Phillip Markwood, architect, 1937-2025

I see that local architect Phil Markwood died December 20. He was well known for his churches in the Columbus area and was a Christian. I seem to remember that he may have been the architect for a past remodeling of UALC. Bob knew him through AIA. I liked this testimony in his obituary,

"During the firm’s 47 years existence, Phil was always designing a faith-related project. He described his passion for church design as follows: “I gravitate towards church work for two reasons. I am a believer, so I get a chance to work for ‘The Big Client’ while working for His servants and I get to create spaces that touch the spirit. We’re all spiritual beings and churches are places that prepare you for your own experience with God.” He said he found that what he was doing was bigger than the project, the people and himself and that the main authority is God. He always felt like he was working for Him.

Those who knew Phil recognized him as a man of humility, patience, kindness, and selflessness. He was a deep thinker, a wise counselor, and a committed man of faith. He connected with people through compassionate listening, always more interested in learning about others than talking about himself. He led a purposeful life evidenced by a deep devotion to wife and family, commitment to his relationship with Jesus and studying His word with close friends for years, and application of his God-given abilities to create enduring spaces to enjoy life and worship. And if he was at a gathering where a prayer was required, he was inevitably asked to speak, as he was also informally known as Pastor Phil to many." 

Phillip Markwood Obituary - Columbus, OH

Julia Danison, founding member of UALC

We sat behind Julia for many years in the early service at UALC.  Also we used to see her in Lakeside where she and some lady friends would visit in the summer.  She also enjoyed winters in Florida.  In 2009 we traveled together to Israel in a "Steps of Paul" tour. A fun lady and a strong Christian. Today at her memorial service we saw many old friends and met her grandchildren. I have a 1976 church photo directory that shows Julie, her husband Don and youngest son Doug (then a little guy) who spoke at the service sharing many memories.

"Julia A. Danison, age 94, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 5, 2025 with family at her side. She was born on November 6, 1930 in Thornville, Ohio to the late Fred and Esta (Helser) Edmund.

Born and raised in Thornville, Julie was the youngest of three children and the only girl. Julie worked in the local pharmacy and had fond memories of watching an owl that lived outside her bedroom window, leading to a lifelong love of owls.

Julie met Don Danison of Glenford, Ohio, and they were married on June 10, 1951. They moved to Columbus, Ohio, where Julie graduated from Capital University with an Associates Degree in Secretarial Studies. Don’s career took them to Dallas, Texas, and Durham, North Carolina before settling back in Columbus to raise their family.

Don and Julie were charter members of Upper Arlington Lutheran Church. They built deep and lasting, lifelong friendships at church and in the community. Julie loved going to Fort Myers Beach, Florida, where Don and Julie bought a condo. She knew everyone by the pool, and everyone knew Julie.

Julie loved her family. She invested everything she had into being an amazing Wife, Mom, Mom-Mom, Grandma, and Great-Grandma. Even as her memory was failing in her final years, she would regularly say, “I loved being a Mom,” with a bright smile on her face and a glow in her blue eyes.

Julie lost Don in January 1997 and lived for nearly 30 years as a widow. Beneath Julie’s friendliness was an incredibly strong woman who endured despite the loss of her father, a brother, her best friend, and her husband all at young ages.

Julie will be greatly missed by her three children and their spouses, Deb (Bill), Dean (Tracey), and Doug (Joy), along with her eight grandchildren Samantha, Jacob (Jennifer), Zachary (Allie), James, Andy, Naomi, Saideh, and Matthew; and her five great-grandchildren Brooklyn, Ethan, Owen, Hunter, and Brayden.

A memorial service for Julie will be held at 1 p.m. October 28, followed by a reception, at Upper Arlington Lutheran Church, 2300 Lytham Road, Columbus, Ohio 43220. All who loved Julie are welcome to attend. Private interment will occur at a later time at UALC Columbarium, where Julie will be laid to rest alongside her beloved Don.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Upper Arlington Lutheran Church. Julia Danison Obituary - Columbus, OH

Jon Martin, class of 1957, obituary

Jon Robert Martin, 86, a Marco Island, Florida resident since 1994, formerly of Roselle, Illinois, passed away Saturday, August 23, 2025, in Cape Coral, Florida. He was born July 27, 1939, in Rockford, Illinois to Vivian and Robert Martin, now deceased.

Jon was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church, Marco Island, Florida. He was the former owner and president of Martin Funeral Home in Roselle, Illinois for over 29 years.

He is survived by his companion of 13 years Nadine Thornton; two beloved children, Kip Martin and his wife Gwen of Fort Myers, Florida and Mitzi Sanders and her husband Todd Biddison of Cape Coral, Florida; one brother, Roger Martin of Mt. Morris, Illinois; eight grandchildren, Brittani and huband Ben, Sydney, Elysia and husband Stephen, Clarissa and husband Austin, Alexis and husband Jaen, Cassandra, Blake and Samantha; three great grandchildren, Kasen, Briella and Braxton; as well as a niece, Shawn and a nephew, Chad.

