One of many Scripture songs Don wrote and recorded 

Stained glass window - the Village Seventh-day Adventist Church        College Place, Washington

F A T H E R,    I    H A V E    S I N N E D

   'Father, I have sinned against Heaven and in Your sight;

           I am no longer worthy to be called Your Son.'

But the Father said to His slaves,

          'Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on Him,

           and put a ring on His hand, and sandals on His feet;

           and bring the fattened calf, kill it,

           and let us eat and be merry;

      for this Son of Mine was dead, and has come to life again;

      He was lost, and has been found.'

                                                                                    Luke 15:21-24 NASB

  *** be sure to click on the audio link at the top

Julie and Mary Lou were classmates at PUC Prep '69.


Hi Mary Lou,

So sorry to hear of the loss of your husband.  What a touching remembrance of your love for him.  You are in our prayers.

Looking forward to seeing you at the reunion and visiting more.

Julie

On Jul 8, 2015, at 1:00 PM, Mary Lou Steinweg wrote:

Dear Imogene,   It was so special to talk and pray together today!  Thank you!   I believe you will enjoy and be blessed by this website - it is Don's memorial service in a sense!  Just click on the link and it will take you right to it.  When you see the photo slide show, if you just click on the photo then they will be bigger and easier to see!
  God be with you and your dear George!       Mary Lou 


On Jul 12, 2015, at 1:21 PM, Imogene Akers wrote:

Thank you so much for making these pictures available to me.  I enjoyed seeing all your family, especially since I knew your parents and their families, and had at least met your husband's mother several times in music activities at Andrews University years ago.  Your mom, Elora, and aunt, Marybel, may remember me better by my maiden name---Imogene Allen.   Again, I am sorry for your loss and send you my deepest sympathy.  If you ever have occasion to visit Collegedale and Southern, I would love to meet you.  God bless!

 

From: Elora Ford
To: Mary Lou Steinweg 
Sent: Thursday, July 9, 2015 7:18 AM

Did you note the number for the Forever Missed?

2944 at 5 this a.m.

My thought as to why the increase over night is that then is the time people can have a break from job, work, school, etc.

 

From: Mary Lou Steinweg
To: Elora Ford
Sent: Thursday, July 9, 2015 7:44 AM

Right you are - and another thought is that we have friends in Guam, Australia, Russia, Moldova, etc. for whom the NIGHT for us is the DAYTIME for them!!!

       Mary Lou 

 

Bonnie is Angela's Grandmother (Angela is Daniel's wife)

Mary Lou wrote:

It is 4 weeks since Don died.  I miss him greatly!  The Lord is sustaining me.  His Word is precious.  Family and friends have been so helpful.  We did not have a memorial service for Don - too much was happening, and our family had just been together at David & Bre’s wedding.  In lieu of a service, we are sharing the memorial website:

Bonnie answered:

Beautiful, you are still in our prayers.  Only time as you know and the Lord will help during this difficult time.  The pictures, scripture and music so nice.  Take care of yourself.
                             Bonnie

Wow, Mary Lou! 

That was incredible!  I, too, had never been a widow until March 19, 2012.  I was only 49 and Gary was 56.  He died of colon cancer.   I'm happy for you that you have so many wonderful memories of Don.  I wish you peace and happiness.   With love,

Patty

Dear Patty,   I didn't know that (I don't think Don did, either).  I just went last night to the very first grief support group through Hospice.  About 9 women there - many younger than I am.  A LOT of tears!!!  Did you go to a grief recovery group?   I want you to know that my heart goes out to you.  I wish I could give you a hug!!!  Does the pain ever get easier to bear???  How long were you and Gary married?

Did you know Don much at all?   BTW - how are you related to the Steinweg clan?  I love this Bible verse:  "He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds."  Psalm 147:3  (also see Isaiah 61:1)

