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May 10, 2021

Alumni Notes | May 2021

Kay Anderson Armstrong ’58 (English), 84, of Gerry, went home to be with the Lord, Sunday, April 25, 2021, from her home.

Born October 30, 1936 in Huntington, W.Va., a daughter of the late Oswald E. and Ruby S. Burlingame Anderson.

Kay graduated from Roberts Wesleyan High School in 1954, received her BA from Roberts Wesleyan College in 1958 and also attended Lowson State Teachers college in Maryland.

She taught third grade at Gray Manor Elementary School, Dundalk, Md., from 1958-60. Later in 1960, she and husband “Mort” moved to Gerry, N.Y. She worked at Sinclairville Elementary School for several years as a teacher, substitute and tutor. From 1981-90 Kay was employed by the Jamestown Y.W.C.A. providing child care for the TEAM (Teenage Education and Motherhood) program. She was also a fulltime wife, mother and homemaker.

She was a member of the Free Methodist Church from age seven. She was an active member of the Gerry Free Methodist Church since 1962 where she served as a church steward, C.Y.C director and Sunday school teacher for over 30 years. Kay loved God and loved her church and was always willing to help anyone in need.

Wife of 55 years to the late Morton C. “Mort” Armstrong, whom she married Aug. 31, 1957 and who died Nov. 13, 2012; mother of Charles (Heather) and the late Thomas Armstrong (Aug. 13, 2003); grandmother of two; sister of Martha (Paul) Cooley and the late Doris Jean Anderson. Also survived by nieces and nephews.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials to: Roberts Wesleyan College, Memo: Morton Armstrong Scholarship, Office of Planned Giving, 2301 Westside Dr., Rochester, NY 14624.


Judy Kelly Colson ’58 (English), it is always difficult saying goodbye to someone we love and cherish. Family and friends must say goodbye to their beloved Judith A. Kelly Colson (Fredericton, New Brunswick), who passed away at the age of 84, on March 7, 2021. Family and friends can light a candle as a loving gesture for their loved one. Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of Judith A. Kelly Colson to show support.

She was predeceased by : her parents, Clyde Kelly and Myrtle Kelly (Fairfield); and her pets, Molly, Belle, Bounce and Skippy.

She is survived by : her daughter Amy Colson of Mississauga, ON; the father of her child Theodore Colson; and her step-siblings, Suzanne Norman and Jimmy Slater.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations would be greatly appreciated to the Salvation Army or Canadian Red Cross.


Gina M. Dobson ’97 (Master of Education) and ’05 (NES – Master of Divinity) just published a new book entitled, Stop: Scapegoated No More. Amazon describes the book this way, “This is a scholarly, yet a memoir'esque conversation with which the words written from the author simply unpacks the multiple layers of scapegoating. It is a must read for anyone who has a penchant to understand his or her emotional wounds as a result of being a scapegoat. It is often the scapegoat that emerges as the byproduct of other people's choices to not ‘do the work’ to internally heal.” For more information, click here.


Mel E. Elliot ’57 (English) It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dad, husband, papa and great-papa at St. Mary's Hospital on Tuesday, March 2nd at the age of 86. 

Predeceased by his loving wife, Doreen Elliot (Lewis) of 54 years, Mel is survived by his current wife, Eileen Elliot (Parry). Mel was a devoted father and will be missed by his daughters Kim Braun (Robert) and Karen Fletcher (Paul), and was a cherished papa to Rebekah, Rachel (Adam), Nicole (Kyle), Aaron (Devan), Eric (Kendra), Nathan and Natasha and great-papa to Caleb, Zachary, Vivian and Ava. He will be remembered fondly by Eileen's children Douglas and Patricia. Mel will also be lovingly remembered by his sister, Joan (Jim) and sister-in-law Dorothy (Ken) and brother-in-laws Dennis (Merle), Dale (Pam) and Dwayne (Kelly) and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Mel graduated from Lorne Park College in 1954, taught for a number of years there and then moved to Waterloo where he taught for many years at Kitchener-Waterloo Collegiate Institute (KCI). After retiring from teaching, he became a meter reader with Union Gas for a short time before moving to the cottage for full-time retirement near Lions Head. After many years there, Mel & Doreen returned to the KW area to be closer to amenities here. 

