Christian Obituary;

Vicki Lynn Nolde Swint was born on June 6, 1969 and was baptized in the Christian faith on July 27, 1969 in St. Louis, Missouri at Grace Lutheran Church – Pagedale.  She was later confirmed in her faith on May 27, 1983, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Lakeland, Florida.  Her confirmation verse was Psalm 37:5-6:  Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.”

Vicki graduated from Rocky Mountain High School in Fort Collins, Colorado.  After graduation, she had various occupations including employment at a hair and nail salon, automobile dealership, and various other occupations as well as a service advisor for a car dealership.  She was currently employed at Miracle Toyota. 

Her interests included automobiles, swimming, diving, and water skiing.  Being in the sun and near the water was one of her loves.  She spent much time with her family especially her cherished sons.  She was a strong independent woman who balanced her determination with caring.  During the past 4 years, she has battled 4th stage colorectal cancer.  She kept on going because of her close relationship with her mother and her 3 sons.  On the morning of Sunday, April 7th, Vicki’s earthly struggle ended with her death.

Those mourning her include her sons, Cody Brown, Shelton Swint, and Jackson Swint and her mother, Ruth Ann Nolde.  Her father, Ronald Nolde, and all her grandparents as well as 3 uncles preceded her in death. 

A funeral service will be held at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 402 Aumond Road, Augusta Georgia at 2pm on Monday, April 15, 2024 with Rev. Roger A. Schwartz officiating.  The family will receive friends prior to the service at 1:15pm in the Our Redeemer Lobby.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the local Augusta University, Georgia Cancer Center.  The link for giving: https://give.augusta.edu/campaigns/42915/donations/new

Christian Obituary 

Margaret Marie Kiefer, 95, died on February 19, 2024 at home with her loving husband

James by her side. She was born on February 12,1929 in Shiner, TX, the daughter of

William Macha and Nora Henkhaus.  She was baptized at the Lutheran Church in 

Shiner Texas on March 27,1929.  She was confirmed in her faith in 1939 at the same 

Lutheran Church.  

Margaret graduated from University of Texas Austin with a Bachelor of Arts in English.

Following graduation, she worked as a schoolteacher in Texas, Indiana, and Minnesota

until she retired. She had a passion for the Arts and loved teaching Music, Drama and

Dance. Margaret had a love for travel and enjoyed many vacations abroad. She loved

playing the piano and watching sports. She married her husband James Alton Kiefer on

July 28, 1972 and they would have been celebrating their 52nd anniversary this year.

Margaret is predeceased by both parents. Surviving in addition to her spouse, James,

are her daughter Mary Williamson of TX, her son Christian Kiefer and his wife Lynn of

FL, grandson Wayne Manning and his wife Linda, grandson Logan Umberger, great-

grandson Leo Manning, great- granddaughter Damien Levingston and spouse ameron

and great great-grandchildren Arya and Rowan Levingston.

A service of remembrance will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, February 23, 2024, at Our

Redeemer Lutheran Church, 402 Aumond Rd. Augusta, GA 30909. Those who wish to

remember Margaret in a special way may gift in her memory to the Augusta 

Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org. Arrangements by Thomas Poteet & Son

Funeral Directors, Augusta, GA.

Christian Obituary

Mr. Robert J. Hillman was born on February 4, 1921 to Walter Helman and Mary

Johnson Helman in Akron, Ohio.  He was baptized into the kingdom of God on April

20, 1930 and was confirmed in his faith on March 25, 1934 at Trinity Lutheran Church. 

He met Betty Nadine Kirk in a college class they had together and they married on

April 10, 1942.  He graduated from Kent State University and was a WWII veteran,

having served in the Air Force. He retired from Goodyear Tire as an accountant. In

1947, they were blessed with a son, John Helman.  After living in various places the

family moved to Augusta and subsequently joined Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in

September of 1989.

Robert enjoyed woodworking, fishing, and other hobbies, but after Betty became

homebound, he cared with loving devotion for her needs.  After her death in 2016 and

74 years of blessed marriage, Robert continued to have good health and was blessed

with family and friends who called, visited, and assisted with his needs.  Especially in

later years, care was given by his son, John and his wife Sandra.

