ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Births
• Engagements
• Weddings
• Anniversaries
• Obituaries
• Tribute: Jack Wayne Williams

Births

David and Lynn Sandland are thrilled to announce the safe and healthy arrival of their seventh grandchild, Charlie Benjamin Egan, who entered our world on Sept. 13, 2006. Charlie weighed in at 9 pounds, a week earlier than expected. He is the fourth child of our daughter, Michelle Egan, and her husband, Tim, who live just down the road from us here on the Gold Coast of Australia. Charlie joins siblings Stephanie, Jacob and Max.

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James Floyd Guy III arrived Dec. 18, 2005, to parents Jimmy and Lily Guy Jr. of Columbus, Ohio. First-time grandparents Skip and Suzanne Miller of San Diego, California, and Jim and Carla Guy Sr. of Warren, Ohio, were there to happily welcome baby James into the world. All agree, he is a handsome little man.

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Sarah Beth Sanders was born on April 22, 2006, to Adam and Keri Sanders of the Columbus, Ohio, congregation. She weighed 7 pounds 7 ounces and was 19 inches long. Her twin big sisters, Abigail and Chloe, absolutely adore her and love making her laugh. She is the granddaughter of Wayne and Elsie Sanders of the Covington, Louisiana, congregation, and of Gary and Jane McConnaughey, pastor of the Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and Cadillac, Michigan, congregations. Mom and Dad so far have thought this has been a piece of cake after having twins first.

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Autumn Renee Ray was born Aug. 17, 2006, to Brian and Judy (Jedamski) Ray. She weighed 8 pounds 8 ounces and was 20 in long. This is Brian and Judy's first child. Maternal grandparents are Ralph and Cheryl Jedamski. Parents and grandparents attend the Cape Girardeau, Missouri, congregation.

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Engagements

Charles and Gay Oren of Dallas, Texas, are pleased to announce the engagement of their son, Joshua Daniel Oren, to Jessica Martha Yandle, daughter of Bill Yandle of Rochester, Washington, and Terri Gray of Rudy, Arkansas. The couple plans to reside in the Dallas area, where Josh works as a logistics traffic analyst and Jessica works as an executive administrative assistant. A May 2007 wedding is planned.

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Weddings

David and Pam Blue of Boise, Idaho, along with Rick and Jody Birk of Moscow, Idaho, are pleased to announce the marriage of their children, Ryan Blue and Alisha Birk. The outdoor wedding was held in Moscow at the home of the bride on June 17, 2006. Both Ryan and Alisha are graduates of the University of Idaho. The couple resides in Ft. Meade, Maryland.

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Carol Monson of Buford, Georgia, and Rosalee and John Massie of Mattawana, Pennsylvania, are pleased to announce the marriage of their children, Lindsey Elizabeth Monson and Lee Charles Massie, on June 18, 2006.

The wedding took place in the Massies' field on a beautiful summer day and was performed by Dale Schurter.

Lindsey's bridesmaids were her sisters, Amber Charles and Courtney Monson, along with her good friends, Shea Bradley, Laura Quesinberry and Katrina Charles. Lee's groomsmen were his brothers, Justin Massie and Ben Massie, along with his good friends, Jason Pack and Matthew Rutherford, and his cousin, Adam Charles.

Lee and Lindsey now reside in Fairfax, Virginia, and attend with the Columbia, Maryland, congregation.

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On Sunday, Aug. 13, 2006, Johanna G. Kerr and Nick D. Thompson were united in marriage at Skylandia Beach, Lake Tahoe, California. With 11 family members present, Heather Schwartzrock, sister of the bride, and Jessica Huetteman, sister of the groom, attended the couple and Sophia Schwartzrock, niece of the bride, was flower girl.

After Sabbath services on Aug. 12, the Reno, Nevada, congregation hosted a farewell party for the soon-to-be Mr. and Mrs. Thompson. Both Johanna and Nick are graduates of the University of Nevada, Reno.

