Colonel O'Brien is predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Eleanor E. O'Brien (nee Lowden), in 2006. He is survived by his sister, Dorothy Russ of Hendersonville, N.C.; two daughters, Patricia O'Brien of Brick, Nancy Lawton of Lambertville and her husband Bud Lawton; a grandson, Brian Lawton of Ewing and his wife Crystal Lawton; as well as two great-grandsons, Nathan and Travis Lawton of Ewing.
Internment will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 14, 2011 at Brig. Gen. William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Arneytown. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Colonel O'Brien's name to the USO.
Nancy Jean Espinosa, 62, of Frederick, Maryland, died March 16, 2011. Nancy was the wife of the late Ernest Espinosa. Nancy is survived by her son, Jharad Espinosa, of Frederick; her sister, Virginia Pilzer, of Odenton; and her beloved cat, Sandy.
Born June 29, 1948, at Fort Monroe, Virginia, Nancy was the daughter of the late Richard Pollard and Katharine Keenan. As an "Army brat" she traveled extensively in the United States and Europe. Nancy served in the U.S. Department of Defense, entering as a secretary and ascending in the Office of Naval Research to become the first woman to hold the position of Administrative Contracting Officer. Nancy retired from the U.S. Department of Energy.
Nancy's passion was horseback riding, needle craft, reading, and collecting Christmas ornaments and Southwest American Indian crafts. Nancy was a member of Beta Sigma Phi and the Red Hat Society.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, March 22, 2011, 7:00 p.m., at Resthaven Memorial Gardens, 9501 Catoctin Highway, Frederick, MD.
Contributions in Nancy's memory may be made to the Frederick Memorial Hospital Cardiology Department, 400 West 7th Street, Frederick, MD 21701, ATTN: Ken Coffey.
Meredith Kiely Roberts 7/16/53 - 5/21/10 After fighting a nine-month battle with cancer, Meredith passed away peacefully leaving behind her husband of 29 years, Dr. Charles Roberts; her beloved dog, Balou; her sister, Tricia White (Ken) of Santa Clara, CA; two step-daughters, Wendy Martin (Brooks) of Cedar Falls, Iowa, and Lorie Roberts of Sierra Vista, AZ; three grandchildren, Aidan and Lily (Wendy) and Jack (Lorie); her sister-in-law, Toni Phillips (Jim) of Westminster, CA; and many nieces and nephews. Meredith grew up in a military family and spent much of her childhood in Europe. That experience had tremendous effect on the years that followed. She was a gifted gardener and gourmet cook. In addition to being a Tucson Realtor, Meredith had worked as an actress and model. Her love was not limited to her family and friends, but also to the many animals that she brought into her life. Her beauty was remarkable both inside and out. She lived in Sedona in the years before she met and married her husband the love of her life to settle down in Tucson. Meredith had a wonderful understanding and love of people, animals, and nature. Her generous heart and kindness touched numerous lives. Being her friend meant being special as she held those friendships so close to her heart. She'll be missed by all those who knew and loved her. Memorial services to celebrate her life will be Tuesday, May 25, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at ADAIR AVALON CHAPEL, 8090 N. Northern Avenue. Flowers are welcome or donations can be made to the Hermitage Cat Shelter or the Humane Society of Southern Arizona.
From Kent Price, his friend at the University of Maryland in Munich:
From Tish Britt Douglas (OHS '57):
Buzz's wife, Linda, called me this morning. Laughter and tears.From Bruce's obituary
Col. Bruce “Buzz” Meiser,
U.S. Air Force (Ret.), 71, of Orlean, VA died on Thursday, January 13,
2011.
Loving husband for 48 years to Linda Ruth Holsclaw Meiser; devoted
father of Kathryn (John) Theado, Christina Venetsanos, Craig (Diane)
Meiser, Carolyn (Mark) Thompson and Kevin Meiser. He is also survived by
his cherished grandchildren: Andrew, Maggie, Maria, Megan, Lauren,
Brian, Ashley, Nicky, Joey and Ava.
Bruce attended the University of Maryland in Munich until 1960,
receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics at the University of
Maryland College Park in 1962. He earned a Master’s Degree in
industrial Personnel Management from George Washington University in
1978.