Mel will always be remembered as a kind and gentle man who deeply loved God and his family. He spent much time at the trailer and loved singing and feeding his birds. Papa loved his grandchildren immensely. They were his pride and joy and in his thoughts and prayers daily. His whisker rubs will never be forgotten. 

Condolences for the family and donations to Gideons International Canada, Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario or a charity of your choice may be arranged through the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.


Ira E. Hindman ’55 (English) died Sunday, October 20, 2019, at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, PA. He was born on February 17, 1931, in Butler, PA, a son of Ira Eugene, Sr. and Esther Cunningham) Hindman. He was married to Kathleen (Behrenbruch) Hindman in 1967.  He is survived by his wife; six daughters: JaneE (Amalie Brewer) Hindman of NY, NY; Joanne (Mike Collins) Hindman of Brooktondale, NY; Julie (Paul) Werfelmann of Fresno, CA; Kelly (Joe) Barki of Wheeling, WV; Natasha (Tom Quinn) Hindman of Coraopolis, PA; Rosann (Art) Russell of Aliquippa, PA; one son-in-law Lou Begnoche of Sauk Rapids, MN; eleven grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his seven sisters and one brother, and two daughters: Judy Hindman and Janet Begnoche.

Ira graduated from high school in Butler, PA, and from junior college in St. Petersburg, FL.  He earned his BA From Roberts Wesleyan College in North Chili, NY while working at Kodak, his BD from Asbury Seminary in Kentucky followed by pastoring a church in Florida, his MA in English from Stetson University in Deland, FL while he taught high school English, and his PhD from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA while teaching college classes on a fellowship.  He taught at Mansfield State College in Mansfield, PA (later Mansfield University) for 25 years.  He was a born teacher and helped thousands of students to become better writers and better readers. At Mansfield he began and ran the very successful computer program in composition providing a better way for students to revise their papers.  Desktop computers were new at the time, so he had to convince reluctant colleagues as well as students to learn how to use them.  In addition to teaching, Ira served five different churches as a fill-in for varying periods of time.  But the last one, Covington Church of Christ Disciples he considered his church home, as he served there for about 28 years with a five year break when he retired at the end of 1999 but then returned in 2005 for 11 more years.  He also taught history and English at New Covenant Academy for a couple of years, but is better known for being a basketball coach.  Ira loved sports, and particularly favored basketball, a sport he played, and he coached three of his daughters, in various capacities, all of whom later played in college. He was actually a major force in starting the basketball program at NCA and coached girls' and, part of the time, boys' basketball for about 10 years. Later he also coached the Wellsboro girls' team for a year.

Ira was always a renaissance man, fascinated by all things around him, and he had many interests and talents to match.  He sang in a choir that performed across the country.  He raced and rallied in small cars in Florida.  He started college on an art scholarship and over the years created sculptures and beautiful oil paintings, shaped pottery on the wheel, and carved elaborate pipes. Other extracurricular activities included raising fish, teaching skiing at Denton Hill, designing and constructing a variety of wood work from Christmas decorations to furniture, and setting up a model train and landscape that fills a room. When arthritis hit his knees, his doctor suggested bicycle riding, so he got a bike and rode 25-50 miles several days a week.

In 1972 he and his family moved to a farm just outside Stony Fork where they raised and sold beef cattle and quarter horses.  He built fences, converted a dairy barn to horse stalls and a chicken coop, rode and showed some of his horses, was president of the PA Quarter Horse Association for two years, bought the necessary equipment to cut and bale hay each summer with his family's help, and milked his daughters' 4H Jersey cows.  When he retired from Mansfield University, photography became his avocation.  He traveled all over the United States (especially the American West) and to Africa, China, Tibet, and the Hudson Bay on photographic tours focused on wild life. Then he went to the Rochester Institute of Technology to learn how to develop and print his own pictures.  Ira also traveled with his family, visiting all of the continental states as well as much of Canada, and several European countries including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Luxemburg, and Italy.  In his later years he traveled with Kathy  to their 49th and 50th states, Alaska and Hawaii, and cruised the Baltic Sea visiting seven more countries.

Ira had a good sense of humor and wonderful laugh.  He was a good conversationalist and a natural story teller, but also a good listener. His greatest pride in life was his family, and he liked to talk about their accomplishments.  He lived a full life and frequently said that, although he had more he would like yet to see and do, he was ready to go home to heaven when God called him.  Though he is greatly missed here, we know that he is there now, and we shall see him again some day.