Robert died on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at the hospital a few days after a fall at the

age of 102. Family members include his son: John and his wife Sandra; three

grandsons: William, Johnathan (Shana), and Justin (Kayle); six great grandchildren; and

other loving family members.

Memorial contributions may be made to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 402

Aumond Road, Augusta, GA 30909 or to a charity of one’s choice. The funeral service

will be Wednesday, January 24, 2024, 3:00 P.M. at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church with

Pastor Roger Schwartz officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the

service, beginning at 2:00 P.M., at the church. Interment will follow the service at

Westover Memorial Park.

Nancy Carolyn Sheets Missey was born on June 10, 1954 in St. Louis, Missouri to

Melvin C. Sheets, Sr. and Maxine Hacker Sheets.  She was baptized as an infant into the

kingdom of God on November 7, 1954 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in St. Louis,

Missouri.  Later on she was confirmed in her faith on May 5, 1968 at Ascension

Lutheran Church in St. Louis by Rev. Edwin Dubberke.  Rev. Dubberke later officiated at

the wedding for Nancy to marry Michael A. Missey on June 1, 1974 and for over 49

years Michael and Nancy remained united together.  Their family increased when God

blessed them with two daughters, Christina M. Missey and Sabrina M. Missey.

When they came to Augusta, their whole family joined Our Redeemer Lutheran Church

on October 20, 1987.  Nancy was trained as Nurse (RN) and worked at University

Hospital in Augusta in various capacities including charge nurse, floor nurse and

specialized nursing in the stroke unit for 26 years.  Nancy also was a leader and

member of the TOPS organization (Taking off pounds sensibly) for many years.  By far,

though, Nancy was known as a loving and supportive wife, mother and grandmother.

Nancy’s work at Our Redeemer was in the areas of fellowship/kitchen areas, Advent

and Lenten Meals, Blood pressure monitor, assisting the Parish Nurse, and by doing

landscaping yardwork around the Church grounds.  She also made 3 trips to Belize as

part of the mission team spreading God’s word in that place. Throughout her struggle

with cancer, Nancy kept active and fighting.  She would attend worship, Bible study,

and assist in the kitchen even when she didn’t feel the best. 

On Saturday, November 11, 2023 after 11pm, when God called, Nancy went to be with

her faithful Lord and Savior.  She was 69 years of age.  Surviving family members, in

addition to her husband Michael , include her daughters: Christina Missey and Sabrina

Heyward (Joshua); grandchildren: Jazmyne Missey, Tiara Missey, Logan Heyward, and

Madison Heyward; brother: Melvin Sheets, Jr; sisters: Sharon Siebenmorgen (Jim, Sr.)

and Janice Faulstich (Paul, Sr.); and many other loving family members.  She is

preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Maxine Sheets, and grandchildren,

Lauryn and baby girl Heyward.

The family will receive friends Friday, November 17, 2023 at 1:00 P.M. until the

time of the service at 2:00 P.M. at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church with Pastor

Roger Schwartz officiating. Interment will follow in Westover Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 402

Aumond Rd, Augusta, GA 30909. Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis

Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at

www.thomaspoteet.com

Laqueita S. Valdick, Augusta, GA entered into rest on Wednesday, November 8,

2023, at age 82. 

Family members include her daughter: Tonja Sparks (Johnny); grandchildren:

Joey, Ashley, Celeste and Bobby; 6 great grandchildren: Johnny Roc, Caleb,

Jase, Jaxon, Katelyn and Abbey. She was preceded in death by her husband,

Bob Valdick, and her daughter, Pam Collins.

She loved God, crafting, sewing and spending time with her family.

She was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church for many years.

A private service will be held at the church.

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907

(706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com

OBITUARY FOR FREDERICK ALAN TREST, MD:

Fred Alan Trest, M.D, age 81, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on April

25, 2023. He was the eldest of three children born to Fred Irving Trest and Jeanne

Valene Newton Trest on October 27, 1941, in Dothan, AL. He learned the value of hard

work and determination from a young age.

