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Share thisAlumni Notes | August 2023
Job Promotions & Celebrations
Sandra E. Fostano ‘12 (Mod RN) is now an Independent Family Nurse Practitioner at Bergen Family Medicine as of July 26, 2023.
Margaret L. Mack ‘63 (English) Wesley Mack '63 and Peggy Eakin Mack 63' celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary on June 1, 2023. Their children hosted a Zoom Celebration for many friends and relatives around the world. Wes and Peggy were married at Pearce Church on June 1, 1963.
Valerie J. Smith ‘77 (Nursing) is now an Assistant Professor, School of Nursing; Chair - Traditional BSN Program at Azusa Pacific University.
Obituaries
Lois L. Butterfield ‘53 (Business) Lois Butterfield went to be with the Lord on February 25, 2022, at the age of 90. She was born in Warren PA, to Clarance E. and Aleta I. Howe. Lois was predeceased by both her parents and her sister Nellie M. Robbins. She is survived by her brother C. Edwin Howe Jr, her daughters Wendy (Bob) Jones and Diana Butterfield, three nieces, three nephews, one granddaughter and three grandsons and 8 great grandchildren. Lois had many talents including sewing, knitting and quilting. She enjoyed many sports, her favorite was Nascar. She volunteered at different organizations to help those in need. A celebration of Lois’ life will be held at Brockport Free Methodist Church Saturday March 5th at 2pm. The family wishes to express appreciation for the compassionate care of the staff at Elderwood at Lakeside.
Floyd P. Chafee ‘73 (History) Floyd Perry Chafee went to be with our Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2022, while at Northside Hospital Forsyth in Cumming, Georgia. He was 76.
Born July 24, 1946, in Warsaw, he was son of the late Floyd and Nellie Irene Sampson Chafee.
He attended Delevan Machias Central School and went on to graduate from Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, in 1973.
After college, Floyd was a self-employed contractor, doing construction throughout the Western New York area before beginning his career with Koike Aronson, in Arcade. He retired in 2016.
Floyd married Sharon Ann Howard on April 27, 1974. They had three sons, Paul, John, and Seth. He was a loving father and husband whose calm demeanor was comforting to so many.
A longtime member of the Yorkshire Free Methodist Church, he served in numerous ministries throughout his life, including church board member, Sunday School teacher, small group leader, and multiple youth ministry roles. He was a mentor to many, hosting canoe trips into the Adirondacks with the youth group and Bible studies with young men.
His commitment to service extended beyond the church into his community, where he served as a volunteer firefighter with the Yorkshire Fire Department, rising to the rank of Assistant Fire Chief.
Floyd was an avid outdoorsman and loved spending time on lakes, rivers, and in the woods. He grew up wilderness camping in the Adirondacks with his father. He instilled a love of the outdoors in each of his children, starting them young by taking them on days-long canoe trips into the wilderness. As his children grew up and left home, he continued the canoe trips, taking friends from work and church, using his skills as an opportunity to mentor and minister to others, and passing on his vast knowledge of the outdoors to anyone interested. When no one else could take time off for one of the trips, Floyd still went, taking solo trips back into the wilderness even into his 70s.
Floyd and Sharon moved to Cumming, Georgia in 2020, where he loved spending time with his family and making new friends. Most days, he could be found doing upkeep on his sons’ homes, helping with yard work, and enjoying time with his grandchildren.
His wife, Sharon; his sons, Paul Chafee of Arcade, John Chafee of Cumming, Ga., and Seth and Mandi Chafee of Cumming, Ga.; sister, Leah Jean Brauen and husband Carl Brauen of Yorkshire; his brother-in-law Clifford Zimmer of Yorkshire; his sister Susan Becker of Yorkshire; grandchildren, Eric Samuel Chafee of Chaffee, Ella May Chafee of Cumming, Ga., Levi Joseph Chafee of Cumming, Ga., and another grandson to be born December 2022; and numerous great- and great-great-nieces and nephews, survive.
