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Alumni Notes | April 2023

Obituaries

Carol Jean Barth ‘62 (English) 83, of Harleysville, PA; formerly of Phoenixville, PA went home to be with her Lord on Saturday, July 29, 2017 at Peter Becker Community.

She was born in New Castle, Pennsylvania to the late Harold C. Barth and the late Mae C. (Wendt) Barth.

Carol graduated from New Castle High School in New Castle, PA. She graduated from Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, NY and then attended the State University of New York in Brockport, NY. During the 1960's & 1970's, Carol taught elementary school in New York and Pennsylvania. From 1977 until 1995, she was employed as a teacher and secretary at the University of Valley Forge (formerly known as Valley Forge Christian College) in Phoenixville, PA.

Carol was a member of Family Worship Center in Lansdale.

She is survived by a sister, Thelma Mae Hartwick & husband, A. Reuben of Harleysville, PA and two nephews, Melvin R. Hartwick &; wife, Tina of Fairless Hills, PA, Darrell J. Hartwick & wife, Carmen Aldinger of Newton, MA.

Sandra Nelson Bogey ‘71 (Religion-Philosophy) passed away at UPMC Hamot on April 5, 2023, at the age of 74, surrounded by her loving family. Sandi was born to Harold Nelson and Delores Nelson Gustafson on January 22, 1949 in Jamestown, NY.

Sandi graduated from Jamestown High School in 1967. She earned a dual Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Religion and Philosophy from Roberts Wesleyan College in 1971. She went on to receive a dual Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from SUNY Fredonia.

Sandi met the love of her life in high school and at church and they were married in 1978 at the First Lutheran Church. Her family was her everything including her sister and brother and their families! Sandi dearly loved her three children and absolutely adored her four grandchildren and her two dogs, Stephen Colbert and Mya. They were the center of her life! Sandi was so very proud of her Swedish heritage and enjoyed collecting Lucia dolls. She visited Sweden and other parts of Scandinavia on three different occasions.

Sandi taught school for 32 years. She began her teaching career in Warren, PA. at Senaca Street Elementary School. She then taught for 31 years in the Cassadaga Valley Central School system, beginning at Gerry Elementary School, and then continuing at the Sinclairville Elementary School and then finally teaching at the Cassadaga Elementary School. Sandi loved her students, and she dearly valued her friendships with so many of her teaching colleagues and staff and her special church friends.

As a member of First Lutheran Church, Sandi previously served on the Christian Education Committee and assisted with their annual summer Bible School programs. She also enjoyed being involved in the annual Lucia Pageants at both First Lutheran and Zion Covenant Churches. She taught at the Wednesday after-school educational program at Zion for several years.

Christmas was her very favorite time of the year! Sandi enjoyed decorating the home and especially decorating the Christmas trees with all of her Swedish ornaments. Christmas Eve involved going to church and, of course, preparing the Swedish cuisine on Christmas Eve and the Swedish Smorgasbord on Christmas day for the whole family to enjoy!

In addition to being a member of First Lutheran Church, her other professional and community affiliations included being a member of NYSUT (New York State United Teachers), the Retired Teachers Association of Chautauqua County, the Marvin Community House, PTA Associations, and AARP.

Sandi is survived by her loving husband of 44 years, Brian A. Bogey; their three children Kristin (Shawn) Seekings of Orlando, FL; Kathryn (Matt) Bogey of Buffalo, NY; and Jonathan (Haley) Bogey of Buffalo NY. Surviving also are her precious grandchildren Logan, Christian, Isla, and Killian Seekings of Orlando, FL; her sister Sue Ann Nelson of St. Paul, Mn; her brother David (Mary) Nelson of Grimsby, Ontario; and several nieces and nephews.

Sandi was preceded in death by her mother Delores Nelson Gustafson and her father, Harold Nelson.

Marian Thuline Burke ‘48 went home to be with the Lord on April 6, 2023.  She was born to missionary parents in India in 1930 but came back to the U.S. at a young age.  Married to and survived by her husband Jim, they raised their five children in North Chili.  Marian was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.  Both Marian and Jim drove school buses for the Churchville-Chili School District for 20 years.  They enjoyed traveling and camping and were active at Pearce Memorial Church for over sixty years.  In September of 2022, they celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary.

Marian is also survived by her daughter Linda, sons Darrell, Robin, and Tim; 13 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

Bobbie Joe Fenison ‘58 (Religion-Philosophy) age 87, Riverside, WA, passed away quietly in his sleep at his home in Riverside, WA on March 25th, 2022. He was born in Bunn, Arkansas on May 2nd, 1934 to Alexander and Elva Fenison who moved to Washington when Joe was 12 years old. Raised in Omak, Joe graduated from Omak High School, and married Ruth Elaine Swartz in Chewelah, WA on September 3rd, 1954. He earned his Bachelor of Arts at Roberts Wesleyan College, was honorably discharged from the Army.

