Tom (Thomas T.) Julien of Grace Village Retirement Community in Winona Lake, Ind., went home to be with his Lord on Monday, January 16, 2023, at the age of 91.

Tom was born June 27, 1931, in Arcanum, Ohio.  He was the sixth of Russell and Clara Julien’s seven children.  Raised in a Christian home, he received Christ as his Savior at an early age, and during his teenage years dedicated his life to the Lord for missionary service.  It was at Bob Jones University that he met Doris Briner, whose spiritual experience was identical.  They were married August 21, 1953, and the year following moved to Winona Lake, Ind., where Tom studied at Grace Theological Seminary (MDiv 1957; DD 1996).  During their years in Winona Lake, they started the Grace Brethren Church in Fort Wayne.

In October 1958 the Juliens left for France, serving under Grace Brethren Foreign Missions (now Encompass World Partners).  After language study in Geneva, Switzerland, and initial attempts in evangelism in Grenoble, France, they acquired the Château, a 14th century property in Burgundy, which became a center for encounter and discussion. During the next twenty years, they were involved in the ministry of evangelism, teaching, and church-planting. During this time, the Europe team grew to over 50 missionaries in four countries.

In 1986 the Juliens were asked to return to Winona Lake where Tom became the executive director of the mission.  He served for a year as its Moderator. Upon Tom’s retirement in 2000, the Juliens moved to Paris, France, for three years, where they were in a ministry with university students.  Since moving back to Winona Lake, Tom became involved in the development of leadership training both for the mission and the Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church, where he served on the pastoral staff.

Tom’s wife Doris went to be with the Lord in 2009.  Tom is survived by three children, Becky (David) Schwan (Willard, Ohio), Terry Julien (Winona Lake, Ind.), and Jacqueline (Jeff) Schram (Winona Lake, Ind.); five grandchildren, David (Emily Hobert) Schwan (Ellensburg, Wash.), Rachel (Steve) Williams (Houston, Texas), Philip Schwan (Willard, Ohio), Jonathan Schram, engaged to Heather Cummings (Charlotte, N.C.) and Joelle (Brandon) Haun (Columbus, Ohio).  He is also survived by four great-grandchildren, Gray, Van, Wren, and Warren.  He loved his family well and was deeply loved by them.  He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, two brothers and four sisters.

Friends and family may visit on Friday, January 20, 2023, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. and 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road in Warsaw, Ind.  Tom’s life will be celebrated with a service at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church, 1200 Kings Highway in Winona Lake, Ind., officiated by Pastor Kip Cone and Terry White.  Burial will follow with a graveside service at Oakwood Cemetery in Warsaw, Ind.  Tom’s service will be livestreamed on Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/WLGBC on Saturday.   

Encompass World Partners has created the Tom Julien Memorial Fund to honor Tom’s life of ministry. Gifts given to this fund will be used to bless Encompass ministries that Tom was most passionate about. This includes evangelism in France, leadership development in Central Africa, and partnering with the global Charis Alliance.  To give by credit card or bank ACH, go to EncompassWorldPartners.org/Julien.

To give by check, make it payable to “Encompass World Partners”, write “Tom Julien Memorial Fund” on the Memo line, and mail to:  Encompass World Partners, P.O. Box 64528, Colorado Springs, CO 80962-4528.

See Tom’s full original obituary here.

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Alice Koontz

Alice Evelyn Koontz of Winona Lake, Ind. (wife of Charles Hollis Koontz), went home to be with her Lord and Savior whom she loved and served on Sunday, February 6, 2022, at Grace Village Assisted Living in Winona Lake, Ind., at the age of 89. Alice worked as church secretary at Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church, a Charis Fellowship congregation in northern Indiana (Kip Cone, lead pastor), for 26 years, retiring in 1995. Read the entire obituary here.

Dr. Rick Fairman

Dr. Richard G. “Rick” Fairman, 73, of Lititz, Pa., formerly of Baltimore, met Jesus face-to-face on Monday, January 31, 2022, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Rick was the loving husband of Judy K. Ashman Fairman. Over the years, Rick served as interim pastor for various congregations. Presently, he was serving as interim pastor of New Beginnings Charis Fellowship Church in Myerstown, Pa. He also taught in several Bible colleges and seminaries, including Grace Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Ind. Read the entire obituary here.