Dr. Trest graduated as Valedictorian in 1963 with a B.S. in Pharmacy from Auburn

University. He then fulfilled the required internship in Pharmacy in Americus, GA, before

starting to work as a pharmacist.

During this time, Dr. Trest began to desire a closer relationship with patients and

pursued his medical degree at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, graduating in

June 1968. Following this, he completed his internship at University Hospital in 1969. In

December 1969, he married Yvonne Dorothy Tank in Augusta, GA.

Dr. Trest served as a Captain in the U.S. Army as a staff physician for the United States

Army Hospital in Fort Gordon, GA, after being in the Army Reserves since 1960 and

Active Duty through August 1971. He was chief physician for the military police unit at

Brim’s Barracks.

After his discharge from the military, Dr. Trest completed his residency in Psychiatry in

the Medical College of Georgia in 1974. He joined the Faculty of School of Medicine,

Department of Psychiatry, Medical College of Georgia, as Assistant Professor and Chief

of Eugene Talmadge Memorial Hospital Inpatient Psychiatric Service until September

1979. When he opened his own private practice in psychiatry, where he touched

innumerous lives with his empathy and compassionate care, always putting their needs

first.

While Dr. Trest was a dedicated physician, he also cherished his role as a beloved

husband, father, and grandfather. He was the proud father of two daughters and a

loving grandfather. He enjoyed spending time with his family, offering guidance and

support whenever needed.

Dr. Trest is survived by his beloved wife, Yvonne Trest; their two daughters, Melanie

Marie Trest Pena (Ron) and Melissa Michele Trest Soares (Andre); four grandchildren,

Charles, Katherine, Madeline, and Amanda; and one sibling, Miriam Trest Putnam (Dr.

Wayne). He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Jeanne Trest and his

brother, Gary Trest.

Dr. Trest will be remembered by his family for his love of life, kindness, wisdom, and

humor. He enjoyed classical music, swimming, sailing, horseback riding, bowling, golf,

and tennis. He was a proud member of the Augusta West Rotary Club for 41 years and

a recipient of the Paul Harris Award. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A funeral service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at 2:00PM at

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 402 Aumond Road, Augusta, GA 30909. The family

will receive friends at 1:00PM, one hour prior to the service, at the church. Following the

service, the burial will be at Westover Memorial Park.

Donations may be made to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church or the Parkinson’s

Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131. https://www.parkinson.org/

Pallbearers are Gary Alexander, Joe Ammon, Curtis Johnson, Ron Peña, Dr. Wayne

Putnam, André Soares.

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Road, Augusta, GA 30907, (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com.

Christian Obituary

Karen Ann Durrell (Dodge), 78, of Calais, ME stopped talking about Jesus and went to

be with Jesus in person, Thursday April 20th at 7:30am peacefully in her sleep in

Augusta, Georgia. Karen was born in Portland, ME, the 4th child of Forest and Mabel

Dodge (Allen) on April 12, 1945, the same day FDR died.  Her father always joked that

FDR took one look at her and kicked the bucket.  Forest would laugh and laugh….go

figure.

Karen grew up in Freeport, ME, graduating in 1963 from Freeport High School.  She

worked for the Pentagon and married her husband Phillip Reed Durrell in 1965.  Her first

son, Phillip Reed Durrell II, was born in 1966 while she lived in Germany, a wife of a

Soldier.   Her second son, Howard Arthur Durrell, was born in 1970 while she was

working at the University of ME in Orono.  She had her third and final son, Raymond

Allen Durrell, in 1979 while working for J.D. Thomas in Calais, ME. Through the years

she worked as a waitress, bank teller, substitute teacher for Maine schools and sold

AVON until 2017 when she retired for good.

Karen loved all things musical.  She learned to play the piano at a young age, playing for

churches throughout her life, culminating in 22 straight years playing for the Church of

the Open Bible in Alexander, ME.  She loved harmony, leading many choirs and for the

aforementioned church led the choir for 21 years.  She loved the Statler Brothers, and

thought they were the cat’s whiskers until she discovered the Cathedral Quartet, which

blew her away.  Southern Gospel, yeah!

