A Loss in the Church Family...

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Our thoughts and prayers are with Judy Guyton and daughters in the passing of Jim Guyton. May God give them comfort during this time.

Wes Lauer passed away on January 4, 2022.  Wes joined Grace Church on February 26, 1956.  Please keep his family and friends in prayer.

Our sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Pastor Pete Knight who passed away on Deceber 28, 2021.  Pete faithfully served as Associate Pastor for Grace Church from January 1, 2005 through March 30, 2016.

​Our sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Beverly Goss who passed away on July 2, 2021.  Beverly joined Grace Church on March 23, 1951. She sang in the sanctuary choir and served as the bell choir director for a period of time.
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Our sympathy is extended to Arlene Wise and to alll the family and friends of Will Wise who passed away on April 6, 2021.  Will joined Grace Church on April 24, 1955. He had been an active member of our congregation for 66 years. A funeral service for Will was held on Tuesday April 13 at Grace Church with Pastor Byron Myers officiating.

Richard Thomas Moyer, Sr. passed away on January 20, 2021. He and his wife, Margie, were long time members of Grace United Methodist Church in Oil City. Please keep Margie and family in prayer.

Ray Goodwill passed away on November 11 2020. He was the loving father of Cindy Lockwood. Please keep Cindy Lockwood and family in prayers.

Dixie Flinchbaugh passed away on October 10, 2020. Dixie was a member of Grace United since 1954. She was loved and cherished by many people including, her parents, husband and children. A visitation was held on October 13, 2020 from 11AM-1PM at the Hile-Best Funeral home. A service in her memory was then held at Grace United Church at 2PM.

​​Rev. Jack Friggle passed away on Sept. 10, 2020. The family will wait until Covid is over and schedule a memorial service. Please keep Sandy and all their kids in prayer.

​Bettty Lou Gordon passed away on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020. Betty was a member of Grace Church since 1939. She was loved and respected by all who came into contact with her. She was proceeded in death by her husband Eugene N. Gordon.

Joan “Rusty” Pokay passed away on Sunday June 28, 2020. She had been a member of Grace for 8 years, having joined on March 4, 2012. A service celebrating Joan’s life was held on Tuesday June 30 with Pastor Myers officiating. Our prayers continue to be with “Aunt Rusty’s” family as they mourn her loss.

​Lois Reed passed away on Tuesday July 7, 2020. Lois had been a member of Grace for 44 years, joining on April 11, 1976. A service celebrating Lois’ life was held on Thursday July 9 with Pastor Myers officiating. Our sympathies and prayers will continue to be with Lois’ family and loved ones as they mourn her loss.

Ray Fry passed away on July 16, 2020. Ray had joined Grace Church as a youth in April of 1959. He was currently active in the Oakland UM Church. During this time of loss we pray for Ray’s family, including his niece, Rina Anderson.

Philip Anderson passed away on July 20, 2020. Phil was a member of Grace Church from 1956 through 1977. He had restored his membership in 1995. He was dedicated to missions, with the Hope for Hispanola mission in the Dominican Republic especially touching his heart.  Funeral services for Phil will be held at a future date. Memorial contributions can be made to Grace UMC or the Venango County Humane Society. Our prayers are with Phil’s wife, Rina and with all of Phil’s family during this difficult time of loss.

Della Rodgers passed away on Tuesday July 28, 2020. She was a member of Grace for 65 years, joining in May 1955. She had been an active member of Grace. A private service for immediate family was held on Sunday August 2 with Pastor Myers officiating. A celebration of life memorial service will be held at Grace at a future date. Contributions in Della’s memory may be made to Grace Church’s TV Ministry program. Our prayers continue to be with Della’s family and loved ones as they mourn her loss.

Linda Fentress passed away on May 18, 2020. Linda joined Grace Church on April 28, 1957. She had been a member of our church for 63 years. A funeral service for Linda was held on May 20 with Pastor Myers officiating. Online condolences may be made at www.morrisonhome.com. Our prayers are with Linda’s husband, Charles, at this difficult time.

Ron Shiley, Jr. passed away on May 4, 2020. Ron joined Grace Church on October 24, 1982. He had been an active member of the Grace congregation and an instrumental figure in our TV Ministry. A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date with Rev. Byron Myers officiating. Memorial contributions can be made to Grace UMC TV Ministry. You may leave online condolences for the family at www.morrisonhome.com. Our prayers are with Patty, Ron, Matthew and all of Ron’s family during this difficult time of loss.

Stacy Lynn Barton passed away on May 3, 2020. Stacy joined Grace Church on June 11, 1989. She had been a member for 31 years. A celebration of life service is planned after current restrictions are lifted.