John Dilling

John Robert Dilling, 93, of Seville, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 7, 2022, at LifeCare Hospice in Wooster, Ohio. John is survived by his wife of 72 years, Patricia. John attended Grace Theological Seminary and pastored Grace Brethren Church in Canton, Ohio, for 18 years. John was a member at Grace Brethren Church in Rittman, Ohio. Read the entire obituary here.

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Charles H. Koontz of Winona Lake, Ind., went home to be with his Lord and Savior whom he loved and served on December 18, 2021, at Grace Village Health Care in WinonaLake, Ind., at the age of 91.

Charles was born in Masontown, Pa., on June 22, 1930, to Herman W. and Myra S. Koontz. On April 13, 1957, he married Alice E. Snider in Pennsylvania and they were blessed to share the next 64 years celebrating anniversaries, holidays, birthdays, raising their children and becoming grandparents and great grandparents.

Charles graduated from Jefferson High School in Roanoke, Va. He completed his undergraduate degree at Bryan University in Dayton, Tenn.,  and his Bachelor of Divinity degree from Grace Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Ind.

Following graduation, Charles became pastor of the McHenry Avenue Grace Brethren Church in Modesto, California. He returned to Winona Lake, Ind., in 1960 to become the manager of the Brethren Missionary Herald Bookstore. Later he was the manager of the Christian Light Bookstore in Nappanee, Ind. After retirement, he worked for Patona Bay and Ace Hardware in Warsaw.

He enjoyed the fellowship of his church family at Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church where he was a member for over 60 years, serving as a trustee, usher, and financial secretary. One of his passions was being involved with Right to Life of North Central Indiana. Charles enjoyed spending time on the lake and boating with his family. He could be found cheering at the many Grace College Basketball games he attended. He also enjoyed reading his Bible, doing jigsaw puzzles, Gaither cruises with Alice, and traveling to watch his children and grandchildren perform and play sports. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Charles loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and though his family will dearly miss him, they are rejoicing that he will be spending Christmas in Heaven.

Charles is survived by his wife of 64 years, Alice E. Koontz, and children: David (Linda) of Winona Lake, Ind., Doug of Warsaw, Ind., and Steve (Christine) of Winona Lake, Ind. Also surviving are his grandchildren:  Ashley (John) Miller, Beth, Kate, Scott and Michael Koontz and two great granddaughters. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Kenneth D. Koontz.

A private graveside service will be held on Tuesday, December 28, 2021, with Pastor Bruce Barlow officiating. Charles’ life will be celebrated with a memorial service at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church and officiated by Pastor Kip Cone. Friends and family may visit prior to the service from 2:00–4:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Right to Life of North Central Indiana, P.O. Box 1162, Warsaw, Indiana  46581.

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Jennifer Lynn Hill, of Galloway, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at the age of 43. She was born on April 23, 1978, in Columbus, Ohio, to Jim and Diane (Allen) Reed.

Jen was a 1996 graduate of Westland High School and went on to work in Early Childhood Education.

In 2006, Jen married Phil, the love of her life. They celebrated 15 years of marriage in June. Jen’s greatest joy was in parenting and building a home for her kids.

Jen loved people and was gifted in hospitality and entertaining people in her home. Jen could make anyone feel comfortable, was a faithful friend, and great listener who was always investing in others.

Jen and Phil helped start Movement Church in Hilliard, Ohio, and were very active in leadership and ministry. Jen worked as the children’s director for many years and excelled at casting vision, team building, and recruiting. She was lovingly referred to as the “Mom of Movement Church” for the way she loved kids, families, single people, and young couples.

Jen was a follower of Jesus and found peace in her devoted relationship with Him. She often shared her hope with people she spent time with.

Jen was preceded in death by: parents Jim and Diane Reed; and brother Eric Reed. Jen is survived by: her husband Phil; children Izzy, Charlee, Zeke, and TJ; sister Elizabeth Reed; brother Nathan (Kim) Reed; mother-in-law Sally Ogle; sister-in-law Ashley (Ben) Hetzer; sister-in-law Margie Ogle; many nieces, nephews, and loving family members and friends.

Visitation will be Friday, December 17, 2021, from 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. at Grace Powell Church with a memorial service to follow.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been set up through Movement Church. You may contribute at movementcolumbus.com/giving.

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Greg was born to LeRoy and Juanita (Denbeigh) Howell on March 24, 1954, in Spokane, Wash. He breathed his last breath on earth and first sweet heavenly breath on November 21, 2021.