Karen had recently moved to Augusta GA attending Our Redeemer Lutheran Church

making lots of friends at the weekly Quilters group, lending her sewing skills, northern

humor and joy to all that knew her.

Karen is predeceased by her parents, Forest and Mabel, one brother Forest Raymond

Jr, her first son Phillip Reed Durrell II and her third son Raymond Allen Durrell.  Karen is

survived by her husband of nearly 58 years, Phillip Reed Durrell, her second son and his

wife, Howard Arthur Durrell and Danielle of Martinez, GA, one sister, Laura Merrill and

her husband Kenny of Durham, ME, two brothers and their wives of Freeport ME, Alan

Dodge and Donna, Carl Dodge and Marilyn, one sister-in-law and her husband, Deborah

Rideout and James of Scarborough, ME.  She is also survived by six grandchildren -all

boys- therefore all Durrells. Steven Phillip of Germany, Phillip David of Calais, Jack

Darius of Martinez, Gabriel Hunter of Calais, Logan Marius of Martinez, and Samuel

James of Calais.  She has many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews and

many many more.

A memorial service will be held in honor of Karen and her life on Saturday the 29th of

April at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church 402 Aumond Rd in Augusta GA at 1100 am. 

The service will be webcast and can be watched on Facebook or found at Our

Redeemer Lutheran Church (orlcaugusta.com) In lieu of flowers donations may be

sent to the Church of the Open Bible in Alexander, ME.

Christian Obituary

Pearl Helen Thieme Mengel, age 87, died on Saturday, April 1, 2023 in Wisconsin.  She

was born on December 2, 1935 in Curtiss, the daughter of Arthur E. and Alvina (Theilig)

Thieme.  She attended school for the deaf in Delavan, Wisconsin.  Pearl was united

in marriage to the love of her life, Richard Lee Mengel on January 7, 1956 in Owen. 

She worked at Master Package in Owen as a machine operator.  Pearl moved to Evans,

Georgia in 1994 to live with her daughter.  Despite being deaf, she was a great mother.

Pearl enjoyed sewing, reading, putting together puzzles and card games.  Most

importantly, she loved and cherished her family.

Pearl is survived by her four children:  Catherina (Theodore) Brand of Evans, GA, Patrick

Mengel of Colby, WI, Charles Mengel of Dorchester and Jeffrey (Joyce) Mengel of

Withee, WI; 13 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; two sisters; Laverna Marcott of

Curtiss, WI and Annette Frahmann of Shelton, WA and a lot of other relatives and

friends.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Richard on December 2, 1994; her

son, Rex Mengel, and 3 brothers.  Pearl was buried at Riverside Cemetery in Withee,

WI. 

The Christian Obituary of Alice L. Timm

      Alice was born Alice Louise Lynn on March 28, 1931, in Atlanta, GA at Grady Hospital to Aaron and Sarah Lynn. On May 13, 1938, her brother, Robert A. Lynn joined the family. On December 1, 1941 Alice was baptized into the Lord’s family. 

      On July 28, 1951, she was introduced to Pvt. Marvin Timm on a blind date. They were married on September 22, 1951, in Grace Lutheran Church in Atlanta. In November of 1951, after completing the course of study, Alice was confirmed and joined the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. In February 1952 she went to live with Marvin’s parents in Nebraska while Marvin was sent to Korea. This was quite a change in culture and many new customs had to be learned.

This Marriage union was blessed with five children and two grandchildren. Marvin, Jr. was born in Norfolk, Nebraska, Brenda Timm Dornseif (husband Bruce) was born at Camp Irwin, California, Gail Timm Burkhalter (husband Gregg) was born at Fort Richardson, Alaska, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and Donna Timm Carpenter (husband Phil) was born in Norfolk, Nebraska. Grandson Bryan Dornseif was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. Granddaughter Hannah Carpenter was born in Lexington, Kentucky.