    Mary Lou 

Hi Mary Lou,

My grandmother, Ruth Steinweg Krueger, is my connection.  My father was her oldest and only son, Walter William Krueger.  He would have been 82 at the end of this month.  I don't know Don at all.  I mostly know the Steinwegs that are of my parent's generation or my dad's aunts and uncles.   I never went to grief counseling although I should have.  Instead I relied on friends and family to listen to me.  I'm lucky to love so many people and be able to count on them.     Gary and I were married almost 16 years.  It was the 2nd for both of us. Everyone who knew us knew that we were a one-of-a-kind couple.  Most people don't find our kind of love ever.  We were so fortunate.  I guess that's how I've been able to deal with his death.  Just thankful that I ever knew him.  The pain lessens over time, but it doesn't go away.  Just has less intensity.  I was watching House Hunters today on HGTV and tears came to my eyes.  I still have to sob like once a month or so.  But, it's not several times daily, like it used to be.  I also talk out loud to Gary all the time, especially when I'm outdoors . . . his favorite place to be.  Hey!  I'll attach his obituary.  Then you can know us a little better.   Mary Lou, you have to give it a lot of time.  Don't expect anything and don't give yourself a time line.  Sounds like he was too wonderful to forget, just like Gary.  He deserves all the love you are feeling for him.  Embrace it and yourself.   With love and hugs!

Patty

OBITUARY FOR GARY

  
Gary Lee Bramblett, 56, passed away in Spicewood, TX, his home of nearly 20 years, on 19 March 2012.  Gary was born in Harriman, TN, on 29 August 1955 and became a caring husband and father who took on challenges and experienced joys with whole heart.  Those who survive him will remember his lust for life, a call to come alive for all who witnessed this in his devotion to family, friends, and the beauty of the scenic world.  Even his nearly seven-year fight with cancer offered him a window through which to inspire: his patience with being a patient reminds that it is possible to remain a man of great character despite great suffering.  He leaves behind a wife of 16 years, Patty Krueger, for whom he was – to paraphrase Auden – “North, South, East, and West”; a sister, Cynthia Craft of Maryville, TN; daughter, Kristen Bramblett of San Marcos; three adoring pets, Chaka, Daisy, and Mac the Dog; and many other family members and friends.  The timing of Gary’s passing, on the stormy eve of the vernal equinox, might be taken as a sign that his life will endure in our memory and in our continued recognition of his beloved world’s many blessings.  Truly, as Neruda wrote,

“You can cut all the flowers

                         but you cannot keep Spring from coming.”

 

Imogene Akers in the Seventh-day Adventist Church at Southern Adventist University giving the life sketch for the funeral of Carla Wearner (who died May 25, 2015)

 

 

Imogene, was a Takoma Academy classmate  -  of my Mom Elora (Mays) Ford, my Dad John Orland Ford ("Jack") and my Aunt Marybel (Mays) Palmer.  Imogene's husband, George, was also a classmate.  Later, Opha Mays ("Grandad" to Mary Lou) built two different homes for George and Imogene in Takoma Park, Maryland.

I found this dear passage on the internet, about the Akers  - written by Carolyn Williams Burns in 2010:

George & Imogene Akers - Collegedale, TN  - For me, this was the "icing on the cake." George Akers was the most influential person in my life, ever. Many times through the years I have remembered the values about God, family, duty and loving and appreciating ourselves that he tried to instill in us when we were students at SVA. When we called, their granddaughter, her husband and great grandchild were visiting them for a week. When I heard that, I had little hope of seeing them; but, was pleasantly surprised that they would have time for us to take them to lunch and spend an entire afternoon visiting with them. It was a fantastic visit - lots of laughter, memories and catching up to do. Being with them is like being wrapped in a warm blanket or having God put his arms around you. Comfortable, caring and inspiring. They have a lovely house in a retirement community.

Imogene and George are no strangers to sorrow, as their first born son, Douglas Allen Akers, 51, of Berrien Springs, died on Nov. 10, 2001, at Lakeland Hospital, St. Joseph Michigan, following a battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) -- (the very same type of leukemia that took my dear husband Don's life.)

When I recently phoned Imogene out of the blue, she had company, but she re-arranged her time to spend some special moments with me.  She shared a kind prayer with me and the following encouraging and profound words!

 

A big hole in our lives.

A big hope in our hearts. 

 

 

                   Thank you, Imogene!                    Lovingly,    Mary Lou

 

Gloria is Philip's daughter.  She and her Uncle Don were close friends.

 

Thank you very much for writing. It's hard to believe it has already been a month. I probably cant even imagine loosing someone like you have. I'm glad you had many good years with uncle Don camping, traveling the world, eating, singing. I'm sure he would want you to remember him as he was living. And that those memories meant the world to him also! We are praying for you, and will call when we can. . .
  Gloria

Mary Lynn is an excellent massage therapist who has helped me through many difficulties.  Thank you, Mary Lynn!