Our sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Katie Baker who passed away on April 29, 2020. Katie joined Grace Church on April 4, 1971. She had been a member of Grace for 49 years. Our prayers are with Katie’s daughter, Rhonda Morris and her husband Dave during this time of loss. Online condolences for the family may be placed at www.reinselfuneralhome.com. Memorials may be made to the Oil City Library, 2 Central Avenue.

Our sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Linda L. Moore who passed away on March 23, 2020.  Linda joined Grace Church on March 4, 2012.  She had been a member of Grace for 8 years.  A memorial service will be held at a future date.  Online condolences may be placed at http://www.morrisonhome.com  We pray the grace of the Lord will bring comfort to Linda's family and friends at this difficult time.

Our sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Lance Hildebrand who passed away on December 16, 2019.  Lance joined Grace Church on May 7, 1961. He had been a member of Grace for 58 years.  A private funeral service was held at the convenience of the family. Online condolences may be placed at www.hartlefuneralhome.com. We pray the grace of the Lord will bring comfort to Lance’s family and friends at this difficult time.

Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Beverly Peirce who passed away on Saturday, November 1, 2019.  Beverly joined Grace Church on November 10, 1940.  She had been  a  member of our church for 79 years.  A prayer service for Beverly was on held Tuesday, November 5 at Furlong Funeral Home in Marienville, PA.  Online condolences may be placed at http://www.furlongfuneralhome.com.  Our prayers are with all of Beverly’s family and friends at this very difficult time.

Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Doris Gegogeine who passed away on Saturday, October 5, 2019.  Doris joined Grace Church on December 19, 1976.  She was a dedicated member of our church for 43 years.  As a young girl, Doris published a book of poems, which is currently available in the Grace Church Library.  Some of these poems have been included in various editions of Grace Notes.  A memorial service will be held at Bethel United Methodist Church on Route 417 in Franklin.  Our prayers are with all of Doris' family and friends at this very difficult time.

Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Susan Solida who passed away on Tuesday, September 10, 2019.  Susan joined Grace Church on October 13, 2002.  She was a member of our church for 17 years.  A funeral service was held at Grace on Friday, September 13 at 11:00am with Pastor Myers officiating.  Our prayers are with Pastor Ralph and with Susan's family Sarah, Amy, and Loren.  We mourn with you and pray the grace of our Lord will bring you comfort at this most difficult time.

Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Margarette Delaney who passed away on Thursday, September 12, 2019.  A funeral service for Margarette will be held at the Caring Place.  Our prayers are with Bob and Lynne, and with all of Margarette's family.  We pray you find comfort in the grace of the Lord at this most difficult time.

Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Margaret Joan "Jo" Hovis who passed away on August 30, 2019.  Jo was constituent member of Grace Church who enjoyed our services each week through our TV Ministry.  She was the mother of Cindy Fultz.  A funeral service for Jo was held on Tuesday, September 3.  Our prayers are with Cindy and Frank, and with all of Jo's family.  Because she enjoyed TV Ministry, the family requests any memorials for Jo be directed in that manner.

Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to the family and friends of James B. Beck who passed away on Tuesday July 23.  Jim joined Grace Church on August 25, 1985. He was a member of our church for nearly 34 years. A memorial service for Jim was held at Grace on Monday July 29 with Pastor Myers officiating.  Our prayers are with Jim’s daughter Sara, with his sister Hazel, and with all of his family and friends.

Our sincere sympathy is also extended to the family and friends of Marilyn “Jean” Benton who passed into the arms of Jesus on Thursday July 25. Jean joined Grace Church on June 6, 1971. She had been a member of our church for 48 years. Pastor Myers officiated a memorial service for Jean at Grace Church on Tuesday July 30.  Our prayers are with Jean’s daughter Patty Shiley, and with all of Jean’s family and friends.

Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Wayne Seidle who went to be with the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on June 9.  Wayne joined Grace Church on June 27, 1999. He was nearing his 20th anniversary of membership.  A funeral for Wayne was held on Thursday, June 13 with Pastor Myers officiating. Our prayers are with Sue and with all of Wayne’s family and friends. We mourn with you and pray the grace of our Lord will bring you comfort at this most difficult time.

Our sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Robert W. Wygant who passed away on May 8. Robert joined Grace Church on March 25, 1956. He had been a member for 63 years. A funeral for Robert was held on Monday, May 13 with Pastor Myers officiating. Our prayers are with Robert’s family at this time. Condolences may be placed at www.reinselfuneralhome.com.

Our sympathy is also extended to the family and friends of Don Moritmer who passed away on May 17. Don originally joined Grace Church on June 27, 1943.  A funeral for Don was held on Wednesday, May 22 with Pastor Myers officiating. Our prayers are with Don’s friends and family at this time.

