http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/ News and Events at Andrews University en-us Copyright 2026, Andrews University Fri, 31 Jul 2026 11:28:00 +0000 Fri, 31 Jul 2026 11:28:00 +0000 webmaster@andrews.edu webmaster@andrews.edu http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/69455 <p> Richard Clayton Sowler, born on Jan. 26, 1935, in Baraboo, Wisconsin, in a small hospital that had previously been the home of a member of the Ringling family of Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey Circus fame. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ardis Abigail (Goodspeed) Sowler, George Clayton Sowler, and by his brother- in-law, Conrad Wallington. He is survived by his wife of 31+ years, Claudia (Wallington) Sowler, his step-son, Steven Andrews, sister-in-law, Denise (Wallington) Collard, and brother-in-law, Bill Collard; five step-nephews, one step-grandniece, and one step-granddaughter.</p> <p> In the summer of 1966, he received a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering physics with a minor in mathematics. In June of 1971 he became the electronics shop supervisor at Andrews University&rsquo;s Plant Service Department until his retirement on Jan. 1, 2003.</p> <p> Dick&rsquo;s many interests included Ham Radio&mdash;W8FEM (Extra Class License), all things electronic, trombone and bird watching.</p> <p> A faithful Christian, Dick was a long-time member of the Pioneer Memorial Seventh-day Adventist Church, and for several years he used his expertise in electronics to assist with the church&rsquo;s sound system.</p> <p> Dick will be remembered as a kind, intelligent and faithful man whose life touched others in meaningful ways. His family and friends will cherish the many memories of his steadfast devotion to those he loved. Dick and Claudia often talked of Jesus' soon return and how they were looking forward to that day!</p> <p> In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Strong Tower Radio and/or Your Story Hour.</p> <p> Arrangements have been entrusted to Allred Funeral Home in Berrien Springs. A memorial service will be held on Aug. 8, 2026, at Pioneer Memorial Church in Berrien Springs at 4 p.m.</p> <p> Read Sowler's full obituary <a href="https://www.allredfuneralhome.com/obituaries/richard-sowler?ttm_pid=211818013&amp;ttm_affiliate=legacypro&amp;ttm_affiliatetype=standard&amp;ttm_campaign=legacy">here</a>.</p> Thu, 16 Jul 2026 11:53:01 +0000 http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/69414 <p> Sherry Shepherd, MD, wife of Tom Shepherd, PhD, passed to her rest in the Lord Jesus on Tuesday, July 7. The memorial service celebration of Sherry's life will be at the Seminary Chapel, Andrews University, on Sunday, July 12, at 4 p.m., followed by light refreshments in the Seminary Commons after the service. All are welcome.</p> Thu, 09 Jul 2026 11:25:02 +0000 http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/69403 <p> Rita Lynn (McKenzie) Wright, 62, of Berrien Springs, Michigan, passed away at home, on June 22, 2026. She was born on May 2, 1964, in Mount Vernon, Ohio, and lived a life filled with love, kindness, faith and a spirit of adventure that touched everyone who knew her.</p> <p> Rita was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She is survived by her loving husband, Jamie Scott Wright, whom she married on October 28, 1983, in Frostburg, Maryland. Together they shared many years of marriage built on faith, commitment and devotion to family. She also leaves behind her two sons, Jamie Marcus Wright and his wife Shirlyn, and Jared Scott Wright, as well as her cherished grandchildren, Jordynn and Tori Wright, who brought great joy to her life.</p> <p> ...</p> <div> Rita worked as an assistant teacher at Andrews University Crayon Box, where her gentle nature and caring heart were a blessing to the children and families she served. She found meaning in helping others and in creating a warm and encouraging environment for those around her. Her work reflected the same patience and kindness that defined her life beyond the classroom.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> A Christian, Rita lived her faith openly and sincerely. She loved sharing Jesus with others and sought to encourage those around her through her words and actions. Her faith was an important part of who she was, and it guided her through life with hope and strength.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> Read wright's full obituary <a href="https://www.allredfuneralhome.com/obituaries/rita-wright?ttm_pid=211758567&amp;ttm_affiliate=legacypro&amp;ttm_affiliatetype=standard&amp;ttm_campaign=legacy">here</a>.</div> Thu, 02 Jul 2026 10:44:05 +0000 http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/69370 <p> Ione Markel was born in Elizabethville, Pennsylvania, to Gideon and Erlena (Weaver) Markel. Ione died at 95 in College Place, Washington, adored by her family. As a teenager, she converted to the Seventh-day Adventist Church and graduated from Shenandoah Valley Academy, Virginia, in 1948. She taught elementary grades fall, winter and spring, in one-room schools, to earn money to attend summer school at Emmanuel Missionary College in Michigan, where she earned a BSc degree in education in 1957. Ione met Gwynne Richardson from California, attending Potomac University in Maryland, who became the love of her life and ministry partner on May 31, 1959. For 11 years, the Richardsons were Adventist teachers at the elementary-secondary level across the United States. In 1970, they transitioned into pastoring as a couple in 15 congregations over 46 years in the Oregon Conference, where she was also a women&rsquo;s ministry assistant director and relief chaplain at Adventist Health Portland in the 1980s and 1990s. Ione is survived by her son Paul (Teri) and daughter Kari Olson (Eric) in Walla Walla, Washington, and grandchildren David (California) and Kristen (Australia). Her husband, parents, brother Paul and sister Grace preceded her in death. Her memorial service video can be viewed <a href="https://chrisdrake.stream/ione-richardson">here</a>.