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Quilt Square in Memory of Gordie Shepard

I’ve heard it said time and time again, “Only the good die young” and “God only takes the best.”  Gordon Shepard saw God at the young age of 43 and he was truly one of the best.  God must have needed his caring ways and sense of humor.  He always had a way to make you laugh, no matter what the mood or situation was.  He was always there to help, no matter what was needed.  If you needed your car worked on, a roof done on your house or simply needed a ride somewhere, Gordon wouldn’t think twice.  The man had a heart of Gold.  Gordon was always giving, whether it was to charities, or helping friends and family with bills, rent, loaning a little extra cash for a car or buying toys for Christmas so that someone’s children would have a Christmas.  Gordon wasn’t a rich man and he worked very hard for what he had.  He simply hated seeing people go without, or struggling to get what they needed.

When Life Connection called me and asked about donation, it wasn’t as difficult as I thought it would be to tell them, “yes.”  Gordon was always donating and giving, so I only found it fitting to donate.  I asked his bike club family, “The Wings of Change,” and they totally supported my decision.  There’s not a day that goes by that he’s not on my mind.  He’s forever in my Heart.  The other day I noticed how beautiful the sky was and then I realized it’s because he’s up there.  WE LOVE and MISS YOU, GORDON.  YOU’RE SIMPLY, THE BEST!  

FOREVER,
Robin & Vanessa
Christina & Bill
The Arizona Family
The Wings of Change Family
Cagan, Taz, Chance, Sophie, Spice & Diesel

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Quilt Square in Memory of Dennis Faunce

God made Denny’s Love Strong for Many
A son to Vernie & Dorothy Faunce
A loving husband to his wife Grace
A Father to his six children, Jodie Cheryl, Lisa, Amy, Todd and Stacy
A grandfather to 19 grandchildren
A great-grandfather to 13 great grandchildren
A friend to Many
A special love for Belle, our dog
A love for all sports
A United States Marine
God came and took Denny’s hand October 30, 2007, come on son, we have a party to celebrate, your new Birthday in Heaven.

The love he gave will never leave us.  Have I told you today I love you!
Denny found strength through God to help once again someone else.

Philippians 4:13

I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST BECAUSE HE GIVES ME STRENGTH

Our families all thank you for giving him and others this special service, memory quilt to carry on, what has been given to others.  God loves us all.
Thank you for all blessings.

Denny loves to tease, tell lots of jokes and play magic tricks on the kids.

Always “I love you’s”
Forever, we carry on your love, we shared.

My dearest love, my special angel
I know now you are a special diamond in the sky as I look up to you watching over me.  The special way God’s night lights sparkle giving me those ray’s of love.
Your love is always close to me, and one day our diamond will shine even brighter when we‘re holding hands walking together again.  I love you!

Death is nothing at all
Death is nothing at all.
It does not count.
I have only slipped away into the next room.
Everything remains exactly as it was.
I am I, and you are you…
Whatever we were to each other, that we still are.
Call me by my old familiar name.
Speak to me in the easy way which you always used to.
Put no difference in your tone,
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed,
At the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me,  pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word that
It always was.  Let it be spoken without effort,
Without the trace of a shadow on it.
Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same as it ever was;
There is absolute and unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am but waiting for you, for an interval,
Somewhere very near, just around the corner.
                                                __ by Henry Scott Holland

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Quilt Square in Memory of Todd David Zielinski

Vibrant…Alive…Excited…Reliable…Honest…
Funny…Very loveable…Big heart…Loved to joke around- A joy to be with – as he puts it, “The Golden Child” (to tease his sisters).  The words and phrases could fill pages to describe him.  Todd was so excited to graduate from high school and move on to college, as he put it, “to finally be doing what I want; taking classes that go towards my career.”  He was so excited to start in the Criminal Justice Program at U.T. in the fall of 2006.

Just 5 days after his high school graduation from Maumee High School, he died in a motorcycle accident.  Within seconds, a vibrant, healthy 18-year-old dies…his whole future ahead of him; gone.  Alive one side of the road – gone on the other side. Within seconds, everything changed for him and everyone who loves him. 

Pain…devastation…such an incredible deep loss.  Todd’s choice at 16 years old when obtaining his drivers license was to be an organ donor.  He said when he is gone why not let someone else use any part of him that he can’t use anymore.  That choice was very important to him; to be able to help others.  His father was with him at the BMV and was bursting with pride.  I, as his mother, had a difficult time with the thought of my son not leaving this world “whole.”  On the other hand, I was very proud of Todd that just continued to show his character and who he is.

When approached by Life Connection, we honored Todd’s wishes, never realizing just two short years after he made that decision, we would be faced with the final say so soon.  We are very proud of him.