In addition to his parents, Jon was preceded in death by his wife Dixie Martin in 2012.

Memorial visitation Saturday, September 13, 2025 from 11:00am until time of service 1:00pm at his former funeral home, now Countryside Funeral Home and Crematory 333 S. Roselle Rd. (1/2 mile south of Irving Park Rd.), Roselle, Illinois.

I've lost a close friend of 50 years, Nancy Long

Since January I've been keeping a close watch on my good friend Nancy Long, who has been in and out of the hospital several times.  Fortunately, I'd been able to visit her and talk to her on the phone during her last illness.  We met in 1974 in a Bible study at FCC, found out we both enjoyed going out for coffee for a chat, and later that year she introduced us to Lakeside.  I also knew her parents, daughters, husband, and had met most of the grandchildren. She was well read and always knew the latest trends in fashion, real estate, politics and investments, plus what was going on in our school system and city government. She was a Republican long before I was, but we rarely disagreed. We celebrated our birthdays together probably all but last year, our 50th anniversaries, attended the funerals of mutual friends, many Lakeside events, church services, and dinners.  This is her obituary.

 

Panera's for coffee--2005

Exercise class--Blues Brothers--1986

 

Our 50th anniversary 2010

Nancy Lou Mitchell Long passed away Wednesday, March 27, 2024.

She was the beloved wife of Professor Ronald K. Long for 64 years. She and Ronald were residents of First Community Village for nearly three years.

Nancy was born June 18, 1933, in Bellevue, to Bertram and Helen Moreland Mitchell, who preceded her in death. Nancy fought a courageous almost lifelong battle with lung disease (bronchiectasis) which left her with a chronic productive cough and ultimately led to her passing.

After graduating from Bellevue High School, Nancy attended Denison University, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree (1955). She joined Chi Omega Sorority and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and National Mortar Board Honorary her junior year. She earned her Master of Science in Counseling from Stanford University (1957). Nancy spent many of her years as an educator, teaching at Columbus State Community College, Ohio State University, Euclid Senior High School, and Harding Junior High School in Lakewood.

Nancy was a member of First Community Church since 1960 and served as chair of numerous councils and committees including First Community Foundation, FCC Governing Board, Board of Deacons, Couple's Circle 29, Women's Guild Board, and Guilds X and G. She also enjoyed OSU Women's Club, Wednesday Literary Club (20 years), Mortar Board Alumnae, American Association of University Women, and Women's Association of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. Over the years, her interests included playing piano duets with friends, reading current books, and giving book reviews. She developed and directed a merchandising program for Mortar Board National Office.

Since 1947, Nancy and her family spent summers at the family cottage at Lakeside on Lake Erie where she enjoyed walking along the lakefront path and hosting her grandchildren each summer. She was active in Lakeside Women's Club, The Heritage Society, and Friends of the Hotel Lakeside.

Nancy is survived by her daughters, Marilyn (Patrick) Roddy of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Susan (Davin) McAndrews of San Francisco, California; grandchildren she cherished, Katherine (Noah) Lavine, McKenzie (Chase) Hall, and Margaret Roddy, and Davin (Mac), Mitchell, and Porter McAndrews; and great-grandsons, Henry and Simon Lavine.

As an only child, Nancy always considered herself fortunate to have shared her childhood with cousins James Dean Miller (Carole, deceased), Jane Louise Miller Davisson (deceased) (David, deceased), Sandra Miller Woolley (Frank, deceased), and Michael Miller (Lu Ann).

Memorial gifts may be sent to First Community Foundation - Guild X fund, 1320 Cambridge Blvd., Columbus, Ohio, 43212. Nancy's celebration of life will be 2 p.m. Saturday, April 13, 2024, at First Community Church, 1320 Cambridge Blvd., Columbus, Ohio, 43212. A reception for family and friends will be at the church following the service.

Arrangements have been entrusted to SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST.

Debbie Stradley, October 3, 2023

We met Debbie just four years ago.  Her mother lives across the street and had told her about our son Phil's diagnosis of glioblastoma in October 2019.  Debbie came over immediately and wrapped me in her comforting arms--we'd never met.  I found out then that she had metastatic breast cancer.  She's fought bravely for many years, and I'll never forget her kindness to a stranger.  I knew her husband from the veterinary college at Ohio State.

Debbie Stradley Obituary - Columbus, OH (dignitymemorial.com)

Debbie Stradley passed from this life on Tuesday, October 3, 2023. Debbie was born in Bethesda, Maryland on May 23, 1959 to the late George and Patricia (Barratt) Dent. Debbie grew up in Cleveland Heights, Ohio and later attended The Ohio State University studying industrial design. Later in life she returned to college and received a B.A. from Cedarville University with a major in Bible/biblical studies. In addition to being a chaplain for several years with Mt. Carmel Health System, Deb continued her role of a care giver in church leadership and beyond, always putting the interests of others above her own. Her zeal for life and her authentic gift of compassion touched many lives. Among her many passions were love of nature, gardening, photography, design and scuba diving. She loved her many dogs and cats. Debbie will be deeply missed by her husband of 35 years Daniel Stradley; her brother Kit (Lisa) Dent; her nephew and niece George and Grace Dent; her stepmother Carole Dent; and many others. Memorial service will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 16, 2023 at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST, 1740 Zollinger Rd, Columbus, Ohio 43221, immediately following the service a Celebration of Life Reception will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 at SCHOEDINGER NW. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Madison County Vineyard, 106 Olive St, London, Ohio 43140. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to share memories and condolences.