After a Sept. 4 outdoor reception/bon voyage party held at the home of the bride's parents, Dean and Mary Kerr of rural Tallula, Illinois, the couple will reside in the United Kingdom. Johanna will continue her employment as an environmental engineer with V Point (a Nevada-based engineering firm), and Nick will pursue his doctorate in geological research at Bournemouth University in Bournemouth, England.

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Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Lee Kirkpatrick have the honor of announcing the marriage of their daughter, Caroline Kincaid, to Ryan David Luecke, son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Robert Luecke, on Aug. 7, 2006, in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The maid of honor was Tarah Kirkpatrick, sister of the bride, and the best man was Issam Koleilat, friend of the groom. The bride's other attendants were Bonnie Kirkpatrick, sister of the bride; Leslie Bryant, friend of the bride; and Rachel and Sara Luecke, sisters of the groom. Groomsmen were Daniel Miller and Brandon and Devin Schulz, all friends of the groom, and Tyler Rice, cousin of the groom. Flower girls were cousins of the bride, Masheala and Ashley Dodge. Jonathan Baker, friend of the couple, served as the ring bearer.

The bride graduated in June with a bachelor of arts in English from the University of Cincinnati. The groom graduated earlier this year with a bachelor of science in electrical engineering from Penn State University and is currently employed as a product development engineer. The couple resides in Dover and attends the Canton, Ohio, congregation.

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Robert David Teitgen and Amber Dawn Tucker were joined together in holy matrimony on May 29, 2005, at Cogshall Park, Fitchburg, Massachusetts. Bill Jones and Carl Bean were groomsmen, with the latter being the best man. Heather Leahey (the bride's sister) and Carla Erickson (the groom's sister) were the bride's attendants and Brooke England was the matron of honor. The wedding was officiated by Herb Teitgen (the groom's father), who, along with Paul Suckling, said a blessing on the couple. Just as the ceremony was to occur the rain subsided and the sun came out. The couple said their vows at a small amphitheater by a gazebo on the lake.

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Loveness Chisemula and James Luwanja were married on Oct. 1, 2006, in Lilongwe, Malawi. Victor Kubik officiated at the ceremony. The parents of the bride and groom are Rhoda and Yasin Chisemula and Roselyn and Thomas Luwanja.

The couple attend the Lilongwe, Malawi, congregation.

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Anniversaries

Family and friends are happy to announce that this year marked the 50th wedding anniversary for Clyde and Bobbie Hubbard, longtime members of the Church of God. They celebrated on Feb. 28 with a small party of friends after an ice storm canceled church for their local congregation in Coleman, Texas. They celebrated again the following week with their church family, and once more in July with their extended family. They have five children, 16 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

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The Los Angeles, California, congregation celebrated the 45th anniversary of Knute and Patti Josifek and presented them with a decorated cake and red roses.

Knute and Patti were married Aug. 19, 1961, in Baltimore, Maryland, while Knute was in the U.S. Navy. Both of them were baptized together in 1967. Knute was ordained a deacon in 1972. They adopted a baby girl in 1974, Tamara (Tammy), who is married. She has three children and lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Knute is an electronic engineer with a passion for ham radio, while Patti has a career as full-time homemaker. She is well known for her recipes.

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Tony and Diana Garcia celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary Aug. 21.

Tony and Diana met at a high school football game in Beeville, Texas, in 1966. They were married in 1971. Diana was baptized in 1973 and Tony in 1981. He was ordained a deacon in 1997 in Corpus Christi, Texas, where they lived until last year when they moved to Duarte, California.

Their son, Isaac Garcia, is married to Michelle Hierman. They have two children, Malena (2½) and Rowen (6 months). They live in Altadena, California. Tony and Diana also have a daughter, Sally, who lives in Dallas, Texas.

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Erwin and Gladys Knuth celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with their brethren in the United Church of God in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, on Sept. 2, 2006. Gladys and Erwin were married Sept. 1, 1956, in Meadow View, a small town in northwestern Alberta.

They lived in Edmonton until 1961, and then bought a farm by Barrhead, Alberta. Much later, they sold their farm in order to farm the home quarter of Gladys' parents, who retired to Edmonton. Erwin has worked in construction, as a mechanic, a truck driver and, of course, as a farmer (which includes all of the other jobs).