A self-proclaimed, “Jack of all trades and master of none,” Joe’s first job was his favorite, working as an agent telegrapher for the SNPS Railroad. He went on to become a pastor, teacher of the deaf, insurance and real estate salesman. He built and repaired houses, operated two adult family homes with Ruth, cultivated one of the best backyard gardens in Omak, taught everything he knew to everyone who listened, and had a way to fix just about anything.

Joe was deeply involved in several churches throughout his lifetime. Born into Southern Baptist, he became a Free Methodist on marrying Ruth, became a Nazarene pastor, then attended Assembly of God as well as Baptist and Free Methodist congregations. Ministry, song-leading and teaching were ever on his mind, and he was instrumental in bringing many souls to the Lord. The last duet he sang with his daughter he wanted everyone to hear in tribute to the “Arkansas boy who was governor of the united states of washington!” (his words in his dementia): https://youtu.be/AB428nktZVo

Bobbie Joe Fenison is survived by his wife Ruth Fenison of Riverside, WA; one brother, Fred Fenison of Lexington, KY; one daughter Roberta (Fenison) Donnor of Vancouver, WA; two sons, Burton (Jim) Fenison of Morton, WA, and Steven Fenison of Okanogan, WA; twelve grandchildren, and fifteen great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, and one grandchild, Benjamin Fenison.

Ruth Swartz Fenison ‘60, age 87, Riverside, WA, passed through the veil to see Jesus and join her ever-lovin’ husband Joe on May 11, 2022. She was born in Tekoa, Washington on January 16, 1935 to Pastor Daniel and Louise Swartz. Raised in Eastern Washington, Ruth graduated from Oroville High School. She married Bobbie Joe Fenison in Chewelah, WA on September 3, 1954 and earned her LPN nursing license in 1972.

Ruth lived up to her name of “Faithful Friend,” raising her three children while also serving as pastor’s wife, later working as an LPN, operating two adult family homes with her husband Joe, leading Omak Senior Center as President for five years, and working in the children’s ministry at Cornerstone Fellowship.

A champion in hospitality, Ruth loved adding a dessert after every meal, a candy dish on the counter, or a bowl of nuts to the game table. The first word visitors could expect on entering her home was, “Would you like something to drink? Cookie or brownie?”

Ruth was a prayer warrior, praying daily for her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren every single morning and evening, praying them through many, many storms. She was the rock of stability in the family, remembering birthdays, appointments, and serving wonderful food every chance possible to bring family together.

Ruth Elaine Fenison is survived by one brother, Warren Swartz, Coeur d’Alene, ID; one daughter Roberta (Fenison) Donnor of Vancouver, WA; two sons, Burton (Jim) Fenison of Morton, WA, and Steven Fenison of Okanogan, WA; twelve grandchildren, and fifteen great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Joe Fenison, her parents, two sisters, one brother, and one grandchild, Benjamin Fenison.

Daryl L. Hardes ‘65 (English) February 21, 2019. Daryl was born to Lowell Kinney Hardes and Christine (Chandler) Hardes, both deceased. He leaves 2 brothers, Thomas Glen Hardes, 77, of Eldred, Pennsylvania and Eustis,Florida. Charles Mathew Hardes, of Billings, Montana. One sister, Jane Leona Hardes, formerly of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, died early at age 47, leaving four children. Daryl leaves a wife of 52 years, Connie (Johnson), formerly of Camden, New York, now at their home in Greece, New York.

There are a number of very special nieces and nephews: Hannah Smith-Brubaker of Mifflin, Pa., Mark Smith of Huntsville, Alabama, Eric Smith of Rack Creek, Kentucky, and Judy Smith, of Philadelphia, Pa; all children of Glenn and Jane (Hardes) Smith, both deceased. Kristin Hardes-Yehl, of Portville, N.Y. and Tracy Hardes of East Rochester, N.Y.; both children of Thomas and Gail (Asel) Hardes. Mathew Charles (“Chuck”) Hardes, of Billings, Montana and Jonathan (Jon) Hardes, of Flagstaff, Arizona; both children of Charles and Catherine(Baker) Hardes, of Billings, Montana.

Daryl graduated High School in Port Allegany, Pa., where he was born. At an early age he attended the Evangelical United Brethren Church with his family which gave him a solid grounding for pre-ministerial training in a Bible Seminary near NYC. After the first year, he transferred to Houghton College and then to Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester from where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in English.