Rev. Coral R. Ide ’53 (English), “finished the race” March 4, 2021, peacefully in his home in Sylmar, CA.

He was born July 24, 1930, in Lehman Township, PA, the fifth of six children. Mavis Fancher Ide ’53, his wife of 67 years, survives him, along with, 6 sons, 16 grandchildren, and 16 great grandchildren, and two brothers.

Coral was a member of the first class to enroll in Roberts Wesleyan College after it became a four-year college in 1949. He was elected treasurer of the freshman class and starred as pitcher and catcher on the baseball team. He managed The Tea Room in Cox hall, the popular students’ meeting place for relaxation and refreshment. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree with a major in literature. A friend from his first day in college gave this tribute at his memorial service, “His quiet but complete dedication to Jesus Christ, to the church, and to his call to the ministry distinguished him at Roberts Wesleyan and throughout his whole life.” After graduating from Asbury Theological Seminary in 1956 he was ordained a Minister in the Free Methodist Church. Coral served churches as Senior Pastor in the New York Conference: Waverly, PA (1956–59); Dover-Ironia, NJ, where a new church was built (1960–63); and Beach Lake, PA (1963–64). Later he served as Pastor of the Free Methodist Church, Marina Del Rey, CA (1980–85).

The majority of his career (20 years) was spent in Christian education. In July 1964, he moved his family of seven from Beach Lake, PA to Sylmar, CA, to become Administrator-Principal of the Light and Life Christian School (Kindergarten through Grade 6). He also ministered as Assistant Pastor of the Sylmar Free Methodist Church (1964–1979). In 1986 he returned to be the Administrator of Sylmar Light and Life for another five years, retiring from formal ministry in 1991.

The last paragraph of his autobiography, Hand of God, written in 1997 underscores the purpose and direction of his life. “I am confident that the very same “Hand of God” will guide me to the land of Paradise where I will forever rejoice with the saints as we worship our wonderful Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, without distraction and time-limiting demands. Thanks be to God!”


Alyssa Dainel Matz ‘20 (Social Work) and Benjamin J. Matz ’20 (Social Work) were married on October 9, 2020 in Ontario, NY. Congratulations!


Michele M. Mayer ’92 (Social Work), age 51, of Corning, NY while at her home surrounded by her family and beloved rescue dog, Benny, on Friday, March 12, 2021, entered her heavenly home where she will live eternally with her Creator and Savior Jesus Christ.

Michele was born on January 2, 1970 in Elmira, NY to Edward and Marjorie (Earley) Mayer.  She was a graduate of Elmira Christian Academy, received her Bachelor of Social Work from Roberts Wesleyan College in 1992 and Master’s Degree of Social Work from Marywood University in 1993.

She worked for Pathways, Inc, Chemung ARC, Southern Tier Hospice, University of Buffalo, Family Service Society in Corning, VNA/Kaleida Health and was currently employed by iCircle of Webster, NY as a Care Manager.

Michele enjoyed reading, baking, cross-stitch, and of course shopping, and hosting family and friends for various holidays and events.  Sharing her homemade jams, jellies and cookie trays was a holiday tradition.  She was always interested in furthering her education, birdwatching and gardening.  She served on the Singles Source (SALSA) team and as a volunteer at Family Life Network for many years.  She was an advisory panel member of Guthrie Sayre Cancer Center, and she also served on several advisory boards related to social work in the health field and community youth events. She received numerous awards of excellence in her field of social work. She attended Beartown Road Alliance Church in Painted Post. 

She is survived by her sister, Ella (Jack) Ginnan of Corning; brothers, Charles (Lettie) Mayer of Caton, NY and Roy Mayer of Corning; niece, Christal (Jim) Storms of Caton; nephews, William (Melody) Ginnan of Corning, Charles Mayer, II of Painted Post, NY, Matthew (Ann) Mayer of Elmira, NY, and Ryan (Christiane) Mayer of Wiesbaden, Germany; many grand nieces, nephews, and cousins; and her aunt, Diana (Gary) Brown of Dundee, NY.  Michele was predeceased by her sister, Maria Mayer.

Memorial donations may be made in Michele’s name to Breast Care Fund, 1 Guthrie Square, Sayre, PA 18840 or Family Life Network, P.O. Box 506, Bath, NY 14810.