Erwin and Gladys have been members of God's Church since the early 1960s. Erwin was baptized in 1964 by Ron Miller and Dean Wilson, and Gladys was baptized in 1965 by Richard Pinelli. They started reading The Plain Truth magazine in 1962.

After coming into the United Church of God, Erwin and Gladys were ordained as deacon and deaconess. They have lovingly and faithfully served God and His people for many years. Erwin frequently gives sermonettes in the Edmonton congregation.

Gladys and Erwin have two daughters, Debbie Corbin (Albert) and Valerie Schafers (Darren, deceased), and four grandchildren: Cassie, Tresa, Justin and Sabrina. They have retired from farming and now live in Edmonton. But that doesn't keep them from going out to the farm and helping their families whenever they can.

Their love for God and His way of life is evident in the kindness, hospitality and love they show to the brethren, their family and their friends. They are a wonderful example of demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit to all in the Edmonton congregation.

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Obituaries

Mary Andrews of Kinston, North Carolina, died on Aug. 28, 2006, at the age of 53. Mary's death came as a real surprise to the Church brethren, as well as to her family. She had attended a Bible study service on Sabbath afternoon, Aug. 26; on Sunday night she began to have chest pains, was taken to the hospital and died early Monday morning.

Mary was born in the Kinston area, but she lived many years in the Washington, D.C., area. She was baptized in 1982, and moved back to her home area, Kinston, in 2003. She was a charter member of the new congregation in Kinston, which started in June 2005.

Mary was a very warm, friendly and outgoing lady. She will be greatly missed by everyone. It is not surprising that at her funeral service the hall was filled with family members, Church members and friends.

Mary is survived by her husband, Dennis, by two sons and a daughter, by 11 grandchildren and by six brothers and two sisters.

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Morry Porter of the Olympia, Washington, congregation, died Aug. 11, 2006. He was born in Anchorage, Alaska, in 1941 and was the oldest of nine children. His parents operated a small grocery store in Anchorage and homesteaded on Kachemak Bay. Morry lived in Kenai and Seldovia where he worked as a commercial fisherman for over 20 years. He also worked as an automotive mechanic.

Morry loved sailing and in 1977 purchased an 85-foot schooner in Florida. He sailed it through the Panama Canal and back to Alaska where he used the boat for a charter business. Morry married his wife, Florence, in 1975. The family, including two daughters from his previous marriage, lived aboard the schooner for several years, taking trips to Hawaii and Seattle.

Morry and Florence were baptized in Alaska in 1978. They attended 27 Feasts of Tabernacles and various church congregations in the western United States. The Porters moved to Shelton, Washington, in 1990 due to Morry's arthritis and declining health. He was active in church activities and enjoyed discussing the Scriptures with anyone who was willing.

Attending services was very important for Morry. He almost never missed a Sabbath despite severe health challenges. During the past three years he often used a padded reclining chair in the foyer in order to be with God's people. Some Sabbaths he was in so much pain after driving to the church hall that he had to remain in the car in the parking lot. The sound men made sure he had a speaker so that he was able to listen to services, and one by one members went out to his car to visit with him.

Morry is survived by Florence, his wife of 31 years, four sons, two daughters and many grandchildren.

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Arthur W. Docken, a longtime pastor in the Worldwide Church of God, passed away March 29, 2006, at his home in Jackson, Missouri. He was 81.

Mr. Docken was born Dec. 13, 1924, in Edina, Minnesota, son of Arthur Hunter Docken and Lila Annie Winter Docken.

During World War II, Mr. Docken served in the 220th engineering battalion as a radio operator in France, Germany and Austria, sending and receiving Morse code.

Mr. Docken attended Ambassador College in Pasadena, California, from 1959 to 1961. He and fellow student Marie Coverdell married on Nov. 23, 1960, and enjoyed 45 years together. Mr. Docken was ordained into the ministry in 1965, and spent the next five years in the Philippines, helping establish church congregations and conducting numerous baptizing tours throughout Southeast Asia. Mr. Docken then served in Australia for two years as a pastor and administrator, before returning to the United States where he pastored congregations in Nebraska, California and Indiana. During his ministry, he served on the WCG Board of Trustees. He retired after 40 years, and moved with his wife to Jackson.

