For RETIRED CLERGY, SPOUSES AND WIDOWS

Western Pennsylvania Conference United Methodist Church

 

FROM BILL AND LOIS HILES:  Since the last issue of the JUST BETWEEN US  we have received several letters and e-mails requesting we continue to  have it published and to use the e-mail for others.  We know many of you don’t have computers and want to be included so we will send you what is written.

 

Our news, our son Peter returned home from Iraq on July 14^th after being away for 15 months.  He looks wonderful and is enjoying being with his family once again.  It was great to see him and give him a hug.

We had a fantastic Senior Citizen Retreat at Olmsted Manor, the best attendance ever.  We are planning for two weeks next year.  We hope you will plan to come. 

Don’t forget the exile reunion.  Tentative date, Tuesday, Jan. 29,  2008 College Park U.M. Church, Orlando, Fl

 

FROM  DON & BECKY COOK

We really enjoy reading this news, and really appreciate your efforts to make it happen. As for our news: Now 7 years into retirement, Don is doing some "interim" service here in the Connellsville District. He has also coordinated 3 mission trips to Abbeville, LA, for hurricane relief since February 2006. Our team is named "Because We Care". Our ten grandchildren consume most of the rest of our love and energy. God is good.

 

ROGER & DOROTHEY CRAMER

Bill:   I do wish to have the newsletter JUST BETWEEN US  sent by email to  Roger Cramer    rwcdpc@alltel.net.Thank you for your continued interest in keeping the older members of the conference informed.   

 

DOTTIE PATTERSON

Hello Hiles.  Sure,  we like to receive your newsletter!   Another of our OLD friends went to glory --Deb Jolley.  We were in Mississippi last week to attend granddaughter Katie's high school graduation  (8th in her big class ---I keep saying she's just like her grandmother but nobody believes that!!!)   All seems the same in the old elephant grounds --Grove City.   Many retirees here & we get together every other month which is nice.     Hope to see you when you come north.  Blessings..   dotjac@zoominternet.net

 

 

 

 

 

DAVE LUTZ

Hi Bill...

Dave Lutz here. We'll be lookin' forward to the newsletter. Our e-mail address is yeateamro828@comcast.net! Keep up the good work. Blessings to you and Lois.

 

RALPH SOLIDAY

Dear Bill and Lois: 

I'm responding to the request for e-mail addresses for Just Between Us.  My e-mail address is Ralphsolida@aol.com

 

RON & NANCY HANKEY

We haven't had a "Just Between Us" in awhile so wonder if you do have our e-mail. It's nancyjanhan@yahoo.com.  Thanks.

 

JENNY BIRD  (Rev. Emily Bird)

Dear Bill and Lois:
Mum has asked to send you some notes on what's been going on with her lately.  
I am still enjoying good enough health to be able to travel to Britain once a year with my younger daughter, Rev. Emily Byrd (Johnstown:  Homestead Avenue).  I now do not feel comfortable doing the trip by myself and I need assistance at airports but we still manage.  In mid-May we flew to Glasgow, Scotland to spend 2 and 1/2 weeks in Scotland and  England with relatives and long-time friends.  One of my two sisters is still living.  She and two of her daughters and their families live about an hour from Edinburgh, Scotland.  Her other daughter lives in Italy with her Italian husband and family.  We also traveled by train to the northwestern-most English county of Cambria where my husband Rev. Stanley Byrd and I lived before coming to the United States after World War II. Emily and I will be setting off tomorrow to visit my daughter and son-in-law Joyce and Ralph Barrera and their children and grand-children for a week.  They all live in close proximity to each other north of Dayton, Ohio, so we can see them all  when we are  there.  My other child, my son David and his wife live next door to me.  Their two daughters are both in Ph.D. programs in clinical psychology, one at Penn State and the other in Arkansas. I look forward to hearing news of other retirees through this newsletter.  Of course many of the younger (!) retirees are ones with whom I am unacquainted since it's been 20 years since Stan died and 29 since he retired from full-time pastoral ministry.

 

H DALE REITZ

Norm Young asked me to send my e-mail address to you.  It is enclosed: hdreitz@VERIZON.NET

 Thanks

 

 

 

HERB GATES

Bill & Lois, 

I would be interested in hearing info about retirees from W. Pa.  Barb & I will be moving in 2 1/2 weeks to Bethlehem, Penna.  My email address is:  goldengates3@yahoo.com.  Thanks for including me on your mailing list.

 

DELLA ARMSTRONG  (Dorothy Christy)

Dear Rev. Bill and Lois Hiles

In response to your correspondence Della Armstrong Dick would like to continue to receive “JUST BETWEEN US”

I NOTICED IN THE 2006 Official Journal of the Methodist Conference she is listed as Della Anderson Dick.  In February, 2006 Della fell and broke her hip.  After surgery and a time in the hospital she went to Woodland Place, a nursing home in Mercer, Pa.