I waited with apprehension every day for news of what parts of Todd were used.  He had 39 grafts removed:  28 sent to hospitals and 17 used to date.  As I read the letter with tears streaming down my face, I had mixed emotions, but the overall, strongest emotion was PRIDE.  My son, Todd, continues to live through others…help others…strangers, who never met him.  His goal in life was to help people and make a Difference.  Well Son I say, “you still are.”   

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Quilt Square in Memory of Richard Potter

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Quilt Square in Memory of Roxanne Willnow

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Quilt Square in Memory of Forde Allen

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Quilt Square in Memory of Kelsey Magee

February 5, 1992 – January 22, 2008

Kelsey Ruth Magee was born February 5, 1992 in Bluffton, Ohio.  Kelsey was 15 years old when she passed away from Addison’s disease, just two weeks shy of her 16th birthday.  She was a sophomore at Liberty-Benton High School, where she enjoyed playing volleyball, fast pitch softball, indoor track and summer softball.  She also enjoyed working at the concession stand at the school and at Benton Ridge Park.  Kelsey also played Gray Y basketball and Gus Macker basketball.  Kelsey played Jr. High basketball, track, volleyball, and was on the All Star softball team for two years and was active in Campus Life.  Kelsey was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church in Benton Ridge, Ohio where she was involved in the nursery, Vacation Bible School and sound controller for the choir.  Kelsey loved baking cookies and learning to sew with her Mom, and being in the barn with her Dad, as well as spending time with her three older brothers, Jeremiah, Christopher, Ryan and her younger sister, Kaitlyn.  She loved spending time with her friends, babysitting, and snowmobiling with her family in Michigan.  Kelsey is sadly missed by her Mom, Dad, brothers and sister, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, cousins and many, many friends.  Kelsey’s smile and bubbly personality is sadly missed by all.  WE LOVE AND MISS YOU VERY MUCH!        

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Quilt Square in Memory of Mary Rose Powell

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Quilt Square in Memory of Wayne Girod

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Quilt Square in Memory of Joe

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Quilt Square in Memory of Gail Frances Espinoza

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Quilt Square in Memory of Brian J. Harris

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Quilt Square in Memory of Stephen R. Lapota

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Quilt Square in Memory of David Albert Muir

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Quilt Square in Memory of William Rohdy

To his son, Kenneth, his daughters, Christa and Rebecca, he was their hero.

To me, his wife, he was my “Happily Ever After.”

He was a proud man, a “Screaming Eagle” of the 101st Airborne.  The medals didn’t mean much to him; it was the fact that he served his country and did it well.

Though he didn’t often show it, he loved his children.  His children didn’t go without.  He was a good provider.

He had a keen sense of humor.  I still remember his laugh.
He could also cook!  He made one mean omelette, then served me breakfast in bed.

He never sent me candy, but he made fantastic fudge.

He never sent me roses, but planted me sunflowers.

He was good at trouble-shooting and fixing things.  Often, his sons and daughters and I would start a project, but are unable to complete it.  We miss his guidance.

Did I mention he was quiet?  That’s what amazes me, how can one man of such quiet demeanor leave such a deafening Silence?

-Sue Rohdy, Author

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Quilt Square in Memory of Larry Shetterly

May 20, 1951 – September 2, 2006

Larry was a man who did not like a lot of attention poured on him, so this would make him feel a little awkward.  All of us who loved him think that he deserves this attention.  Larry was a very generous guy and he would give you the shirt off his back, so this gift he gave is exactly what we would expect of him.
Larry was a son, a big brother, an uncle, and a friend to many.  He loved his dog and driving his truck.  We miss his laughter and his sense of humor.  We find comfort in knowing that he lives in God’s kingdom.  He also continues to live here on earth, not only in our heart, but also through being a donor.

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Quilt Square in Memory of David Neff

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Quilt Square in Memory of Jeffrey M. Pierce

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Quilt Square in Memory of Darrell Honigfort

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Quilt Square in Memory of Nicholas Anthony Mazza


Nick was born July 31, 1986. He had a heart of gold and was loved by all that knew him. He had a very special way of touching peoples hearts.
He loved family, playing guitar, animals, cooking, making jewelry (chain mail) and most of all calling his mom (which I miss terribly). He would call me sometimes 10 times a day even if just to say hi. He was the baby of the family he had 2 older brothers and 2 older sisters. He will be missed so much he will never leave our hearts and our Love for him will never fade. God has a plan I just wish I knew what it was.

I love You Nick

Mom

 
Darlene E Bradford

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Quilt Square in Memory of Marissa Anne Rose

Marissa Anne Rose was born on May 25, 1991.  She was a sweet and beautiful baby who grew into a lovely, mature young woman.  Marissa was very talented and truly made the most of all God’s gifts bestowed upon her.  

She was an excellent student with a 4.3 GPA and was inducted into the National Honor Society.  Marissa was planning to attend either Northwestern or Ohio State majoring in architecture or pre-law.