Mr. Docken is survived by his wife, Marie; a son, William Benjamin (Richelle) Docken of Cincinnati, Ohio; four daughters: Abby (Jeff) Williams of Jackson; Judith E. Docken of Calgary, Alberta; Lila “Betsy” (David) Bauman of St. Louis, Missouri; and Carrie (Mike) Goff of Lake City, Michigan; and a brother, Thomas Winter Docken of Wayzata, Minnesota.

He is also survived by 10 grandchildren: Zandra Docken; Nathan and Naomi Williams; Joshua, Kyle and Aaron DeVries; Scott Bauman; and Emily, Annie and Clayton DeForge. Mr. Docken is also remembered fondly by two former sons-in-law, Dan DeForge and Rod DeVries.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Lila Agnes Docken; a daughter, Cassie Docken; and three grandchildren, Joel DeVries, Ruth DeForge and Austin Williams.

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Rosemarie Schurter Finlay died on July 20, 2006, in Roanoke, Illinois. She was born on Feb. 23, 1935, near Burlington, Oklahoma, to Vernon C. Schurter and Anna Marie Kisling Schurter.

In 1953, Rosemarie married Curtis Blue and they had three sons, Tony, David and Curtis. Later she married King Finlay and became a loving stepmother to his five children.

Rosemarie is survived by three sons: Tony Blue of Winnsboro, Texas; David Blue of Boise, Idaho; Curtis Blue of Arlington, Washington; three stepdaughters: Dee Kilough of Cincinnati, Ohio; Dianna Stalnaker of Beaverton, Oregon; Stephanie Ross of Orlando, Florida; two stepsons: Gary Finlay of Pasadena, California; John Finlay of Orlando, Florida; and their father, King Finlay of Quakertown, Pennsylvania.

Survivors also include two brothers: Dale Schurter of Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania; and Sam Schurter of Burlington, Oklahoma; two sisters: Doris Daughhetee of Burlington, Oklahoma; and Darlene Brown of Anaheim, California; 12 grandchildren and step-grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Rose deeply loved her family and her God. She was faithful to Jesus and our Heavenly Father, and a giving, serving, active member of the Body of Christ during her life of accountability.

After tragedy struck some 29 years ago, Rose was left virtually incapacitated both physically and mentally.

Rose now awaits the resurrection, at the return of her Savior and ours.

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Sandra Joy Tenney, 64, a member of the Morgantown, West Virginia, congregation, died May 2, 2006, at her home in Kingwood, West Virginia, surrounded by family.

Baptized June 6, 1984, she attended the Clarksburg, West Virginia, Akron and Canton, Ohio, congregations prior to attending in Morgantown.

Sandra was known as being a kind, caring and hospitable Christian who in her spare time enjoyed gardening and animals. She retired from the USDA–Rural Development in 2002 with more than 25 years of service for the federal government. She also served as a tutor for Preston County Literacy Volunteers for several years.

She is survived by her husband, Cody, who attends the Morgantown congregation; four daughters; two sons; one sister; one brother; and many grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, one son and one brother.

Services were officiated by United Church of God pastor Tim Waddle and a local minister. Musical selections were played from CDs from Anita Hamill, Robin Wojcik and Richard Allen.

Heartfelt thanks are extended to those who sent cards of hope and encouragement, to those who sent much appreciated music CDs and to the United congregations of Morgantown, Marietta (Ohio) and Athens (Ohio) for their full support during Sandra's illness.

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Charles Harris, 85, of Portsmouth, Virginia, died Sept. 3, 2006. He was a member of God's Church since December 1980. A longtime member of the church chorus, he sang for weddings and other special occasions.

He served in the U.S. Marines and 25 years in the merchant marines. He retired as chief of security of Tower Mall in Portsmouth.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Rachel; a daughter, Sylvia Teartl; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Services were held Sept. 8 by Todd Carey, pastor of the Williamsburg, Virginia, congregation.

