Ken Thompson obituary

Ken Thompson obituary

Excerpt:

Kenneth Thompson, 95, of Freeport went home to be with his Lord on Dec. 2, 2021. He was born in Freeport March 31, 1926, to Floyd & Mabel (Blough) Thompson. Ken graduated from Freeport High School in 1943 and married Charleen Cappon on May 25, 1947.

 

Ken worked on the family farm his entire working years as well as on the road sod crew for several summers in the late 1950s. On March 27th a celebration was held for the Thompson Farms' Centennial milestone and Ken's 95th birthday. Ken was very proud of the farm's centennial designation.

 

Ken lived a life of service to his church and community. He served on committees in his local congregation, Hope Church of the Brethren, and cooked for the Mich. District conference for a number of years. He was a dedicated member of the Farm Bureau and served on the Ionia County Road Commission from 1978 -1990. Together, Ken and Charleen were involved with Habitat for Humanity on a local and national level. 

 

In addition to volunteering, Ken enjoyed antiquing, refinishing antique furniture, playing cards, camping and traveling. Ken and Charleen traveled with their motorhome for many years and made friends from all over the country. The couple spent the winter months in Florida or Texas for 25 years.

 

The couple's home in Freeport—and their home on wheels--were always open for gatherings for family and friends. Ken was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 70 years, his parents, grandson Sean Wilcox, sister Evelyn (Thompson) Walton, brother-in laws Don Walton & Ray Wieland, special family friend Pam Burson, in laws Clarence & Doris (Hayward) Cappon in addition to other family members and friends. He is survived by sisters Marge (Thompson) Wieland, Carolyn (Thompson) Walton, children Dianne Thompson (Ann Fiorini), Donna (Lee) Wilcox, Lynette (Wayne) Guyer, Brian (Carole Stowell) Thompson, Melanie (Bobby Bouchard) Basler, 5 grandchildren, one great grandchild and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. As per Ken's wishes, a private family memorial will be held at a later date. In honor of Ken's life, contributions can be made to Barry County Habitat for Humanity, 1215 North Broadway St. A; Hastings, MI 49058 or a charity of your choice.

Comment:

Jim Salomon obituary

Jim Salomon obituary

Jim Salomon, 84, of The Villages, FL, passed away on Sunday, July 8th at his residence. Born on December 27, 1933 in Pittsburgh, PA to Erwin K. and Frida (Huonker) Salomon, Jim was a child of God and a faithful servant of Christ. He was a retired electrical designer and engineer for Westinghouse Electric Corp. in Pittsburgh and a U.S. Army veteran. Before moving to The Villages in 1993, he was a season ticket holder for over 20 years with the best team in football, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Most importantly, Jim was known to be a “soul winner,” someone who loved to reach out to people and spread the Word of God. Survivors include his beloved wife, Mildred Fewless Salomon; his son, Jeffrey (Ginny) Salomon; his daughters: Janice (Bruce) Snyder and Jane (Dean) Cathcart; 7 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren; a younger brother and sister: Ronald (Barbara) Salomon and Sandra Salomon; along with his stepsons: Robert (Carol) Fewless, Terry (Amy) Fewless, Michael (Laurie) Fewless, Timothy (Angela) Fewless; his stepdaughters: Nancy (Jon) Fitzgerald and Kathy (John) Tytla; along with 18 step grandchildren, 23 great step grandchildren and 1 great great step granddaughter. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife of 46 years, Hermine (Miller) Salomon (2002), an older brother and sister, Milton Salomon and Elsie Collum.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, July 31, 2018 at 11:00 am at Tri County Baptist Church, 38405 Rolling Acres Road, Lady Lake, FL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s honor to Cornerstone Hospice @ cshospice.org. or Tri County Baptist Church, 38405 Rolling Acres Road, Lady Lake FL 32159.

Acts 16:31 – “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved,” was Jim’s life verse. He would ask each of you reading this “If you died today, are you certain you would go to Heaven?”

Comment: A friend. He loved the Lord. And he loved the Steelers!

