstance. His mother, Janie, first taught him about Jesus.
During times when he helped his mother crank the
washtub, they would have theological discussions. As
a boy of five he learned that Jesus was his Savior, but
wondered what he was to be saved from because a five
year old didn't have many sins.
The second season of his life was a time of great
growth mentally, spiritually, and physically. His wife,
Esther, presented him with a Bible on Christmas. "I started reading it like I never
had before," he said. On this Christmas day he really learned about God's grace
and salvation. It was a time for much change, new dreams and visions were
pursued.
As Orrie entered the third season of his life, Fall, he experienced a settling
down, a peacefulness, contentment and confidence in all that he had accomplished
in his pursuit of life. Friendships deepened; life was full of excitement and
adventure; his emotions stabilized.
The Winter of his life brought more settling, more peacefulness, more
enrichment and more wisdom. It was also the season that he and I met. Our
friendship grew into a deep love for each other and a spiritual bond of faith, hope
and belief in our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Orrie entered the fifth season of eternal rest with unfaltering faith in his life
eternal. A very dear friend of his summed up Orrie's life as, "A life of Christian
love for his fellow man evidenced by his many years of devoted service to the
Church and his service on the battlefields. He will stand tall and proud in our
memories."
Orrie as a soldier, husband, father, teacher, and minister stood tall in his boots,
but ever so much taller in stature serving the Lord.
Dorothy Jean Chapman
J. RUSSELL DAVIS
September 1, 1913 - May 21, 1994
DAVB, J. RUSSELL. (T.35; F.43) Ev.Ill.; EUB 47 LA Melrose Avenue; 50 Chaplain; 53 No
App't; 55 Prof LaVerne Col.; CAL.; SCA 69 Prof LaVerne Col.; 75 R. PSW 77 R'd. C-P 85 R'd.
J. Russell Davis was born into a ministerial home,
the youngest of four sons, he lost his mother when he
was very young so he learned to do many things in the
home. He loved music, and at an early age was singing
solos in church and school. In high school he earned
a merit award at the Chicago American Academy of
Singing.
He met Lois Guither while they were both students
at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, and in September
1934 they were married. He went on to graduate from
North Central College and Evangelical Theological
Seminary, both in Naperville, Illinois.
He served churches in the Illinois Conference of the
EUB Church, and in 1945 went into the Army as a
Chaplain. He was stationed in the Philippines, and
because the War was soon over, the G.I.s needed something to build their morale,
so Chaplain Davis not only counselled and led in their worship but took the
men's orders for Christmas items for their families, and then went to Japan to
shop for them. He also organized a basketball team, leading them to victories and
a trip to Japan.
On his return from overseas he pastored a church in Hollywood, and began his
graduate studies at USC for a PhD degree along with his church work. This was
interrupted by a call back into the military to serve during the Korean War.
At the completion of his PhD, he taught at the University of LaVerne, and was
Chaplain to the EUB and foreign students. He introduced a new program of
learning history by taking students on tours of the areas they were studying. The
last 2 years of his teaching he took over as Director of a sub-campus of La Verne
at North Island Naval Station in San Diego, and was able to bring the school to
a higher scholastic level by giving graduate courses. He retired from the military
as a Colonel.
On one Sabbatical Leave he and Lois spent six months at Oxford University.
They were blessed to be able to make many overseas trips including one around
the world.
Along with his teaching he filled in preaching where there was a need, and he
directed choirs along with Lois's organ playing.
Russell had an enthusiasm for life and a compassion for others. On travels he
took pictures and gave slide shows in many churches and schools.
His exemplary life as a Christian Minister, Professor, husband, father and friend
has touched countless lives. He loved his home and family, and is greatly missed
by his wife of 60 years, two sons, nine grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
We look forward to meeting him again. He was truly a man of God.
Lois Davis and family
ANNA L. DOUGHERTY
October 28, 1904 - August 8, 1994
DOUGHERTY, WM. VICXREY (T.34; F.36) Pac.; SCA 39 Safford; 40 Ft. Thomas, Solomville &
Safford; 42 Safford & Ft. Thomas, AZ; 43 (May) Temple City: Community; 51 Covina; 66
Yucaipa; 71 SB: St. Mark; 75 R'd; PSW 77 R'd; C-P 85 R'd.
Anna was born in Henderson County, Kentucky.
She attended elementary school in the area, later
graduating from Henderson High School.
In the Fall of 1926, her family moved to California
and settled in Pomona. Anna started Pomona Junior
College while working part-time. The Crawford family
began attending Holt Avenue Methodist Episcopal
Church, South where she and her older brother and
sister became active in Epworth League. It was here
where she met her future husband, Vickrey Dougherty.
In September 1933, Anna entered Scarritt College in
Nashville, Tennessee to finish her education. On July
14, 1935, Anna and Vickrey were married in their
home church, and after a short honeymoon in Yosemite, they began their ministry together. Wherever they
served, Anna helped in Church school, youth, and
women's work, though always staying in the background. In addition to being a
wonderful and devoted mother to our two daughters, Anna was a marvelous
support in ministry to the six churches we served.
While in Temple City, Anna joined an art class of Pasadena Adult Education
that was meeting in the church. She discovered that she had real artistic talent.
Our home is filled with beautiful paintings of professional quality done by Anna.
When we retired in 1975, after 40 years in the pastorate, Anna was eager to
begin her final major goal. She felt called to preserve for our descendants the story
of the families that had produced us. She wrote the story of the Crawford family
followed by the Dougherty family and concluded with the accounts of our
mothers, Sandfur and Smith. When she finished writing in January 1994, she had
written more than 1300 pages, completing four books of family genealogy. With
the last book in the mail, she began to relax, her heart filled with gratitude that
God had given her the strength to finish the work she felt He had given her to do.
Thus it was that in August 1994, when her Lord called her to that room He
said He was going to prepare for His disciples, she was ready. All who loved
Anna knew that her mission had been accomplished. She had run with patience,
great love, and always with a smile on her face, the course that God had given her.
Although reluctant to leave her loved ones, she was eager to begin her life in the
Church Triumphant.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by her brother, Philip Crawford,
her daughters, Policy Bowen and Louann Gallagher, six grandchildren, and eight
great-grandchildren.
Vickrey Dougherty
RUTH C. GEER
April 27, 1899 - December 17, 1994
GEER, OWENM. (T.18; F.22) Colorado, 18 Denver, Epworth, Asst.; 19 Jefferson Ave.; 20 School;
Newark, 22 Jersey City, Palisade; 24 Westwood; 27 Arlington; St. Louis, 30 Epworth League,
Chicago Office; Missouri, 32 Epworth League, Chicago Office; Detroit, 37 Dearborn, Mt. Olivet;
So. Cal-Ariz., 46 (Nov. 1) L.A., Vermont Square; 50 Fullerton; 55 L. B., First, Asso.; 58 Whittier,
East; 65 R'd. Died February 17, 1971.