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Clara Davidson passed away peacefully at her home in Novato, California, Sept. 22, 2006, at the age of 87. Clara was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, where she raised her seven children. In the early 1960s Clara moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where she became a member of the Church of God, having been baptized by Vernon Hargrove.

In 2000, Clara developed early signs of Alzheimer's disease and moved to Pasadena, California, to live with her grandson, Tim, and his family.

Clara is survived by her children, Jim, Sharon, Dan and Ellery; multiple grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and a few great-great-grandchildren. A private service was held in Novato.

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Nancy Lou Stewart, 74, passed away April 3, 2006, at Faith Haven Senior Care Centre in Jackson, Michigan. She was born April 9, 1931, in Bluffton, Ohio, the daughter of Levi and Mildred (Cotant) Frankhauser.

She married Don D. Stewart on Oct. 2, 1955. Don was a World War II veteran in the U.S Army and preceded her in death on Jan. 17, 2000. Nancy was also preceded in death by her son, Richard, and sister, Becky Lein.

She is survived by her children, Stephanie Stewart, Kathy Stewart-Carlson and Daniel Kevin Stewart; grandchildren, David Paul Dempe, Morgan Jean Stewart and Daniel Richard Stewart; great-grandson, Caleb Dempe; and sister, Ruth Lewis.

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Tribute: Jack Wayne Williams

Jack Wayne Williams was born on Dec. 20, 1930, in Rattan, Oklahoma. He was the son of John Franklin Williams and Velma Ila (Langley) Williams. Jack had four brothers: Louie, Wilburn, Jimmy and Benton. All the brothers are still living.

Jack's father did general labor jobs, so Jack traveled with the family. His father worked in California, Oregon and Oklahoma. Jack's father was working in the Forestry Service in Battiest, Oklahoma, when Jack met his future bride, Wilma McBride, while attending high school. Jack and Wilma were married on Feb. 17, 1950. Both were 19 years old.

Jack and Wilma moved to Oregon and worked there until 1956. Then they moved to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, where Jack worked for The Fleming Company. In 1973, they moved back to central Oregon where Jack did crop farming. They stayed there until 1995, when they moved to Wilma's parents' home in Muse, Oklahoma.

Wilma was the first one to listen to Herbert W. Armstrong. She started studying in 1953. She came to see that the Holy Days should be kept. Jack's parents were members of the Church of God (Seventh Day), so Jack did not readily accept the Holy Days. Their first Feast of Tabernacles was kept in Big Sandy, Texas, in 1955. Jack and Wilma were baptized while at the Feast in 1956 by Mr. Armstrong, Rod Meredith and Gerald Waterhouse.

Jack was ordained a deacon in 1964 and an elder in 1969. Jack and Wilma were in Oklahoma City at the time of his ordinations. After they moved to central Oregon in the 1970s, Jack was giving sermonettes and sermons. He was employed by the Church for a period of time serving as a pastor's assistant. In 1995, Jack and Wilma became a part of the United Church of God and moved to Muse, Oklahoma. They served in the Mena and Fort Smith, Arkansas, congregations. Jack continued speaking and helping in the Church until the summer of 2006, when Lou Gehrig's disease kept him from continuing in speaking.

Jack died on Aug. 27, 2006. He is survived by his wife, Wilma, and four children: Frank Williams, 55, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; Carol Hampton, 54, of Cleveland, Oklahoma; Becky Royer, 53, of Santa Rosa, California; and Sam Williams, 51, of Madres, Oregon. There are also eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Jack was loved by all he served, as evidenced by the large attendance at his graveside service. He will be greatly missed. We look forward to seeing him soon in God's Kingdom.

—Roger West

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Announcements: Members are welcome to submit announcements of the births, engagements, weddings, significant anniversaries (25, 40, 50, 60, etc.) and obituaries in their families. Please include a self-addressed envelope if you would like photos returned. Most items are 50 to 100 words and should not exceed 250 words. Please e-mail (preferred) or give them to your local pastor to forward to United News.