Bruce entered the USAF in December 1962. His various assignments took
him to Stead AFB, NV; Omaha, NE; the Pentagon; Vietnam; Langley AFB, VA;
the Pentagon again and finally NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.
Bruce retired in 1991 returning to Falls Church. In 2002 Bruce and Linda
moved to Orlean, VA to fulfill a lifelong dream of living in the
country. He loved the rolling countryside and friendly people, feeding
the birds, riding his John Deere tractor, playing with his cats,
attending the Firehouse breakfasts and spending time with his
grandchildren. Throughout his illness Bruce maintained a positive
outlook and strived to enjoy every day.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be
made to your local food bank or to the Vince Lombardi Cancer Center at
Georgetown Hospital;
Attn: Office of Development
Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center
Harris Building, Suite 4000
3300 Whitehaven St, NW
Washington, DC 20007
Eleanor ‘Lolly’ Bevans Gonseth, 87, died on
After Ken retired from the Army in 1970, they moved
to
A greater joy was being the mother of four children,
Jane, Anne, Stuart and Sally; the grandmother of 10; and great-grandmother
of seven. The annual ‘week at the beach’ gave her the opportunity to
spend quality time with her family. You
could always count on Grandmother to play a game, put together a jigsaw
puzzle, or head to the ocean to play in the waves.
Her heart was one that continually gave to others.
Eleanor is survived by two sisters, Marjorie B. Kent and Jean L. Bevans, her three daughters and their families. She was predeceased by her husband, Kenneth, son, Stuart and grandson, David.
A memorial service will be held at the
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to
Friends may send condolences to the family at: www.hillandwood.com
SAN ANTONIO - William "Dudley" "Coach" Rogers, 74,
of Kerrville, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2010, in a San Antonio
hospital. He was born on Sept. 13, 1935, in Austin, Texas. He was a
teacher, athletic director and coach at Schreiner University and also
coached at Boerne Middle School in Boerne, Texas. He also was a coach and
athletic director at Harper Independent School District. He was treasurer
of Greenwood Forest Golf Club. He attended the First Christian Churches in
Center Point and Kerrville.
He married Vivian Baldwin Kuykendall on Aug. 22, 1986, in Kerrville. She
survives, along with three daughters, Darcy Presley (Shelby) of Palacios,
Texas, Kandy Perkins (Rod) of Bulverde, Texas, and Esther Burgess (Bruce)
of Temple, Texas; three sons, Darren Rogers (Sandra) of San Antonio,
Texas, David Rogers of Austin, Texas, and R.J. Kuykendall (Janice) of
Surrey, Va.; and 11 grandchildren, Brandon Rogers, Kendall Rogers, Carson
Rogers, Randall Perkins, Trevor Perkins, Rachel Steinburg, Hailee
Steinburg, Steven Burgess, Brooke Burgess, Emily Kuykendall and Trey
Kuykendall.
A memorial service for Mr. Rogers will be at 10 a.m. Monday, March 1,
2010, at Grimes Funeral Chapels with Jonathan Park officiating. In lieu of
flowers, the family requests memorial remembrances to the First Christian
Church in Center Point.
The family invites you to send condolences at www.grimesfuneralchapels.com
by selecting the "Send Condolences" link. Funeral arrangements
are entrusted to the Grimes Funeral Chapels of Kerrville.
PETER ROMYN, age 67 of Haymarket, VA died Friday, December 25, 2009, at
Prince William Hospital, Manassas, VA. Mr. Romyn served in the U.S. Army
and worked for various defense contractors. Survivors include his wife of
44 years Sherry Romyn, his children Jay Romyn and his wife Michelle of
Ashburn, VA, Jeff Romyn, of Fairfax, VA, Melissa Romyn of Seattle, WA, his
sister Marjorie Martines and her husband Marty of Salt Lake City, UT, his
brothers Fred Romyn of Salt Lake City, Allen Romyn of Salt Lake City, and
his grandchildren Justin and Nicholas Romyn, both of Ashburn. The family
will receive friends from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, December 30, 2009
at Pierce Funeral Home, 9609 Center Street, Manassas, VA, where funeral
services will take place 10 a.m., Thursday, December 31, 2009. Interment
will be private. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of flowers or
contributions to Capital Hospice, 10530 Linden Lake Plaza, Suite 200,
Manassas, VA 20109 or to the Angels of Mercy Program, PO Box 3310, McLean,
VA 22102 in memory of Peter Romyn. Condolences may be sent to: www.piercefh.com
Brigadier
General Kenneth Mace Gonseth
(March 8, 1918 - January 10, 2010)