He attended elementary school in Spokane and junior high and high school in Sunnyside, Wash. He graduated from Grace College in Winona Lake, Ind., in 1976 and Grace Seminary in 1979. He received his doctorate in 2007 from Grace Seminary.

On June 19, 1976, he married his high school sweetheart, Colleen Jones, in Sunnyside. Together they raised 9 children and have 17 grandchildren.

Greg was actively involved in his children and grandchildren’s lives. He loved his family dearly and prayed for them daily. He always made time to talk and listen to each of them.  His family fondly remembers their loving husband and father’s amazing dad jokes, his ability to fix anything, his cheese ball recipe, and his love of snickers. His passion was preaching the Gospel and enjoying his many hobbies including reading, building, HO trains, museums, history, and coin collecting.

After marriage, Greg served as youth pastor and then associate pastor in Warsaw, Ind., from 1977–1981. Greg and Colleen came to Community Grace Brethren Church in Goldendale, Wash., in 1981, where he remained as senior pastor until his death. The Grace Brethren Church community, as well as the Goldendale community, was an intricate part of Greg and Colleen’s lives. Greg was a 4-H leader, AYSO soccer coach, and was very involved with the Christian School and Goldendale Christian Fellowship. He also served on several committees for Grace College and Theological Seminary, as camp director for the Clear Lake Grace Brethren Camp in in White Pass, Wash., and taught seminary classes with the Ezra Bible Institute located in Sunnyside, Wash., and taught in Sierra Leone, Africa.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Paula Howell, and a great-niece, Grace Moerke. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Colleen, and children: Sarah Baker of South Bend, Ind.; Jennifer (Scott) Spencer of Milton-Freewater, Ore.; Austin Howell of Corpus Christie, Texas; Ashleigh (William) Hobart of Bellingham, Wash.; Leslie Petko of Warsaw, Ind.; Amanda (Justin) McKeehan of Buford, Ga.; Cameron Howell of Goldendale, Wash.; Bekah Howell of Vancouver, Wash.; and Rachel Howell of Goldendale, Wash. Also surviving are grandchildren AJ and Paige Baker, Mark and Keenan Spencer, Austin Howell II, Willoughby, Ethne, and Donaghy Hobart, Aiden Petko, Landon, Olivia, Norah, Emmett and Memphis McKeehan, Aaliyah, Alexzander and Charlotte Howell. He is also survived by his step-father, George Swanson, sisters Nancie (Bob) Willey, Julie Martin, and Margot (Douglas) Rodgers, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Goldendale, Wash., on December 18, at 1:00 p.m. at Community Grace Brethren Church. A livestream option is available here. In lieu of flowers, camp scholarships can be sent to: NW District Youth Council, PO Box 819, Prosser, WA 99350.

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Bobbette “Bobbie” Juanne Ridenour, a resident of Grace Village Retirement Community in Winona Lake, Ind., died on Friday,November 26, 2021, at Grace Village Health Care at the age of 92.

She was born on October 12, 1929, in Fort Wayne, Ind., to Kathryn Jane (Osborn) Ryder and William Ernest Ryder. On March 29, 1981, Bobbie married Gene Ridenour and celebrated 23 years of anniversaries before he passed away on July 9, 2004.

Bobbie graduated from South Side High School in Fort Wayne and continued her studies at Fort Wayne Bible College (renamed Taylor University), graduating in 1953. Bobbie has been a resident of Kosciusko County, Ind., for the past 70 years. She was a full-blooded Christian woman who loved to serve her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was a longtime member of Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church in Winona Lake, Ind., where she was heavily involved in church ministries. She was a Sunday School Teacher from 1952–1969; board member of the Christian Education of Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church from 1969–1972; Children’s Church Chairman from 1972–1973; office manager of the Christian Education Dept. of the Brethren Herald from 1957–1977; treasurer of the Lakeland Audubon Society from 1972–1974. Bobbie was also the recipient of the National Secretarial Award for Letter Writing in 1958; and worked as the secretary for the Brethren Missionary Herald Company from 1954–1957 and 1978–1981. She worked most of her life as the secretary of the C.E. National Brethren Fellowship, worked for a number of years at the Herald Bookstore and volunteered at the Adult Alternative Learning Center. Bobbie was a lively and kind lady, full of love for everyone and she will be dearly missed by all.

