< Previous30 —FOCUS Life StoriesLife Stories guide the development of a church Addictions Program that he continued to support and champion through his retirement. Ray will be remembered as a pastor, husband, father, grand- pa, uncle, friend, neighbor, counselor, health advocate, and trusted confidant. His legacy of ministry, servant leader- ship, addictions and health education, and his relentless dedication to the values and principles of the Seventh-day Adventist Church will always be cherished. Preceding him in death were his parents and his younger brother Carlyle. Left to mourn are his wife Valerie (Schneider) Nelson (BMus ’69) in Fletcher, North Carolina; son Vaughan (BS ’98, former staff) and wife Nadine (Bubb) Nelson (BBA ’99, MBA ’01, former staff) of Lincoln, Nebraska; daughter Renita (BBA ’00, BA ’05) and husband Glenn (BBA ’99) Saliba of Clar- endon Hills, Illinois; daughter Vanessa and husband Steve Hupp of Bensalem, Pennsyl- vania; brother Harland Nelson and wife Frances; sister Mer- edith (Silvers) and husband Roger; four grandchildren— Adele and Brendan Nelson, and Vivienne and Solomon Saliba, along with many nieces and nephews. Wilce L. Cooke (Hon DHL ’18) died Aug. 2, 2021, in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Wilce was born and raised in Benton Harbor. He graduat- ed from Benton Harbor High School in 1958 and went on to earn his LPN from Oakland Community College, Rochester, Michigan, an associate degree in political science and sociolo- gy from Lake Michigan College, Benton Harbor, Michigan, in 1975, and a bachelor’s degree in political science and sociol- ogy from Western Michigan University (WMU), Kalamazoo, Michigan, in 1977. In 1968, as the only male nurse in Southwest Michigan, he began his 50-year-long distinguished service at Mercy Center, which later became Lakeland Health Systems and is now part of Spectrum Health. Cooke was actively involved in the political, public and civic life of his local commu- nity and beyond. He served as three-time mayor of Benton Harbor from 1981–1987 and 2004–2011. In the 2018 spring gradua- tion ceremonies of Andrews University, in Berrien Springs, Michigan, Cooke was award- ed an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters in honor of his distinguished life of service, leadership and integrity to his hometown of Benton Harbor and his broader impact and contributions to Southwest Michigan and beyond. Bonnie Ellen Steele (BA ’89, current staff), died on Aug. 1, 2021, after a long and valiant battle against cancer. Bonnie was born April 19, 1966, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Paul and Zella (McIntrye) Steele. When Bonnie was 9, the family relocated to Little York, Illinois. She graduated from Broadview Academy, LaFox, Illinois, in 1984. Bonnie loved being with her family and her work family. She enjoyed connecting with her friends online, writing letters and sending cards. She was a voracious reader. Bonnie loved baking for people and loved flowers, filling many pots with perennials, annuals and a few vegetables, too. Bonnie worked as an elderly caretaker for several years. She worked at Andrews University in the Office of Student Financial Ser- vices for the past 15 years. Bonnie is survived by four siblings: Joyce Zacharias, Meredith (Beverly) Steele, Donovan Steele, and Jill (Terry) Leary. She is also survived by 11 nieces and nephews: David Zacharias, Diane (BBA ’91) and husband Tim (BS ’91) Reynolds, Ryan (Christen) Steele, Michelle McGuire, Kai (BBA ’02, MBA ’03) and his wife Kristi (BSELED ’03) Steele, Brit (BBA ’08) (Sherryl) Steele, Libby Partlo, Eden Partlo (BSCLS ’99), Derrick (Tiffany) Leary, Aaron (Sara) Leary, Kell- sy (Chad) Scott, and 15 great nieces and nephews. Bonnie also had several very special friends and honorary nieces and nephews. Bonnie Louise Young (former faculty) passed peacefully to her rest on July 12, 2021, at the age of 96. She was surrounded by loved ones at her daughter’s home in Springboro, Ohio, where she had been happily residing for the past few years. Bonnie lost her husband of over 60 years, Stephen W. Young, in 2009. Bonnie