Born in Salem, Missouri, Ruth Emily was the
second child of Austin and Emma Harmon Chapman.
Ruth's parents, who met in the Salvation Army, were
married in St. Louis in 1896. Their son, Paul, was
born in May 1897, the year Austin became a Methodist
minister.
Paul and Ruth grew up in Denver, where their
father served the Methodist Epworth Mission. The
church provided a children's lunch, classes in developing personal skills, sports, trips to the mountains and
Goodwill Industries.
It was at the University of Denver that Ruth met
her future husband, Owen Meredith Geer. Ruth
earned a Masters Degree at Bryn Mawr; Owen's Degree
in Divinity was completed at Union Theological
Seminary in New York. They were married on October 6, 1921. Three children were born to Owen and Ruth in their early
ministries: Owen Chapman, Meredith Roberta and Wesley Harmon.
In 1929, Owen was appointed Associate Director of Youth Work at Methodist
headquarters in Chicago. Their homes, when he returned to the ministry,
continued to host youth. In Dearborn, when their church held a summer work
camp, six students remained in service all winter, staying at the parsonage.
Later in California, a Conference Work Team took Owen to Germany, where
Methodist youth helped rebuild a church destroyed by war. With them when
they returned was a refugee from East Germany. Hildegarde needed a home while
she continued her education. Ruth took her in.
Ruth taught in the public schools when Owen served his final pastorates. In
retirement Ruth travelled with him on behalf of Youth for Understanding. They
found hosts for American high school graduates seeking a 13th year in Europe.
And they introduced European youth to a similar experience in America.
Owen's death occurred in 1971. Their son Owen, doctor in Education, lives
in Crestline with his wife Alicia. Doctor of Medicine, Wesley makes his home
with his wife Shirley in Alturas. Meredith Geer Sturdivant died in 1966, in San
Diego. Thirteen grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren survive Ruth.
Her last 22 years were spent at Claremont Manor, where Ruth's friendship and
warm counsel will be missed. A member of the United Methodist Church in
Claremont, she was honored with a memorial service on January 5, 1995.
Lois Geer Ogilvie
BARBARA B. GILLESPIE
February 6, 1941 - December 21, 1994
GILLESPIE, SYLVESTER T. (T.63; F.65) Florida; PSW 77 LA: Wesley; C-P 85; 86 Pas: Scott; 88
Gardena: Hollypark; 91 LA: Grace.
Barbara Gillespie was born on February 6, 1941 in
New Orleans, LA to Whiley and Sarah Hardesty. At
a very young age Barbara developed a love for music.
At the age of six she played the piano on her cousin's
15 minute radio show. Two years later she performed
her first solo on the show. At ten she sang her first
solo in church. It was also at this age that Barbara
became a Christian and was baptized.
In 1954 Barbara and her mother moved to Los
Angeles. They joined Mt. Moriah Baptist Church
where her ministry would continue until 1985. It was
during her first year in Los Angeles that she met her
lifelong friend, Margaret Pleasand Douroux.
She attended Berendo Jr. High School and in the
one year that she was there, she took the school by
storm. She became the Glee Club President and she
and a boy by the name of Richard Salazar won most of the school talent shows.
Throughout her growing up years, Barbara worked in the church and enjoyed
singing and theatrics. Her professional work began at 17 at which time she was
known as one of the Tommy Robert Singers. They performed backup music for
Frankie Laine. Later she would perform with such stars as Quincy Jones, Lou
Rawls, Esther Rolle and Lola Falana. She recorded with James Cleveland and has
four solo credits on his National Gospel Music Workshop of American albums,
and with the Charles May Ensemble she recorded, "Singing From the Heart."
By the time she received her BA degree in Education, she was married. After
graduation she went to work for Rosecrans Elementary School as a first grade
teacher. Soon thereafter she would give birth to her son, Kent Bonadonna. Later
she returned to the classroom where she would stay for three years. Her
remaining career included becoming a resource teacher, librarian and multi-cultural
resource teacher. She received a MA Degree in Education and finally worked as
supervisor of externally funded projects for the Compton School District.
In 1980 after 18 years of marriage, Barbara became a widow. In 1983 she met
Sylvester T. Gillespie and in November 1985 they were married. She continued
her ministry in music and had been the pianist and choir director at Wesley, Scott,
Hollypark, and Grace UMC's.
Barbara leaves her husband, Sylvester T. Gillespie; son, Kent Bonadonna
(Bonny); stepsons, Dekovan and Damien Gillespie; mother, Sarah Washington;
brothers, Henry C. Jones and Herbert Hardesty, adopted sister and caregiver,
Sheila DeGruy; sister-in-law, Bessie L. Jones; four aunts, Amelie Whitfield, Louise
J. Deemer, Addie Le Johnson and Thelma M. Hogan; two uncles, Robert C.
Washington and Louis Washington and a host of relatives and friends.
Her Family
EUDORA (DORA) H. HEILMAN
September 9, 1894 - November 29,1994
HEILMAN, KARL K. (T.34; F.36) Pacific, 34 Hollywood; So. Cal.-Ariz., 39 Santa Ana, Spurgeon
Memorial; 47 Upland; 48 Upland and Cucamonga; 49 Upland; 51 R'd, Died April 10, 1955.
Dora Heilman was born on September 9, 1894, in
her grandparent's home in Clayton, Louisiana. Her
father was a storekeeper in Arkansas City, Arkansas.
When she was about two, her mother died and the
family (which included older brother Frank) was
obliged to move to Batesville, Arkansas, where there
were relatives to assist with bringing up the two
children. In 1904, her father remarried, but soon
thereafter developed a serious lung condition which
required that he move to a dry climate. So, in 1906,
Dora and Frank were left with relatives near Benton,
Arkansas, while their parents proceeded to Las Cruces,
New Mexico. Stepmother May worked as a stenographer while their father regained his health and the
family was reunited in 1907.
Dora completed her education in Las Cruces and
worked in a local bank. In 1919 she married Karl K. Heilman, an engineering
student and a World War Navy aviator. The couple then moved to Southern
California where Karl completed his education at USC and began teaching. In the
early 1930's, however, he began to realize that his true calling was to the ministry.
So, in 1934, he and Dora began what was to become a lifetime commitment to the
work of the Methodist Church. She was his gracious and capable partner as they
moved to each appointment. In the early 50's, Karl's health began to fail, forcing
his retirement and bringing on his death in 1955.