She leaves behind two sons: Randy Ridenour (North Webster, Ind.); Tim Ridenour (Butler, Ind.); four daughters: Julie (Terry) Day (Sidney, Ind.); Kim (Brian) Cripe (Claypool, Ind.); Amy (Ron) Travis (Fort Wayne, Ind.); and Krisi Edmiston (Warsaw, Ind.). Also surviving are her five special nephews and nieces: David (Wendy) Osborn (Fort Wayne, Ind.); Jonathan (Linda) Osborn (Fort Wayne, Ind.); Tracy Osborn (Fort Wayne, Ind.); Sharon (Dan) Wheeler (Maryland); Marilyn Frick (Wisconsin); seventeen grandchildren; and twenty-one great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and her brother, Billy.

Bobbie’s life will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 1, 2021, at Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church and officiated by Pastor Bruce Barlow. Private burial will take place at Lindenwood Cemetery, Fort Wayne, Ind.

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Pastor Kenneth David Koontz, 84, resident of Warsaw, went to be with His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, peacefully in his sleep, at 9:12 a.m. on Oct 23, 2021.

Kenneth was born in Roanoke, VA, in 1937. He graduated from Warsaw High in 1955, and went on to complete a bachelor’s degree in History at Grace College in 1959, followed by a Master’s Degree in Divinity from Grace Seminary in 1962. He had a pastoral career spanning half a century, serving churches in Leesburg, IN (1962-66), Mundy’s Corner, PA (1966-81), Deltona, FL (1981-2001), and Elkhart, IN (2005-15). He also served on the Grace College Board of Trustees (1992-2007).

Throughout his career Kenneth was known as a servant leader, an encourager, and a teacher who would explain the Bible in ways that could be easily understood. His life verse was Philippians 4:13 ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.’ (KJV) and his farewell message was ‘Always walk with the Lord. Keep Him by your side’.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Janice Koontz; brother, Charles (Alice) Koontz; and sons, Larry (Jean) Koontz and Rick (Tammy) Koontz, along with 4 grandchildren. Emily, Cody (Alexandra), Kenneth (Kristy) and Cassidy Koontz. He was preceded in death by parents Herman and Myra Koontz.

See the original obituary here. 

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Doug Forsythe served as senior pastor at Grace Family Church, a Charis Fellowship congregation in New Holland, Pa., and later a member at Grace Polaris Church, a Charis Fellowship congregation in Westerville, Ohio. His obituary appears below.

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Annette Renee Miller Coenen went home to be with Jesus, her Lord and Savior, at 4:27 p.m. on Thursday, September 2, 2021.  She passed into the arms of her heavenly Father surrounded by her loving family at the age of 53.

She was born on February 6, 1968, in Warsaw, Ind., and was the oldest of three daughters born to Thomas (Tom) Richard Miller and Donna Mae (Grady) Miller.

Following her graduation from Warsaw High School in 1986, Annette continued her education at Grace College graduating with a teaching degree in elementary education.  After a year of teaching near Atlanta, Georgia, she moved to Colorado where she earned her master’s degree in biblical counseling at Colorado Christian University.  She enjoyed a few years of teaching in Colorado before returning to Indiana.

Annette loved Colorado and met many wonderful friends during her years of living there. Those friends are like family to her even to this day.

She always had a heart for helping others and spent many years teaching GED classes at Gateway Education Center in Warsaw. Her delight and greatest joy, however, was working as a teacher at the Miami Correctional Facility, a state prison located near Bunker Hill, Indiana. She loved and desired to help better the lives of the men who were incarcerated there. Many inmates had the privilege of knowing Annette and loving her as she loved them.

She also had a love for God’s creation and spent a lot of time with animals and flowers.  Annette’s cats were very special to her, and she particularly enjoyed alpacas. She could often be found caring for her flowers or capturing God’s creation through the lens of her camera.

Annette was a member of and attended Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church with her family. She was dearly loved and was a loving daughter, sister, and friend to many. Most importantly she would like to be remembered for her steadfast faith in Jesus, her Savior.

She is survived by her parents, Tom and Donna Miller (Winona Lake, Ind.); and two sisters, Tami Sue Miller (Appleton, Wisc.), and Amy Lee Miller (Winona Lake, Ind.). She also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her grandparents and several extended family members.

Visitation was held from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw, Indiana. Annette’s life will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church, 1200 Kings Highway, Winona Lake, Indiana and officiated by Pastor Bruce Barlow and Pastor Kip Cone. The family will receive guests prior to the service on Wednesday. A graveside service will follow at Oakwood Cemetery of Warsaw.

Memorial donations may be directed to Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church – Care Fund, 1200 Kings Highway, Winona Lake, IN  46590.

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