Brigadier
General Kenneth Mace
Ken,
as he liked to be called, was born on March 8, 1918 in
He
married Eleanor May “Lolly” Bevans of Washington D. C. on June 16,
1942. They had four children, Jane, Anne, Stuart and Sally.
June
1939, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant serving in the U.S. Army Air
Force assigned to the 6th Bomber Command Canal Zone and the 20th Bomber
Command China-Burma-India Theater. As Communications Officer for the 58th
Bomber Wing he was involved in the first B-29 mission to strike
As
part of Ken's career, the family lived in Europe,
Ken
is survived by his wife, Eleanor; daughters, Jane, Anne and Sally; nine
grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his
parents; his brother, Col. Jules E. Gonseth, Jr.; a son, Stuart; and a
grandson, David Hobson.
Above
all he was committed to wife, family and country.
A
funeral service will be held on Monday March 8, 2010 at 9:00AM in the Ft.
Myers Post Chapel in
William (Bill) Joseph McClain, 63, of Alpharetta, GA, passed away on
November 9, 2009, after a valiant yet futile fight with numerous longtime
health issues. Bill was born in Youngstown, Ohio on July 12, 1946. He is
survived by his loving wife, Michele, daughter, Shelly and son, Ryan. He
is preceded in death by his sister, brother, mother, and father. Coming
from a military family, he had the opportunity to live and travel the
world. He attended Orleans American High School in Orleans, France and
after moving back to the States he attended and graduated from Falls
Church High School, Falls Church, VA. He went on to attend and graduate
from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC, where he also played
football for the Mountaineers. Bill and his family lived in the VA/MD/DC
area until 1979 when his job took him to Atlanta. Bill had a very
successful career with a major food corporation, retiring in 2001. His
hobbies included traveling, reading and enjoying his fine cigar
collection. Bill was noted for his tremendous sense of humor and his
practical jokes. He played Santa for hospitals and schools, and he
particularly liked going through his neighborhood giving out gifts each
year. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November
14th, at Crowell Brothers Peachtree Chapel Funeral Home in Norcross. The
family will receive friends Saturday from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at the
funeral home. From us, your loving family, we thank you for making our
lives so wonderful! In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to:
National Kidney Foundation , 30 East 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016,
(800) 622-9010 or Asera Care Hospice, 30 Perimeter Park Dr., Ste 201,
Atlanta, GA 30341, in memory of Bill McClain. Online condolences may be
expressed at www.crowellbrothers. com. Arrangements by Crowell Brothers
Peachtree Chapel Funeral Home, 5051 Peachtree Ind. Blvd., Norcross, GA
30092, (770) 448-5757.
The Fayette Advertiser newspaper, dated: 6 April 2009, ran the following obituary:
Marvin Lee Perry of Fayette died March 31, 2009, at
the Fayette Caring Center. He was 83.
Born June 3, 1925, he was the son of Artic L. and Grayce Williams Perry.
He served his nation during World War II in the U.S. Army and dedicated over
40 years of his life as a teacher in the Overseas Teaching Program. He
taught in many foreign nations and was fluent in many languages.
Survivors include two sisters, Mary Lou Veirs of Unionville, and Martha
Richtmyre of Fayette; and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Maynard Perry.
At Mr. Perry’s request no services are scheduled, however, memorial
contributions may be made to Howard County Home Health and Hospice, 101 Furr,
Fayette, MO 65248.
Arrangements are under the direction of Carr-Yager Funeral Home.
Lt. Col.
Judson Cauthen Spence Sr., U.S. Army (ABN) (retired), passed away on
Virginia "Ginny" Rae Aden
December 4, 1939 - April 8, 2008
SILVERTON - Virginia, "Ginny" Aden of Silverton died at age 68
after a long illness. Ginny moved to Mt. Angel, Oregon in 1984 from
Southern California after early retiring from the University of
California, Los Angeles where she had been employed as a university
administrator for 20 years. Soon after arriving in Oregon, she
established a pottery studio and for the next 15 years exhibited and sold
her ceramic artwork in local galleries and retail shops. In addition
to her pottery business, she was employed for several years as a
bookkeeper/cost accountant, professional gardener, and operated a home
care business. In 1999, she returned to administration and was
employed by the Salem-Keizer School District until her retirement.