In 1958 Dora moved to Pasadena and in 1964 to Claremont Manor. Even in her
twilight years, her interest and passion for the church continued unabated. She
was active in PEO and in the Claremont United Methodist Church. She made
substantial financial contributions to the church and to the Theological Seminary.
It was a constant source of amazement to her two nephews (she had no children)
that she had amassed such a large circle of friends from her church activities. This
in spite of the fact that she had outlived almost all of her contemporaries. In
other words, the younger folks loved her, too! She lived a full century without
having said a harsh word to anyone. Nor was there ever an occasion for anyone
to have a harsh word about her. A lovely, gently sweet person, indeed.
She slipped away peacefully November 29, 1994 and was laid to rest without
ceremony at Forest Lawn, Glendale.
Frank Hawley
EDNA M. JOHNSON
February 17, 1906 - December 12, 1994
JOHNSON, CARL B. (T.31; F.33) New England, So., 31 Nantucket; 33 South Yarmouth and
North Harwich, Mass.; So. Cal., 35 L.A. Church of All Nations, Asso.; 35 (Nov.) Lemoore and
Coalinga; 37 Lancaster; So. Cal.-Ariz., 39 Lancaster; 41 Costa Mesa; 47 San Diego, Trinity; 53
Hemet; 61 Baldwin PL; 65 Trona; 67 Whittier, First, Min. of Memshp; 69 Kahuku, Hawaii; 70
R'd; 70 Hemet, Min. of Visit. Died Feb. 5, 1973.
Edna May (Moore) Johnson was born in Boston,
Massachusetts, the second of six children. Her parents,
Frederick and Carrie Moore, were emigrants from
Newfoundland, Canada who moved to Boston in order
to found the organization now know as The Goodwill
Industries.
She graduated from Boston University, School of
Theology in Christian Education, and spent the next
few years doing social work in the slums of Chicago.
She returned to Boston to marry Carl B. Johnson and
together they began a long life of Christian service.
Their first charge was a church on the island of Nantucket and their last was a church on the island of Oahu
in Hawaii. Christian work was her life, and she always
played an active part in each church they served. After
her husband passed away in 1973, she continued her
work in churches. She participated in churches from Gainesville, Florida to
Laguna Hills, California where she passed away.
She touched many lives in her quiet, caring and special way and was loved by
all who knew her.
She is survived by three brothers, a son, Marvin Johnson of Laguna Beach, a
daughter, Carolyn Chambers of Laguna Niguel, five grandchildren and seven greatgrandchildren.
She will be greatly missed by all her friends and relatives.
Carolyn Chambers
BARBARA J. KINGSLEY
January 12, 1936 - May 18, 1994
KINGSLEY, HAROLD E. (T.62; F.64) SCA 62 School; 64 Grand Canyon; 68 Oceanside: So.; 74
Avondale; 76 Apache Junction: Desert Chapel; PSW 77; 82 Whittier: Evangelical; C-P 85; 86
Banning.
Barbara Elms was twelve years old when she became
a Christian at a Youth for Christ rally and, began
attending a church within walking distance of her
home. It happened to be the National City Methodist
Church under the ministry of Ed Erny. In the seventh
grade she became acquainted with a boy named Hal
Kingsley and it was through Barbara's influence that he
began attending church with her and eventually gave
his life to Christ. They were married right out of high
school in 1954.
Barbara loved the Lord deeply and she radiated His
love. Her fellow classmates at San Jacinto College,
where she graduated with an AA at the age of fiftyfour, looked to her often for wisdom and motherly
understanding. Barbara was a channel of Jesus' love as
she worked regularly in Riverside County schools with
the mentally disabled and with the babies of teenage mothers.
All those who have attended Annual Conference these past twenty years have
grown accustomed to the sight of Hal and Barbara supervising the "PK" workers
in the cafeteria, a sacrificial investment of time and love into the lives of many
children.
Besides being an enthusiastic lay leader for "Walk to Emmaus" retreats, Barbara
had a passionate commitment to cross-cultural missions. This was evident in the
way she gave sacrificially year after year to the support of missionaries. She
inspired her children to consider taking the Gospel to unreached peoples even
when it pained her greatly to think of her children in distant lands.
We remember Barbara's friendliness, her devotion to the Work of God, her
ability to laugh at herself, her enthusiasm for life, her willingness to try new
things, and her desire to be the best she could be in whatever circumstances God
placed her.
She loved her six grandchildren dearly and was eagerly awaiting her seventh
whom she did not live to see. And now there are eight.
Barbara, who was so unexpectedly taken from us at the age of fifty-eight, is
greatly missed by her mother, Edith Elms, her sister, Dixie Girdner, her four
children, Ray, Daniel, Allison and Carol, the rest of her extended family and all
her many friends and especially by her husband who has lost his beloved wife of
forty years—his closest companion. We all look forward to a grand reunion.
Allison Scott, Barbara's daughter
ELSIE E. KLUTH
June 13, 1893 - October 14, 1994
KLUTH, PAUL J. (T. ; F.23) Evangelical Church; So. Cal., 24 Paso Robles; 28 Artesia; 30 El
Segundo; 35 Riverside, Grace; So. Cal-Ariz., 39 Riverside, Grace; 40 Pasadena, Lincoln Ave.; 44
Leave of Absence; 45 R'd; 59 R'd. Died September 4, 1971.
Elsie E. Kluth, a star of a MOTHER, was born in
Hollywood, California at a time when the area was
rural and had farms. She witnessed, during her lifetime, the dramatic change of this region for the better
or worse. Traveling the world several times with Dad,
observing the spread of Christianity, she perhaps was
most comfortable living in the scenic Eastern Sierra,
working her garden and trout fishing in its many
streams. Where as, Dad was a vivid reader and remained a "Fisherman of Men."
A graduate of the early UCLA campus as a school
teacher, she quickly adapted to serve humanity.
Whether, it was to make a sandwich to satisfy the
hunger of the ever frequent hobo at the parsonage door
of fulfilling the preacher's wife role to a grateful
congregation of Dad's ministry.
Her vision of Hollywood was that of a centenarian, undisturbed by the
"modern day degradation." One hundred years ago she was born in an era of
hope, and that dream of hope for the future, never faded for a Christian.
Mother of three, grandmother to seven, an award winning angler-what a
woman to compete with at any streamside for trophy size trout!
Paul John Kluth, Jr.
ALFREDO R. MACIAS
August 9, 1906 - February 19, 1995
MACIAS, ALFREDO R. (T.30; F.33) SC; Latin Am. Mssn.; Rio Grande; SCA 56 San Fernando:
Latin Am.; 58 Tucson: Menlo Park; 63 LA: El Buen Pastor; 64 Stanton: El Sinai; 67 Huntington
Park: Florence Ave.; 74 Pico Rivera; PSW 77 R'd.; 78 (Gardena, Alondra Pk, Assoc.) C-P 85 R'd.
