Obituaries

M. Loren Carlisle, aged 74, went to his heavenly home on Thursday, February 3, 2022. He was a beloved husband, father, papa, brother, uncle, friend, a respected businessman, and a steadfast believer in his Savior, Jesus Christ. Beloved son of Dorothy (Fimple) Carlisle and Marion J. Carlisle, Loren was a lifetime resident of Colon, MI. He grew up on his family’s centennial farm and attended Colon High School. Loren excelled as an offensive and defensive Guard for the football team and was an accomplished cornet player in the Colon High School Band.

He graduated from Greenville College, Greenville, IL, in 1970 with a degree in social work. He then attended Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, KY from 1970 to 1971. He served in the Michigan National Guard for seven years. Loren was a farmer at heart but was employed by MI Farm Bureau Services in Mendon, MI and later by Michigan Farm Bureau Insurance where he served as the Three Rivers agent for over 35 years. Throughout his career as a trusted insurance advisor, Loren had a passion for serving his customers. In his role with Farm Bureau, he provided insurance for this life and through the love and grace of Jesus, he offered assurances for the next life for anyone open to the Gospel message.

Loren married Gwen (Barrett) Carlisle of Cambridge, NE on December 27, 1969. They welcomed twin daughters, Vanessa Ruth (Carlisle) West and Vonda Lynell (Carlisle) Bryce in March 1974. Their family was completed with the birth of Elizabeth Dorothea (Carlisle) Hooley in May 1984. Loren is survived by his loving wife, devoted daughters; Vanessa West (Michael), Vonda Bryce (Eric), Elizabeth Hooley (Dan) and seven grandchildren: Mikaela Ruth, Savoie Rose, Ethan Loren, Lola Lynell, Emmelene Barrett, Truman Bruce and Lyle Levi. He is also survived by his sister, Martha Jane (Carlisle) (Rice) Barton and niece, Ruth (Rice) Anderson (Philip Anderson; children Hannah and Abigail) and nephew, James Rice (Carole). He has one cousin, Carol Jean (Levin) Malovey and her husband Edward Malovey. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, brother-in-law, Jack Barton and three grandchildren born into heaven. It is a comfort to the family that Loren passed away at his farm; his love for his family farm was only surpassed by his love for his family.

Elizabeth Evelyn Owsley, M.A. in Religious Education ’47, aged 102, went home to heaven on February 10, 2022, at Heritage Health in Carlinville, Illinois. She was born on May 15, 1919, on the family farm in York Township, Van Wert County. She was a breech baby delivered by her father before the doctor arrived. Her early education was at York School in Jonestown, where she graduated from high school.

She attended the former Karr Business College in Van Wert. While in Van Wert she worked several retail jobs as well as at the former Borden Cheese Factory and did secretarial work at the Van Wert County Extension office. Her secretarial skills helped her work her way through college. She received her undergraduate degree from Taylor University. She attended New York Biblical for one year. In 1946, she transferred to Asbury Theological Seminary where she completed her master’s degree in religious education. While at Asbury she met a fellow student, Clarence Torrie Owsley, Jr. from Alamosa, Colorado. They united in marriage on June 28, 1947. After their marriage they pastored four churches in Mercer County.

Their first posting as missionaries was to Port au Prince, Haiti , from 1950-51. Their first son Philip was born in Haiti. While she was in the hospital giving birth, Clarence had his Jeep stolen out from under him and made his way back to the city where his wife and baby were in the hospital. In 1952 they began their work in Brazil under the Oriental Missionary Society (now renamed One Mission Society), where they were pioneer missionaries. While serving under OMS they lived in Maringa, Campinas, Londrina, and Sao Paulo. Brazil where their second son Paul was born. They also lived in Van Wert, Wichita, KS, and Wilmore, KY.

Under the Free Methodist Mission they lived in Winona Lake, where their third son Lewis Daniel was born. They served in Sao Paulo, Brazil at the Mirandopolis, Vila Morais, and Vila Galvao Churches, as well as the cities of Neves Paulista and Mairipora. In the States they served a Free Methodist pastorate in Arcola, Illinois (1980-83).

After retirement in 1986 they served the Hillsdale Free Methodist Church in Hillsdale, Michigan as ministers of visitation. They also served in Brazil as short term missionaries. After their re-retirement they volunteered at the Van Wert County Pregnancy Life Center and hosted a weekly prayer and Bible study. They also translated letters for a Brazilian Children’s home.

