Obituaries

Nancy Lee Arnold, B.Div. ’61, aged 88, passed away on June 11, 2024. She was born on May 28, 1936 in Dennison, Ohio to the late Clyde E. and Ruby B. Arnold.

Nancy graduated from Dennison High School as valedictorian. Then graduated from Asbury College and Asbury Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky.

She moved to Somerset for the Methodist Church Conference and then worked for the State Economic Security System until retirement.

She is survived by a sister, Linda Young of California, and a brother, William of Jackson Township, Ohio, a niece Christi Young and nephew Michael Young of California.

Rev. Roger Allan Ashley, B.Div. ’64, aged 86, Zanesfield, was a beloved United Methodist minister who touched the lives of many with his unwavering faith and boundless kindness. He peacefully and unexpectedly passed away at his home in Zanesfield, Ohio at the age of 86 on June 15, 2024.

Born in Sparta, Illinois on May 10, 1938, Roger was the cherished son of James and Lela (Buescher) Ashley. He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers: James Ashley, Eugene Ashley, Bill Ashley, Leland Ashley, and Don Ashley; sisters: Iva May Estoppey, Doris Wahl, Marcella Henderson, Georgia Ann Rezba and survived by his brother Carl Ashley.

He was a graduate of Sparta High School in 1956, Asbury College in 1960 and Asbury Theological Seminary in 1964. From a young age, he displayed a deep commitment to serving others, a calling he fulfilled throughout his life as a fully ordained United Methodist minister of the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church. Roger’s sermons were not only powerful in their message but also reflected his genuine love for humanity and his steadfast belief in the power of compassion.

Roger’s greatest joy and source of pride was his family. On May 27, 1961, he married his beloved wife, Eldonna Humphreys Ashley, and she survives him. He adored her beyond all measure and together they created a loving home filled with laughter, faith, and unwavering support. Roger was a devoted father to Curtis (Shelli) Ashley and Ryan (Tonia) Ashley. He cherished every moment he had with his grandchildren Jeffrey Ashley, Brianna (Tandy) Adams, Kay Seiber, Jenna Ashley, Drew Ashley, Scott Cheeseman, and TJ (Georgia) Shipton. He was also a great-grandfather to Elliana and Castiel Shipton. Their love and accomplishments were his greatest treasures.

Known for his warm and welcoming nature, Roger never met a stranger. He had a unique ability to connect with people from all walks of life, offering comfort and guidance to those in need. His kindness and compassion touched the hearts of his congregations, community, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

In addition to his ministry and family life, Roger enjoyed making his famous fudge, achieving his hole-in-one in golf, reminiscing about his old football days, enjoying a cup of coffee and a brownie with friends and family, gardening and cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals and the Ohio State Buckeyes. When asked how he was, his standard answer was always “ornery.” He believed in living life to the fullest and encouraged others to find joy in everyday moments.

Roger Allan Ashley leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and compassion that will continue to inspire and guide those who were fortunate enough to have known him. While we mourn his passing, we celebrate a life well-lived and the profound impact he had on our lives.

Roger’s spirit will live on in the hearts of his family, friends and the countless lives he touched with his gentle spirit and unwavering faith. May he rest in eternal peace, reunited with loved ones gone before him and forever embraced in the love of his Savior.

Reverend William H. Doubblestein, M.Div. ’80, aged 80, went to be with his Lord and Savior Sunday, June 16, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents Floyd and Velma Doublestein; and brothers Bob, Charles, Erwin, Clifford, Duane, and Bernard Doublestein.

Bill will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 59 years, Karen Doubblestein (Crum); sons Rev. Timothy and Anna Doubblestein, Dr. David and Marty Doubblestein; grandchildren Joshua and Kaitlynn Doubblestein, Jessica Doubblestein, Grace and Andrew Bolin, and Hope and Anthony Birkenbach; great-granddaughters Nora Doubblestein and Maria Bolin; brother-in-law, Mark Crum; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Bill served as a pastor in the United Methodist Church for 30 years, in Grandville as a youth pastor, Olive Branch UMC, Galien UMC, Springport UMC, Lee Center UMC, Byron Center UMC, and Dowagiac UMC. He worked for Spectrum Hospice after he retired from pastoral ministry. He was a member of Wesleyan Covenant Association.