Hi,

My heart is touched by your loss of Don.

You continue to be in my prayers.

May you continue to feel Jesus presence and love for you. Hugs! 

Mary Lynn

 

Pastor Dave & his wife Laura and their Back to Enoch Ministry.

www.backtoenoch.org

 

Hi Mary Lou,

Our prayers are with you.May God comfort you in a very special way right now, and give you courage to stand strong so that you will be part of that great reunion morning. God bless!
Dave

 

Dear Pastor Dave,

Thank you for your kind words and your prayers.   I enjoy receiving your information, and trust that you and Laura and your daughter are well & praising God.

I pray for you by name every morning on my prayer walk.  Your sermons have been such a blessing to me!

God be with you!

        Mary Lou 

Bill Adams is a classmate from PUC Prep '65

 

Mary Lou,

I am so sorry to read of your great loss. His memorial tells of a wonderful God-fearing man. So comforting that we have the hope of the resurrection. You will be in my prayers.

Jim tells me that you will be at the Prep 50 yr celebration. Hope to see you there.

Bill Adams

Lorraine, along with Lucy, Sylvia, and Daniel, are the children of Morris and Virginia Butler.  The whole family have been  friends of Mary Lou and her family since childhood!


Dear Mary Lou,

Thank you for sending the explanations on using the website.  Since I don't know much about how to use a lot of things on the computer, I just try to at least read or hear what's there.  And I never met Don, so really can't add anything personal about him.  But if I find something that would be meaningful to you at this time of grief, I'll surely send it.  And be assured that I pray for you and your boys.

Here's a quote that I was enjoying this morning that may encourage you too.

Love you,

Lorraine 

"You can baffle the great enemy by speaking words in season to those around you. You can meet his temptations with words of Scripture, and you will thereby become strengthened. You will thus be perfecting characters that will prepare you for a transfer to the future, immortal life, where there will be no danger of being overcome by a tempting devil."
 

The Wisconsin Recorder, September 15, 1909 par. 7 

 

This is from J. Lee S, one of the prisoners at Washington State Penitentiary:

 

If you save one life, it is as if you have saved the entire world.

                                                                                                  Talmud Teachings

Your kindness and caring Don, saved my sanity, and has kept me sane.

For that, I am thankful.

For your life-saving work Praise the Lord!

I will see you again, my Brother.

My love to you and the family.

Mark Trethewey is a talented musician using his gifts to glorify God.  Especially wonderful has been the privilege of collaborating to give musical programs at various prisons!  This song, "He's Forgiven Me" is one of my favorites.  Mark and I would sing it to the prisoners and the Holy Spirit brought conviction not only to their hearts, but to my heart as well!  Thank the Lord for His forgiveness!

Hello Mary Lou,

I am sorry to hear of Don's passing away.  As you know, I never had the privilege of meeting him but after reading through his history you posted on his memorial, he sounded like a great person and a seriously devoted child of God.  Sorry this is so late.  I'm not good at posting things on websites and wasn't sure so I just kept procrastinating.  Just know you are thought of during this time.

Resurrection morning will be so wonderful!

God bless,

Mark Trethewey

Gail Selby Aagard was a classmate of Mary Lou's both in nursing - PUC '67, and in home economics - PUC '69.

 

Mary Lou,

So sad to read that your sweet husband died. My thoughts and prayers are with you each day as you travel this new road of widowhood. Earl and I were at your wedding all those years ago and I know you had a rich, loving life together. I still get out the old photos from nursing school now and then and have a wonderful one of us all tearing and burning our nursing uniforms, remember that?!

Anyway, know that I am thinking of you and sending you love and thoughts of comfort daily.

Hugs,

Gail

Violet is one of Blanche's sisters - Blanche was Bob's lovely wife who died.

Mary Lou

I am so sorry to hear about Don death and my heart goes out to you It is awesome that God spared him long enough to be at the wedding.

With love. Violet

Evonne is the wife of Bill Richards, who was a classmate at SMC with Don in the accounting field.