Always an enthusiastic community volunteer, over the years Ginny worked at
the Mt. Angel Food Bank, was hostess at the Wine Garden during
Oktoberfest, managed community booths during Homer Davenport Days, and wa!
s active in local political campaigns. Throughout the 1980's, she
was a member of the Silverton Art Association, served as its Secretary and
Board Member, as well as chairing several committees. In 1990, she
organized a community-wide, non-partisan voter registration drive in
Silverton and successfully registered several hundred new voters.
After her retirement, she produced a monthly bulletin for fellow tenants
at her senior residence in Silverton, volunteered as a teacher's aide at
Eugene Field School, and was a volunteer horticulturist for the Oregon
Garden. She was enthralled by the natural world and the beauty of
nature, and was an avid outdoorswoman. She was also a passionate
gardener and her affinity for Nature was reflected in the lush flower and
vegetable gardens she nurtured and produced.
Born in San Francisco, California, Ginny was well-traveled throughout her
lifetime, living in several states as well as abroad. She lived in!
Japan for nearly a year when she was a young child, then spent the
remainder of her childhood in rural North Carolina. She lived in
Orleans, France for a year where she graduated from high school and
traveled to Switzerland, England, and Belgium. She would remember
her year in France as one of the happiest and most illuminating times of
her youth, and had planned to attend the 50th year reunion of her Orleans
High School graduation class to be held in 2008.
After returning from France, she completed two academic years at Coker
College, Hartsville, South Carolina, then moved to Washington, D.C. where
she worked and completed courses at the American University. In
1960, she moved to Santa Monica, California, was soon employed at UCLA,
married, gave birth to her only child, and after her divorce several years
later, became single mom and sole provider of her son until he became an
independent, young adult. In 1970, to give her son a "taste of
country! life", Ginny took a leave from UCLA and moved to Ferndale,
Washington where she completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology
and Sociology from Western Washington University in Bellingham.
Before returning to an administrative position at UCLA, she lived with
members of the Hopi Nation in Arizona to assist in an anthropological
research project, then traveled again to Europe, living in England for
several months with her son. Ginny treasured the experiences and
opportunities gained from her many travels and domiciles, however she
often said that by moving to Oregon she had finally found her
"home".
Survivors include her loving family: beloved son, Mark Janczak;
daughter-in-law, Dania Janczak; grandchildren, Emmett and Annissa Janczak;
parents, Marti and Roger Smith, all of Downey, Calif.; brother, Ralph
Aden, and sister-in-law, Laura Aden, of Roosevelt, Ariz.; aunt and kindred
spirit, Mary Lynn Trautechaud of Albuquerque, N.M.; 4 nephews; 1
grandnephew! ; 2 grandnieces; her loyal and supportive family-of-friends
in Oregon; her longtime, devoted friend, Karen Skinner of Canada, and her
cherished feline companion, Pia, now relocated to Downey, Calif.
Remembrances may be made to Willamette Valley Hospice, Salem, Oregon.
Copyright 2008 Statesman Journal, Salem, Oregon.
Born
on
He
will be sorely missed. Bill surely did not deserve the suffering he
went through for the last several years. Gail was so good with him.
William Wah, Ph.D.
William Wah, Ph.D.
Lansing, MI
Born on June 30, 1926 in Trenton, NJ; passed away on September 26, 2007 in
Lansing, MI, at the age of 81. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army Air
Corps. Dr. Wah graduated from the University of Connecticut and Michigan
State University, where he received his Master's and Doctorate degrees. He
taught in Trenton, NJ, Army dependents in Stuttgart, Germany and Orleans,
France and taught in Lansing, mostly at Grand River Elementary. After
retirement he taught English in Hefei, China. He also spent time during
retirement in Jensen Beach, FL enjoying tennis until being slowed down by
Parkinson's Disease in his later years. Dr. Wah is survived by his loving
wife, Gail; daughter, Sally (Kim Metzger) Wah of Lansing; son, William
David (Martha) Wah of Buchanan; grandchildren, Frank, Paul Madero, William
Nicholas and Isabella Wah, and Sebastian, Calista and Eva Metzger;
brothers, James, Fred and George Wah; and sisters, May Zung, Margaret Ma
and Mary Hing. A Celebration of Dr. Wah's life will be held on Tuesday,
October 2, 2007 at 12:00 p.m. at South Church, 5250 Cornerstone Dr.,
Lansing with the Rev. Don Denyes, Senior Pastor officiating. The family
will receive friends at Gorsline-Runciman Funeral Homes, 900 E. Michigan
Ave., Lansing on Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Memorial contributions may
be made to English Language Institute/China, 448 E. Foothill Blvd., P.O.