In July, 2006 Della had a heart attack but has had a good recover.  She is one person you can’t keep down

Della walks with a walker unless we go somewhere there is a lot of walking.  Those times we use her wheelchair.  At 96 years of age she is doing well and would like to attend some of the gatherings.  Maybe she can next year. 

I am writing for my mother and hope this brings you up to date.  You may change her address to   Della Dick, 745 Greenville Rd., Mercer, Pa 16137  Thank you.  Sincerely Dorothy Christy

PS:  Della is the widow of Rev. Lewis Armstrong

 

 

JIM SCHMITTLE

Hi 

My email is sschmittle@neo.rr.com   you may not know Louise died in February.  It has been several years since we were at the Florida gathering.  Best wishes on the Olmsted Retreat.

 

ELSIE McCULLOUGH

Dear Lois and Bill,

I  don’t have an e-mail address and you probably have my other one but I appreciate getting the Just Between Us newsletter.  I don’t have much contact with former friends except at the

W.Pa.Erie Conference at Wesley Woods in August which my Helpmate has taken me to the last couple of years.

I am doing pretty well again.  In fact I have been thinking about signing up for the Retreat at Olmsted this year if I can get someone to take me.

I am still able to live in my beautiful mobile home with a helpmate here 7 days a week for 6 hours.  They take me to church and Sunday School and to the Youngsville Sr. Center on Monday, Tues and Thursday.  We get a real good lunch for $2.00   We have a Bible Study on Monday at 10 a.m. with the Lutheran Pastor Mark Fisher.

All five of my children and their spouses are planning on a get together her on the 20 of July.  They haven’t all been here at one time since our 70^th wedding anniversary.  Carol lives in Texas and didn’t get here for Ed’s funeral because her husband was in the hospital and she couldn’t leave him.  He passed away after being in and out of the hospital and Nursing home.

Love and best wishes.

 

 

DON STRUCHEN

Bill and Lois

I don’t know if you still want these greeting from those who did not attend the meeting at Wesley Woods earlier this week.  In the past they were printed in “JUST BETWEEN US”    Trust all is well with you

 

RUTH & GENE ANKENY

Each year when these invitations arrive we yearn to be able to attend.  The miles between Wesley Woods and Coconut Creek make that more difficult.  We hold such fond memories and long to renew old acquaintances.  We are enjoying life in Florida actively involved in Boca Raton First UMC.  With the exception that “arther” has taken up residence in our bodies, we are in good health – thank God.  Blessing on you enjoy the day.

 

GEORGE AND ARLENE CAMPBELL

Arlene just got out of the hospital after two weeks stay with clogged leg arteries and complications of water retention.  Miss you all. 

 

HAZEL CHELTON

Just a note to say my health is good for an 84 year old and still drive.  Don’t believe I know many any more, so don’t care about driving that far.  Would not be anyone I  know to visit with.  Give my best wishes to all.

 

ED & BETTY CLARK

I’m sorry that Betty and I are unable to attend the gathering this year.  I’ve had several months of rough health and we have been unable to go anywhere at all.  I will say, however, I am on the mend and hope to be completely up and at em soon.  We will miss being in your company and perhaps next year will be a good year and we will be there.  God’s blessing on all and please don’t eat too much.

 

RICHARD DICKEY

Sorry I won’t be able to make it this year.  Maybe  next year. Trust all is well.

 

 

 

LARRY & SHIRLEY HAUCK

I (Larry) am currently undergoing chemo for cancer and my physical condition is uncertain from day to day  --as is the lengthy two-way trip.  It would be good to see old friends. - -hopefully next year.

 

ARTHUR & FERN KIRK

Greeting friends of long ago.  Strokes and eye problems have taken a toll.  My 90 years have slowed my activities.  Enjoy the beautiful scenery and enduring friendships.  God bless you.  We will meet again with our Savior and friend, Jesus.

 

DAVE & MIDGE LUTZ

Hello to all Erie Conf. Ex’s!  God’s best to YNZ,N@1

 

VONNIE GAISER MACKENZIE

I am sorry it is not possible for me to attend.  Our family’s latest concern is daughter, Lynne needing a kidney transplant SOON.  I have been in Columbus, OH with her and will return again this month –trying to help her in various ways to save her energy and body.  We appreciate prayers for a donor.  12 year old Matthew needs a mother.  A happy day to all and God’s blessings.