Isaiah 6:8
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom
shall I send? And who will go for us?"
And I said, "Here am I. Send Me!"
Alfredo R. Macias was born in Parral, Chihuahua
Mexico. His family migrated north to the city of El
Paso, Texas shortly after the Mexican Revolution.
There he received his primary and secondary education
at Lydia Patterson Institute, -majoring in Biblical
studies. He found himself drawn toward pursuing a
career in the ministry.
Continuing his education, he attended the College
of Mines in El Paso. Upon graduation and with the
recommendation and support of friends and family,
Alfredo journeyed to Los Angeles and enrolled at the
University of Southern California. In 1933 he graduated from the USC Biblical
Department and in 1935 enrolled and graduated from Drew Seminary at Madison,
New Jersey, furthering his passionate desire in theology. In 1936, Reverend
Alfredo R. Macias was named to the position of Director of Christian Education
in the Southern California-Arizona Conference.
From there Alfredo was assigned as pastor in Douglas, Prescott and Tucson
churches in Arizona and Watts, Stanton, San Fernando, Florence Ave. and finally
Pico Rivera churches in Southern California, His joy of photography imposed
upon him the title as the "unofficial official" photographer for the region,
recording the growth and influence of the Methodist Church in the Southwest.
In 1946 in El Paso, Alfredo met and later married a beautiful young lady named
Laura Fernandez, who affectionately became know as Luarita. They complimented each other in their mission to serve Christ and were inseparable until her
passing in the Fall of 1990. We take comfort in knowing that they are again by
each other's side, continuing in their mission and taking part in "fellowship" with
loved ones who have gone before.
Those who knew him were inspired by his literary and scriptural intellect. He
endeavored to become a learned theologian. His commitment to the ministry was
complete and without reservation. Alfredo heard his calling, embraced it with
open arms and dedicated his life to serving his Lord and Savior.
Our uncle played an important role in our lives. He will be missed but never
forgotten.
Alfredo and David Fernandez
MABEL C. MCKEE
March 31, 1904 - February 9, 1995
MCKEE, STANLEYS. (T.26; F.29) SC 26 School; 29 Clarksdale; 30 Tucson, First, Asst.; 32 Harbor
City; 35 Maywood; SCA 39 LB: Belmont Hts.; 40 (Apr.) Riverside, First; 48 SD: First; 58 Sup't.,
LB Dist.; 61 Sup't., SB Dist.; 64 Arcadia: Church of the Good Shepherd; 67 LB: Los Altos, Assoc.;
71 R'd.; 71-77 (Torrance: Riviera, Min. of Vis.); PSW 77 R'd.' C-P 85 R'd. Died January 14, 1995.
Mabel C. McKee was born in Grove City, Pennsylvania, March 31, 1904. She attended the Pennsylvania
School of Music were she received a Music degree. She
came to California in 1920 and received her B.A. and
M.A. degrees in Christian Education from the University of Southern California. Upon her graduation in
1926, she married a classmate, Stanley S. McKee. She
and Stanley were married for 69 years.
Mabel was a State President of Church Women
United from 1968-1971 and was a member of the
National Board during that same period. After her
presidency, Mabel became Church Women United
States Communications Chairperson. In January 1980
she authored the 63 page "Trumpets Continue Calling:
A History of Church Women United in Southern California-Southern Nevada, 1960-1980."
She served as a member of the Auxiliary of the School of Theology at
Claremont, where she and Stanley established the Stanley S. and Mabel C. McKee
Endowed Scholarship Fund.
Mabel was deeply committed to the causes in which she believed. She stood
for equality and justice for the unfortunate of the world. Her outreach to others
was international in its scope. A prayer for world peace was always on her heart.
We will remember her as a gracious hostess. Her home was a haven of beauty,
friendship and hospitality for all who entered. Mabel had a quick wit and a
superb mind which allowed her to teach and write in a way that brought spiritual
insight to many people throughout the years. She loved great music and used her
musical gifts to bless others.
Mother was a woman of valor and excellence who loved and served God to the
fullest. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends and remembered with
love and admiration.
Her children, Dorothy and Ron
STANLEY S. MCKEE
February 22, 1902 - January 14, 1995
MCKEE, STANLEY S. (T.26; F.29) SC School; 29 Clarksdale; 30 Tucson, First, Asst.; 32 Harbor
City; 35 Maywood; SCA 39 LB: Belmont Hts.; 40 (Apr.) Riverside, First; 48 SD: First; 58 Sup't.,
LB Distr.; 61 Sup't.,SB Dist.; 64 Arcadia: Church of the Good Shepherd; 67 LB: Los Altos, Assoc.;
71 R'd; 71-77 (Torrance: Riviera, Min.of Vis.); PSW 77 R'd.; C-P 85 R'd.
Stanley was born February 22, 1902, in Christman,
Illinois. He received his A.B. degree from the University of Southern California in 1926; from Garrett Biblical
Institute in 1928, M.A. from the University of Chicago
in 1929 and honorary D.D. in 1943. Upon his graduation in 1926, he married a classmate, Mabel E. Cunningham. He and Mabel were married for 69 years.
Stanley was elected a delegate to Jurisdictional and
General Conference numerous times. He served on the
General Board of Christian Social Concerns. He was
a delegate to the Second Assembly of the World
Council of Churches and to the World Methodist
Conference.
Our father was a man whom we could trust and
respect. He had great dignity, and a strong commitment to the cause of Christ. He always stood for
righteousness and integrity, and his own life exemplified these attributes.
He had a genuine, heartfelt concern for justice and a better quality of life for
the bruised and misunderstood people of society. He fervently preached a social
gospel, as well as the need for a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Stanley
was a remarkable man, a loving and forgiving father and grandfather, a devoted
husband and a loyal friend. He was a man of honor among his peers.
At the time of his death, as "Dean" of the California-Pacific Annual Conference, he was the keeper of the "Bishop's Cane," symbol of the minister who has
served the longest in this Conference.
As one person voiced in a condolence letter to his family, "the world is a better
place because of Stan." He touched countless lives for the Kingdom of God and
will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.