His sister, Doloris Zimmer, and brother-in-law, Carmon Becker, preceded Floyd in death.
Eugene W. Cowsert ‘44, age 98 of Uniontown, Pa, passed away February 23, 2022. He was born August 24, 1923 in New Brighton, Pa. He was the son of the late William Marshal and Carrie Paulson Cowsert.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Martha and brothers, Joseph and Arthur, He is the last member of his immediate family.
Married to his beloved wife Ida Ruth Maxwell on June 20, 1947 who preceded him in death on February 11, 2019. Eugene was a 1942 graduate of German Twp. High School of McClellandtown, Pa. He was also a graduate of Roberts Wesleyan College of Rochester, NY (then ADR College) in 1944 and Greenville college of Greenville, IL in 1946. He was an ordained minister of the Pittsburgh Conference of the Free Methodist church for 74 years, fourteen of those as Superintendent of the Uniontown, Pa and Fairmont, WV area. He was on a Pastoral Appointment Committee for 26 years as well as on various conference boards. He was a delegate to six general conference gatherings. He served on the Gerry Homes Center in Gerry, NY for 17 years. He supervised 36 annual church camps. Also, he and his wife Ida served in a number of children and youth camp committees. He also conducted Evangelistic services in nearly all the conference churches. Many referred to him as their spiritual father.
Even in retirement he kept active in Local Churches. He is survived by his children Kenneth of Phillips, Pa, Donald and his wife Sue of Hustontown, Pa, Marlin of Jerome, Pa, three grandchildren Christie, Marlin II and Carrie, Three great- grandchildren, Noah, Alyssa, and Sawyer, and several nieces and nephews.
Elinor M. Dalaba ‘49 Brockport: Passed away peacefully on Saturday August 28, 2021 at the age of 91. Predeceased by her husband H. James Dalaba, sister Ceola Lynch, brother Norman Williams and many loving extended family members. She is survived by her daughters Elizabeth (Kevin) Kiely, Sharon (Todd) Dunn, Kathryn (William) Beaney and Wanda (Michael) Farrell, grandchildren Daniel, Sarah, Erin, Colin, Kaylee (Josh), Abby (Pedro), and Patrick, 6 loving great grandchildren, sisters Charlotte Sandel and Kathryn Duncan, and many nieces and nephews.
Richard Morse Darling ‘53 (Biology) M.D. age 92, of McHarrie Pointe, Baldwinsville, NY, formerly of North Chili, NY, passed away peacefully August 2, 2023 after a brief illness.
Richard was the youngest of 3 sons born to Eugene David and Sarah Grace Morse Darling on May 5, 1931 in Norwich, NY. Richard was a 1949 graduate of Norwich High School where he excelled in academics and sports, particularly tennis. He was proud to be a member of the tennis team during his junior year where he led the Norwich Purple Tornadoes in an undefeated season and later was inducted into the NHS Sports Hall of Fame (2018).
He developed an interest in medicine from his mother, a nurse, who provided short and long-term care in their home in Norwich. He attended Roberts Wesleyan College and then transferred to Alfred State College graduating in 1953. While at Roberts he met the love of his life, Lila Jean Robson, of Eldred, PA. They married on June 12, 1954.
Upon graduation from Albany (NY) Medical College in (1957)he joined the US Air Force (1957-63) and began his residency at Wilford Hall, Lackland AFB in San Antonio, TX and then as Captain and Chief of Pediatrics at Chanute AFB in Rantoul, Illinois. Five sons blessed their marriage. In 1964 the family relocated to the Rochester area where Richard joined Westside Pediatric Group serving families in the community until his retirement in 1998.
He was on the teaching staff at Strong Memorial Hospital and was a longtime member of the Monroe County Medical Society.
Richard was an avid tennis player, Civil War enthusiast, fly fisherman, enjoyed hunting, wood carving, building fine furniture, painting, storytelling, traveling and listening to classical music. Richard made many friends along life's way and was the most loving and dedicated husband, father, uncle and grandfather. While he had many interests and hobbies, above all he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He took great joy in being part of their lives. He was a man of deep faith and leaves a legacy of service, dedication, compassion, and humility.