was born in Joplin, Missouri, to Oscar and Ida Hohlier on Oct. 2, 1924. She had two older brothers, Bud and Truman. She met and married Steve, a youthful Private First Class returned from World War II, at her home church in Joplin. Steve and Bonnie both grad- uated from Walla Walla College in Washington state, received master’s degrees at other uni- versities, and went on to serve the Seventh-day Adventist Church educational system for many years. They traveled the world following their calling beginning at Sunnyvale Adven- tist Academy in Missouri. Next was Battle Creek Academy, Michigan, back to Walla Walla Valley Academy, Washing- ton, then Malamulo Mission, Malawi, Africa. Home from abroad it was on to Adelphian Academy in Holly, Michigan, and finally Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. Bonnie taught physical edu- cation, home economics and bookkeeping. In Malawi she was the hospital bookkeeper. Berrien Springs was the home of their fruit farm “Glo- rious Gems.” She was also a realtor and travel agent, which facilitated recreational global wandering. Bonnie and Steve had three daughters, named so their initials spelled Joy, Toy and Gay. Bonnie was a won- derful mother and her talents and interests were many. Her financial savvy and advice were often sought. An excel- lent seamstress, she made her children beautiful clothing and later numerous handsome quilts. New babies were gifted with crocheted blankets. As an artist she painted china and florals. She enjoyed antiquing and her hospitality was legend- ary—she could serve a delicious meal at a moment’s notice. A capable and creative organizer, Bonnie was known to put on amazing events. This especially graced retirement when win- tering in Desert Hot Springs, California, for 20 years.Summer 2021— 31 Life StoriesLife Stories Bonnie is survived by her daughters, Judith O. Young Klein (BS ’72, MA ’74) and husband Ronald, of Spring- boro, Ohio, and Twyla O. Young Wall (att.) of Berrien Springs (husband David W. Wall, deceased). Her youngest, Gloria A. Young Hippler (BS ’78) of Berrien Springs, passed away in 2014. Gay’s husband, Jim Hippler (BSA ’02, MArch ’03), remains close to the family. Bonnie’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of her life. There are seven of each: Tonya Hippler Snyder (BA ’00), her husband Chris (BS ’01) and two sons, Max and Monty, of Berrien Springs; Jason Hippler, his wife Erica (BS ’01, BA ’01), and their two daughters, Nevaeh and Hevanna of Berrien Springs; Stephen Klein, Kelly Robinson and their daughters, Nora and Teresa of West Carrollton, Ohio; Reeve Wall (BA ’12, MBA ’14) and his wife Sarah Heint- zelman of Calhoun, Georgia; Michael Klein of Denver, Colo- rado; Janelle Klein Dekdebrun (BS ’94, PMCERT ’01, MS ’01) and her husband Jason of Denver, Colorado; and Kelsey Wall Hahn, her husband Nick and son Brayden of Berrien Springs, Michigan. Roy Wightman (former staff), 95, of Berrien Springs, Mich- igan, died peacefully in his sleep on June 25, 2021. Roy was born in Mission Ridge, South Dakota, on Dec. 16, 1925. He married Cleo Shepherd on Oct. 18, 1945. They were married for more than 60 years. Born to a cattle rancher, he spent the first third of his life ranching. At age 33 he sold the ranch to further his educa- tion. He earned a Bachelor of Science in physical therapy and a master’s degree in public health. Roy worked in the medical world for many years and retired in 1989 to Berrien Springs. He was called out of retirement to work for An- drews University as a recruiter for the Department of Phys- ical Therapy and did this for several more years. He enjoyed gardening, serving others, time with grandchildren and was actively involved in Neighbor to Neighbor, a local ministry of Adventist Commu- nity Services. Roy is survived by his chil- dren: Wanda Poole-Ferguson (former staff) and husband Duane Ferguson (BA ’64), Allen (Trisha) Wightman and Tim (Connie) Wightman; as well as eight grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. Roy was preceded in death by his wife, Cleo Wightman; son-in-law, Merlin Poole; grandson, Don Poole; and all his