His children, Dorothy and Ron
STANLEY S. MCKEE
February 22, 1902 - January 14, 1995
MCKEE, STANUEY S. (T.26; F.29) SC School; 29 Clarksdale; 30 Tucson, First, Asst.; 32 Harbor
City; 35 Maywood; SCA 39 LB: Belmont Hts.; 40 (Apr.) Riverside, First; 48 SD: First; 58 Sup't.,
LB Distr.; 61 Sup't.,SB Dist.; 64 Arcadia: Church of the Good Shepherd; 67 LB: Los Altos, Assoc.;
71 R'd; 71-77 (Torrance: Riviera, Min.of Vis.); PSW 77 R'd.; C-P 85 R'd.
Stanley was born February 22, 1902, in Christman,
Illinois. He received his A.B. degree from the University of Southern California in 1926; from Garrett Biblical
Institute in 1928, M.A. from the University of Chicago
in 1929 and honorary D.D. in 1943. Upon his graduation in 1926, he married a classmate, Mabel E. Cunningham. He and Mabel were married for 69 years.
Stanley was elected a delegate to Jurisdictional and
General Conference numerous times. He served on the
General Board of Christian Social Concerns. He was
a delegate to the Second Assembly of the World
Council of Churches and to the World Methodist
Conference.
Our father was a man whom we could trust and
respect. He had great dignity, and a strong commitment to the cause of Christ. He always stood for
righteousness and integrity, and his own life exemplified these attributes.
He had a genuine, heartfelt concern for justice and a better quality of life for
the bruised and misunderstood people of society. He fervently preached a social
gospel, as well as the need for a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Stanley
was a remarkable man, a loving and forgiving father and grandfather, a devoted
husband and a loyal friend. He was a man of honor among his peers.
At the time of his death, as "Dean" of the California-Pacific Annual Conference, he was the keeper of the "Bishop's Cane," symbol of the minister who has
served the longest in this Conference.
As one person voiced in a condolence letter to his family, "the world is a better
place because of Stan." He touched countless lives for the Kingdom of God and
will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.
His children, Dorothy and Ron
RAKU S. MORIMOTO
March 3, 1890 - August 25, 1994
MORIMOTO, jriSUZO 1910, Kaanapali Church. Died, 1919.
Raku Morimoto was born on March 3, 1890 in
Spreckelsville, Maui. Her parents arrived in Hawaii on
February 8, 1885, the first boat load of Japanese
immigrants. Her father, a coppersmith by tracfe, had
completed his three year contract at Kekaha plantation
and moved to Spreckelsville and Kula as an independent farmer.
In 1904, at 14, Raku moved to Honolulu where she
boarded at the Susannah Wesley Home, founded by
River Street Methodist Church as a child care home.
From there, she attended Royal and Kaahumanu
Schools. Susannah Wesley became a sanctuary for
young Japanese "picture brides" escaping from tragically
misrepresented or mismatched marriages. The superintendent called upon Raku to serve as an interpreter for
these young girls.
Raku began attending Sunday School and church services at the River Street
Methodist Church.
In 1911, Raku was married to Jitsuzo Morimoto, the Methodist Minister at
Puukolii church near Lahaina, Maui. While ministering at the church, Rev.
Morimoto taught Japanese School and served as an interpreter for the plantation.
Raku taught Sunday School, operated a kindergarten care center for the children
of working plantation mothers, and conducted night school for plantation workers
who wanted to learn English.
During the influenza epidemic of 1918-1919, Rev. Morimoto, while caring for
parishioners, became ill himself and died, leaving Raku to care and support three
children ranging in ages from 4 to 7. She was asked to serve as the "Bible
Woman" for the Puukolii and Kaanapali districts. The plantation built her a house
and put her on the payroll to continue her kindergarten service.
In 1925 she came to Honolulu with her family. Upon the recommendation of
the Methodist Superintendent she was hired as an interpreter-matron at the U.S.
Immigration Service, where she worked for 21 years until her retirement in 1946.
In those days, the Immigration Station served as the gateway entrance to American
for immigrants from Japan, China, Korea and the Philippines.
After the Pearl Harbor attack, she was often called upon by the Army and FBI
to interpret the interviews of those who were about to be interned or evacuated
from Hawaii.
In retirement, she was active as a lay person and continued to help at the
Immigration Station. She has seen 29 ministers come and go during her 90 years'
life time membership at the Harris United Methodist Church.
Raku died in her sleep on August 25, 1994. She leaves her son James, daughter
Irene, granddaughter Susan Yokoyama and great-grandson, Brandon Powers.
Irene Morimoto
JOHN S. RICE
January 22, 1944 - November 8, 1994
RICE, JOHN S. (P.77; F.82) PSW 77 Ass't Chaplain,David & Margaret Home; 78 Lake Elsinore;
82 Capistrano Beach:Assoc.; 84 Wilshire,Assoc.; C-P 85; 88 S/L; 89 Ex.Dir. Worship Works.
John Rice used all parts of life to make God's love
embodied in our imperfect world. God's love required
response from the community's now, to a vision of the
journey's destination. His journey began in Alhambra,
where he grew up working in his father Emmet's
restaurants. He learned some life lessons of service,
hospitality, and cooking. While active in Alhambra
UMC, his hobby was HiFi tinkering. A career as a
magician escalated from slight of hand to hanging
upside down, straightjacketed, from a burning rope at
a fair. At Cal Poly, he moved from electrical engineering to English to speech and ended up in the Drama
department, graduating in 1968. During this time he
began his ministry at the Menonite Church of Upland
where he learned the power of strong congregational
singing. He began his formal studies at the STC, where
he served as drama director for five years. He completed his Rel.D. in 1975.
He met and married Linda Edwards in 1970, and together they founded
"Manifest House" where they opened their house and created a living community
of faith, work, and support among the residents and associates. In 1976, his
daughter, Cathlin, was born and John committed himself to the church with his
ordination. He helped to develop the Conference Sex Ed workshop to encourage
parents and teens to talk with each other and see the "love ropes" that we use. He
rounded the Conference Arts Camp for joy in creative worship. By 1980,
awareness of his own sexuality led to John and Linda separating - acknowledging
their affection and friendship. In their divorce, they modeled the healing power
of grace, and in Cathlin the ability to truly put their daughter's needs first and
help her learn from both parents. In 1983, John met Brian Davison and, despite
Brian's being an engineer, built with him a committed relationship.
His ministry lead to service in music and arts and to the founding of Worship
Works, an organization helping churches with effective worship. In John's words,
"Worship is a sacred, mixedrmedia event, having both pastoral and artistic
dimensions, which is created by the worshipping community and leads to active
response." John moved to Knoxville to be with Brain and operate Worship Works
out of their home with Cathlin. He preached, led workshops, produced videos,
and struggled to find better ways to help congregations with the work of the Holy
Spirit. In song leading for the conference, Affirmation, and others, he stressed that
the "pastoral functions of hymn singing" lead to "a community of grace." He
lived fully with grace and hospitality. We, his mother Doris, family, and friends
mourn his tragic death in a traffic accident and hope for his mission to open "an
ever-expanding circle of God's all encompassing love."