Richard is predeceased by his parents and siblings: CliffordEugene and Louis LaMott Darling; his beloved wife of 63 years, Lila Jean Robson Darling, infant son Robert Eugene Darling; sister in law Leah Sylvia Darling; brothers in law John Robson and Earl Robson.
Richard is survived by and will be missed more than words can fully express by his 4 sons and their families: James LaMott (Carolann; Amanda Riddick (Hunter), DeAnna Brennan (Michael); Edward Morse (Donna; Jamie Swyers (Brenton), Danielle Hibbert (Ben), Lydia); Thomas Noel (Miki; Paul and Alexis) and William Jon (Beth; Caleb, Sam, Isabella and Ezra). Great Grandchildren: Micah and Mila Swyers; Iris, Kai, and Kole Hibbert and by many cherished nieces and nephews from the Darling and Robson families.
Funeral services will be held at Frame Funeral Home, 230 Main St, Eldred, PA. The family will receive friends at noon prior to the service at 2:00pm on August 9, 2023. Interment at Lamphier Cemetery, immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made in his memory to the Roberts Fund (https://www.roberts.edu/give/make-a-gift/).
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
Dorene R. Elwell ‘66, 78, from Bergen, N.Y., formerly of North Tonawanda, died peacefully and went to be with Jesus, on Aug. 11, 2022. Born on July 25, 1944, she is predeceased by her parents, William and Hilda Scoville of North Tonawanda; sister, Jean Madsen; and brother, William; and is survived by her husband, Robert Elwell, Sr, of 58 years of loving marriage.
Dorene Elwell was a great mother, wife and grandmother, who loved helping others. She always saw the best in people. She worked for many years as a home health aide and retired as a CNA and an activities aide at Leroy Village Green Nursing Home. She loved her family and she loved God. She enjoyed reading and doing puzzles later in life but when she was younger, she loved crafts, including quilting. Her prized possession, besides her faith and her family, was a large quilt that hangs in her house which she made. Dorene always had a beautiful heart to help others but her fire for God and life is what people loved about her. Dorene had a song or tune to sing about everything, which the family will miss greatly about her.
Dorene is survived by her husband, Robert, Sr,; her son, Robert, Jr. of New Hampshire; two daughters, Patricia Hall of Batavia, N.Y., and Judith (Martin) Pratt of Wyoming, N.Y.; her two grandchildren, Michaela (Tony) Baudanza of North Chili, N.Y., and Sam Baudanza of Wyoming, N.Y.; three sisters, Betty Dawley, Shirley (Robert) Manning, and Finetta Musser; and her brother, Charles (Sharon) Scoville; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins who she loved dearly.
Kimberly L. Evans ‘93 (Management of Human Resources (MHR)) Mason, Ohio - Kimberly L. Evans (Nee Evans), 56, passed away on Monday January 10, 2022. She was born on Saturday March 27, 1965 in Rochester, New York to Gale Patrick and Jean Marie (Nee Reuss) Evans.
Kim was a graduate of Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester New York. Kim was most recently employed at Atricure, headquartered in Mason Ohio, as the Department Administrator, Engineering Operations. Kim was a very giving person with a heart for others. She often volunteered at Sleep in Heavenly Peace, A Child's Hope and other charities. She was a counselor at the Eve Center helping women in need and touched many hearts in the process. Kim loved to garden and always maintained beautiful and colorful gardens. Neighbors would often stop and comment on how beautiful her gardens were. Kim was also very fond of birds and loved to hang colorful bird houses throughout the property. In her spare time, she liked to paint, put together puzzles, and play golf with her husband Dave.