Mary Lou,

Thanks for letting us know about Don's death. We are so sorry for your loss and pray that Jesus will come soon to reunite us with our loved ones. I appreciated you singing a scripture song for me, and it reminded me that I've wanted to put some on my iPhone to enjoy during my time on the road so I began searching and found Fountainview Academy's site with 250 scripture songs.

http://fountainofmusic.ca/scripturesinger/index.php

Your call encouraged me to move it to top priority, and now I'll be thinking of you and Don whenever I listen to those songs.   We will be praying that God will remain close to you during this time.

Evonne (& Bill)

 

Carmela works with the Discover Bible School, and is such a help to send diplomas to the prisoners to whom Mom and I send Bible Studies.  Thank you, Carmela!

Hi Mary Lou,

I am so sorry for your loss.  May the Lord grant you peace that passes understanding.    Looking forward to that great day where we will be reunited.   God bless you and your family.

                                                                    Carmela

Magdalena Dan is a true medical missionary as she leads out in Lifestyle Sanitariums in the countries of Moldova and Romania.  Blessings on you and yours!

My dearest Mary Lou,

I never understood how hard death hurts until I lost my father. You comforted me in my loss but I feel inadequate how to comfort you .  Your worm,  heartfelt phone call meant so much to me. 

Since your brother told me about Don's  illness I kept both of you in my prayers.

Now I pray that God will grace you with His love, care, compassion, comfort and healing!

With much love,

Magdalena

Brooke always has a smile and a kind word as she assists Dave Tupper in the physical therapy office.  Don, Mary Lou, and Mom Ford all were blessed by both Brooke and Dave.  Thank you much!

Hi Mary Lou,

 

Thank you for sending this link to Don’s memorial site. I didn’t know him for long but was enriched by his strength, courage and outlook on life. He was so kind. Praying for peace and strength for you.

 

Thank you again!

  Brooke

 

Dr. and Mrs. Roth are Larry's parents (Nora's husband). 

 

Dear Mary Lou,

We are so sorry to hear of Don’s passing.  We know this is a very difficult time for you, but we are grateful that his life was extended well beyond what was expected.  We are especially mindful of your faithfulness in caring for Don during this long illness and have deep respect for your dedication.  You must be very tired. We very much look forward to the resurrection morning. 

“Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: They shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.” Isa. 51:11.  That is good news.

With deep love from both of us,

Lenore and Ariel Roth

Sue Wente is one of Don's cousins.

 

Dear MaryLou,

Thank  you SO much for sending the memories of Don for us!  I really enjoyed seeing all the pictures as well as the videos, though the later ones were very sad.  I talked with Linda (Steffens) our daughter and she really enjoyed seeing them. too.  Thank you for including us, we appreciate it very much.  It had been years since we had seen Don, as he was away when we visited you in Kentucky a few years ago.  But I did send him some of the materials from my father, Richard’s memorial and he seemed to be pleased to get them.  I don’t know if I have any pictures of Don to share with you or not, but do remember having a lovely one of you and he together, it may have been sent with a wedding invitation or announcement.  Anyway you would already have that one.  It seems evident that you were very loved by Don, MaryLou, and visa versa, so I can only imagine how much you must be hurting.  I don’t know if you remember that my husband, Forrest, also has leukemia, but a different type than Don had.  He has chronic lymphatic leukemia.  He was diagnosed in 2001 and has had no treatment for over nine years now.  God has blessed!  Did Don have any treatment for his leukemia, or is there any treatment available for Myloid leukemia?  I am glad that you have support at this time with your family, they must  be a real blessing.  And so nice that Ann could come to be with you.  I so much enjoyed talking with you last Sabbath and that you remembered us after we talked a bit.

Did you get the link to the program on 3ABN that I sent you?  Such incredible information—we may just be in the generation that is alive when Jesus comes!  May God come preciously near to you at this sad time for you and your family, and lets keep in touch.

In His love and ours,
Sue (Don’s cousin) and Forrest

Ruth is a dear sister in Christ!  Thank you, Ruth.

6-14-15

I am so sorry for your loss. May God comfort you and your family in this sad time.

Praying for you.

Ruth Qualls

 

 Dear Mary Lou,             7-7-15

Thanks for sharing. The photos are so beautiful. May God continue to sustain you and carry you through this difficult journey. His grace is sufficient—always.

Love and prayers.

 Ruth Qualls

It is from Jackie that we obtain the beautiful Divine Messages calendars to mail to the incarcerated men & women who are part of ~The Word~ prison ministry.