Brian H. Davison & Cathlin D. Rice
HAZEL L. SIMMONS
October 8, 1889 - September 16, 1994
SIMMONS, HARRY O. (T.13; F.16) Indiana, 13 Chandler; 14 Yankeetown; Wis., 16 Pleasant
Prairie; 17 S'y (El Segundo); So.Calif., 18 El Segundo; 19 Long Beach, Trinity; 23 Burbank; 26
San Pedro; 28 Field Agent., Spanish American Institute, Gardena; 29 San Luis Obispo; 31 La
Habra; 35 L.A., St. Mark's; 38 L.A. Bethel; So. Cal.-Ariz., 39 L.A. Bethel; 43 R'd; 44 (L.A.
Emmanuel); 50 (South Gate, Minister of Visitation). Died July 23, 1951.
Hazel Simmons was born in Bodie, California, at a
time when this mining camp was at its height in f
activity. She was the first of three daughters born to
Richard and Annie Fouke. Following the birth of the
third daughter, Annie, their mother, passed away and
Hazel, at the age of nine, was sent to Evansville,
Indiana, to be raised by relatives.
It was there that she met Harry Simmons, a young
hardware merchant. They were married in 1910, and
after attending Garrett Seminary, Harry served a circuit
of small churches in the Evansville area before moving
to Southern California in 1917. Between 1911 and 1915
the couple was blessed with two sons and two daughters, all of whom are still living.
At every pastorate they served, Hazel's main interest
was with young people. While they were at San Pedro
Methodist, the battleship division of the Pacific Fleet was based at San Pedro.
Every Sunday morning in the church balcony Hazel taught a class of 50 to 70 men
representing all three branches of the service. She made her home a "home away
from home" for many of these young men. At San Luis Obispo it was students
from nearby Cal Poly who were in her class.
In 1928 Harry suffered a debilitating stroke and had to leave the ministry for
over a year. During that time to help sustain the family, Hazel opened and
operated a dry cleaning shop. During the World War II years she worked in an
aircraft assembly plant. After the war, with Harry in retirement, she established
a card and gift shop in southwest Los Angeles, which she operated until the mid
seventies when she moved to Solvang. While in Solvang she was active in senior
citizen affairs.
In the early 1980's, with health problems increasing, she moved to Anaheim
where she could be closer to her family, and took up residence at the Walnut
Manor Retirement Center. Finally she was moved to the Buena Vista Care Center
in Anaheim, where she passed away just three weeks before her 105th birthday.
Hazel had a long and full life. She was a devoted wife, mother, beloved by her
family, and always involved in the ministry of the church.
Harry O. Simmons, Jr.
EDGAR B. SMITH
September 28, 1911 - May 11, 1994
SMITH, EDGAR B. (T.45; F.47) N.E.Ohio; S.N. Eng.; SCA 56 (Oct. 1) Chaplain, Sherman Inst.,
Riverside; 61 (Feb.) Calexico; 63 Imperial Beach; 65 Los Angeles: Woodcrest; 66 Jacumba; 71
Tucson: Hope; 72 Tucson: Hope & St. John's; 74 Desert Hot Springs; 76 R'd.; PSW 77 R'd.; C-P
85 R'd.
Edgar B. Smith was born on September 28, 1911 to
Christina MacLean and Donald Smith VIII, in Sydney,
Nova Scotia, Canada. He was the fourth child and is
survived by one sister, Frances Reinhold of Virginia.
He spent his childhood in Newport, R.I.
His
younger brother James Ernest and he were real "terrors" to his mother who was over forty at their births
and a strict Scottish Presbyterian.
He joined the U.S. Naval Reserves at age seventeen.
He began flying airplanes and was the manager of the
Newport, R.I. airport at the age of twenty. Edgar
dated his conversion as January 3,1933. After finishing
high school at Cleveland Bible Institute, he attended
Western Reserve College and Oberlin Seminary.
Eunice first saw him when he came as a salesman to
the door of the house where she was employed in
Newport. Six years later she said yes to the proposal: "Do you like me enough
to be engaged?" Eunice and he were married in Newport on September 8, 1938
and first set up housekeeping in the basement of Corlett Christian Church in
Ohio, his first church. Their three children were born while they were serving
churches in the Northeastern Ohio Conference of the Methodist Church.
In 1947, the family moved to Browning, Montana when Edgar was appointed
to the Methodist Blackfeet Mission. Here he began a life-long interest in Native
Americans and started his collection of Indian books and artifacts. Glacier
National Park was close by and he loved preaching in the park hotels and rock
climbing in the Rockies.
Seven years later the family moved to New Bedford, MA so that the children
could learn about their New England heritage. Two years later, he become the
director of the Protestant Chapel at Sherman Institute in Riverside, CA. where he
ministered to Native American youth from the Southwestern states. Five years
later he joined the So. Calif.-Arizona Conference and served several churches
before retiring in 1976.
They moved to Jacumba, CA. and spent the next 18 years converting an old
store into a residence. They moved to a mobile home in San Diego in 1983. He
lived an active retirement until angina and the advancement of prostate cancer
slowed him down. He died at Santo rd Court Nursing Home on May 11, 1994.
He is survived by his wife, Eunice; their children, Donald MacLean Smith, IX;
Deborah Hope Stone; and Huldah Grace Leoni, whose nursing skills blessed him
in his last two months. Six grandchildren are among the many who will miss his
presence and will remember "the good times".
Deborah Stone
EUNICE L. SMITH
July 10, 1911 - November 19, 1994
SMITH, EDGAR B. (T.45; F.47) N.E. Ohio; S.N.Eng.; SCA 56 (Oct. 1) Chaplain, Sherman Inst.,
Riverside; 61 (Feb.) Calexico; 63 Imperial Beach; 65 Los Angeles: Woodcrest; 66 Jacumba; 71
Tucson:Hope; 72 Tuscon: Hope & St. John's; 74 Desert Hot Springs; 76 R'd.; PSW 77 R'd; C-P
85 R'd. Died May 11, 1994.
Eunice Swift Levens was born July 10, 1911 in
Providence, Rhode Island. Edgar Smith and she were
married September 8,1938 and together they served the
Lord, mostly in the Methodist Church.
Her interest included family, hospitality, reading,
knitting and gardening. Her passion for the church
was to stress the importance of mission.