Clarence entered heaven in Dec. of 2011. Elizabeth carried on alone and even into her 90s gave morning devotionals to nursing home patients and occasionally sitting with the dying. She filled in for the chaplain when needed. Elizabeth was an expert cook and hosted many guests for meals or overnight in Brazil and the States.

Elizabeth is survived by her sons, Philip (Chris) Owsley of New Berlin, WI, Paul (Marsha) Owsley of Chesterfield, IL, and Dan (Hope) Owsley, of Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil, South America; her remaining brother Fred (Judy) Good of Charlotte, MI, and a sister-in-law Marilyn Owsley of Alamosa, CO.

She also leaves behind 10 grandchildren, Mary Beth (Ben) Kessler, Laura (Joe) Tregellas, Polly (Mike) Wallis, Peter (Becky) Owsley, Jessamy (Dominic) Matarelli, Clark Owsley, Steven Owsley, David Owsley, Nathan (Megan) Owsley, and Andrew Owsley; 15 great-grandchildren, Delphina and Paxton Kessler, Tye and Eliza Tregellas, Brendon and Kyle Wallis, Haley, Andy, and Owen Owsley, Samuel, Benjamin, Georgia, Vanessa, Teddy, and Leo Matarelli. She was also loved by numerous nieces and nephews. Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents, Lewis and Dora Good; her brothers, Byron H. Good (Helen), Paul L. Good (Alice), Don Good (Jane), and her husband Clarence T. Owsley, Jr.

John Lee Prater, M.Div. ’67, aged 82, a 14-year resident of Newton, went to be with Jesus on January 11, 2022 in San Antonio, TX. Born in Granite City, Illinois on February 28, 1939 to Roy J and Doris M (Hensley) Prater, he was preceded in death by his parents, a brother James, and a sister Helen.

He is survived by his wife, Eloise (Crum) Prater; sons, Timothy (Rhonda) Prater and James (Patti) Prater; grandchildren, Elise, Kayla, and McKenna; and several foster children and grandchildren.

John’s love for the Lord led to a lifelong career as a pastor and missionary. He loved people and supporting his community through volunteer work. His career culminated with work as a civilian Chief Chaplain for the Veterans Administration Medical Centers in Des Moines, Chicago, and Prescott, AZ.

Howard Reynolds, aged 84, dearly loved husband, father, grandfather and pastor passed peacefully Saturday, February 19, 2022 at his home in Lexington, KY. A United Methodist pastor for over 40 years, Howard was born in Lexington, KY on June 9, 1937 to Jacob Owen and Lucille Howard Reynolds. Following his mother’s death, his father later married Winnifred S. Reynolds. He was raised between a family farm in Versailles and in Lexington. He attended military high school at Baylor School in Chattanooga, TN and later attended Dennison University. Howard went on to attend seminary at Yale during which he served for a year in Scotland. He then returned to the Kentucky Conference as an ordained pastor.

In 1972 he married Diana “Dee” Sue Bowen Reynolds. They welcomed three children-Winifred, Chilton & Owen. Through his career in the Kentucky Conference he served 7 churches: Grace United Methodist (Newport), Nicholasville First United Methodist, Centenary United Methodist (Ashland), Christ Church United Methodist (Lexington), London First United Methodist, Winchester First United Methodist, and Advance United Methodist (Flatwoods).

Together, he & Dee were very involved in each church and community they served. Along with his pastoral responsibilities, Howard served as a member of the board of the Kentucky United Methodist Children’s Home, as well as other boards and agencies. He mentored Asbury Seminary students, and enjoyed hosting international students, among many other involvements. He also enjoyed his involvement with United Methodist Women, especially teaching in their mission schools. After his retirement, they enjoyed traveling to visit family and friends.

Howard was an avid reader, an intelligent and interesting person, a gentle and kind soul, with a witty sense of humor. He loved the UK Wildcats!

He is preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Marianna Abney. Along with his beloved wife Dee, Howard is survived by: step-daughter Belinda Eisner, Wini (Jeff) Moran, Chilton (Margot) Reynolds, and Owen Reynolds; grandchildren: Tim Eisner, Nikki LeBouef, Mia Harris, Drew Moran, Ty Moran, Sid Reynolds, Grace Moran, Jefferson Moran, Rachel Moran, Rebekah Moran, Vivi Moran, Monica Womack, Henry Reynolds and Charlotte Reynolds; as well as 6 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. He will be dearly missed by many more extended family and friends.