Kimberly is preceded in death by her father, G. Patrick Evans. Kimberly is survived by her husband David G. Evans; child Elissa "Elliot" Evans; mother Jean Evans; step-children Lori (Jeff) Lukus, Robyn (Kevin) O'Keefe, Mark (Iclal) Evans; step-grandchildren Autumn Joseph, Alec Lukus, Evan Lukus, Lauren Lukus, Braden O'Keefe, Gavin O'Keefe, Brody O'Keefe, Graham O'Keefe, Logan Evans, Riley Evans; siblings Cynthia Evans, Scott Evans, Michael Evans; nieces and nephews Megan Kloosterman, Jennifer Kloosterman, Gage Evans, Jace Evans, Serafina Evans and Sawyer O'Farrell.
Marie Gleason ‘40 WELLSBORO, Pa. - Marie Miller Gleason died peacefully in Wellsboro on Monday (July 30, 2018).
She was born June 25, 1921, in Belfast, N.Y., the first child of Harrison and Pearl Kelly Miller. On March 6, 1953, she married Edward B. Gleason.
Marie grew up on the family dairy farm on White Creek Road in Belfast, and after her father's early death attended to farm chores before and after attending school each day. Nevertheless, she was valedictorian of her Belfast Central School Class of 1938. She became a strong advocate for higher education for her children and those of others.
She was a lifelong Republican and served as a member of the Allegany County Republican Committee for many years. She was possibly the county's champion at installing campaign signs and passing out pins.
Although her children became dog lovers, Marie's favorite animal was by far the cow, specifically the Holstein. Her home was decorated with all sorts of cow-themed paraphernalia, and on attending the Allegany County or Erie County Fair she skipped the midway and went directly to the cattle barns to pet the calves.
She is survived by her brother, Howard and wife Delores of Belfast; daughter, Vicki Gleason Fox and husband David of Wellsboro; son, David Scholes and wife Linda of Austin, Texas; granddaughter, Gretchen Giardina and husband Carmen of Macomb, Mich.; grandson, Jon Scholes and wife Erin Moore of Seattle, Wash.; four great-grandchildren, Carmen and Gabriella Giardina and Avery and Parker Scholes; and a special niece, Ann Galvin of Belfast.
She was preceded in death by her husband; her sister, Myra Miller Galvin; and her brothers, Harrison and Harold.
A gathering to remember Marie's life will be held in Belfast at a time to be determined.
Memorials may be made to the Marie Miller Gleason Scholarship Fund at the Allegany County Area Foundation.
A special thanks to the staff of the Green Home in Wellsboro, whose care made her final years as comfortable as possible.
John W. Harmon ‘57, October 9, 2020, Henrietta: Predeceased by his wife, Sue and son, David. Survived by his wife, Jean Lapp-Harmon; step-children, Mike (Stacey) Lapp of AZ, Steve (Dawn) Lapp of NY, Susan (Ethan) Crist of NY and Dave Lapp of NY; 8 step-grandchildren (one deceased friends, Mary (Craig) Hayward and family, Sandy (Tim) Iulg and family, Paul Sanders and many more.
John was a teacher for 37 years at the Gates Chili Central School District. He was a Docent at the Rochester Museum for 10 years, an Air Force veteran, a former member of the Grey Knights Drum and Bugle Corp and Air Force Drum and Bugle Corp. and was an active member of the Grace Church of Nazarene.
John was just shy of his PhD when he chose to work with the youth. He also worked with the youth on Bible quizzing in the District.
Joseph B. Laws ‘51 (Business Education) Rochester - Friday, May 13, 2022, at age 99. Predeceased by his loving wife of 72 years in 2021, Elizabeth (Trenchard) Laws; brothers, Raymond, William, Richard and Jack Laws; sister, Elizabeth Fingar; brother-in-law, Byron Trenchard; son-in-law, Robert York. Survived by his daughters, Gwendolyn (Paul) Mancuso, Candace Laws-York and Karen (David) Mandarano; granddaughters, Emily Mancuso, Alicia (Mike) Fout, Fiana (Adam) Kumm, Cristabel York, Alexandra Mandarano and Juliana Mandarano; great-granddaughter, Emma Fout; brother, James (Patricia) Laws and many special relatives, neighbors and friends.