Bill enjoyed woodworking and marksmanship as hobbies. His passion was for the Lord and His people. To meet Bill was to be guaranteed a hug. Hymns and old spiritual songs lifted his spirit and brought a radiant smile to his face. A devoted Marine, Bill magnified Semper Fidelis. Proverbs 3:5-6 resonated with Bill’s heart and in his ministry.

Heather Olivia Hill, M.A.T.S. ’24, aged 48, wife of Curtis Allen Hill, entered into rest on June 19, 2024, at home. Heather was born on November 8, 1975, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She was the daughter of Delaine Durden Reeder and William Donald Reeder and the late Donald Eugene Moore. She was a graduate of Westside High School and Asbury Seminary with a Masters Degree in Theological Studies. Heather was a member and on the staff of Mosaic Church Evans for nine years. She served in two positions, as Discipleship Director and Administrative Pastor.  She developed and participated in leadership training for group leaders and was a gifted writer and speaker. She was a scholar of Bible translations. In addition, she directed the church finances and operations, and maintained the church website. She was a member of the preaching team and led many small groups, including the church recovery ministry. She was a spiritual leader in the Mosaic congregation and beyond. She is survived by her husband of eight years, Curt Hill, her children, Olivia Delaine Glover, Gregory Barlow, Jr., her stepson, Austin Hill, and her parents Delaine and Bill Reeder, her brother Michael S. Moore (Nancy), sister, Brianne Moore, nephews Arthur L. Rhodes III, Casey Palmer, and Bryan Palmer. She was preceded in death by her father, Donald Eugene Moore.

Brian Lawrence Houston, M.Div. ’73, aged 76, was born January 5, 1948, along with his twin brother Barry, at Lincon General Hosptial. Their parents were Lawrence Andrew and Thelna Arnold Houston. Brian lived on a farm north of Boelus, NE. He attended Country School District 66, then Boelus Public School. Due to very difficult economic times, the family moved from the farm to McCook in 1957. Although there were several moves, Brian’s heart always remained at the farm. His mother taught school in McCook and his father was a Civil Engineer.

In 1959 the family moved to St. Paul, NE. Brian attended the United Methodist Church in St. Paul, and it was there, under the ministry of Reverend Bill Halstead that he gave his heart to serve his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This decision directed the remainingcourse of his life. Brian Graduated from St. Paul High School along with his brother Barry in 1966. Brian attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, graduating in 1970 with a degree in Agriculture. He also received a commission in the United States Army at that time, as a Second Lieutenant.

Brian received the call to ministry in 1968, which led him to enter Asbury Seminary in 1970. He met the love of his life, Debby Clarke in 1972. He graduated from Seminary in 1973 and married Debby in June of that year. He was ordained as an elder in the United Methodist Church in June 1974.

He served United Methodist churches in the Clay County Parish 1973-1979. He also served Beaver Crossing and Salem United Methodist Churches 1979-1982. In 1976 he was approved by the United Methodist Church Army Counsel as an Army Chaplain. He served in the Nebrask National Guard until 1979.

Brian completed all the requirements for Clinical Pastoral Education. He worked as a Training Chaplain Intern at both Immanuel Hospital in Omaha and at Bryan East Hospital in Lincoln. He served as a Protestant Chaplain at St. Jospeph Catholic Hospital in Lexington, KY 1982-1985. He also sserved as a National Guard Chaplain an a VA Chaplain in Lincoln. In 1985 he returned to rural Nebraska and started the home fellowship, Vineyard Ministries, which he served for 18 years. At that time, he also became a Licensed Mental Health Therapist working for Methodist Health Systems in the Employee Assistance Program.

In 2006 Brian was diagnosed with matastatic melanoma and was unable to continue working. He spent the rest of his life still forming meaningful relationships and caring for others in a pastoral way.

He is preceded in death by his parents Lawrence and Thelna Houston and his sister Linda Litwin. He is survived by his wife of almost 51 years, Debby Houston, three children: Laura Chambers (Scott) and three children: Katie, Ian, and Samuel; John Houston and four children: Grace, Evie, Olivia, and Jack; and Daniel (Rachel) and three children: Wyatt, Garrett, and Emma.