siblings. James Lee Anderson (BA ’53, MA ’62), 90, of Berrien Springs, Michigan, died June 24, 2021. James was born May 11, 1931, in Menomonie, Wiscon- sin, to Yanz Peter and Ruth Violet (Wait) Anderson. He was a science teacher, starting in 1954 in Benton Harbor and retiring in 1993 after 36 years in both elementary and high school, of which the last 25 years were in boarding acade- mies. He also spent three years in Nairobi, Kenya, Africa, set- ting up a high school science department. Jim was a member of the International Bassist’s Society, and he played bass with the Andrews University Symphony Orchestra and the Chamber Players, as well as various community orchestras. He volunteered for WAUS Radio, Adventist Information Min- istries, and as a chaplain for the former Lakeland Specialty Hospital in Berrien Center. He is survived by his wife, Patricia (Lafferty) Anderson, whom he married June 15, 1952, in the Village Seventh- day Adventist Church (now the 1839 Courthouse) in Berrien Springs; his daughter, Penny Smikle (Dave); daughter-in- law, Linda Anderson (BS ’65); as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jim was preceded in death by a son, James C. Anderson (BA ’76), and a brother, Bruce Anderson (BS ’69, MA ’78). Karen E. (Knapp) McFarland (BSMT ’63) died June 23, 2021, in Pasadena, California. Karen was a clinical labora- tory scientist and retired from Huntington Hospital, Pasade- na, California, after 38 years. She was a member of the Eagle Rock Seventh-day Adventist Church in Los Angeles. She is survived by husband Jim, sons Brett (Barbara), Todd (Jan), brother Col. S. Charles Knapp Jr, MD, U.S. Army Reserves (BA ’58), (Mary), grandchildren Emma, Charlie, Brody, Aidan and Kathryn, and many nieces and nephews. Virginia Ruth Stern Meader (DIP2YR ’50), 96, died June 2, 2021, in Stevensville, Michigan. She was born Nov. 11, 1924, in New London, Wisconsin. Virginia graduated from Em- manuel Missionary College with a diploma from the two-year elementary education course in 1950 and with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Chattanooga in 1969. She taught elementary school for 34 years in the Catoosa County schools in North Georgia. She was a member of the Daughters of the Ameri- can Revolution and Pioneer Memorial Church and was a fifth-generation Seventh-day Adventist. Virginia was loving, support- ive, adventurous and a great storyteller. Virginia was preceded in death by her father Dell Stern, mother Myrtle Haney Stern, by her former husbands Ray- mond Huffaker (BA ’50), David Legg and James Meader, and her son Jonathan Legg. She is survived by her sister Carol Stern O’Day, her brother Rich- ard Stern, her two daughters Marlene Legg Rich (BS ’71, BS ’71, MA ’12) and Ellen Legg Larsen, four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. James “Jim” Jordan (att., former staff), 73, of Berrien Springs, died May 31, 2021, at Spectrum Health Lakeland Niles Hospital. Jim was born Jan. 21, 1948, 32 —FOCUS Life Stories in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, to Raymond and Myrtle (Van Sickle) Jordan. He graduated from Wisconsin Academy and attended Andrews University. He married Carol Nash on June 16, 1968. Jim worked many years for Andrews University in con- struction—first as part of the University construction crew and then he earned his build- er’s license and hired his own crew and did many projects for the University while also building many new homes and doing commercial projects in the community. His passion, though, was donating his and his employees’ time with many of those projects being do- nated to the Village Adventist Elementary School. He really enjoyed going on a mission trip to Mexico to build a church. Jim also had a passion for car- ing for the fatherless through adoption and foster care and was a support to the ministry God’s Hands 4 Kids. Sports was Jim’s thing. He loved golf and Packers football. Jim is survived by his wife, Carol Nash Jordan; his son, Michael (BArch ’01) and wife Darla (BSMT ’97) Jordan; his daughter, Asha Jordan; 12 grandchildren; mother, Myrtle Jordan; brother, Richard (BA ’68) (Andrea) Jordan; twin