She died in San Diego on November 19, 1994. She
is survived by sisters, Hope of Rhode Island, Laura of
Pennsylvania, and Esther Foye of Escondido. and three
children, Donald of Rochester, Washington, Deborah
Stone of Ridgecrest, and Huldah Leoni of Roseburg,
OR; six grandchildren: Randy and Peter Stone, Bruce
Smith and Tracy Hoium, and Melissa and Deann
Leoni.
Deborah Stone
JUANITA C. STADGE
November 5, 1904 - November 2, 1994
STADGE, EARL E. (T.31; F.33) S.I11.; SCA 56 N. Glendale, Assoc.; 66 R'd.; 69-75 (San Diego: Park
Blvd., Min. of Visit.); PSW 77 R'd.; C-P 85 R'd. Died June 23, 1993.
Juanita and Earl Stadge were married over seventy
and a half years. One summer evening in Southern
Illinois on the lawn of a little country Methodist
Church, an ice cream social was in progress. Earl said
to his brother-in-law and sister, "Who is that beautiful
girl?" He answered that she was his cousin. Earl said,
"Introduce us. I am going to marry her." They were
married a year and a half later. A note written to her
son, found after she died, stated that their marriage was
a love affair of seventy and a half years.
Juanita was very supportive in helping Earl in his
career. She was wonderful with the church youth.
The parsonage was always open to the youth. She was
on call to fill in leading Sunday School, always helped
in daily vacation Bible school, and the piano and organ
playing when needed.
She loved to have friends and members drop by and she would see that they
stayed for lunch or dinner. On holidays the parsonage was decorated and filled
with parties. She would say, "It is so much nicer than trying to have a party in
a drafty church hall or damp basement." Every holiday our table would be filled
with people who otherwise would be alone. They spent 29 years in the Southern
Illinois Conference.
They came to California and to the North Glendale Methodist Church. These
were among the happiest times of their ministry. They were received with much
love and gave much love back.
Upon retirement they moved to San Diego. Juanita suffered from depression
and spent the last 27 years in and out of the darkness-a stark contrast to her
earlier years. She always had the full support of family and friends. At holiday
time, Juanita would come alive and her dinners were wonderful. She continued
hosting holiday dinners until two years before she died.
Juanita and Earl were active in Park Boulevard United Methodist Church for
six years, where he served as Minister of Visitation.
Juanita passed away three days short of her 90th birthday. She retained her
physical loveliness, sweet personality and inward beauty. She went to meet her
Lord and her beloved Earl in the presence of family; an easy passing.
Her memorial service was held at the First United Methodist Church in San
Diego and was officiated by The Reverend Mark Trotter. She leaves her brother
and sister and her son, Robert who lives in San Diego.
Robert Stadge
SANFORD SHAFFER SWEET
April 7, 1930 - January 29, 1995
S'WHET, SANFORD S. (T.53; F.56) SCA 53 School; 55 Gardena: Hollypark; 61 SD: Wesley; 65
Whittier, East; 69 S/L; 70 Pas: Holliston Ave; 75 Placentia: Valencia; PSW 77; 78 (May 10) D/L;
C-P 85 D/L.
Sanford Shaffer Sweet was born in Stockton,
California, son of Sanford and Pearl Sweet. He and his
brother Van were active at Central Methodist Church,
as well as in YMCA. He was an avid basketball player.
Sanford received his B.S. from the California
Institute of Technology. He studied in Edinburgh,
Scotland, as a Fulbright Scholar and spent a summer in
Switzerland studying under Emil Brunner. He attended
the Boston University School of Theology, graduating
in 1955. He spent a year at the Union Theological
Seminary in New York, primarily studying religion
and psychiatry. He held a lifelong interest in science
and the relationship of science to religion.
When at Boston University, Sanford traveled to
Baltimore with the chorale and met Rachel Smith.
They were married in 1954. They raised three sons,
Daniel, Michael, and Andrew. A fourth child, Timothy, died in infancy.
The Rev. Harold Case was especially influential on Sanford's life. Dr. Case was
the pastor at Pasadena First Church when Sanford was a youth counsellor. It was
at his encouragement that Sanford pursued ordained ministry.
Sandy, as he liked to be called later in life, was the founding pastor of the first
church he served, building up Hollypark UMC to a strong church in six years.
In 1968, Sandy was first treated for schizo-affective disorder, a blend between
manic-depressive illness and schizophrenia. Through psychiatric treatment and
medication, he was able to continue to serve effectively as a pastor for many years.
In 1978, he was hospitalized and subsequently placed on Disability Leave.
Sandy was active at the Leisure World Community Church near his home for
the past 17 years. He sang in the choir. He enjoyed a close friendship with
Burley Howe when Burley was his pastor. He also often attended programs at the
Crystal Cathedral.
Sandy was a long-time member of the Kiwanis Club, receiving perfect
attendance award for many years. In recent years, he was active in the Cal Tech
Alumni Association, and made many calls for Cal Tech's annual fund drives.
A former classmate wrote, "Sanford was a young man of brilliant intellect with
a winsome sense of humor and an enviable composure...which endeared him to
those of us in school. I longed to be more like him. He was assured
that...eternity would hold the promise of preserved personality and would hold
opportunities to continue living, loving and learning."
Sanford leaves his mother, Pearl, his three sons, Dan, Mike and Andy, and six
grandchildren, Elizabeth, Christina, Jonathan, Matthew, Rachel, and Gillian.
Andy Herron-Sweet and Pearl Sweet
KATHERINE H. TINCHER
June 1, 1911 - January 20, 1995
TINCHER, ROLAND M., JR. (T.34; F.36) S.C. 34 School; 35 LA: Union Ave.; 36 LA: Westland;
SCA 39 Brawley; 41 LB: Cal. Hts.; 44 Glendora; 49 Orange; 53 Rosemead; 55 Van Nuys; 60 (Oct)
Inglewood: First; 71 Hacienda Heights: St. Matthew's; 74 R'd; PSW 77 (Yucaipa, Ass't.); C-P 85
R'd.
Katharine Isabel Hall was born June 1, 1911, the
youngest of four daughters born to The Rev. and Mrs.
John E. Hall, a member of this conference. Her early
years were lived in a parsonage, until her father's
untimely death when she was in her early teens.
After graduating from USC, she took a job as a
teacher in the public schools, which she did until she
was united in marriage, in 1935, to the Rev. Rolland
Tincher, who at the time was a probationary member
of this conference. For the rest of her life she lived in
a parsonage.
She was always a very helpful minister's wife,
exercising the great love of her life: serving the church
she loved, and working with children, both in teaching
and in music. Her love for children was returned by
those with whom she worked, many of whom have
remembered her across the years.
She was a wonderful mother to all three of her children, all of whom have
continued in loyal service in the church. During the last years of her life here, she
was plagued with several diseases; the last year was a time of increasing weakness
and pain.