&nbsp;</p> Thu, 25 Jun 2026 10:08:50 +0000 http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/69352 <p> Kenneth LeRoy Franz, 89, of Berrien Springs, MI. passed away Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph.</p> <p> ...</p> <div> Kenneth was born on Oct. 4, 1936, in Ellendale, North Dakota, to Bennie and Irene (Sprouse) Franz. He earned his bachelor's degree from Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska, and later received his master's degree from the University of Michigan.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> On July 26, 1959, he married Norma Arvidson in Madison, South Dakota. Kenneth dedicated his career to education, serving as a mathematics professor at Andrews University, where he was known for his patience and commitment to helping students understand and appreciate mathematics. In addition to teaching, he was a skilled mason who worked extensively with stone, brick and concrete.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> Read Franz's full obituary <a href="https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/kenneth-franz-obituary?id=61672854">here</a>.&nbsp;</div> Wed, 17 Jun 2026 11:15:17 +0000 http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/69225 <p> John William Rogers Jr., husband of Jennifer Janssen-Rogers (Enterprise Applications business analyst at Andrews University), passed away on April 10, 2026. A memorial and celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m., May 24, 2026, at Twin City Players, located at 600 W Glenlord Rd., St. Joseph, MI. The service will be streamed; the obituary will be updated soon with that information.</p> <p> Read John's full obituary <a href="https://www.starksfamilyfh.com/obituaries/John-William-Rogers-Jr?obId=48272063">here</a>.</p> Wed, 20 May 2026 10:59:56 +0000 http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/68816 <p> Gladys Gayle Davis was born on May 18, 1934, in Sheridan, Wyoming. She was the daughter of Harry and Blanche Davis. She moved to Belle Fourche, South Dakota, when she was five years old and grew up there on her grandparents' ranch. At the age of 14, she went to Oak Park Academy in Nevada, Iowa, where she graduated in 1952.</p> <p> She then attended Union Collage in Lincoln, Nebraska. By her second year at Union Collage, she taught the organ. Starting her fourth year, she transferred to Loma Linda University on the La Sierra campus in Riverside, California, where she graduated in 1956.</p> <p> She married Ivan Holmes in August of 1956 and worked at Thunderbird Academy in Scottsdale, Arizona, from 1956&ndash;1960, teaching the piano and organ. In 1960, she moved to Andrews University in Michigan, where she began working in the Department of Music. In 1962 she moved again to Corvalis, Oregon, where she and Ivan had their first child, Lori. She returned to Andrews University in 1965, working as a dental assistant. Her second child, Michael, was born in 1967.</p> <p> In 1972, she moved with her family to Riverside, California, where she served as assistant to the campus chaplain at Loma Linda University on the La Sierra campus. She received two master's degrees in 1981, one in family life and the other in guidance &amp; counseling. Starting in 1992, she served as associate dean of women until 1999, when she retired and moved to Grand Junction, Colorado, with her husband.</p> <p> She passed away in Grand Junction on Jan. 15, 2026. She is survived by her husband Ivan, her daughter Lori and her son Michael.</p> <p> Read Davis Holmes' full obituary <a href="https://www.brownscremationservice.com/obituaries/gladys-holmes?ttm_pid=210798345&amp;ttm_affiliate=legacypro&amp;ttm_affiliatetype=standard&amp;ttm_campaign=legacy">here</a>.&nbsp;</p> Thu, 05 Feb 2026 12:11:58 +0000 http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/68582 <p> Woodrow Whidden, 81, passed peacefully at home in Berrien Springs on Nov. 11, 2025, beside his loving wife, Margaret, after a full life.</p> <div> Known for his big voice, rich southern drawl, humor and a vocabulary filled with obscure words and sayings, Woody enjoyed long conversations with friends, family and anyone he met.</div> <p> ...</p> <p> In 1990, he began his tenure at Andrews University as professor of religion and in 2006 at AIIAS Theological Seminary in Philippines, capping his career as an author, teacher and scholar.</p> <p> He is survived by his wife, Margaret; three children: Jamie, Jonathan (Zelda) and Laura (Cory) Wetterlin; six grandchildren; brothers: Ivan (Phyllis) and Phillip; sister Sylvia.</p> <p> He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Donald.</p> <p> A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Pioneer Memorial Church in Berrien Springs.</p> <p> Read Whidden's full obituary <a href="https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/heraldpalladium/name/woodrow-whidden-obituary?id=60094858">here</a>.&nbsp;</p> Thu, 20 Nov 2025 15:27:01 +0000