 

VIRGIL & JANE MAYBRAY

Don. I’ve been going to write you but the letter about the former Erie Conference minister’s annual get together prompted me.  Why was I going to Write?  Well, many years ago you gave an idea that I found useful.  You said you had a prayer list and when you got stopped at a red light you could pray for someone.  I adopted the idea—have 3x5 card in my shirt pocket with all my families names on it—all 50 of them—and the names of missionaries and mission projects –all 40 of them.  I can pull the card out of my pocket when my wife is driving or shopping and in my own devotions.  So thank you for the idea.  I think I read somewhere that Frank Laubach did the same thing and called it God’s minute.  Give my greetings to the group gathered at Wesley Woods.  He is Risen

 

HANK & DOTTIE MORRIS

Many thanks for the info on the forthcoming Wesley Wood gathering for former Erie Conf. Pastors.  We always enjoyed seeing you friends but this year God willing, we plan to go with our daughters to Dottie’s old stomping grounds on Lake Champlain.  She was born and raised in West Chazy, NY 10 miles northwest of Plattsburgh.  I Hank, had a recent hospital stay due to atria fibrillation of the upper chambers of my heart.  Am now no coumadin.  Dottie still struggles with her tri-germinal neuralgia in her lower jaw and face, but with medication helps ease the pain.  Please greet the folks for us.

 

CLOYD & ALBERTA OSBORNE

Each year we look forward to the exciting time at Wesley Woods.  But this year we have some involved family problems that prevent us from going.  Both of us are in reasonable good health and we will look forward to the good time next year.  Thank God for all you fine folks who make all the preparations.  Best wishes.

 

JACK & IOLA PARSONS

Iola is still fighting leukemia and cancer.  So, we are unable to attend this year.  We wish all a great day.  May the presence of the Lord be to all a great blessing.  God bless.  P.S.  I will be 85 on Aug 23^rd  God is good.

 

JUNE & RUSS PERRY

We have just received your gracious invitation to attend the former Erie Conf. Ministers & Spouses  29^th Annual Get together.  We have just returned home from what we believe was our 18^th cruise, this one on the “Adventure of the Seas” on the Royal Caribbean line.  You can be sure it is our last cruise for two old folks.

This leaves our trip to Western Pa as our last long trip.  We will leave home on July 19, visiting friends in Hickory, and then to Olmsted Manor for the Senior Citizens Retreat, then on to visit family in Rochester, NY and head for home on Aug 13.  So we can’t include a Retreat at Wesley Woods.  That’s our loss.

It makes one feel old when you check the Roll of Clergy Members ( of the old Erie Conf.) and discover your are only 7 persons away from receiving the Bishop Thoburn cane.  With June serving 17 years as Secretary and Treasurer of Wesley Wood, and Russ serving 22 years as Dean of Youth Retreats., we have wonderful memories of our association with Wesley Woods. 

How we wish we could be with you and share some of our experiences.  We will never forget our wonderful memories of our ties to Erie Conference 1947-1962.  In Christian Love.

 

HAROLD & RUTH SMITH

Dear Friends, We got the announcement of the Erie Conf. reunion but we cannot drive the distance or even fly.  I got my driver’s license renewed in Feb. for four years it I am able at age 94.  Only driving now in a 20 mile radius and Ruth gets around in her electric mobility.  We celebrated 100^th anniversary of the Methodist Homes last April.  A calendar was published and you could see “your’s truly” on the November issue – in the workshop working with a circular saw.  Have a glorious time relaxing with old friends.

 

MAXINE SPRING  (Widow of Everett)

I am living here in Lake City with my daughter who is an elementary teacher.  I’ll be visiting my other daughter in Indiana in July and August.  Thanks for thinking of me.  Everett was always proud of his association with your group.  God bless all of you.

 

LLOYD & BLANCHE TENNIES

Hate to miss the reunion but we don’t travel much any more.  Will keep the gathering in our prayers.  We have moved in Grove City from S. Center St. to 302 W. Main St. Apt. 1  Our phone number is the same 724-458-0311

 

Letter taken from Conference web site.  I’m sure Dick and Marybelle would want us to share it with you.

DICK AND MARYBELLE HAWKE

To: Brothers and Sisters of the Western PA Conference of the United Methodist Church and Friends from across the world:

We wish to express our heart-felt gratitude to you for the support and comfort you have given to us at this time of tragic loss of our daughter Jennifer Lynn Hawke-Petit and our granddaughters Hayley Elizabeth Petit and Michaela Rose Petit.

We want to give a special word of appreciation to Pastor Pam Gardner for directing our Memorial Service Saturday, August 11, 2007 and Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton for his “The Power of a Comma” meditation. Personal witness also was made by personal friends of the Hawkes and Dr. William A. Petit, husband and father of the Petit family.

We have been surrounded by a great crowd of witnesses that have loved us, cried with us and given us strength beyond measure. “The Rivers of Prayer” have flowed through our grief and cleansed and comforted us.

Our hearts have been broken, but the Great Physician is mending that brokenness and all is well with our souls.

Please keep praying for our son-in-law Dr. William Petit and for us. We are weak, but you are our strength and we covet that strength from the community of Christ.

Thank you and may God bless you all.

Richard and Marybelle Hawke