Following Marvin’s tour in Korea, in early 1953 the family moved to Camp Irwin, California, then to various stations around the country. In July 1962 Alice drove with the five children from Nebraska to New Jersey (a short time after receiving her first driver’s license) to begin their trip to join Marvin in Germany where his unit was sent. Following this tour of duty the family moved to the Fort Lewis, Washington area. They remained in this area while Marvin spent a year of duty in Vietnam from June 1966 to June 1967. Through the years the family moved to various duty stations across the country. On Marvin’s second trip to Vietnam the family stayed in the Fayetteville, North Carolina area. Upon his return the family moved to Fort Riley, Kansas. From there it was the second tour in Alaska followed by a six-month school in Fort Rucker, Alabama. The final Military moved was to the Fort Stewart, Savannah, Georgia area where Marvin retired from Military Service. Alice exceled in her calling as a Military Wife, holding the family together, packing and unpacking during their many moves. During the years of travel both military and personal, she had visited 49 of the 50 states.

Through the years and at several different military posts, she was actively employed in the Post Exchange jewelry area. While at Fort Stewart she was sent to several schools and held the position of Senior Diamond Sales Officer. She received several certificates of Achievement. The family moved to the Augusta area in July 1981 when Marvin’s work requirements with Aid Association for Lutherans called for a change. At this time the local family unit was smaller as all except Donna had left with employment in other areas. They joined Our Redeemer Lutheran Church where she has been active in the Quilters Group until Covid hit. During these many varied areas, she was active in the churches wherever she was.

      Alice L. Timm entered into eternal life with Jesus on Wednesday, November 2, 2022.   She was 91 years of age.

Alice’s favorite Bible verses were Psalm 27 and John 14. Her favorite hymns were; Heaven is My Home and I Know That My Redeemer Lives. The funeral service will be held Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church with Pastor Roger Schwartz officiating. Interment will follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 402 Aumond Road, Augusta, GA 30909.

The family will receive friends on Monday, November 14, 2022 from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. at Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com

CHRISTIAN OBITUARY FOR LOIS AXSON

Lois Ruth Sprehe Axson was born on March 26, 1931, in Buckley, Illinois, the ninth of eleven children, to Theadora Dorathea Ida Knueppel and Herman Heinrich Sprehe. She was received into God’s Covenant of Grace through Holy Baptism on April 12, 1931, was confirmed in her faith on March 25, 1945, and married the love of her life, Thomas Axson on July 8, 1950, all at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Buckley, Illinois.

Their marriage was blessed with five daughters, Bonnie, Florence, Carolyn, Diana, and Laura. Lois worked from the time she was a teenager serving in a deli at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, Illinois, until she retired from Kentucky Fried Chicken after serving 25 years as “white glove” manager for the company at various locations. Throughout her working career, she shared her faith with everyone she met and continued to ensure that her family was raised in the Christian faith, attended church regularly, and that they were baptized and confirmed in the faith.

Lois was a woman of strong faith in Jesus Christ and strived to put Him first in all that she did. She was caregiver for her mother until her death and became caregiver for her husband until his passing in 1995. She was active in her church at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church where she was a member for more than 50 years. During that time Lois served as Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) president, as chair of the Fellowship Committee, and happily led Bible study for the Ladies A.M. Bible Study (LAMBS) for many years. The members of Our Redeemer were her second family and she loved serving and fellowshipping with them all. But her greatest love was serving and worshipping the Lord and being in His Word.

In His mercy and grace, our Lord called Lois home on Friday, July 29, 2022, at her home in Evans, Georgia, surrounded by her children.