Beryle E. (Hawley) Moore ‘40, 100, passed on June 26, 2021. She was the only child of Clarence and Lucy (Chaffee) Hawley of Clarenceville, Quebec, Canada. Born in Clarenceville at her home on December 24, 1920, she attended the Chesbrough Seminary in North Chili, NY where she graduated from high school in 1940. She became a public health nurse in 1945 after graduating from the Montreal General Hospital and McGill University School for Graduate Nurses. She did Visiting Nursing in Montreal and Port Colborne, Ontario under the Victorian Order of Nurses for Canada.
In 1953, she attended Boston University Sargent College to become a certified Physical Therapist. After her marriage in 1955 to Raymond Moore, she worked as a physical therapist at the Baytstate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield, MA.
Her husband, Raymond, predeceased her in 2011 after 55 years of happy marriage. Together they had four children: Peter (wife Pat) of Fairfax, VT, Deborah Tyler Newsom (husband Gary), of Atlanta, GA, Patricia (husband Markus) Kaiser of Alberta, Canada, and Doug (wife Peggy) of Newport, ME. She also leaves 15 grandchildren: Andrew Moore, Lisa Wilkins (Stuart), Christopher Tyler (Stacy), Kathryn Marsman (Chris), Matthew Tyler (Alison), Rebecca Sanchez (Steve), Edwin Kaiser (Jenn), Cecilia Armstrong (Josh), Austin Kaiser (Ashleigh) and Yvonne Kaiser, Nicole Moore, Douglas Moore Jr. (Keisha), Hannah (Mitch), David Moore (Shannon) and Lydia Moore, also 20 great grandchildren.
Beryle was a member of the First Baptist Church of Turners Falls, then joined the Greenfield Alliance Church in 1986. Over the years she served in various church positions including music, teaching, secretarial, organizational, and church leadership. At the age of nine, she made the decision to accept God in her life, and her faith and dedication to prayer provided a consistent guide, anchor, and basis for encouraging others.
Other interests included creative writing, crafts, gardening, playing Scrabble, homemaking, and keeping up with her family and friends.
Marion Ruth (Millard) Newton ‘51, age 93 of Gerry, went home to her Heavenly reward June 23, 2023.
Born Apr. 9, 1930 in Philipsburg, PA a daughter of the late Rev. Paul C. and Priscilla Horton Millard and step-parents, Ernest C. and Margaret Millard Van Valin.
She received her bachelors degree from Roberts Wesleyan College and was employed for 35 years as an Executive Secretary for the Bradford Area School District before her retirement.
Ruth was a member of the Free Methodist Church of Bradford, PA.
Wife of the late Rev. L.J. Newton. She’s preceded in death by two brothers and is survived by three nephews. As per Ruth’s instructions, there will be no services.
Mildred Marie Olver ‘49, of Beach Lake passed away on Wednesday, September 23, 2020 at Wayne Woodland Manor. She was wife of the late Floyd T. Olver of Beach Lake.
Born on March 29, 1928 in Beach Lake, she was the daughter of the late William J. Reining and Mildred Gertrude Marshall. Surviving are her children Jeffrey Olver and his wife Patricia of Beach Lake, James Olver of Beach Lake and Janice Buckingham and her husband Daryl of Honesdale, seven Grandchildren and eight Great Grandchildren, her sister Meryl and husband, Robert Cron of New Foundland and her brother William Reining of Memphis, Indiana, many nephews, nieces and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her son Theodore Wayne Olver and sisters Lois Frederick of Sarasota Florida, Lila Westgate of Lake Mary, Florida and her brother Gerald Reining of Beach Lake.
Marie was a graduate of Honesdale High School and Wayne Commercial School and attended Roberts Wesleyan College of New Chili, N.Y. She was a retired secretary of the Stourbridge School in Honesdale.