Daryl and Connie got married on March 25, 1967.

For many years he was President of the Rochester UFO Club. Daryl showed a keen interest in studying this phenomenon, applying the best of science to his study of "experiencers."

His interest in the Bible continued, leading him to take Hebrew at Colgate Rochester Divinity School. After finishing his course he regularly visited the library at Colgate continuing his research. His writings await publishing, and will one day deserve serious study. Playing the piano was a daily habit for Daryl, often creating his own musical composition. To his nieces and nephews, Uncle Daryl would never fail to engage them in family gatherings at a game of softball or a crushing game of Table Tennis at which he excelled. Daryl came to be known throughout his life for his humble and friendly ways.

He is missed, but his spirit lives on.

Leslie R. Harvey ‘09 (Organizational Management)

Robert J. Johansson ‘62 (History) After a long struggle with cancer, Reverend Doctor Robert J. Johansson passed away on Wednesday evening, October 19th, 2016. For 40 days and 40 nights, his church announced, Johansson “fought to the very end and considered it a privilege to share in the sufferings of Christ.” Then, his struggle ceased as “he very peacefully passed over into the Promised Land last night.” To read a full story on his life go to: https://nycreligion.info/5-yrs-ago-robert-j-johansson-the-pastor-with-grit-went-home/?fbclid=IwAR37NrJIoZlcBqfRP9NwajiugDsm5KH72q5p5iTLQp0CrQMq0RtnscRfs7c 

Christian E. Madsen ‘78 On November 21, 2022. Survived by his loving and devoted wife of 40 years, Mary; children Jaimie (Raymond) Frye, Rebecca Hoffman and Daniel Madsen; grandsons Ryan & Charlie; brother Richard (Carol) Madsen; sister Jeannie (Wayne) Smith; faithful canine companions Buddy & Gus; in-laws Frank & Judith Nicolazzo and aunt JoAnne Daigneault. Kindly consider a donation to Brindle Posse Rescue, 1891 Ridge Rd. Ontario, NY 14519 in Chris's memory. A Celebration of Life will be announced in spring.

Jonathan M. Mahl ‘96 (Organizational Management) Dansville- Jonathan Michael Mahl passed away unexpectedly on June 1, 2018. 

Jon was born on April 9, 1962. He grew up with his loving family in Norwalk, Ct, Rochester, NY, and New Canaan, CT until 1974, when they settled in Dansville, NY. A graduate of Dansville Senior High in 1980, Jon attended college at Alfred College, SUNY Brockport, and Robert Wesleyan College where he received a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management. He worked as an executive in various Banking and Financial Institutions in both Rochester, NY and Pittsburg, PA.

Jon had a passion for golf and tennis, which he enjoyed playing with family and friends throughout his life. A pet lover, Jon fondly remembered his dogs Chelsea and Windsor. By his family, Jon will be remembered for his kindness towards others, a competitive spirit, his quick wit and dry sense of humor.

Jon is survived by his beloved son, Zachary Mahl, his mother, Marylin, a sister, Jennifer, her daughter, Tara,  a brother, Timothy (Tracy) his sons, Samuel and Daniel Mahl. He is pre-deceased by his father Alan R. Mahl.