Lois is survived by her sister Ruth Reynolds, brother Robert Sprehe, four daughters, Bonnie (David) Annis, Carolyn (Ricky) Wheatley, Diana (Blair) Porter, Laura Axson; her grandchildren, Melissa (Phillip) Britt, Allen (Ashley) Annis, Jason Matthew Annis, Corinne Wheatley, Jessica (Mandy) Wheatley, Erin (Robert) Plyler, Jimmy Ray (Tara) Jones, Jason (Allison) Jones, Laura (Mike) Sigwald, Sarah (Sent) Xayaveth, Jacob (Ann) Jones, and Brandon (Connie) Williams; great-grandchildren, Cody, Rebecca (Evan), Samantha, Caitlin, Bethenie, Damon, Michael, Will, Adam, Jordan, Lukas, Justin, Anna, Lilly, Alexandria, Kate, Asher, Conner, Cooper, Parker, Kayla (Duncan), Olivia, Ethan, Ava, Jackson, Mary May, Sarah Katherine, Melissa Ann, Hayden, Everett, Lane, Allie Jean, and Mackenzie, and great-great-grandchildren, Otey, Wiley, Shepherd, Adalynn, Gabriel, Russell, and Natalie, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband Tom, daughter Florence, grandchildren Lois Michelle, and Jason Ashley, great-great grandchild, Christian, brothers Al, Vic, Del, Ray, Elmer, and Harold, and sisters Edna, and Esther.

The family wishes to extend great appreciation and thanks to Lois’ caregivers including her neighbor, Sara Harris, as well as Christel, Sandy, Sok Hwee, and Dr. Schmidt of Southeast Hospice, who all became a part of the family over the course of these past six months. Lois (Maw Maw) dearly loved each of them.

Lois’ Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, August 6, 2022, at 1:00 PM at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church with Rev. Roger Schwartz officiating. The family will receive friends an hour before the service at the church. Interment of ashes will follow at Pineview Memorial Gardens in North Augusta, SC. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church LWML or Elder’s Aid Fund. Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors is handling the arrangements.

Christian Obituary:

CW3 Wilford "Buzz" Nelson Verneau Jr. (ret. U.S. Army)

Buzz was born in Latrobe, PA on October 10, 1935 to Wilford Nelson Verneau, Sr. and

Freda K. Jones. He was baptized on December 15, 1935 at Trinity Lutheran Church in

Latrobe, PA. He was later Confirmed in his faith at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Trauger,

PA. He married his wife, Nancy (Nan) Jean Forsha on October 16, 1954 at St. James

Lutheran Church in Youngstown, PA. Together they were blessed with 5 children.

Buzz served his nation in the U.S. Army for 25 years before retiring as a Chief Warrant

Officer. After his military career, he worked in civil service for 20 years before retiring a

second time. Buzz was a faithful member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church where he

served as president and in many other ways. He also sang in the choir and acted in various

skits throughout the years. He died on Sunday, May 8, 2022 at his residence in Harlem, GA.

and is now home with His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Family members in addition to his wife of 68 years include his children: Debra Verneau,

Bruce Verneau (Deanna), Scott Verneau (Joy) and Kathleen Verneau; 8 grandchildren; 11

great grandchildren; and sister: Pamela Reschick. He was preceded in death by his

daughter: Brenda Lee Verneau and brother: David Verneau.

The funeral service is held Thursday, May 12, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. at Our Redeemer

Lutheran Church with Rev. Roger Schwartz officiating. Interment will follow at Hillcrest

Memorial Park where military honors will be conducted.

Christian Obituary

Mrs. Ruth Elisabeth Ruhl Grafin von Schweinitz passed away peacefully, on February 28,

2022, the Monday following the Transfiguration of the Lord.  She was surrounded by

her children and their love at the time of her passing.

Predeceased by her husband, Siegfried Graf von Schweinitz, her father Heinrich

Friedrich Ruhl, her mother Frieda Prohaska. She is survived by her sister Helga Jeremias,

four children and twelve grandchildren: Dietrich Graf von Schweinitz, his wife, Sarah

and children (Elisabeth (Nick), Julie, Georgina) Siegfried Graf von Schweinitz Jr., his wife,

Joni and his children (Annaliese, Olivia) Helmut Graf von Schweinitz, his wife, Kimberly

and children (Benjamin (Shaelyn), Rebecca, Sara, Andrew) Heidi Grafin von Schweinitz-

Haerle, her husband, Brad and children (Stefan, Mary Peyton, Evan) and four great-

grandchildren: Benjamin Caleb, Paul, Leo and Jacob. A word that described Ruth

throughout her life was selfless.