Life: "even a vapor" indeed!

'I was born; I blinked; and it was over,' Orange Park woman writes in own obituary

Text:

It pains me to admit it, but apparently, I have passed away. Everyone told me it would happen one day but that's simply not something I wanted to hear, much less experience. Once again I didn't get things my way! That's been the story of my life all my life. And while on that subject (the story of my life)…on February 9, 1946 my parents and older sister celebrated my birth and I was introduced to all as Emily DeBrayda Fisher, the daughter of Clyde and Mary Fisher from Hazelwood. I can't believe that happened in the first half of the last century but there are records on file in the Court House which can corroborate this claim. Just two years later when another baby girl was born, I became known as the middle sister of the infamous three Fisher Girls, and the world was changed forever. As a child I walked to the old Hazelwood Elementary School where teachers like Mrs. McCracken, Mrs. Davis and Mrs. Moody planted the seed that eventually led me to becoming a teacher. I proudly started my teaching career at that same elementary school in January 1968, and from there I went on to teach young children in the neighboring states of Virginia, Georgia, as well as Florida where I retired after 25 years. So many things in my life seemed of little significance at the time they happened but then took on a greater importance as I got older. The memories I'm taking with me now are so precious and have more value than all the gold and silver in my jewelry box. Memories…where do I begin? Well, I remember Mother wearing an apron; I remember Daddy calling Square Dances; I remember my older sister pushing me off my tricycle (on the cinder driveway); I remember my younger sister sleep walking out of the house; I remember grandmother Nonnie who sewed exquisite dresses for me when I was little; I remember grandmother Mamateate wringing a chicken's neck so we could have Sunday dinner. I remember being the bride in our Tom Thumb Wedding in first grade and performing skits for the 4-H Club later in grade five. I remember cutting small rosebuds still wet with dew to wear to school on spring mornings, and I remember the smell of newly mowed grass. I remember the thrill of leading our high school band down King Street in New Orleans for Mardi Gras (I was head majorette). I remember representing Waynesville in the Miss North Carolina Pageant, and yes, I twirled my baton to the tune of ""Dixie"". It could have been no other way. I married the man of my dreams (tall, dark, and handsome) on December 16, 1967 and from that day on I was proud to be Mrs. Charlie Phillips, Grand Diva Of All Things Domestic. Our plan was to have two children, a girl and a boy. Inexplicably we were successful in doing exactly that when we were blessed with our daughter Bonnie and then later our son Scott. Seeing these two grow into who they were supposed to be brought a wonderful sense of meaning to our lives. This might be a good time to mend fences. I apologize for making sweet Bonnie wear No Frills jeans when she was little and for ""red-shirting"" Scott in kindergarten. Apparently each of these things was humiliating to them but both were able to rise above their shame and become very successful adults. I'd also like to apologize to Mary Ann for tearing up her paper dolls and to Betsy for dating a guy she had a crush on. Just when I thought I was too old to fall in love again, I became a grandmother, and my five grand-angels stole not only my heart, but also spent most of my money. Sydney Elizabeth, Jacob McKay, and Emma Grace (all Uprights) have enriched my life more than words can say. Sydney's ""one more, no more"" when she asked for a cookie; Jake saying he was ""sick as a cat"" when I'd said that someone else was sick as a dog; and Emma cutting her beautiful long hair and then proceeding to shave off one of her eyebrows…Yes, these are a few of my favorite things. They're treasures that are irreplaceable and will go with me wherever my journey takes me. I've always maintained that my greatest treasures call me Nana. That's not exactly true. You see, the youngest of my grand-angels, William Fisher Phillips and Charlie Jackson Phillips call me ""Nana Banana"". (Thank you Chris and Scott for having such spunky children.) These two are also apt to insist that I ""get their hiney"" whenever I visit, and since I'm quite skilled in that area , I've always been able to oblige. (I actually hold the World's Record for ""Hiney Getting,"" a title that I wear with pride.) Speaking of titles…I've held a few in my day. I've been a devoted daughter, an energetic teenager, a WCU graduate (summa cum laude), a loving wife, a comforting mother, a dedicated teacher, a true and loyal friend, and a spoiling grandmother. And if you don't believe it, just ask me. Oh wait, I'm afraid it's too late for questions. Sorry. So…I was born; I blinked; and it was over. No buildings named after me; no monuments erected in my honor. But I DID have the chance to know and love each and every friend as well as all my family members. How much more blessed can a person be? So in the end, remember…do your best, follow your arrow, and make something amazing out of your life. Oh, and never stop smiling. If you want to, you can look for me in the evening sunset or with the earliest spring daffodils or amongst the flitting and fluttering butterflies. You know I'll be there in one form or another. Of course that will probably comfort some while antagonizing others, but you know me…it's what I do. I'll leave you with this…please don't cry because I'm gone; instead be happy that I was here. (Or maybe you can cry a little bit. After all, I have passed away). Today I am happy and I am dancing. Probably naked. Love you forever. Emily