brother, John (BA ’70) (Diana) Jordan; many nieces and nephews; daughter-in-law, Davka Aparicio; and sister- in-law, Joyce Jordan. Also survived by “like a son” to Carol and Jim, David (Sondra) Staggs and their children. He was preceded in death by his sons, J. Nash and Todd; father, Raymond Jordan; and brother, Raymond Jordan. Robert P. “Bob” Baird (att.), 79, of Niles, Michigan, died on April 20, 2021, in Mishawaka, Indiana. Bob was born on Dec. 8, 1941, in Elkhart, Indiana, and grew up in New Carlisle, Indi- ana, before moving to Niles, Michigan, in 1975. Bob was a Navy Veteran of Submarine Service. He had a bachelor’s degree in Christian ministry from Great Lakes Christian College and studied electronics at Andrews University. Bob served as the pastor of Prairie Gardens Christian Fellowship Church in New Car- lisle, Indiana, for over 20 years. He became a pastor at 49 years old and loved his church family. Prior to that he worked for Kearney & Trecker as an Lennart Oscar Olson (BA ’50, former faculty), 98, died in Wichita Falls, Texas, on June 24, 2021. Lennart was born July 9, 1922, in Stockholm, Sweden, to Oscar and Ellen (Johnson) Olson. Following the birth of his brother, Ellis, the young family moved to Media Persia (now Iran) where Oscar assisted in setting up Adventist schools and managed an orphanage. His two sisters, Betty and Elise (BS ’67), were born during their time in Tehran. Lennart came with his family to the U.S. as a young teen, settling first in the Bronx, followed by brief periods in Oregon, Canadian Junior College and eventually Pisgah, North Carolina. The family by this time was firmly estab- lished in the cultivation of music as their spiritual gift led by their mother. Family performances were common- place during the children’s formative years, inspiring Lennart to take his love of music, in particular the clarinet and singing, to be the focus of his education- al and eventual professional life. Soon after entering college, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. Lennart often entertained the troops with his clarinet during his time in Saipan. By the end of the war, the Olson family had settled at Emmanuel Missionary College where Lennart majored in music. There he met Beverly Wykoff, his future wife, who was an accomplished pianist and organist. After getting his Master of Music from Vandercook College of Music, the two were married in 1953, forming a union to last 67 years. Lennart conducted the band at Loma Linda Academy from 1952–1954, while playing principal clarinet in the San Bernardino Sympho- ny. Their daughter Colleen was born in Flint, Michigan, where Lennart led the band at Adelphian Academy from 1954– 1961. Following a brief time at Mountain View, Lennart moved the family to Atlan- tic Union College where he worked from 1962–1969 and Janelle was born. The call to head the woodwind department at Andrews University came in 1970. He was commonly seen riding his motorcycle, playing tennis and of course performing. His students and fellow staff will remember his dry humor, invita- tions to picnic at his home, Hawaiian shirts, antique instrument collections, woodworking creations and always gen- erous spirit until his retirement in 1987. Lennart and Beverly moved to Loma Linda in 1993 where they lived until physical challenges made it impossible to live independently. As Beverly’s Alz- heimer’s progressed, Lennart faithfully and lovingly cared for her until he fell and broke a hip at the age of 96. Lennart and Beverly moved to Texas in 2019 where he lived with his daughter Janelle and her family until his death. Lennart will be remembered for his exemplary musical talents, complete devotion to God, the Adventist Church, country and family. His daughters remember the best father and role model imaginable. He is survived by his wife Beverly (Wykoff) Olson (MMus ’76), daughters Colleen Olson (BS ’76) and Janelle Olson, and six grandchildren. A Celebration of Life service will take place Oct. 16, 2021, at 4 p.m., in Loma Linda, California.Summer 2021— 33 Life Stories electronic technician and as an electrician at Bendix Corp. On July 3, 1965, he married Connie J. Whitinger in South Bend, Indiana. Bob was a member of EAA in Niles, Michigan. He was a small aircraft pilot and instructor who loved flying and enjoyed tinkering with planes, cars and equipment. His favorite job was working with his family at the Harvest Café in Niles, Michigan, where he was known as “Beignet Bob.” He had a pas- sion for life and his family and will forever be remembered for his smile, his friendliness, his love of the Lord, and his love of everyone around him. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Jane (Watt) Hooten; and his brother, Thomas “Mac” McCord Baird. Bob is survived by his wife of 55 years, Connie Baird of Niles, Michigan; daughter, Pamela K. (Michael) Sebasty; son, William M. (Marianna) Baird; seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; and his sister, Lisa (Michael) Chakerian. Sheila Rose Hall (BA ’67, MA ’69), 90, died April 1, 2021, in Apollo Beach, Florida. A few years after receiv- ing her graduate degree, she received a fellowship to the University of Bristol, where she completed a post-master’s in curriculum development. Sheila taught in Jamaica, West Indies, as well as in the Cayman Islands where she was curriculum development director for the Department of Education. After relocating to the U.S., Sheila went on to be the director of the Learn- ing Opportunity Center at Lake-Sumter State College in Leesburg, Florida. Her tenure there included certificates of commendations and other awards for her leadership. Sheila retired from Lake- Sumter after a total of 40 years of being an educator. She also served as first elder at the Bushnell Seventh-day Adven- tist Church, Florida. Sheila is survived by her daughter, Melodie Lopez (BA ’75), and son, Mark Hall, plus four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Helen Dean Knittel Ruf (BS ’60, MAT ’68, former faculty) died March 31, 2021, after a short battle with cancer. Helen was born Nov. 26, 1929, in Plainview, Texas, to Albert and Orene Dean. She attended Ozark Academy in Arkansas. After attending college at Southern Missionary and Madison, she received her associate degree from Union College in 1953 and completed a bachelor’s degree in sec- retarial science at Andrews University. One of her first jobs was working in the treasurer’s office for the Iowa Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Moving to Boulder, she accepted a position in the Colorado Conference office. Helen met Frank Knittel, a doctoral student at the Uni- versity of Colorado. In 1956, the couple married and began a decades-long partnership during which they served at several Adventist universities. At Andrews University, while Frank served as dean of stu- dents, Helen earned a Master of Arts in Teaching (English) and taught business classes. Their children, Jeff and Sherry, joined their family in Berrien Springs as well. She loved en- tertaining friends, gardening, reading, music and animals. In 1967, the Knittels moved to Collegedale, Tennessee, where Frank served as aca- demic dean and later president of Southern Missionary Col- lege. Helen was always active, holding teaching positions in the business and English departments, managing the Adventist Book Center, and hosting many faculty events. In 1983, the family moved to California where Helen worked in academic administration at Loma Linda, as registrar at La Sierra Academy, and as a professor for La Sierra and Loma Linda University. In 2005, the Knittels moved to Alvord, Texas, and in 2013 Helen and Frank moved back to Tennessee to be closer to their children. Two years later, Frank passed away. In 2016, Helen married Rol- land M. Ruf, a retired minister from the Collegedale Universi- ty Church. They spent four and a half years together before Helen died. She is survived by husband Rolland; son, Jeff (Crystal) Knittel; daughter, Sherry and her husband David (AET ’77) Campbell; stepchildren, Rolland (Tina) Ruf Jr., War- ren (MDiv ’79, DMin ’96) and wife Jane (BS ’78) Ruf and Stephen (Jodi) Ruf; grandchil- dren, step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sisters