Kathleen “Kathy” Bailey Chapman McOmber ‘74 (Nursing) graduated gracefully after putting up one helluva fight against breast cancer on 03/19/2020 at 1752 hours in the arms of her 5 kids, her husband, and her sister. She was born January 26, 1952 as the first child to Harlan "Hud" Kenneth and Shirley Anne Curtiss Bailey in Lyons, New York. Being raised in a family of farmers, she was taught at a young age to be a responsible, selfless person. She was a bossy, loving big sister to her 2 younger siblings, Cindy and Bill. The relationships with her sister and brother have been important throughout her life.  Kathy graduated from Sodus Central High School in 1970. She dreamed of being a nurse, and supported herself as she realized this dream at Robert Wesleyan College. To pay for the last 2 years of college, Kathy joined the Army, which assisted her to reach her goal of becoming a nurse in 1974. She married Chester Chapman and, just 2 days before graduating with her BSN, she brought her 10 lb son, Chadwick Elijah into this world. The Army moved her to San Antonio, Texas where she provided care for many Vietnam Veterans. Kathy loved being a mother and was excited when two years after Chad, she gave birth to her first daughter, Elizabeth Anne. Less than two years later she had a beautiful surprise.. twins, Amy Marie and Sara Nichole. Kathy found herself as a single mother with a 4 year old, 17 month old, and newborn twins. She has always been resilient, and fearlessly fought to be the best mother to her children. Kathy married Rik Tor Rix in 1980 and together they had Jami Crystal. This union later ended.  Kathy spent the majority of her time supporting her children in all of their various activities from synchronized swimming to swim team to softball to piano lessons, and anything else they dreamed of doing. On November 19, 1993 she married Lonnie McOmber. He had four children. With 21 years of service, and a deployment during Desert Storm, Kathy retired from the Army with the rank of Lt. Col. She loved her country and proudly served for the freedom of each American citizen.   Kathy had a passion as a Labor and Delivery RN-C - acquiring an extra nursing certification for L&D. She spent most of her 40+ yrs nursing in her favorite area - L&D. She cherished her role in assisting women during the entire birthing process along with the loving friendships she developed with her co-workers and the physicians. She was the nurse for most of her grandchildren, even delivering one before the doctor could arrive.  She demonstrated her love to her children and every person she came in contact with by performing acts of service. Kathy was a homemaking and crafting queen. She could sew, quilt, embroider, create masterpieces that she loved to give as gifts. She canned, baked, cooked -always offering to help others any way that was needed. Kathy was an avid family historian, and could find the most interesting stories about her ancestors. She was a natural teacher willing to share all of her knowledge, making it fun to learn from her. She started the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) program at Judson High School in Converse, Texas. Kathy is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served in the California, Long Beach mission as a nurse with Lonnie in 2012 for 2 years. She loved teaching Relief Society, working at the Rexburg and Idaho Falls Temples, and volunteering at the Rigby Family History Center.

Kathy is survived by her loving husband, Lonnie, Her son Chad (Amy) Rix of Middleburg, Florida, Liz Page (Ben Lemons) of Rigby, Sara (Glen) Quigley of Rigby, Amy (Dave) Boodry of Mesa, Arizona and Jami Thomas of Rigby, Sister Cindy (Steve) Mitchell of Lyons, New York, Brother Bill Bailey of Clearfield, Utah, Lonnie's 4 kids, Tobie (Brian) Sass of Richland, Washington, Joshua (Dez) McOmber, Shaun McOmber (Angela Burke), and Tasha Garrett of Idaho Falls,  41 grandchildren that she loved so very much and was so proud of, 5 great grandchildren, 2 more great grandchildren arriving later this year, 3 nieces and 1 nephew. She was reunited with family and friends that have passed before her including her mother, Shirley, and father, Harlan and many aunts and uncles. Kathy's wisdom and loving generosity lives on through her family and friends. Live each day the best you can, and ALWAYS CHOOSE JOY!

Special thanks and deep gratitude to the loving staff at Teton Cancer Institute including Dr. Adams, Stephanie, Ryan, Shaunie, and Nohemy. This fantastic team fought the breast cancer valiantly with Kathy and her family. Also, Alliance Hospice who allowed her to graduate this life with dignity and grace as she deserved.

Alice Smith Russie ‘51, who passed on JULY 18, 2021, was the firstborn to Rev. Louis Allen and Dorothy Grace Smith on August 6, 1929. As a pastor’s family in the Free Methodist Church, they were required to move often for the needs of various churches. Alice attended several high schools and graduated from Robert Wesleyan Bible College in Rochester, NY. It was there she met the love of her life, John Robert Russie. The two were joined in matrimony by Alice’s father in Rochester, New York, April 8, 1950. The couple celebrated 71 years of marriage in April 2021.

Alice and John set up housekeeping in Philadelphia, PA, where they started their family: Dorothy Adele followed by Dona LaRayne, then son Daniel Allen was born in Pawtucket, RI. As she raised her family, she continued her education, graduating from Eastern Baptist College (Now Eastern University) in 1953. After receiving her teaching certificate, she began her career in Seekonk, MA and continued it in California.

She is survived by her devoted husband John, daughters Dorothy Buss and Dona of Portland, OR; son Daniel (Brenda) of West Richland, WA; grandsons David (Becky), and Christopher (Anne); sister Ellen Spradley and nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents, Rev. Louis Smith in 1996 and Dorothy Smith in 1997; and son-in-law, Fred Buss in 2019.

Alice had many colorful careers and talents; she sang soprano in the traveling choir from Roberts Wesleyan College, she was a department store cashier, an operating room technician, teacher, photographer, poet, author, organist, and an accomplished pianist. The highlight of her organ playing came several years ago when she played “Up from the Grave He Arose” on the large pipe organ at the Kern Park Christian Church on Easter Sunday. As a teacher, she worked at both the junior high and high school levels. She specialized in working with students at the continuation school. She developed the curriculum and worked with students who were inpatients at the mental health unit at Huntington Intercommunity Hospital.