I am sorry. And my prayers are with you   Jackie Moore

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Tom Amato - PUC Prep academy classmate '65

Good morning Mary Lou,

 My thoughts and prayers are with you and you Family!

 

  Always,   Tom

 

Sandy Yarlott Mason was a good friend in the PUC Prep class of 1965.  (she still is a good friend . . .)  She & Mary Lou, along with Cindy, Barbie, Connie, and Heather were those who sang together in the  "SENIOR SEXTET".  We are hoping to have another privilege to sing together when we are at the 50th reunion of our class of 1965 - Septemeber 11-13, 2015.  See you there, OK???

 

Dear Mary Lou,

My heart so goes out to you. What a wonderful tribute to your husband. You are in my prayers.

  Love,

  Sandy

Peggy Ruedi RN,worked with Mary Lou in the NICU at NorthBay Medical Center in Fairfield, CA.  She was involved right from the beginning in looking at photos of children waiting for adoption.  She was so impressed with two brothers - Sasha and Yura.  Sure enough, those two boys became our precious sons.  Peggy and her husband Rob (a pilot with UPS at the time) were such good friends!

Mary Lou, thank you for including me among those you notified about Don’s death.  I did know he was ill because I had a brief exchange updating me on the family when Daniel and Angela were planning their wedding.  I know how much you and Don meant to each other.  I can’t imagine what this time is like for you. Enjoyed is a strange word to use regarding Don’s memorial website, but i did enjoy seeing your family pictures.  I’m so glad Don got to see both his sons’ weddings and the fine men they’ve become. You look like the same, Mary Lou. Your mom is amazing.  

  Just to update you.  Jason is now a lt. colonel in the Marines.  He and his wife are presently en route to Okinawa for 3 years with our grandson.  Jason has had a wonderful career.  We are sad because Okinawa is a long ways off.  Chris is married and is a police officer in Oceanside.  He has 2 sons, ages 6 and 3.  The younger son was born with Tetralogy of Fallot.  He’s OK but not perfect and will require additional repair at some point.  Rob and I are aging.  We have some health issues, but are, so far, managing.   Again, Mary Lou, my heart is heavy for you, but I do know you have your faith.  God is good.  

Peggy

Robert Howson - a classmate at PUC Prep '65

Hi Mary Lou,

So sorry to hear of your recent loss.  It's never easy does not do justice to the occasion.  Thank you for including us in the circle of friends you reached out to.   The memorial you created was beautifully done and a tribute to one who was clearly loved.  We didn't know Don at all, but from what I've read here, he must have been an amazing individual.  What would we do without the blessed hope?  It would be a pretty cold world out there if the here and now was all that we had to look forward to, but it's nice to know Someone has gone before us and made the guarantee a surety.

God bless, Mary Lou.

Robert Howson

 

Pastor Lloyd Perrin - Milton-Freewater Seventh-day Adventist Church

Mary Lou,

Just read this on-line memorial for your dear husband. Only have a moment... but wanted to quickly tell you that I am looking forward to Jesus' soon return for one more reason--the resurrection of your dear husband.   May God continue to bless with His peace as you wait for the "trumpet" call of God when the dead in Christ are raised.

Your brother in "the blessed hope,"

 Pastor Lloyd

Amy Steinweg, one of Philip's daughters, had a special love for her Uncle Don - and he for her!

 

Here is the last scripture that Uncle Don shared on Facebook (at least that I received) before he passed away June 7, 2015 from Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

I have been comforted today as I have read through the scriptures he shared.  Amy

 

  Don Steinweg May 28 

 

Psalms 12:5 ``Because of the devastation of the Afflicted, because of the groaning of the Needy, Now I will arise," says the LORD; ``I will set Him in the safety for which He longs." (NASB - sent from CadreBible) 

It is wonderful that the Lord responds to the call.   And another one that really spoke to my heart this morning   Don Steinweg May 18   Psalms 28:7 The LORD is My strength and My shield; in Him My heart trusts, and I am helped; My heart exults, and with My song I give thanks to Him. (ESV - sent from CadreBible) 

When our hearts trust in Him, then we are helped.

May all our hearts be helped and comforted as we trust in Jesus and grieve Uncle Don. Love, Amy

Ladeen Ring is one of Marlene's sisters.