She concluded a triumphant life among us on January 20, 1995, and promptly
entered a wonderful life in her eternal home. She is lovingly missed, in her
passing, by her husband of sixty years, and by her children, John, Kathie, and
Stanley, all of whom rise up to call her blessed.
Rolland Tincher
John Tincher
Kathie Dillbeck
Stanley Tincher
KATHRYN J. WAGNER
June 14, 1903 - December 25,1994
WAGNER, CLARENCE R. (T.21; F.27) SC 21 School; 24 Sonora; 25 School; 27 Willimas & Grand
Canyon; 30 Oceanside; 32 Paso Robles; 33 Fresno, Calwa.; 35 (Oct) Delano; 39 Delano: SCA 40
LA: Florence Ave.; 44 Pacific Palisades; 52 Sup't., Arizona Dist.; 55 Sup't., Claremont Manor, 66
R'd; 67-69 (Chino, Ass't); PSW 77 R'd; CP 85 R'd. Died December 21, 1989
Kathryn Wagner was born on June 14, 1903 in
Kansas City, Kansas. She was the fifth child of William
Joseph Gates and Winifred Adelaide Tyler. She outlived all her siblings. Surviving are children: Carlos
Addis Langston and Ollen Curry Langston; also many
grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was the wife of the late Clarence Wagner, who
was a retired United Methodist Minister. They shared
their life together for about twenty-five beautiful years.
They worked together at Claremont Manor Retirement
Home.
She loved life and was always willing to go the extra
mile. Just a few months before her death, she was
telling us about her life and was laughing about something that was said. She always had a smile and a
warm greeting for all she met.
Carlos A. Langston
'
MARGARET N. WILLIAMS
October 20, 1899 - February 25, 1995
WILLIAMS, FRANKS. (T.24; F.26) So. Cal., 24 (May) Kingman, Ariz.; 28 Elsinore; 30 Riverside,
Arlington; 34 San Diego, Park Blvd.; So. Cal.-Ariz., 39 Tucson, Ariz., First; 42 Tucson, First, and
Menlo Park, Ariz.; 43 Supt., Arizona Dist.; 49 0an.) Pasadena, Holliston; 52 (Oct. 1) Exec. Secy.
Board of Missions & Ch. Extension, and Dir. of the Advance; 58 Assoc. Gen'l. Secty.
Coordinating Council; 62 Supt. Pasadena Dist.; 68 R'd.; 73 0une-Dec.) (Kauai, Lihue United);
PSW 77 R'd; C-P '85.
Margaret was born in Appleton, Wisconsin. She
leaves children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren
with the memory of a wonderful warm, strong, caring
person. The "cabin" at Idyllwild, Calif, was the gathering place of family from 1929 until her death. Flowers,
plants and trees were central to Margaret's sense of
place. Planting was part of her personality. As a
young bride coming to Kingman Arizona she had tried
to grow flowers only to have the wandering cows eat
them all! Margaret taught science her first year out of
college and showed her children Harriet, Dot and Bob
how to collect and identify wildflowers. Her concern
for the environment was evident throughout her life
from public protests to membership and support of
Issac Walton League and other groups.
Her roots in Appleton, Wisconsin extend from the
time her grandfather came by wagon from Maine in 1856. Her parents had taught
at Lawrence University where she met Frank and where 25 members of the family
have attended. Her ashes will be placed next to Frank's in the family plot.
Her home was always a place of welcome and openness to all. Students from
Germany as well as a Burmese student lived with the family. An immigrant
couple from the Ukraine were given special nurturing. They encouraged and
supported theological students and conscientious objectors. It was often in the
little ways of helping to make people feel comfortable that endeared Margaret as
a pastor's wife and as the D.S.'s wife. She was warm and practical.
Her sense of God's presence was direct, straight forward and personal. She
didn't have to embroider God's relationship with unnecessary piety. When grace
at meals was forgotten occasionally, she remarked "The Lord knows we're
thankful." She appreciated the Psalms that went to the heart of human experience.
She was a fighter for world peace and racial justice. She was an avid reader
seeking facts and a careful understanding of them. She and Frank worked for the
nuclear freeze, strengthening the United Nations and multilateral arms reductions.
She served as President of Southern California's Women's International League
for Peace and Freedom, led study groups on understanding other cultures, and
lobbied national political meetings in L.A. She was a leader of the YWCA and
undoubtedly influenced Frank in her early support of the right of women to
ordination for the ministry. Margaret had a sense of place, a sense of the presence
of God and other persons and a sense of peace.
Dorothy Bobilin
CLAUDE W. YOUNG
August 9, 1898 - May 11, 1994
YOUNG, CLAUDE W. (T.26; F.28) KY.; SC 27 Pasadena: Lincoln Ave., Asst.; 29 Needles; 33
Colton; 38 Redondo Beach: First; SCA 39; 46 Glendale: Broadway; 49 Long Beach: Grace; 56
Compton: First; 60 El Segundo; 62 Downey, Assoc.; 66 R'd; PSW 77 (Anaheim: United, Assoc.);
C-P 85 R'd.
Claude was born in the small mining town of Cedar |;
Grove, West Virginia. He was one of six boys. Being
the son of a coal miner, he left school at the age of
twelve to work in the mines. His mother, looking for
a better life for the boys, moved them to Charleston.
The father would come in by train on weekends to be
with the family. Here, Claude worked for the railroad
and a natural gas company until receiving the call to go
into the ministry at the age of 26. He attended Asbury
College near Lexington, Kentucky where he completed
high school and college. He went on to USC and
earned two masters degrees. All his schooling was
completed in five years.
Claude married his college sweetheart, Jeannette, in
1928 and began his ministry. His churches included
Needles, Colton, Redondo Beach, Glendale, Long
Beach, Compton, El Segundo, Downey and Anaheim. Claude was an active
minister for 55 years before retiring from his last church, Anaheim United, at the
age of 83.
Claude was loved for the unselfish giving of himself, his sense of humor, his
love and care of his family, and for his deep devotion and love for the Lord. He
is survived by three sons, two daughters-in-law, five grandchildren, and one greatgrandchild. His smile will be missed.
Stan Young
MERLE P. SMITH
April 17, 1917 - January 14, 1995
SMITH, MERLE P. (T.45; F.50) SCA 45 Whittier, Min. of Youth; 46
Creighton; 65 Baldwin Park; PSW 77; 78 Bishop; 79 Holtville; 81
Lomita: Wayside; PSW 82 R'd.; C-P 85 R'd.
ROBERT YOUNG
April 16, 1914 - December 28, 1994
YOUNG, ROBERT W. West. Penn.; C-P 86 (Sept 1) R'd.