As an active member of the Beach Lake United Methodist Church for 71 years, she loved singing in the choir, visiting the shut-ins, making sleeping bags for the homeless and just serving in whatever capacity was needed.
Marie was a very loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother and friend. You never left her house without a big hug and a full belly! It was said of her that she was just beautiful inside and out.
Patricia T. Poland ‘46, age 94, of Newburgh, passed away on Monday, September 27, 2021. She was born on March 2, 1927, in Iowa City, Iowa to Harvey and Myrtle (Midkiff) Talmadge.
She was a graduate of Oakland City College and received Master’s Degrees from Indiana University and Iowa State University. Patricia was an elementary special education teacher in Indiana, Missouri, and Iowa for twenty-eight years, before retiring in 1988. She was a member of Newburgh Presbyterian Church where she was an elder and sang in the choir.
Her family would like to thank Dr. Robert Rusche, his staff, and West River Health Campus for their loving care and compassion.
Patricia was preceded in death by her husband of sixty years, Rev. Dr. Robert A. Poland; her parents; and three brothers.
She is survived by her sister, Sylvia Harrison; daughter, Patricia Wheeler; sons, Robert A. Poland II (Kim) and Rev. David Poland (Linda); grandchildren, Kayleena Poland, Suzanne Datin, Cherish Duckworth, and Bart Wheeler; great-grandchildren, Victoria Duckworth, James, Jason, and Sarah Datin, and Fletcher and Carter Wheeler; and two great-great-grandsons.
The will be no visitation. A Private Family Service was held at Alexander Memorial Park. Memorial contributions can be made to the Vanderburgh Humane Society.
Lucretia E. Roberts ‘54 (Secretarial Science), 93, went to be with the Lord on Monday, April 25, 2022. She was predeceased by her husband Thomas Roberts, brothers Daniel Emilio and Henry Emilio and her sister Mary Foster.
She is survived by her son Stephen (Lynn) Roberts; her daughter Lucinda (Glen) Elliott; grandchildren Elizabeth, Jonathan, Glen T., Jordan (Bella) & Joshua; a great grandson Maverick; sister Josephine (John) Miles; sister Rita Emilio and many nieces and nephews.
She was a graduate of Binghamton North High School and received her associate's degree from Roberts Wesleyan College. She became the Executive Secretary for Coopers & Lybrand and later worked as an Executive Assistant at United Health Services. She was a lifelong member of the Hands of Hope Free Methodist Church where she served her Lord in many ways. Her love for the Lord was evident in the way she loved others. A daughter of Italian immigrants, she was proud of her heritage and shared Italian traditions with her family and friends. Even more, she was intent on sharing the heritage of faith left to her by her godly parents.
Gerald C. Taddeo ‘93 (Management of Human Resources) Greece - Passed away peacefully at home on February 11th 2022 at age 72. Predeceased by parents, Jerry & Josephine Taddeo; grandparents, Charles & Michelina Passeri. Survived by his wife of 52 years, Diane; children, Lisa (Jeff) Tuttle, Julie (Steve) Tortora; Joel Taddeo; grandchildren, Madison, Avery, Zachary, Dominic; sisters, Gail (Steve) Plucknette & Diane (Ted) Marello; several nieces, nephews and many friends. To leave the family condolences, please visit: www.NewcomerRochester.com
Ruth Breen Towles ‘56, age 100, formerly of Lincoln Park, passed away, January 25, 2022, in her daughters’ residence. Born in Brooklyn, NY, she was a daughter of the late William Joseph and Ruth Ann (Timmons) Breen. She was the loving wife of Emory Towles. They would have celebrated their 77th wedding anniversary on February 15th. Ruth retired as administrator at the Daniel Boone Homestead and was a member of Lincoln Park U.M. Church. A history buff, she was also an avid reader, a gifted writer, and an animal lover. Family was extremely important to Ruth, especially spending time with her grandchildren and her great grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children – Carol T. Kitzmiller Piersody wife of Phillip Piersody, Wernersville, Kevin L. husband of Sandra Towles, Hamburg, Christine D. Perez, Hershey, her grandchildren – Juliette Piersody, Justin husband of Heather Towles, Andrea wife of Michael Dautrich, Danielle wife of Mario Lamont, James Carpenter, Caitlin Herron, Christian Perez, her great grandchildren – William “Will” Carpenter, Celeste, Colin, Gabriel and Kayla Lamont, Felicity, Carissa, Analeah, Victoria, Josephine, Eden and Jonah Dautrich, Cierra and MacKevin Towles. There are also nieces – Joanne wife of Angelo Guli, Joyce wife of Frank Fernandez, Frances “Lou” wife of David Ransom, Susan wife of Scott Busch and nephew William “Bill” husband of Shirley Breen and many great nieces and great nephews. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother – William “Bill” Breen and her sister – Frances Breen DelVecchio.