 

Dear, dear, Mary Lou, Marlene told me when you went with Hospice. and when he passed.  I am SO SORRY.  I HOPE this doesn't seem impersonal.  I keep forgetting to get a snail card.  Jamie delivered  Love and hugs

G M Freeman is truly a "watchman on the walls of Zion" - sounding a warning regarding apostasy coming right into the midst of God's church.

 

Words are so inadequate at a time like this, Mary Lou. My deepest sympathy to you on your loss of your life's companion. My wife's name is also Mary Lou and one of her favorite quotes is the one from Thanatopsis that you quoted on the website.

I can't even imagine what it would be like to lose my companion of nearly 66 years. May the Good Lord comfort you during this most difficult time.

Kaye Helbley and Mary Lou worked together as nurses on unit 7100 (the chest surgery unit) back in 1970's - Gwen Bauer/Oliver was there, too, and what an exciting time that was indeed!  Now we value friendship with Ben and Kaye, Don and Gwen, which has lasted for many years!

Mary Lou, 

What a nice tribute to Don and your outpouring of love to him.    I'm hoping to call you today or over the weekend if you are available.  I have commitments mid day today.  Praying for you and the family.  Love and Happy Sabbath,

 Kaye

 

 

The Krums - Roger, Amy, Nathan Don and Alyssa Joy, are missionaries for Jesus and His truth on the island of Guam.  Please pray for them especially!  Our families have enjoyed many wonderful times together - especially in nature!

Dear Aunt Mary Lou,

It was so nice to hear your voice yesterday. I am so glad to know you have Aunt Ann to spend time with right now. I know that must be a comfort to both of you.  As soon as I hung up, Nathan and Alyssa and I said a special prayer for you.   The electricity went out yesterday about the time I would have called you back, so I was not able to call you, since neither of my phones work without electricity.    It is almost 3 am here, early Sabbath morning. Don't know why I couldn't sleep. I just got off the memorial site for Uncle Don. Thank you for taking time to post the pictures, videos and stories.  I was blessed, and able to grieve a little. Remember I am praying for you.

    I love you so much!

                                          Amy

Don Casebolt, MD, was a classmate of Mary Lou's father, John O. Ford, MD, at Loma Linda School of Medicine  1953b.  Now he and his new bride, Donna, live in nearby Walla Walla, and we thank them for their continued friendship.

Dear Mary Lou, 

Unfortunately I never had the privilege of meeting your husband but I can truthfully say I can sympathize with you having lost on March 23 ,2012 my wife from Lou Gehrig's disease after 63 1/2 years of marriage. She has been missed but I have the same hope of the resurrection that you have.  I praise the Lord for the great Adventist message that gives us such peace and hope in times like these. Your brother in Chrsit.   Don Casebolt

Susan is the special nurse from hospice who worked with Don and me from when we first joined hospice, through our trip to Sacramento, and then up to now as I am adjusting to this huge change!  Thank you, Susan!

Thank you so much for sharing this with me…….Susan

Elmira keeps the office humming for Charles Wheeling and Inspiration Books East.  Praise the Lord for the work of that ministry!

So sorry to hear of the loss of your dear husband and friend!  I don’t know what we would do without the promises we have in the Bible!  How thankful I am that we understand death, sleeping and the resurrection!  God be with you as you face each day.

Love

Elmira    and the staff of Inspiration Books

The Butler family and the Ford family go way back  to  the childhood of the children of whom Mary Lou was one, and Lorraine was another.  Many happy memories.

Dear Mary Lou,

Thank you for sharing this site with all of us.  My tears are falling even as I write, only partly understanding how you must feel right now.  But Jesus does understand fully, and I'm asking Him to wrap His arms around you as you grieve.  One day soon all sorrow will be past, and you can be reunited with both Don and your dear daddy.  My prayers are with you, and your family.  I don't need a reply right now.  You have enough on your plate for a while.  But let's stay in touch.  I love you and wish I could give you a big hug right now.

Have a blessed Sabbath,

Lorraine

Mary Lou was re-baptized by Pastor Mike Foraker  in the Columbia, Kentucky, Seventh-day Adventist Church on 12-31-04 Friday evening, New Year's Eve.  We also were blessed by a Holy Communion Service at that time. 

Dear Mary Lou:

We extend our sympathy to you on the passing of your husband Don.  You and your family are in our prayers.