Born in Munich, Germany on October 17,1930, Ruth was the second oldest of four

siblings. She was baptized on October 25, 1930 at the Lutheran Church in Munich,

Germany.  She was later confirmed in her faith on April 2, 1943 in Starmberg, Germany.

At 19, after the death of her mother, she stepped in to care for her younger siblings

and assume the management role of the farm employees at Gut Buchof and Gut Riem,

the City of Munich state farms, of which her father was Managing Director.

Ruth met her beloved husband, Siegfried, in 1946 when he came to intern at the farm.

The two married on August 4,1951 and immigrated to the United States in September.

During their two week journey on the USS Hersey, she used her medical skills as a

nurse to care for other immigrants. Once settled in Columbia County, Ruth served as

president of the Appling PTA, was Cub Scout Den Mother, volunteered for the

underserved at the county clothing center and dental clinic. In addition to managing

the family farm in Appling, she raised four children and cared for twenty-one foster

children. Ruth and Siegfried’s farm hosted summer horseback riding camps, school

field trips, church picnics and receptions for many organizations. She never turned

away a stray and was a member of Columbia County Humane Society. Ruth and

Siegfried were active members of the Belle Meade Hunt, Augusta Symphony and Harry

Jacobs Chamber Music Society. Donations in Ruth’s memory can be made to Our

Redeemer Lutheran Church, any abused children or animal rescue organization.

The family will receive friends at Thomas Poteet Funeral Home, Davis Road, on

Wednesday, March 2nd from 5-7pm. Funeral service will be held Thursday, March 3rd,

11:00am at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church with Pastor Roger Schwartz officiating.

Burial will follow at Westover Memorial Park.

Christian Obituary for Jennifer D. Noah

Jennie D. Noah died on the Wednesday following the first Sunday after Epiphany on January 12, 2022 at her home. Jennie, age 78, wife of Dr. Christopher Noah had fought the good fight against cancer for more than 20 years.

Jennie was born in Shelby, North Carolina to parents Edward Ernest Post and Margaret Thompson Post. She was baptized at Central United Methodist Church on April 11, 1954. St. and Thomas Aquinas Church in Washington, DC on June 17, 1960 was where she was confirmed in her faith. Jennie married Chris Noah on June 24, 1978 at Northern Lights United Methodist Church in Juneau, Alaska. While living in Atlanta, Georgia, the family became members of Grace Lutheran Church prior to moving to Augusta.

She had a wonderful perspective on life which came from growing up all over the world, most notably in Zimbabwe, Egypt and India. Jennie was a remarkable woman, although she would humbly deny it. While in Alaska she worked for the Alaska Legislature and started Design Gallery, an interior design firm. Later in life she began a second career in what was then considered a predominately male profession as a certified financial planner establishing her own practice, The Monitor Group here in Augusta, Georgia. She was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church since April 7, 1991. She served in roles in Stewardship, Christian Education and was pivotal in the planning and purchase of the Church stained glass windows. As an avid Christian, she studied and led many Bible studies over the years and was a member of the Ladies AM Bible Study (LAMBS).

Family members in addition to her husband include her children: Ajit Singh Dugal, Premjit Singh Dugal, Inderjit Singh Dugal, Jeffrey Brooks Noah (deceased) and Christopher Noah, Jr.; eight grandsons; and sisters: Elizabeth Nowicki and Shirley Cox.

The funeral service will be held Thursday, January 20, 2022 at 1:00 P.M. at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church with Pastor Roger Schwartz officiating. Interment will be private.

As was her custom, Jennie would not want to be the center of attention and requests that no flowers be sent, rather memorial donations be made to the Church Worker Scholarship fund at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com

Christian Obituary for

Sarah Frances Jenkins Barnard

Sarah Frances Jenkins Barnard died on Friday, October 15, 2021, she was 89 years of age and had been married over 53 years to the late William J.O. Barnard.