Alice earned her Master’s degree from Chapman University in 1967. Later, when visiting a friend on campus, a staff member approached her and offered her a job supervising student teachers, which involved finding appropriate school placements and evaluating them during their student teaching experience. Alice accepted the job and really enjoyed the work.

After retiring from teaching, John and Alice hit the road in an RV; they put their belongings into storage and traveled around the United States for three years. They were great travel partners and truly enjoyed learning about the places and people that they visited.

After teaching, Alice’s literary work blossomed and she is listed in the book of All American Poets, along with some of her poetry. Alice found a growing desire to bring John Wesley’s writings out of the 18th century language so that the average person could appreciate and benefit from them. She thought what better way than a daily devotional book, wherein each ‘bite’ could stand alone, yet be part of what had been a larger piece. Her first book, Renew My Heart, (2002). She then wrote the Essential Works of John Wesley (2011), followed by Affectionately Yours: Daily Mediations on Practical Holiness from the Letters of John Wesley (2015) a compilation of personal letters and prayers he had written to inquiring persons to instruct and encourage them on their Christian journey.

She was committed to living out her daily Christian life and worked to impart her faith to her family and all those with whom she came in contact.

Roseanne Fusilli Grana Sable ‘01 (Organizational Management) Webster: January 30, 2016 after a courageous battle with cancer passed away peacefully surrounded by her family. Predeceased by her husband, Richard. Survived by her son, David (Fatima) Sable; step-daughter, Lindsay Grana; parents, Mary Ann Fusilli and Lou (Chris) Fusilli; brothers, Leo (Anita) and Louis (Karin) Fusilli; nieces and nephews, Leo, Olivia and Isabella. Louis, Angelo and Sophia; aunts, uncles and cousins; loving companion, Kyle Sullivan.

Judith Anne Shaw ‘60 (Nursing) born April 24, 1939 passed away peacefully at St. Martha's Hospital, Antigonish, on March 9, 2023. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of the late John M. Shaw and Pearle (Irving) Shaw, and sister to the late John Irving Shaw.

Judy had an interest in nursing from a young age and received her B.Sc from Roberts Wesleyan College, Rochester, NY. Her M.S. from Texas Woman's University, Denston, TX and her M.A. (Anthropology) from the University of Arizona. Judy received her Ph.D. from the University of Arizona.

She worked at the Staff Sister Intensive Care Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia, Assistant DON, U. Massachusetts Medical Center, Research Specialist, University of Arizona. Lecturer at the University of Arizona in Tucson.

Judy served two tours on the SS Hope Hospital Ship, traveling to Sri Lanka on Voyage 7 and returning on Voyage 8 to Tunisia.

Judy worked as a Registered Nurse for several years, before moving to Antigonish to become an Assistant Professor with the St. Francis Xavier University, School of Nursing. Specializing in Chronicity, Cultural Diversity and Social Support.

She traveled the world, always with the joy of helping others. She was giving back and paying it forward and did this until the very end of her life. 

Judith is survived by her sister-in-law, Gail Shaw, Marlboro, Mass.; niece, Karen (Steve) Smith, of Lincoln, Mass; nephews Joseph (Julie) Shaw and John (Janice) Shaw; as well as several great-nieces and nephews.

Henry “Hank” W. Storm Jr. ‘59 (Religion-Philosophy) age 92 0f Heritage Village, Gerry, passed away Aug. 9, 2021 in UMPC Hamot, Erie, PA. Born Nov. 19, 1928 in South Dayton a son of the late Henry W., Sr. and Thelma Miner Storm.

Hank was a graduate of South Dayton High School, and Roberts Wesleyan College. He then attended Geneseo College majoring and receiving his Masters Degree in Speech Pathology, turning his stuttering problem into a career.  

He was employed at Rochester Hearing and Speech and then with the Rehab Unit at Monroe Community Hospital until his retirement. Hank loved spending time woodworking.

Surviving are his loving wife, Luella Wissman Storm, who he married in 2005; father of, Glenda, Jason (Michele) and Andrew Storm; step-father of, Kathryn (Madjid) Zehani and Brad (Jo Lynn) Lambert; grandfather of, Abigail(Conner) Campbell, Pamela Storm, Kevin (Jody) Kensey, Piper, Dallas and Jesse Storm and Four great-grandchildren.

Promotions

Yvette Freeman Conyers ‘10 (Nursing Education) is now the Associate Dean Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at University of Maryland.

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