Comment: Link for Obit. On this Good Friday, Christians remember the atoning sacrifice of our Lord and Savior and the hope of eternal life. This life ... a vapor ... heaven ... forever!

Elizabeth Layhew-Kyle obituary

Elizabeth Layhew-Kyle, Walworth County, WI

November 20, 1944 - October 27, 2016

Elizabeth (Reynolds) Layhew-Kyle, age 71, of the Walworth County area, went Home to be with her Lord on October 27, 2016. She was born in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, on November 20, 1944. At age three her parents brought her to the Hobart, IN, area where she grew up. She graduated from Hobart High School, and attended Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, Baptist Bible College of Scranton, PA, and Gateway Technical College in Elkhorn. She was married to David E. Layhew for 30 years, and to Brian L. Kyle for 17 years. She worked as a Secretary for 28 years; after which she studied to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. She lived in Wisconsin since 1989, and was a member of Geneva Lakes Church. Her greatest joys were her Lord, her children, and her grandchildren.

She is survived by her children, Denise (James) Vietti of MI, and David (Liane) Layhew II of Williams Bay; her grandchildren: Jacob, Sophia, and Ethan Vietti, Terrance, Tristan, Tirzah, Magdeliene, Truth, Matthew, Theodore, Mercy, Trust, Treasure, Trinity, and another grandbaby due in May of 2017; her sisters, Eva (Harry) Bradley, and Debbie Reynolds; and her brother, Jim (Margaret) Ludington.

Predeceasing her were parents, David and Felicita Reynolds; their infant son, Gary Lee Reynolds; and her first husband, David E. Layhew.

A Memorial Service is to be held at East Delavan Baptist Church on October 31, 2016. Visitation will be at 1 p.m., followed by the Memorial Service at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to the family are greatly appreciated to offset the funeral expenses and to make charitable contributions as requested by Elizabeth. Thank you to Steinke Funeral Home for all their assistance.

Comment: Obit of her first husband Dave who passed in 2007. She was a dear friend of ours - we've known her for almost 40 years

Faithful servant promoted to glory

June Yoder obituary

Excerpt:

YODER, June On Nov. 6, 2010 (nee Smith) Age 82 years. Beloved wife of Edwin A. of Audubon. Devoted mother of E. Allen Yoder (Kimberly) of Amazon, Brazil, and Rebecca A. Colby (Robert) of Audubon. Beloved grandmother of Nichole Yoder, Danielle Yoder, Renee Skibinski, Peter Yoder, Regena Bell, Jonny Yoder, Deborah Yoder, Stephanie Maines, Robert Colby, and Kathryn Krube. Cherished great grandmother of James Ward Pacana, Juliette Pacana, Cainan, Elijah, and Aaron Skibinski. Also survived by a bother Clyde Smith, and a sister Darlene Hancock both of CA. Pre-deceased by her late daughter Ruth and her late son Timothy. Mrs. Yoder was a missionary to Guatemala for over twelve years. She was a High School teacher at Baptist Regional School for over thirty five years, where she taught both Music and Spanish. She was very active in many women's ministries, and her home was always open to everyone. She is now in Heaven with her Lord having received the prize of her high calling. Phillipians 3:14. Graveside services will be held on Tuesday at 11:00 AM at Locustwood Memorial Park, 1550 Route 70 West, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002. Contributions in her memory may be made to Haddon Heights Baptist Church, 3rd & Station Aves., Haddon Heights, NJ 08035 or to Baptist Regional School at the same address. Funeral arrangements by the DuBOIS FUNERAL HOME, 700 S. White Horse Pike, Audubon. Condolences may be sent to www. duboisfuneralhome.net

