Congratulations to Chuck and Brianna Ramseur with the birth of their beautiful daughter Naomi Ramseur! She came into this world on Sunday, March 6th. She is accompanied by two wonderful big brothers, Malachi and Isaiah, who will protect her for her entire life! :)
I must not forget that this makes Bob and Sheryl Turner proud grandparents for a fourth time!!
Chuck and Brianna are 2010 graduates of Bear Valley and reside in Victorville, CA.
Congratulations to Kenny and Cassie Garcia with the arrival of their beautiful daughter Aranae Marie Garcia. Aranae was born on February 19, 2011. She cane into this world at 8:52pm weighing in at 6lbs. 12oz. Kenny and Cassie reside in Durango, Colorado. Kenny is a 2007 graduate.
Joanne Roberts, wife of Bear Valley alum Ron Roberts, passed from this life on Wednesday, Feb. 16. Ron is still on staff with us at the Vancouver Church of Christ and wished to inform those he and Joanne loved and served with at Bear Valley. Attached is a copy of the memorial program.
Gifts in memory of Joanne can be directed to the Missions Ministry of the Vancouver Church of Christ.
Joanne Marie Roberts
Born in The Dalles, Oregon on November 19, 1947, Joanne was the oldest of four children born to Merle & Rosemary Cimmiyotti. She grew up in Lyle, Washington with stops along the way in Glenwood, Washington and Encino, California, before returning to The Dalles, where Joanne graduated from high school in 1966.
Joanne attended Oregon State University from 1966 to 1968 majoring in home economics and was a member of the Oregon State rifle team. While at Oregon State she met Ron Roberts and they were married on June 21, 1969 in The Dalles.
Ron & Joanne moved to Juneau, Alaska to open a sporting goods store. While in Juneau the Roberts met John & Betty Wyatt at the Juneau Church of Christ where Bob Waldron was ministering and both were soon converted.
In 1971 the Roberts moved to Denver for Ron to attend Bear Valley School of Preaching while Joanne worked as a bank teller. They adopted their first son, Ken, in Denver before moving to Tomball, Texas in 1974.
Two more sons, Jeff and Don, were adopted in Tomball where sons Ben and Tim were also born. Joanne was active in the Mothers’ Day Out program as well as the church Joy Bus ministry, summer camps and Vacation Bible School. Joanne made many dear friends there and left a deep impression on the church community.
Ron & Joanne moved back to Denver for two years in 1981 while Ron completed missions preparation training before relocating in Santiago, Chile. Joanne served faithfully in the church and was loved and respected as a trusted Christian example for the women in the church and on the mission team.
Joanne loved her home in Chile and with her adventurous spirit, traveled on many family trips and served as chauffer and cheerleader to endless school, scouting and sports events for her five sons. She grew proficient in Spanish and her wisdom and teaching in women’s groups there were vital to the mission team effort.
In 1989 the family returned to the States, settling in Vancouver, Washington. Joanne’s empathy and steady composure while the boys transitioned, sometimes roughly, to life back in the States was a pillar for her family. Joanne began work for Clark County Health Department in 1990 and worked there for 21 years. She is remembered as a diligent, dependable, and beloved worker.
Joanne picked up where she left off in Chile with faithful attendance to all her sons’ many sporting activities and school events. She was extremely active as a member of the Vancouver Church of Christ, helping to lead Alpha groups, teach Bible classes, build homes in Mexico, and many other activities. Joanne was a mentor and loved friend to many of the family in Vancouver.
Joanne was preceded in death by her father, Merle Cimmiyotti. She is survived by her mother Rosemary Fiedler of Tacoma, Washington. Joanne leaves behind her husband of 41 years, Ron, and five children: Ken Roberts of Los Angeles, Jeff Roberts of Portland, Oregon, Don Roberts of Campo Grange, Brazil, Ben Roberts of Niteroi, Brazil, and Tim Roberts of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, along with five grandchildren and one more on the way. Joanne is survived by her brothers Robert Cimmiyotti of Mendocino, California, Dean Cimmiyotti of Eagle River, Alaska, sister Norma Bennett of St. Marie’s, Idaho, and five nieces and six nephews.
Joanne’s life was one selflessly lived serving others. She had a passion for Christ and was committed to bringing His love to the world around her. She was steadfast in her belief and commitment that her children know the God she served.
Joanne loved being a mother. She treasured and was very proud of each of her grandchildren. Joanne was a gracious hostess, opening her home and heart to many who eventually became part of her extended family. She loved to garden and hike with Ron. She tolerated the television in her home being tuned to sporting events year-round for over thirty years. As the only woman in a home of six men, Joanne was the rock of the family. She was devoted to Ron and followed his dreams and work literally all over the world. In the midst of a tragic illness Joanne faced her final days with courage and serenity, telling her children that she had been “extraordinarily blessed.”
Joanne blessed the lives of those around her and will be fondly remembered and deeply missed.
Mr. Max Baer Reed Sr., passed away February 6, 2011 at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. He was born April 24, 1938 in Barn, WV to the late David Reed and Ollie McBride Reed. Mr. Reed proudly served his country in the United States Army during Vietnam. On August 20, 1960, he married his wife of 50 years, Wanda May Lee Reed. Mr. Reed worked for Montgomery Ward for 15 years and was a preacher for 40 years. He was a member of Linville Forest Church of Christ, where he also taught Sunday School. Mr. Reed enjoyed painting and genealogy. He also loved his pets, Cody Jr., Sara and Buster. In addition to his parents, Mr. Reed was preceded in death by his half-brother, Ernest Farley; two brothers, Clifford and Harry Reed; two half-sisters, Flossie Mills and Essie Ferguson; and one sister, Vertie Reed. Surviving are his loving wife, Wanda Reed; four children, Max Reed Jr. (Letitia), Keith Reed (Tina), Tonja Reed (Calvin Thomas) and Samantha Ziglar (Billy); six grandchildren, Robyn Reed, Alex Jr. and Angelina Ramirez, Courtney Old (Rob), James Tyler and Melanie Pell; two great-grandchildren, Rose and Kailynn Old; and one sister, Lois Hickey. A Funeral Service will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, February 10, at Linville Forest Church of Christ in Kernersville with Tim Lively, Minister officiating. The family will receive friends Wednesday, February 9, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Hayworth-Miller Funeral Home in Rural Hall. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Linville Forest Church of Christ, 450 Linville Road, Kernersville, NC 27284.
Jack Wilkie, 2008 graduate, has been added to the Focus Press family. His talents will be utilized in many areas. Writing, editing, and his technological skills will be beneficial for Brad Harrub and the gang at Focus Press. Congratulations Jack!
Our prayers to Dick Case with the passing of his wife, LaRue, November 11th in Pearland, Texas. Brother Dick served as the BVBID Director from 1989-1994.
Our sympathy to the Dick Case family.
Cards may be sent to:
Dick Case
2723 W. Oaks Blvd
Pearland, TX 77584
Todd and Susan Storks (2002 BVBID Grads) are having a very successful work in Molena, Georgia. They planted a church there, starting with just their family of four. Now the membership is over fifty. Todd says there are baptisms almost weekly! If you'd like to write to them, their address is: 214 Mountain View Rd., Molena, GA 30258. Thank you Todd and Susan for your update and your dedication to the Lord!