Doris Fitz Shennum, aged 88, passed away Sunday, Jan. 23, 2022, surrounded by loved ones. Doris was born in Fairmont, Minn., to Howard and Anna (Groth) Fitz. Doris Shennum’s love of life didn’t come to an end with her death, her loved ones will continue to honor her legacy by remembering her full life.

Doris completed her bachelor’s degree at Gustavus Adolphus College, attended Asbury Theological Seminary, and graduate school at the University of Kentucky. Doris loved walking with friends, journaling and writing poetry. As an administrator involved in community-based work, she loved helping others and her pleasant personality was contagious to everyone she met. Doris is survived by her children, Laurie (Tony) DelGrosso, Jean Mueller, Margo Selski, Joe Mueller (Andrea Kish); grandchildren, Matheo, Nikolai and Tatianna Selski, Sean and Christina DelGrosso; sister, Finnette Walker; niece, Jane Adamski; other nieces and nephews; extended family, Nelson Hurtado and Marie Tran; and special friend, Ken Byerly. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Owen and wife Rita, Zane and wife Marjorie, and David; sister, Bettye Fitz and husband Joe Watson, and brother-in-law, Al Walker.

Elder John Short III, aged 70, son of the late John Dunbar Short II and Nettie Kendrick Short passed away at 10:53 am Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at the Hosparus Inpatient Care Center in Louisville. Born April 27, 1951 in Harrodsburg he is survived by his wife Aubrey A. (Kinzer) Short; four sons Terence D. (Tiffany) Yeast and Nicholas (Britta) Short both of Harrodsburg, Marvin Kinzer of Elizabethtown and Marcel Western of Louisville; one daughter Yolanda (Remont) Mays; two sisters Barbara (Larry) Hudson of Lawrenceburg and Janice Bryant Carter of Atlanta; twelve grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

He attended Westside from 1957 until it closed in 1962, graduated from Harrodsburg High School in 1969 and continued his education by attending, Lexington Technical Institute, Somerset Community, Kentucky State University, Lexington Baptist College, North American School of Theology, Masters study in Christian Leadership at Asbury Seminary and received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Marketing from Ray University. He retired from General Cable Company after working from 1975 to 1999 where he held the positions of Statistical Engineering Clerk, Production Control Scheduler, Production Control Manager, Purchasing Manager, and after his retirement consulted for General Cable Corporate headquarters as Supply Chain Manager, Supplier Developer and in several plants in Materials Management, Personnel needs, and waste management. John started his second career in health care where he has held positions in Home Health as Community Education Preceptor and Account Executive, and Assistant Administrator for Bluegrass Care and rehab, Vice President of Operations for Recovery Care a subsidiary of senior Helpers, Vice President of Operations for Council Oaks Assisted Living and In Home Care and Executive Director for Exceeding Expectation.

He joined the ministry on October 1, 1989 under the pastorate of Rev. L.L. Garr after which he accepted the call to be interim Pastor of Centennial Baptist Church in August 1990 and became full-time Pastor in July 2017. Elder Short was very civic minded having served in many capacities such as the Mercer NAACP as President, Danville/Boyle NAACP, Harrodsburg Jaycee’s, Harrodsburg Independent School Board as Board Chair, Harrodsburg First, YMCA, Danville/Boyle Circuit Court Council, Spouse Abuse Council, Chaplain of Danville/Boyle Detention Center, Chaplain of the State NAACP, Westside School Committee, Heritage Hospice Board, Mercer County Crime Stoppers and Mercer County ASAP Coordinator/Community Liaison and was very blessed to be the recipient of the Martin Luther King Jr., State Commission Citizenship Award for 2014, for the state of Kentucky.

Bruce Russell Standfest, aged 72, of Harrisville, passed into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022, surrounded by his family. Bruce was born to Harvey and Hope Standfest on July 31, 1949, in Detroit. He graduated from Romeo High School in 1967, Owosso College in 1971 and attended Asbury Theological Seminary.

Bruce married Suzanne (Rende) Standfest on Oct. 30, 1990, in Mt. Clemens. He worked in a variety of places, including owning his own industrial coating business for several years and most recently at 186 Networks, but his true calling was always the church ministry.

He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Suzanne; four children, Scott (Maria) Standfest, Christopher (Jihan) Standfest, Kelly (Christopher) Christensen and Sara (Randy) Medaris; step-sons, Jacob Schiro and Joshua Schiro; ten grandchildren, Miranda, Brandon, Seth, Candice, Emily, Caleb, Noah, Sophie, Mya and Caitlyn; brothers David Standfest, Harvey Standfest and Gordie (Kathleen) Standfest; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Hope Standfest; and infant brother, Jeffrey Standfest.