Dorothy (Bill) Moon and Cheryl (Richard) Carpenter; and sev- eral nieces and nephews. Donald W. Thompson (BA ’69) died Jan. 16, 2021, in Chicago, Illinois. He was born June 22, 1948, in Richmond, Indiana. Don was one of those “big” men on the Andrews Univer- sity campus in the 1960s. A “reader” for Elaine Giddings and a speech major, he was active in the Black Student Caucus and founded a student community outreach organi- zation that provided tutoring for elementary students in the Benton Harbor schools. After graduating in 1969 Don spent years in Chica- go and Taos, New Mexico, where his gifts for community outreach and support were all in evidence. For the past 30 years he lived in Chicago providing financial advisory services to a long list of clients. He will be sorely missed by his clients and friends, including Ken (BA ’69) and Penny (BA ’69) Tkachuck, Elaine Kelly, Margaret McFarland (BA ’71), Dianna Connors (BA ’70), Bob Williams, David Taylor (BMus ’69), Gary Edwards (BA ’69) and more. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Ruby (att.) and Garth (BA ’46, MA ’59, BD ’67) Thompson, and his younger sister Jean (att.). He is survived by his brother Ron (of California), sister * Actual rate varies based on age and annuity type. Not available in all states. Donald Bedney MDiv ’90, MSA ’91 Author of inspirational articles and singer of hymns and spirituals. Phone: 269-471-3613 Email: plannedgiving@andrews.edu Web: andrews.edu/plannedgiving Age Payout rate* 704.7% 806.5% 908.6% Give a gift that pays you back. When you fund a charitable gift annuity with Andrews University, you get more than the satisfaction of supporting our mission. You also get fixed payments—for life. You may enjoy significant tax benefits as well, including a deduction in the year of your gift and future payouts that are partially tax-free. If you’re interested in supporting Andrews University while enjoying the benefit of a dependable income, call or email us to learn more. 34 —FOCUS Life Stories Janelle Thompson (of Ten- nessee), and cousin Laurie (Omans) Sutton (BS ’70, MA ’77), and many devoted nieces and nephews. Karen L. (Aasheim) Fortune (BS ’70), 73, of Berrien Center, Michigan, died Dec. 20, 2020, at Royalton Manor in Saint Joseph, Michigan. Karen was born Jan. 21, 1947, in New York City, the daughter of Karsten and Mabel Aasheim, Seventh-day Adven- tist Norwegian immigrants. She attended Greater New York Academy and later re- ceived her BS in nursing from Andrews University. It was in 1966 when she studied abroad at Newbold College in England where she met John Fortune—a handsome Brit studying theology for the ministry. In her words, “It was love at first sight.” Karen and John were married June 20, 1970, and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last year. Their eldest child, Mark, was born in 1971 shortly before John finished at the seminary. After that, she and John readily accepted a call to be mission- aries in Hong Kong where they served from 1971–1975. Their second child Michael was born there in 1973. Karen and John welcomed Matthew into the world in 1975, making her the mother of three little blonde- haired, adventurous boys. After three boys, finally having a daughter, Maegan, on March 5, 1988, was one of Karen’s greatest joys. Karen was a loving and de- voted Christian, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, ministry partner, nurse, hospital ad- ministrator, matchmaker and friend. She was beautiful on the inside and out and never lost her smile or twinkle in her eye. She loved Jesus, music and her family. Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Karsten and Mabel Aasheim. She is survived by her husband, John Fortune (MDiv ’72); brothers Richard (Sheila) Aasheim and Roger (Beverly) Aasheim; children Mark (BBA ’95) (Paula) Fortune, Michael (BA ’96, MDiv ’99) (Jackie) For- tune, Matthew (BSELED ’98, MA ’05) (Carla) Fortune, and Maegan (BS ’12) (Jonathan) Janevski; nine grandchildren and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Norman Charles Farley (att.) died Nov. 24, 2020, in Loma Linda, California. He was born July 22, 1937, in Gardiner, Maine. His education included an AA from the Uni- versity of Maine in Portland; a BA from Atlantic Union Col- lege; a PhD from the California Graduate School of Theology; and postgraduate work at Pa- cific Union College, California State University at Sacramento and Loma Linda University. His doctoral dissertation, “A Social-Evangelistic Model for Church Use in the Communi- ty,” was published in 1972. Norman became an ordained minister in the Sev- enth-day Adventist Church in 1965. He pastored in New York, West Virginia and California. His other church-related po- sitions included Bible teacher, counselor and chaplain. He was a chaplain of the Santa Ana Community Hospi- tal, founder of the Staff of Life, Inc., founder of the Family Fellowship Center, co-founder of the Five Day Plan to Stop Smoking, and member of the board of directors for Welcome Home Children’s Home. Norman was given the Kiwanis Community Service Award in Morgantown, West Virginia, in 1972 and a com- mendation from the Staff of Life for outstanding service on behalf of delinquent children. He is survived by his wife Al- ice T. Farley; two sons, Gregory and Norman C. II; and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter Deborah Lynn Farley. Jessica Dettmann (BS ’05, MA/ MA ’08) died on June 11, 2020, in California after suffering a cardiac arrest and related complications connected with a long-term illness. Jessica was an organ donor and, in her death, that personal commit- ment led to a better life for others. Jessica was in the dis- sertation stage for a PhD in counseling psychology, after having completed her bache- lor’s degree in psychology in 2005 and a master’s in com- munity counseling in 2008, both from Andrews University. During her undergraduate years Jessica served as a dedi- cated student leader of Benton Harbor Street Ministries and also spent time working with the 1,000 Missionary Move- ment in Africa. Jessica’s father Ron (former staff), who recently retired as the welding foreman at Plant Services, and her mother Lau- ra live in Coloma, Michigan. Jessica has three siblings, in- cluding her sister Sarah (BSN ’20) who lives in Saint Joseph, Michigan. Vincent Lopez (BA ’86), died on Feb. 1, 2020, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Vincent passed peacefully, surrounded by family, after a week in cardiac intensive care. Born in Puerto Rico on July 27, 1948, his family moved to New York City when he was 8 years old. After graduating from high school, he served as a medic in Germany during the Vietnam War. Vincent was proud of his service during a difficult time in U.S. history. His memorial service was held at the Southern Adventist University campus church in Collegedale, Tennessee, where he served as a greeter and was well-loved by many in the community. Interment with military funeral honors was held at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. He leaves behind his wife, Melodie Hall Lopez (BA ’75), plus two children and two grandchildren.* Actual rate varies based on age and annuity type. Not available in all states. Donald Bedney MDiv ’90, MSA ’91 Author of inspirational articles and singer of hymns and spirituals. Phone: 269-471-3613 Email: plannedgiving@andrews.edu Web: andrews.edu/plannedgiving Age Payout rate* 704.7% 806.5% 908.6% Give a gift that pays you back. When you fund a charitable gift annuity with Andrews University, you get more than the satisfaction of supporting our mission. You also get fixed payments—for life. You may enjoy significant tax benefits as well, including a deduction in the year of your gift and future payouts that are partially tax-free. If you’re interested in supporting Andrews University while enjoying the benefit of a dependable income, call or email us to learn more. Office of Alumni Services Andrews University Berrien Springs MI 49104-0950 Address Service Requested Seek Knowledge. Affirm Faith. Change the World. A festive Welcome Back Party was held on the campus flag mall on Monday evening, Aug. 30, the first day of classes. PHOTO : Jackson John, University Communication student photographerNext >