Marissa studied ballet and eventually turned to ice skating.  She competed at various levels and had a box full of medals, but her favorite part of skating were her “skating friends.”  She was a recipient of a Scott Hamilton scholarship awarded by the BGSU Ice Arena.  A scholarship has been created in her honor, and the first scholarship was awarded in March, 2008.  Some of the pictures on the quilt display favorite skating memories. 

As a very talented musician, Marissa played the flute.  She performed with her school band as well as with the Toledo Youth Orchestra and Ottawa Hills Flute Choir.  She was selected to several honor bands at Kent State, Ohio State and BGSU.  She won two Toledo Symphony League scholarships.  A scholarship has been created in her honor, and the first scholarship was awarded in May, 2008.

Marissa had many friends and family members who loved her dearly.  Our memories of her include her dazzling smile, her positive attitude and determination, and her loving and caring ways.  She will always be with us. 

She was only 16 ½ years old when she died as the result of a tragic automobile accident.  She truly made the most of every moment and accomplished more in that short time period than most of us will accomplish in a lifetime.  We are so proud of her and will always wonder what other amazing feats she would have achieved.  We are especially proud of her mature decision to be an organ donor and we take some comfort in knowing that parts of her live on in others.

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Quilt Square in Memory of Carol Jean Bird

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Quilt Square in Memory of Judy B. Clark

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Quilt Square in Memory of LaDonna (Sue) Strech

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Quilt Square in Memory of Justin Wayne Hoffman

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Quilt Square in Memory of Grace Fullenkamp

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Quilt Square in Memory of Kevin Kreuz

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Quilt Square in Memory of David Schoch Sr.

David, known by his friends as, “Killer,” lived everyday to the fullest.  The first to play a joke…we miss his laugh, smile and also his hugs.  We used his hunting jacket to make his square and tried to give those who saw it a sense of who he was.  Always a hard worker, he had also been enjoying his retirement.  Hunting, fishing, and helping friends on their farm were how he liked to spend his time.  He was a true friend, willing to help when others were hard to find. 

Dave was not one to wear his faith on his sleeve, but those who knew him best, knew he had an eternal home waiting.  He knew when God called him and his need for an earthly body had ended, he could be an answer to another family’s prayers through donating.

We know he would be happy we honored his wishes when he died suddenly on April 6, 2007, at age 65.  Even though this day will always be remembered as the day we lost our loving husband, dad, grandpa, brother, and friend, it is a healing assurance to know he was able to help others through his donations. 

Written by his wife, Febe, and daughter, Sonya   

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Quilt Square in Memory of Starr Martinez

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Quilt Square in Memory of Roy Brummett

This poem I wrote for my husband, Roy, on our 13th wedding anniversary. 

We ended up celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary on October 13, 2006, in his hospital room at University of Michigan Hospital.  By then, he could not speak or swallow.  The nursing staff decorated his room.  Our children were there and toasted us with champagne.  I put a drop of wine from my hand on his tongue.  He smiled and then reached under his pillow and had a gift for me.  It was beautiful keepsake diamond ring that he had our son get for him.  Even though we celebrated at the hospital, it was a special day.  We had made it to our last wedding vow.

Sincerely,

Sharon Brummett

To Roy
It was Indian Summer when we were wed,
The church was full and those important words were said.
Time has past, our family has grown, and yet,
So much to remember, so much to forget,
Since that wonderful day we first met!
It’s now the 13th day, the 13th year,
A number many would fear.
But I don’t feel that this is true
Because I know I still love you!
On to many more anniversaries to come,
So, Happy Anniversary, Hon!

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Quilt Square in Memory of Tyler Palmer

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Quilt Square in Memory of C.T. Vanco

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Quilt Square in Memory of Donald Carl Hirt

Donald C. Hirt was born on May 3, 1947.  He passed away on July 23, 2007, due to an aortic dissection.  Our family was shocked when we were told of his death.  None of us could believe he was gone.  He was the link that held us all together.  He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, foster parent, and friend.  He served in the Army National Guard, was on the Sheriff Deputy’s Reserve Unit, and was an E.M.T. as well as a volunteer fireman, all in addition to working a full-time job.  He spent the majority of his life protecting the ones that he loved and even those that he did not know.  Our father was the type of man that every girl wants to grow up and marry.  His life’s dream was to make the difference in at least one person’s life.  In his passing, as an organ and tissue donor, he did just that.  We were told that his donations were able to help many persons.  So, Dad, you accomplished your dream and then some.  Thanks for always giving of yourself and going above and beyond the call of duty.  You may be gone, but you will never be forgotten, because you touched so many lives.  We are proud of you!  We Love You!!

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Quilt Square in Memory of Roger Burkholder

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Quilt Square in Memory of David Neff

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Quilt Square in Memory of Ann Andrews

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