Tomorrow afternoon after preaching in Owensboro in the morning I will be returning to my old church in Columbia

KY to conduct the funeral service for Ruth Ann Williams who passed two days ago.

We will be heading to a new to us three church District in the Nashville TN area in about a month.

We wish you God’s comfort in your time of loss

Jude 1:24  Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

 

Michael Foraker

 

Julia Tyack is a friend of the Ford family since many years.  She stayed with us in our home in Kentucky, and baked such luscious biscuits.  She lives in Australia and has a large medical complex  tyackhealth.com.au

 

6-12-15

Dear Mary Lou,  Thank  you for including me in this email.  Our love and prayers go out to you at this time.  What a inspiring on line tribute to remember Don  as he was.  The boys have grown and having them at this time must be special.  May enough strength be  yours to come through this loss and support your mother in her decline.

Love you Mary Lou

with fond memories.  Julia

 

7-7-15

Thanks Mary Lou for including me again.  Life can be very tough and it is hard to know how the human spirit keeps sustained.  You do need time to grieve and remember.  This memorial website is a lovely way to celebrate Don’s life and connect with so many who are feeling for you.  I think of your Mum daily as I know she has been quite unwell.

Love you,  Julia

Pastor John Bradshaw was head pastor of the Village Church here in College Place several years ago.  I had the great joy of being blessed by his godly sermons.  Another privilege was accompanying him to visit various prisoners in the Washington State Penitentiary.  He is a man of God and I pray for him every morning!

Dear Mary Lou

I’m so sorry to hear of this sad news.  Thank you for letting me know.  The Bible so accurately describes death as an enemy.  But it also says it will one soon day be defeated, and we have been given the promise of the resurrection and life eternal.  The Lord is so gracious, and even the grief we experience reminds us of that.

I shall be praying for you.  You are well acquainted with the blessing of the presence of Jesus, and in days and weeks to come you will experience much of Jesus’ closeness.

May God bless and keep you.

In the blessed hope,

Pastor John Bradshaw

 

Cindy Tutsch is a good friend of both Mary Lou and Bob.  How we appreciate her, and also her son Mikki!

 

Mary Lou,
 
I did not know this sorrowful news.
 
May our Lord Jesus sustain you in the lonely weeks and months ahead.
 
Our God cares--and so do your friends.
 
With loving thoughts and caring,
 
Cindy

 

I'm very sorry for your loss Mary Lou :(    God bless     Aileen Anileen

 

Cindy Lockwood was a student at Pacific Union College Prep School in Mary Lou's class of 1965

Dear Mary Lou,   I am really saddened to hear about Don. I didn't have the opportunity to get to know him. Your beautiful memorial to him and the comments made tells a story of a man well loved by you, his family, and friends.  I know he will be greatly missed!   I hope you draw comfort by the many prayers and love surrounding you!   Will look forward to seeing you in September to give you a big hug!   Lovingly,

Cindy (Nelson) Lockwood

Shirley Heisey is a violinist with whom Mary Lou has the privilege of playing piano - especially wonderful in various prisons!


Dear Mary Lou,   My heart aches with yours.  We can know all the promises.  We can know that God is right there beside us.  But there still remains the pain, the void where Love once reigned.    Well, it still does...only the Object of our love is missing, creating a gaping hole.  That hole feels like NOTHING can ever fill it.  In one way, that is true, because our missing members truly are ForeverMissed.   But there IS One so big, so caring, so much more than every need, that He can fill your heart--share your heart--with the one you love and miss.    Time will not erase the wonderful memories of times together, nor completely erase the pain of loss.  But that sense of loss will be eased by the knowledge that time is SHORT.  Therefore, the pain will be short, before restoration of loves and reunion in the perfect world.  Look to the Future with HOPE.   Whatever may have been, remember that the Father sees everything in a Divine Light, not through Human Eyesight.  If you must direct anger for the sense of loss, remember that SATAN is the Destroyer.  Bible says so!  And GOD is the RESTORER, the HEALER, the COMFORTER...you name the need, and HE is the GIVER of all good things.   Everything is so fresh right now, that it may be too soon, but I would love to drop by and pray with you, and give you a hug. You can let me know if and when.

Love you, Friend.  

Shirley

Ken Ogle was a student at PUC Prep in 1964/1965 when Mary Lou & Bob attended.