The family would like to thank the caregivers from Bayada Hospice who took such wonderful care of mom and were so helpful to the family (Pam, Heidi, Cindy, Yoana, Lilly, along with all the others). Graveside services will be held on Saturday, February 5, 2022, at 11:00 AM in Pleasant View Cemetery, Sinking Spring. Rev. Dr. Christopher Jacob Kurien, her pastor, will officiate. Please remember Ruth by making a donation, in her memory, to the charity of your choice.
Gertrude “Trudy” L. Vanderbeck ‘66 (English), 75, of Wheatland, went to be with the Lord at 2:23 am on Monday, July 22, 2019 at Good Samaritan Hospital.She was born June 19, 1944 in Evanston, Illinois to Roy and Edna (Mather) Totten.Trudy retired as an English professor in 2002 from Vincennes University and had also taught in Quincy, Florida. She was a member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Washington where she served as an Elder and was very active in the Ohio Valley Presbytery. Trudy was an extraordinary grammarian and was passionate about her family. She enjoyed traveling to new places, watching all kinds of women’s sports, sewing, reading, and listening, singing or playing all sorts of music.
Those surviving to cherish Trudy’s memories are her loving husband of almost 53 years, John Vanderbeck; her children, David Vanderbeck and his wife Kathy of Carmel; Laura Vanderbeck and her partner Mary Ann Slinn of Indianapolis; a sister Louise Totten of Henderson, NV; a sister-in-law Cindy Totten Lieving of Tampa, FL; a niece Frances Totten Hamblin and her two grandchildren who were the light of her life, Katrien and Kendalyn Vanderbeck.She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Tim Totten.
Ronald James Waterman ‘73 (Religion-Philosophy) born December 21, 1942, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, September 13, 2021. He was the firstborn son of Norman and Della E. Waterman in Rochester, New York. After accepting Jesus as his personal savior on July 26, 1958, he was called by God into pastoral ministry. He pastored for 32 years at churches in Buffalo, New York, Los Angeles, California, Nescopeck, Pennsylvania, and Tupelo, Mississippi. One of his greatest joys was having the opportunity to share his faith with someone and seeing that person experience new life in Christ.
He married Karen Marie Bartz on September 7, 1963, in Owosso, Michigan. The marriage was blessed with three daughters, Sheryl Denton (James) of Thaxton, Ms., Pam Benns (George) of Buffalo, New York, and Rhonda Hill (Eddie) of Newton, Ms. He had 6 grandchildren Stephen Denton, JohnLuke Denton, Ronald Benns, Amanda Goggins, George Benns lll, and Paul Benns. He had 10 great-grandchildren. He has three sisters Beverly (Bill) Wandersee of Florida, Norma Dehaven of North Carolina, Joyce (Bob) Spammer of New York, and one brother Norman (Rebecca) Waterman of New York.
He was an active member of West Heights Baptist Church, where he taught Sunday School, was a deacon, and served the church whenever he was asked.
His greatest joy in life was the evidence of the power of his changed life in Christ. His favorite verse is Eph. 3:17-19 and challenged everyone to it.
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