Box 265 San Dimas, CA 91774 in honor of Dr. William Wah.
Published in the Lansing State Journal - September 30, 2007
jmcgraw@daily-journal.com
Friend of the family
1152 N. Briar Ave.
Kankakee, IL 60901 USA
The world should know Danny's story. He and his brother Darrell were Army Brats. Their father, Gerald L. Smith was a career soldier who saw service in WWII, Korea and Viet Nam over a span of more than thirty years service. Danny was on his second enlistment when he was killed. Dad wanted him to go to flight school and become a Warrant Officer. Danny wanted to get a Viet Nam tour out of the way before he went to Flight School. Dad, of course we called him Smitty, (what else) and Danny were in Viet Nam at the same time although they were not assigned together. Younger brother Darrell was in basic training at the time. My wife and I were thrilled at the prospect of seeing Darrell again after not having contact with the family for nearly ten years. He was coming to Fort Eustis, Virginia where I was assigned. Then one morning I read a headline in the newspaper. One I shall never forget. "Soldier escorts GI son's body home from Viet Nam". I didn't take time then to read the story. I found out later that day that the "Soldier" was Smitty and the "Son" was Danny. I know I could never feel the loss that Smitty and his wife felt at the loss of their son but there is still an emptyness when I think of the 12 year old boy I once knew who gave his life in that long ago war. Jim Mc Graw, Major, US Army Retired
Tuesday, November 26, 2002
Dave,
Below is a tribute to one of our OHS "family". Dave Alperovitz
(OHS'68) called me a week before the holidays and told me Mrs Tudder had
passed away on the 19th of November. He said he was coming down for her
service. Dave and I last spent time together at the DC reunion. He
traveled all the way from New Hampshire to Newport News on the day after
Christmas and we attended Mrs. Tudder's service On 27 Dec 06. She and her
family meant so much to both of us growing up in Orleans.
Thanks
Mark
In November 2006 the OHS family
lost one of its truly iconic members. Mrs. "Bunny" Tudder, wife
of the late LTC Bailey Tudder and the mother of Dale, John and David.
Those who were in Olivet in 64-66 will remember "Mother Tudder's
Boarding House" as her home was often referred to, because of her
openness, hospitality and if need be a place for a kid to remain over
night if you missed that last shuttle bus back to the main casern
(remember we had no phones!) She was a most gracious hostess and
understanding lady who was a shoulder for many a teenager going through
those life-ending events such as; what to wear for homecoming, or who to
ask to the Sadie Hawkins dance or going steady, (even when dad did not
want you to) and of course the breaking up. She was there at any
time day or night with a grand smile, a bright word, and always music.
Besides being a gracious lady, she was a friend to all, forever. At
her funeral in Newport News, VA two days after Christmas, it was noted
that she had kept in contact with a kindergarten classmate for more than
84 years. It was also noted that had that gathering occurred in Orleans
forty years earlier the church would have been packed with teenagers
grateful to her for her friendship and for allowing them a place to
"hang out". Ms Tudder was one of the most cultured people I had
the pleasure to know and she passed those traits to all of her children.
Her husband Bailey was the Scoutmaster of the troop in Orleans from 63-66
and had his own positive influence on many young boys. I am blessed
to have been touched by both of these great human beings. In the
1990s I was reacquainted with Bunny in Newport News as she worked one of
her great causes, harmony and understand and equal rights for all.
Ms Tudder is predeceased by her husband Bailey (1996) and her younger son
David (2005). And is survived by her daughter Dale
Scott (OHS'68) her husband and wonderful family of Newport
News, Virginia. Her multi talented and blessed son John (OHS'69) his wife
and great family of Charleston, South Carolina, and a bunch of grand kids
and great grand kids. Bunny Tudder was truly one who loved life and those
she lived it with.