Dear MaryLou,

I was talking with Jim Clfton on the phone yesterday and he shared your loss.  Please accept our heartfelt sympathies on the loss of your husband.  Bobbie and I are praying that you find solace in the comfort our Lord can provide.

With Love,

Ken & Bobbie

Elizabeth is the wife of Bryan, Philip Steinweg's only son.  (Philip is Don's only brother)

Thought these words from Desire of Ages would be comforting to you this morning. (((Hugs)))

Satan was permitted to cut short the earthly life of God’s messenger; but that life which “is hid with Christ in God,” the destroyer could not reach. Colossians 3:3. He exulted that he had brought sorrow upon Christ, but he had failed of conquering John. Death itself only placed him forever beyond the power of temptation. In this warfare, Satan was revealing his own character. Before the witnessing universe he made manifest his enmity toward God and man.

Though no miraculous deliverance was granted John, he was not forsaken. He had always the companionship of heavenly angels, who opened to him the prophecies concerning Christ, and the precious promises of Scripture. These were his stay, as they were to be the stay of God’s people through the coming ages. To John the Baptist, as to those that came after him, was given the assurance, “Lo, I am with you all the days, even unto the end.” Matthew 28:20

God never leads His children otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the end from the beginning, and discern the glory of the purpose which they are fulfilling as co-workers with Him. Not Enoch, who was translated to heaven, not Elijah, who ascended in a chariot of fire, was greater or more honored than John the Baptist, who perished alone in the dungeon. “Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake.” Philippians 1:29. And of all the gifts that Heaven can bestow upon men, fellowship with Christ in His sufferings is the most weighty trust and the highest honor. Desire of Ages  224

From Elizabeth Steinweg

Dear Mary Lou: I love this poem. Sing it to the tune of Finlandia by Sibelius. It brings me comfort and I know it will you, too. We are praying for you.

Love,

Arline

         Be Still My Soul

Be still, my soul!  the Lord is on thy side;

Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;

Leave to thy God to order and provide;

In every change He faithful will remain.

Be still, my soul!  thy best,  thy heavenly Friend

Thro’ thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

 

Be still, my soul! thy God doth undertake

To guide the future as He has the past.

Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;

All now mysterious shall be bright at last.

Be still, my soul!  the waves and winds still know

His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.

 

Be still, my soul! the hour is hastening on

When we shall be forever with the Lord,

When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,

Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.

Be still, my soul! when change and tears are past,

All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

 

Trusting Jesus

Simply trusting every day,

Trusting through a stormy way;

Even when my faith is small,

Trusting Jesus – that is all.

 

Brightly doth His Spirit shine

Into this poor heart of mine.

While He leads I cannot fall,

Trusting Jesus – that is all.

 

Singing if my way is clear,

Praying if the path be drear;

If in danger, for  Him call,

Trusting Jesus – that is all.

 

Trusting Him while life shall last,

Trusting Him till earth be past;

Till within the jasper wall,

Trusting Jesus – that is all.

 

Refrain

Trusting as the moments fly,

Trusting as the days go by;

Trusting Him what e’er befall,

Trusting Jesus – that is all.

 

Jon Kattenhorn, MD  is a good friend of Bob and Mary Lou beginning back in Loma Linda, CA when the men were in med school and ML was a NICU nurse.

Hi ML,

My sister Anne sent me the notice from the paper about the loss of your dear Don. I was shocked to read it and am so sorry for your loss. None of us can know your grief, but know that we are praying for you and your boys during this difficult time. What a blessing we have such hope and promise of a wonderful future!

I happen to be in Loma Linda this weekend with our kids and grandkids. So fun! Headed back home tomorrow.

Pray and be strong!

Thinking of you all,

Jon

 

Sandy and Myrna were classmates with Mary Lou at PUC Prep, class of '65

Hi Mary Lou,

I am so sorry you are going through this. I and others are praying for you.   I was blessed by speaking with you Sabbath.   Blessings,   Sandy

 

Hi Mary Lou,

You have been on my mind and I've been praying for you since Sabbath when Jim Clifton told me that Don is very near the end. I'm so sorry to hear that. And how is your mother? Such a heavy load for you.

We might be coming over to see our kids sometime next week. Hopefully we can get together.

Do your sons live near you?

God bless,

Myrna