Hugh D. Wayman, M.Div. ’48, aged 97, passed on February 15, two weeks shy of his 98th birthday. A leap year baby, born February 29, 1924 on a farm near Goltry, OK, Hugh was the seventh of 12 children of Jesse Earl and Mildred Secord Wayman and was married to Betty Jean Shields for 70 years before her passing in 2017.

Graduating from Asbury Seminary, Hugh returned to Oklahoma where he and Betty served the Free Methodist Church for 41 years, planting two churches and pastoring four others, he served as Conference Superintendent for 15 years and was elected to serve on Conference boards, as well as Deaconess Hospital and Butterfield Foundation Boards. In his 70’s Hugh also invented and patented a solar-powered cattle feeder under the name AutoWay.

Whether fishing, playing Rook, building a church, or ministering to people, Hugh put his heart into everything he did. Reflecting back, Hugh said, “The Lord has blessed us in so many ways. Though we never made a lot of money in the ministry, we never went without. We have friends serving around the world as we developed relationships in ministry that have given our lives purpose.”

Hugh is survived by his five children, 14 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren, two brothers and many more relatives and friends who miss him.

Frances Delores (Johnson) Willert, aged 93, died on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022. Born in Andersonville in Chicago, Illinois, on Oct. 19, 1929, of Swedish immigrants, Edward and Johanna Johnson, the youngest of four, her older mother told her she had gotten “the leftovers.” Making the absolute best of “the leftovers,” her sunny, relentlessly positive disposition was the polar opposite of The Great Depression era of her childhood. After graduating from high school, she worked for the phone company and Tinker Toys to help pay her way to be the first in her family to graduate from college with a degree in Speech and Drama from Taylor University in Indiana.

It was at Taylor that she met the senior class president and love of her life, Iowan Lloyd Willert, and they were married after graduation in 1948. They headed to Asbury Seminary in Kentucky, where Lloyd studied and Fran supported the family, initially by grinding steel, then by making puppets and traveling to schools in rural Kentucky to perform Tom Sawyer for schoolchildren. After Lloyd’s training, they began a life of pastoral service for the United Methodist Church, initially in Watervliet, New York, subsequently moving back to Indiana, where they served churches in Middlebury, Leo, Yorktown, Muncie and Wabash. Fran was active leading youth ministry and playing piano and singing when needed.

Along the way Fran earned a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from St. Francis College in Indiana. She taught kindergarten, fifth grade and subsequently, her favorite, third grade, in Yorktown, for many years.

When she and Lloyd moved to Wabash (too far to commute daily to Yorktown), Fran pivoted to helping adults, largely refugees from Southeast Asia, earn their GED by traveling in a van to different classrooms in the area. She continued doing that after they moved to Kokomo, where Lloyd tragically died of gastric cancer at age 53, while serving as the District Superintendent, and also after her relocation to her house on Lake Webster in North Webster.

Her next endeavor was training with the global outreach of the United Methodist Church, teaching English in Taejon, South Korea, for three years. Ever loving travel, she then taught high school conversational English in Prague, Czech Republic.

Finally retired, she continued her passions for international travel, church activities (including serving as a Stephen minister), knitting, reading and playing games. She enjoyed bridge, solitaire (she called it “time waster”) and racehorse canasta, likely inspired by her father’s fondness for the Swedish board game, Fia (and from whom she also inherited her competitive spirit!). She forged special relationships with her four grandchildren, in part by taking Elderhostel trips with each one, and was known for her animated delivery of long witty poems at big family parties.

She lived independently until age 92, when a fracture of her hip necessitated a move to assisted living at Grand Oaks in Jensen Beach, where she continued to “seize the day,” reading the New York Times daily. Ever one to be independent, a fall led to her death on Feb. 5, 2022.

She was predeceased by her husband, the Rev. Lloyd Willert; parents; and siblings, Irwin, Clarence and Lucille.

She is survived by her sons, Craig Willert (wife Cynthia Gustafson) and Daniel Willert (wife Bette Roth); grandchildren, Andrew Willert, Grace Willert Faulkner, Madison Willert and Zachary Willert; and great-grandson, Braxton Willert. Her dedication to education continues in the family, with all earning college degrees (except 10-month-old Braxton!). There are three MDs, two JDs, one MBA and one soon-to-be PhD in her descendants.

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