Sarah Frances Jenkins was born on April 3, 1932 in Little Rock, Arkansas to Mr. Grover Cleveland Jenkins and Elizabeth Marcella Kramer.  She was baptized in June of 1944 in Little Rock.  She met her husband, William Joseph Orvin Barnard in Japan, and became a military wife on July 9, 1952 when they married at Grace Lutheran Church in Poplar Bluff, MO.  Sarah was later confirmed in her faith on December 24, 1961 at First Lutheran Church in Little Rock, Arkansas.   Sarah and Bill lived in many places before settling in Augusta. They became members of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church on June 27, 1974 via transfer from University Lutheran in Clemson, SC.  Sarah was a member of the Our Redeemer Quilters and the Altar Guild. She enjoyed helping others and volunteered for several years at the Fort Gordon Thrift Shop. Sarah was a loving mother and will be missed by many friends and family.

Family members include her children: Zandra Mobley, Chris Sammons, Bill Barnard, Libby Brock, and Bob Barnard (Joanne); 15 grandchildren and many great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, Grover and Elizabeth Jenkins, her husband William J.O. Barnard, and daughter, Robin Shipley.

The family will receive friends at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church on Wednesday, October 20, 2021 beginning at 1:00 P.M. At 2:00 P.M., a funeral service will be held in the Our Redeemer Sanctuary.  Interment will be at Hillcrest Cemetery following the Church service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 402 Aumond Rd., Augusta, GA 30909.

Christian Obituary:

Mrs. Bernice Lavera Gerler Priest, age 89, of Augusta, GA, beloved mother of Joy Morris, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on August 12, 2021. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Priest on November 20, 1988 after 37 years of marriage; her parents, Bernahard and Lona Doberenz Gerler; brother, George Gerler; sister, Dorothy Bachmann. Bernice was born in Friedensburg, Missouri, on January 13, 1932. She grew up in a large family with 6 siblings. She is survived by four: Norma Seward, Ruby Kramer, Maxine Coursey, Leo Gerler. In addition to her daughter Joy, Bernice is survived by her granddaughter, Melinda Lee Sanders (Gregg); grandson, Michael John Morris (Amanda); two great grandsons, Lucas & Jacob Sanders; numerous nieces, nephews, greats, and godchildren.

Bernice was baptized on February 1932 at Peace Lutheran Church in Friedensburg, Missouri. In April of 1946, She was confirmed in her faith at Trinity Lutheran Church in Shawneetown, Missouri. In 1950, Bernice moved to Augusta, GA as a young adult and met the love of her life, Jack Edward Priest. She joined Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in 1951. She remained an active faithful member for over 60 years and was lovingly known as “Mama Priest”. Bernice cherished her church family and was quick to serve others wherever and whenever she was needed. Throughout her life, one of her greatest joys was taking care of children and sharing the Gospel with all of them. Her desire was that every person know the love of Jesus. Bernice was a Sunday School Teacher, member of the Choir, Altar Guild, Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, Quilters, kitchen helper, photographer, and was involved in several Bible studies. Bernice was quick to help people who were homebound, in the hospital, or in nursing homes. She never wanted anyone to feel alone and showed compassion to everyone. The legacy of Christ’s Love that she leaves behind is immeasurable. Bernice was adventurous, always up for a road trip and enjoyed an annual beach getaway with her niece, and 3 dear friends. She was an amazing seamstress and loved to Crochet. Bernice loved lunch dates at Olive Garden and Sticky Fingers with her daughter Joy. Time spent with others was precious to her. Mom, Sister, Aunt, Grandmother, Great grandmother, godmother to many, Mama Priest, B, dear friend and most especially known as a child of God, Bernice, now is with Jesus her Savior in heaven.

The family will receive loved ones on Wednesday, August 18, 2021 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church at 402 Aumond Road in Augusta GA from 12noon-1:30pm. The funeral service will follow at 2pm. Interment will be at Hillcrest Cemetery. For those unable to attend, you may view her Funeral at https://www.orlcaugusta.com or at the Church’s Facebook page. The family requests that masks be worn by those coming in person and areas for social distancing will be available. Pallbearers include: Craig Steedley, Dean Niehoff, Robert Lack, Norm Diebold, Billy Jowers, Gary Stroebel

In lieu of flowers, memorials gifts may be made to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church General Fund or the ORLC Quilters at 402 Aumond Road, Augusta, GA 30909