Comment: A friend from my first ministry

Jane Eidson: A Remarkable Life

Jane Eidson, who got a college degree at 56, dies at 98

From the Star Tribune:

As the middle child, it always chafed Jane Eidson that her two brothers finished college and she never did.

The boys joined the Navy during World War II, came home and went to school on the GI Bill. She started college right after high school, but she then got diverted — by the war, a marriage, various jobs and five kids.

But persevere she did. Starting in 1964, Eidson plugged away for 11 years on a degree in English and art history at the University of Minnesota. At the age of 56, she finally donned a cap and gown, the same year her youngest child graduated from high school.

The experience solidified Eidson’s belief in the power of education, and propelled her to become an active volunteer for the American Association of University Women, a group that advocates for economic and educational equity for women.

Eidson died July 31, shortly after a stroke, at the age of 98. She had lived with dementia for several years.

Born and raised in Chicago, Eidson enjoyed working in her parents’ vegetable garden and often roller skated to various summer activities in city parks. As a mother, she made sure her children joined outdoor activities, and built a box for the station wagon that stayed loaded with camping gear so the family could take off at a moment’s notice.

She met her future husband, Bill Eidson, when he came to Chicago for officer training. Through the war years, they got to know each other mostly through letters.

Bill, who was raised in a speck of a town in South Carolina, became a lieutenant commander in the Navy and sat atop the crow’s nest on the USS Texas. He took part in the battles of the Atlantic, Iwo Jima, Normandy, North Africa and Okinawa. In 1944, the battleship was damaged by artillery, and the ship came to the Brooklyn Navy Yard for repairs. Seizing the moment, the couple quickly staged a wedding at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City.

After the war, the two moved around, with stops in Tennessee and Illinois, and Jane tried to pick up night classes while starting a family. Bill eventually landed a job as a sales manager in Minnesota, and the couple settled down in St. Louis Park, where they lived for nearly 60 years. Bill died of a stroke in 2010.

Eidson believed her body held her soul and never took her good health for granted — sometimes to the dismay of her brood, who craved a little junk food every now and then. She started practicing yoga in the 1960s, and she was a health-food nut decades before it became fashionable. She pushed fruits, vegetables, plenty of water and whole grains.

“We hated that as kids,” said Karen English, her oldest child. “No white sugar, no white flour. We never saw Wonder Bread.” Eidson inherited her father’s artistic flair and seemed to have a bottomless well of creative energy packed into her 5-foot, 4-inch frame. She painted flowers and landscapes in oil and watercolor, and often embellished plain sewing patterns with piping.

“She loved color and texture,” English said. “Her favorite thing was to go to the fabric stores, just to look and touch and think about what she’d make next.”

Eidson took flying lessons, joined ballet classes, and took up clogging and Scottish dancing. When she was in her 60s, she traveled Europe on a Eurail pass with her youngest daughter, Rita, and stayed in youth hostels.

“She was energetic and always ready for adventure,” said Nancy Arguedas, her second-born. “That was her thing: Let’s go!”

But in many ways, it all came back to education. Eventually, every one of her children earned a graduate degree.

“We were always supported,” Arguedas said. “She raised us to believe we could do anything.”

The family is planning a private service.

Comment: Nancy in the above article is our best friend.  Here is the obituary for Bill. Photos below of Nancy and Mariano on my birthday this past Saturday.