​Our sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Nancy Jones who passed away on April 18. Nancy joined Grace Church November 29, 1964. She had been a member for 54 years. At the family’s request, a private service celebrating Nancy’s life was held in Pittsburgh.

Our sympathy is also extended to the family and friends of Mary Kaufman who passed away on April 22. Mary joined Grace Church on April 11, 1951. She had just achieved 68 years of membership. A funeral for Mary was held on Thursday May 1 at Grace Church.

Our sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Marylee Tharp who passed away on March 16, 2019. Marylee joined Grace Church on June 1, 1952. She had been a member for 66 years. A service celebrating Marylee’s life was held on Thursday, March 21st with Pastor Myers officiating. Our thoughts and prayers are with Stanley Erwin, and all her family at this very difficult time.

Our sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Edward Marvin who passed away on Tuesday, September 4, 2018. Ed joined Grace Church on December 10, 1989. He had been a member for 28 years. A service celebrating Ed’s life was held on Friday, September 7 with Pastor Myers officiating. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Ed’s family at this difficult time.

Our heartfelt sympathy is also extended to the friends and family of Linda Beichner who passed away on Thursday, September 6, 2018. Linda joined Grace Church on March 20, 1994. She had been an active church member for 24 years. A service celebrating Linda’s life was held on Friday, September 7 with Pastor Myers officiating. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Linda’s friends and family at this most difficult time.

Additionally, our sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Doris Miller who passed away on Tuesday, September 11, 2018. Doris joined Grace Church on May 13, 2009. She had been a member for 9 years. A funeral was held on Saturday September 15, while a service celebrating Doris’ life is planned for a later time, when all her family members will be able to participate in the joyous remembrance. Our thoughts and prayers are with Doris’ sister, Margie Moyer, and all her family at this time.

Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Deb Robinson who passed away on Thursday, June 28. Deb joined Grace Church on October 13, 2002. She had been a member for 15 years. A service celebrating Deb’s life was held on Monday, July 2 with Pastor Myers officiating. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mead and with all of Deb’s family at this most difficult time.

Our deepest sympathy is also extended to the family and friends of Russell Moore Jr. who passed away on Tuesday, July 3. Rus joined Grace Church on March 4, 2012. He had been an active member of Grace Church for the past 6 years. A service celebrating his life was held on Saturday, July 7 with Pastor Myers officiating. Our thoughts and prayers are with Linda and all family members and friends at this very difficult time.

Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Susan Kean who passed away on Sunday April 22.  Sue joined Grace Church on her birthday, 11/12/06. She had been a member for 11 years. A service celebrating Sue’s life was held on Thursday April 26 with Pastor Gale Boocks officiating.

Our sincere sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Rick Hepler who passed away on Monday April 23. Rick joined Grace Church as a teenager in 1962. He had been a member for 56 years. A service in honor of Rick’s life was held on Saturday April 28 with Pastor Myers officiating.

Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to the family of Robert “Bob” Peters who passed away on Friday, February 23rd in Olympia, Washington. Bob joined Grace Church on September 19, 1975. He had been a member for 42 years. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bob’s family and friends at this difficult time.

Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to the family of Bettie Hughes who passed away on Thursday February 1st. Bettie joined Grace Church on May 1, 1932. She had been a member for 85 years. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bettie’s family and friends at this difficult time.

Our deepest sympathy is also extended to the family of Lois Smith who passed away on Monday February 5th. Lois joined Grace Church on March 19, 1967. She had been a member for 50 years. A service celebrating Lois’ life was held on February 9th with Pastor Myers officiating. Our thoughts and prayers are with Lois’ family and friends at this difficult time.

Our sympathies are also extended to the family of Sharon Lynn Wright who passed away on Thursday, December 7. Sharon was the daughter of Bob and Ginny Taylor. She lived in Virginia. Sharon had joined Grace Church as a teen in 1977; she was a member for 40 years. A memorial service celebrating Sharon’s life is planned for a future date. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bob and Ginny, and with all of Sharon’s family and friends. We pray their faith in Christ will bring them comfort at this most difficult time.

We have also learned of the passing of William H (Bill) Berry of Erie, who was a member of Grace Church. Bill joined Grace in 1934; he had been a member for 79 years upon his death on January 16, 2013. Our prayers are with his widow, Marjorie.

Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to the family of Carrie Womer who passed away on Tuesday, December 5, 2017.  Carrie joined Grace Church on October 22, 1995.  She had been a member for 22 years.  A private ceremony celebrating Carrie's life is planned for a later date.  Online condolences may be expressed at http://www.hilebest.com.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Phil and all of Carrie's family and friends at this difficult time.

Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to the family of Dolores Rider who passed away on Tuesday, November 21. Dolores joined Grace Church on March 20, 1955. She had been a member for 62 years. A private ceremony celebrating Dolores’s life was held on Tuesday November 28 with Pastor Myers officiating. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dolores’s family and friends at this difficult time.

Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to the family of Iva Hess who passed away on Monday, October 30. Iva joined Grace Church on November 15, 1987. She had been a member of our congregation for 30 years.  A service celebrating Iva’s life was held on Sunday November 5 with Pastor Myers officiating. Our thoughts and prayers are with Iva’s family and friends at this difficult time.

Our sympathy is also extended to the family of Erma Pacior who passed away on November 5, 2017. Erma joined Grace Church on April 7, 1968. She had been a member of the church for 49 years. Erma had lived the past few years of her life in Colorado. A Celebration of Life for Erma was held on Saturday November 25 at Livermore Community Church in Colorado. To leave messages of condolence, you may visit www.vesseyfuneralservice.com.

Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to the family of Doris Fink who passed away on Tuesday, October 3, 2017 at the age of 100. Doris had been a member of Grace Church for 18 years; joining on June 27, 1999.  A funeral service was held on Saturday, October 7, with Pastor Myers officiating. Our thoughts and prayers are with Doris’ family and friends at this difficult time.

Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to the family of Sally Preston who passed away on October 12, 2017 in Alabama.  Sally had been a member of Grace Church for 56 years; joining on March 26, 1961.  Services celebrating her life will be held in Birmingham, AL.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Sally's family and friends at this difficult time.

We have learned of the death of Doris Hovis on September 23, 2017. Our sympathies are extended to her loved ones. Doris had been a member of Grace Church for 25 years, joining on May 17, 1992. In recent years she and her daughter Judy have lived in Junction City, Oregon. If you wish to send condolences, please check with the church office for the address. Our thoughts are prayers are with Doris’ family and friends at this difficult time.

Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to the family of Carol Leigh Morrison who passed away on July 14, 2017. Carol had been a member of Grace Church for 33 years, joining on December 18, 1983. A service celebrating her life was held on Monday July 17. Our thoughts are prayers are with Carol’s family and friends at this difficult time.

Our heartfelt sympathy is also extended to the family of Robert Carrow who passed away on August 13, 2017. Robert had been a member of Grace Church for 66 years, joining on March 31, 1951. A private funeral service was held on August 16, with an open service celebrating his life afterwards. Our thoughts are prayers are with Robert’s family and friends at this time.

We learned of the passing of Edwin L. Putnam who was a long-time member of Grace Church. Edwin passed away on November 12, 2016 in Arizona.  He had been a member of Grace since May 25, 1948. Our thoughts and prayers are with Helen Dawn Putnam and the remainder of his family.

Patricia G. Kunkle Rehberg passed away on May 3, 2017. Patricia joined Grace Church in 1960. A service celebrating her life was held on Saturday May 6. Condolence messages may be sent to www.morrisonhome.com. Our prayers are with Patricia’s family and friends at this difficult time.

We also extend our sympathies to the family of Robert P. “Bob” Teifer who passed away on May 16, 2017 in Georgia. Bob joined Grace Church on March 22, 1964. He had been a member for 53 years. Bob was instrumental in establishing the TV Ministry program here at Grace. A service celebrating Bob’s life was held in Georgia on Friday,May19.  Messages of condolence may be sent to www.wagesfuneralhome.com. Our prayers are with Shirley and all of Bob’s family and friends at this difficult time.

Woody Magness passed away on May 27, 2017 while he was in Florida. Woody had been a member of Grace Church for 5 years, joining in March of 2012. Our prayers are with Bette and all of Woody’s family and friends as they grieve his loss. A service celebrating Woody’s life will be held on June 10, 2017 at Grace Church with Pastor Myers officiating.

And we extend our sympathies to the family of Bob Sterling who passed away on May 29, 2017. Bob joined Grace Church on December 2, 1990. He had been a member for 26 years. A service celebrating Bob’s life will be held on June 5, 2017 at Grace Church with Pastor Myers officiating. Prayers of the church family are with Jean and all of Bob’s family and friends at this very difficult time. 

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Have you considered Grace Church in your estate planning? A bequest of any size to the endowment fund will help provide income to your church well into the future. Income from the endowment fund is divided 2/3 to the ministries and operations budget, 1/3 to the benevolence budget. Pastor Geisler can provide additional information. You can contact him at 677-3013 or email [email protected]. 

If you wish to place memorial flowers on the altar contact Eva in the church office at 677-3013. The office will place the flower order for you. The cost for flowers is currently $15 each week. Memorial donations may be sent to the church office at any time. The family will receive notification of your donation.
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