The family would like to thank Dr. Lowery and the numerous other physicians and supporting medical staff along with family and friends who cared for Michele through her 16-year battle with breast cancer.


Marge Dye McGinnis ’57 (Sociology), 86, of Gerry, NY went to her eternal reward March 25, 2021 at The Homestead of Heritage Ministries, bringing to a close a lifetime of service to God, family and friends.

She was born Feb. 8, 1935 in her home on Dye Road, South Dayton, NY, the second child of Ralph and Marian (Scott) Dye. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Nelson and Robert and is survived by her youngest brother Mel (Dorothy) Dye, step-daughter Dixie (Garth) Bolinder and four sons: Melvin, Merlin (Angela), Mark (Karla), and Max (Kristin) as well as 11 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Marjorie graduated from Pine Valley Central School in 1953 where she was a standout basketball player. She continued her playing career at Roberts Wesleyan and in 1979 she became the first female inducted into the Roberts Wesleyan College Sports Hall of Fame. She married Rev. Raymond L. McGinnis in 1958. They were married for 60 years before his passing in 2018. Together they had a great ministry that spanned 45 years. She was a great mother for her four sons and step-daughter and a very loving grandparent to her 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. She had a passion for working with children in Sunday school and children’s camps. She was the coordinator of volunteers at Heritage Village for many years.

She lived with unconditional love, uncanny compassion and unending energy. Her consistent strength and love were both her legacy and her daily choice. She always focused on living her faith and loving those around her. She left a lifetime of lessons for how to live, love, and give.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the Heritage Ministries Ray McGinnis Society (heritage1886.org/mcginnis/), Box 350, Gerry, NY 14740.


Helen “Judy” Thuline Rhinehart ’44, August 3, 1924 - February 4, 2021,

Stanwood, Washington - Helen ("Judy") Rhinehart passed away peacefully on February 4, 2021, at Warm Beach Senior Community Nursing Center, Stanwood, WA. Born August 3, 1924 in Elmira, NY to Winfred and Evangeline Thuline, Judy was second of four children. Her first seven years were spent in India with her missionary parents and her siblings.

Judy attended Free Methodist's Roberts Wesleyan College, NY, (1938-44) and Spring Arbor College, MI, (1944-45) after meeting and marrying Rupert (Rupe) Rhinehart in No. Chili, NY, 1943. Over the next 40 years Rupe and Judy had 3 daughters, adopted 5 children from Korea, fostered 45 children, and sponsored 5 refugee families in Tacoma from Vietnam during the war.

Judy was a printed author, a writer of short stories for Sunday School papers, she knitted, quilted, sewed, bowled, and made ceramics. Most of all, she enjoyed family gatherings.

She was predeceased by husband Rupe, daughter Karen, son Ryan, and great grandson Ethan. Judy leaves behind daughters Jan (Hank) Doucet, Sheri (Dave) Bailey, Jami Faith, and Roanne (Greg) Albrecht; sons Bill (Shirley) Robinson, Joel (Soon), Kermit, and Kevin (Laurie). Judy had 15 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her youngest sister Marian (Jim) Burke of No. Chili, NY., having been predeceased by her elder brother Dr. Horace C. Thuline and younger sister Dorothy T. Dodge.


Dan K. Scott ’97 (Organizational Management) It is with deep sadness that the family of Daniel K. Scott (age 64) of Byron, announces his passing. He died peacefully on April 15, 2021 at Strong Memorial Hospital surrounded by his loving wife and two children.

Dan was born on December 16, 1956 in Batavia to parents Carl (Cathy) and Barbara Scott. He married his high school sweetheart, Kim (Hart) on October 20, 1979. They went on to create a beautiful family and homestead in Byron.

Dan dedicated his entire life to caring for his family and worked tirelessly to leave the world better than he found it. Dan was actively involved with his church family at Northgate Free Methodist Church in Batavia. He enjoyed spending his time outdoors, taking walks with his wife and dog, Riley, hiking and canoeing in the Adirondacks, traveling out west, maintaining his garden and property, and being "papa" to his three beautiful granddaughters.