The the last and "real Marlboro man" dies at 85

Darrell Winfield, long-serving Marlboro Man, dies in Wyoming at 85

Excerpt:

One of the last of the Marlboro Men has died in Wyoming. Darrell Hugh Winfield was 85. He died Monday at his home in Riverton, Davis Funeral Home said. The Marlboro Man was a macho cowboy whose image in advertising from the 1950s to the late 1990s made filtered cigarettes more appealing to men. Previously Marlboros were marketed to women. Winfield's rugged good looks made him the face of Marlboro cigarettes in magazine and television ads from the late 1960s to the late 1980s. The Leo Burnett ad agency discovered Winfield in 1968 while he was working on the Quarter Circle 5 Ranch in western Wyoming.

Comment: Image capture from. Wiki. Info on others. If he was a smoker, he did well to live to 85.

Obituary:

Darrell Winfield, 85 of Riverton died on Monday, January 12, 2015, at his residence. As were his wishes, cremation has taken place and no service will be held. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Darrell Hugh Winfield was born on July 30, 1929 in Little Kansas, OK to Marion H. and Dapalean (Caywood) Winfield. He was the oldest of six children and was raised in Hanford, CA where he attended school. The family moved to California when he was 6 years old. He made many trips to visit Wilburn Spring, also known as “Springer”, which was what he told his mother while he was actually courting the love of his life, Lennie L. Spring. They were married on July 3, 1948 in Hanford, CA. Together they raised six children, 3 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Many more children came through their doors and they “raised and mentored” all of them. They were always more than willing to help out a child. In 1968, Darrell and his family moved to Pinedale, WY. He was working on the Quarter Circle 5 Ranch in Pinedale when he was discovered by Leo Burnett/Philip Morris Advertising and became the “Marlboro Man”. He remained loyal from 1968 to the time of his death. At one time, his face was known as the most photographed around the world. Darrell was asked what his life would have been like if he had not been the Marlboro Man, he said “life would have basically been the same”. Darrell was a “true” cowboy. In 1974 he moved to Riverton and started WD/Winfield Horses. He followed the American Indian Spirituality. He was given the Native American name of “Strong Mountain”. He attended sweats at several lodges, including his own, where everyone was welcome. In his younger years he belonged to the Rodeo Cowboy Association (RCA), which later became the PRCA. He was also a member of the Screen Actors Guild. His family said he loved horses, rodeo, especially team roping, ranching, and the cowboy way of life. He liked to tease, was quite a character, and never met a stranger. He collected bits and spurs, loved to read western non-fiction, history, and stories of the Native Americans. He loved to play Gin Rummy and Backgammon with his family and friends. He deeply loved his wife of 66 years and made her and his family his highest priority. He also cherished his friends and all were welcome at their home. After having a stroke, his loving wife became his primary caregiver, along with help from family and friends. He was very grateful to Dailen for his assistance in overseeing his ranch. He is survived by his wife Lennie; son, Brian Winfield and companion Karla Eckhardt; daughters, Janet Mendes and companion Guy Faris, Nancy Eppler, Linda Saunders and companion Dailen Jones, Debi Walters and husband Dave, Darlene Raymond and husband Robert; three grandchildren the couple raised, Kelly, Kari, and Katie Winfield, one great grandchild, Aspen Winfield; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; brother, Ray Winfield of Oklahoma; brothers-in-laws, Norman White and Manual Thomas, both from California, Dean Spring and wife Wendy of Arizona; sisters-in-laws, Nancy Sue Garcia and husband Stan, and Bealy Joaquin and husband (Tony) all of California . He was preceded in death by his great grandson, Clay Walters; sons-in-laws, Dan Mendes and Billy Eppler; five siblings, Bill Winfield, Barbara White, Marilyn Brooks and Buddy Winfield; sisters-in-laws, Billye Winfield and Cora Lee Thomas; parents, Marion and Dapalean Winfield; his wife’s parents, Wilburn “Springer” and Corrine (Oakes) Spring and close family friend, Floyd Nichols. Memorials may be made to the Donor’s choice of any organization dedicated to benefit children. Memorials may be sent in care of the Davis Funeral Home, 2203 W. Main Street, Riverton, WY 82501.