His memory will be kept alive by his wife of 41 years, Kim (Hart) Scott, his children Katelyn (David) Lee and Jason (Brianna) Scott, as well as his granddaughters Madison Lee, Harper Lee, and Adalynn Scott. Dan will also be lovingly remembered by his siblings Jeffrey (Elizabeth) Scott, Steven Scott (Becky Green), Anne (Richard) Bird, and Karen (Brian) Laney, along with many adoring nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his father-in-law Burton Hart, and will be remembered fondly by his mother-in-law Eleanor Hart, as well as his sister- and brother-in-laws Pamela (Charles) Gugel and Todd (Valerie) Hart.

A private Celebration of Dan's life and legacy will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please donate as you are able to the International Mesothelioma Program who provided incredible support and treatment for Dan and his family throughout his illness. You may give in Dan's honor via www.giving.brighamandwomens.org/imp or by mailing a check to: Brigham and Women's Hospital Development Office, 116 Huntington Ave. 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02116 and designating to the International Mesothelioma Program. If you are unable to donate, please consider planting a tree or taking a nature walk in Dan's honor.

To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or for more information call (585) 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.


To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Daniel K. Scott, please visit our Tribute Store.


George A. Thayer ’54 (English) ELLICOTTVILLE - Rev. George Allan Thayer was blessed with 90 years, and went to be with our Lord and Savior, on Wednesday (Dec. 30, 2020) due to COVID-related complications.

He was born in Kendall, on Aug. 10, 1930, to Rev. Thurber Thayer and Grace Barringer Thayer, and the eldest to sisters, Virginia Harter, deceased, and Ruth Marzolf of Florida.

He was amongst the eleventh generation of Thayer's in America, having resided at the family farm in Akron, and proud to have joined Thayer reunions at West Point.

George was a graduate of Perry High School in 1947, and attended Alfred University, Roberts Wesleyan College and Asbury Seminary.

As the Reverend George Thayer, he served Christ in both Western New York and Northern Pennsylvania Methodist churches, following in his father's footsteps.

He was an active member of Solomon's Porch of Little Valley, and St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Ellicottville, where he enjoyed singing his favorite hymns and praising the Lord!

He served honorably as a U.S. marine, during the Korean War from 1951-1953, and shared his love and experiences for both Christ and country with all he met.

George was a ham radio enthusiast and was known as the "Peanut Whistle Preacher." He also worked at WNYS/WGGO radio in Salamanca, where he built their first broadcast tower. His radio career included WBVB, WCTL and CBN.

In his retirement, he blended his passions to create his own website, "Christian TV Services," to continue his ministry.

His favorite pastime was cheering on the Buffalo Bills and the Buffalo Sabres.

George married Alfreda Gates Roulo in 1957, and has five children, Robert Thayer of Rochester, Rebecca Perrault of Penn Yan, Rachel Thayer-Workman of Rolesville, N.C., Roger Thayer of Syracuse and Randall Thayer, Fuquay-Varina, N.C.; 11 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren, who remember him for his story-telling, handshakes and puns.

He was remarried in 1974 to Joyce Underwood Thayer, who predeceased him in 2011; and was step-father to her four children, and with whom he shared an infant soul, John Mark.

A spring memorial will be held, and internment will be next to Joyce, at Middlebury Cemetery in Middlebury, Pa.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the VA hospital in Buffalo, Solomon's Porch in Little Valley or St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Ellicottville.

To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.


Harry L. Widger ’58 (Music), age 91, died on January 4, 2021 peacefully in his sleep. Born on November 28, 1929 in New York State to Harry LeRoy Widger and Cecile Florence Robinson. Lynn was a Korean War veteran serving in the Army of the United States and received an honorable discharge on the 6th day of September 1951. 

He graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in sacred music from Roberts Wesleyan College with a secondary degree in law. He served as music coordinator and choir conductor at several churches until the early 1980’s. He was musically gifted, singing in quartets and playing the piano by ear. He had numerous interests and hobbies such as collecting early US coins and woodworking. 

Lynn worked as an Adjudication Officer at the Department of Veteran’s Affairs in Washington, DC when he retired after over 30 years. He went on to work for the Paralyzed Veterans of America serving as director of training and then to the USPS part time in his late years. Lynn never seemed to stop working. He supported numerous charity organizations such as World Vision and Prison Fellowship for many decades.

He was blessed to have a lifelong loving wife, Edna May Foster, who passed away in 2012. He had 4 children, 12 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren with 2 more on the way in the year to come.

Interment at Parklawn Memorial Park.


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