Saying good-bye to Joe Schappa

We returned to Columbus on Sunday for a memorial gathering in the ballroom at the Southern Hotel for Joe Schappa, who died in Florida in March.  He was my husband's partner when he was an owner at Feinknopf, Maccioce and Schappa.  Bob was with the firm for 18 years and left in 1994 to being his own practice, so we had an opportunity to see many old friends and colleges--and especially enjoyed seeing again Joe's wife Ruth, and his sons Noah and Caleb who were just little boys the last time I saw them. Now we saw them with Joe and Ruth's grandchildren.  What a delight. When enjoyed hearing the memories and eulogies.

I remember when my parents were in their 80s and their social life seemed to revolve around going to funerals and memorials.  There was no spiritual component to this event, but seeing the photos, his friends and family were worth the trip.

https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/thisweeknews/obituary.aspx?pid=193152836

Janet Whitlatch, Lakeside neighbor

Janet, my neighbor on Oak St., died recently.  I didn’t know her well, having met her maybe in 2017 or 2018.  We walked to some programs together, both belonged to the Lakeside Women’s Club, both attended herb group.  She was 77.
https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/newarkadvocate/obituary.aspx?pid=191305926

Good-bye to a dear Lakeside neighbor, Isobel Steele

Isobel C. Steele, age 99, of Wickliffe, passed away March 2, 2017. She was born in Cleveland, on July 19, 1917, to the late Dan and Mayme McKay. She was a proud and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend who will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She was a long time member and served faithfully at Wickliffe Presbyterian Church. Isobel found great joy with her family when they gathered at a family cottage at Lakeside. Isobel is survived by her children, Bonnie (Bob) Schilling, Scott (Carol) Steele; grandchildren, Neil Schilling, Lori Schilling, Julie Steele, Eric Steele, Jennifer (David) Eberly and Brian Steele; great grandchildren, McKenzie, Madison, Alex, Hunter, Isobel, Ian and Taylor. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 64 years, Clyde Steele; sister, Jean Johnson; nephew, Jeff Johnson. (Legacy)

We bought our Lakeside home in the fall of 1988 and although the season was over, we met Clyde and Isobel and enjoyed them through the years along with their son Scott and wife Carol who are there most of the summer and their daughter Bonnie who comes each summer for a visit.  And over the years we watched the grandchildren grow up and have children of their own now enjoying the Lakeside community and the 19th century Steele cottage.

A blog I wrote about Clyde with a photo of Isobel and Clyde raking leaves in the fall.

Margaret and Harlan Blake, obituaries

Summer 2012 at a family get together, Margaret and Harlan

Margaret's h.s. graduation photo, and Pinecrest Newsletter photo 2016

Margaret was my father's first cousin, niece of his mother. I first met her when she was about 16 and living on her parents' farm.  


Margaret L. Blake, age 88, died Friday January 20, 2017 in Pinecrest Manor Nursing Home with her family by her side. Margaret was born June 11, 1928 in Rockford, IL the daughter of John & Cora (Ballard) Conway. She graduated from Mt. Morris High School class of 1946. Margaret married Harlan Blake December 27, 1950 in Mt. Morris, IL. Margaret worked for Kable News Company, Kable Printing Company, and Wood Brothers in Oregon, IL, where she was a time -keeper. She was a life member of the Mt. Morris Church of The Brethren, women’s fellowship, women of woods, Ogle County Home Extension where she was homemaker of the year in 1990, Mary Martha Club of Leaf River, IL, 4-H leader for many years, she planned many bus trips for various groups, she taught many to knit, crochet, and sew, and she loved many different types of crafts which include: weaving baskets, making porcelain dolls, caning chairs and refinishing furniture, jewelry making, teddy bear making, marquetry (wood inlays), arraigning flowers, and doing ceramics. She loved to travel visiting all 50 states, all of Canada, and several European Countries. Margaret spent many hours canning and cooking her Sunday Family Dinner.

Margaret is survived by daughter: Sharleen (Rick) Rand, DeKalb, IL; 2 Grandsons: Bryan (Renata) Rand, DeKalb, IL and Kevin Rand, DeKalb, IL; 2 Great Granddaughters: Aliyah and Kayden Rand, DeKalb, IL.
Margaret is preceded in death by her parents, husband: Harlan Blake in 2016.

Funeral services will be held Thursday January 26, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. in the Mt. Morris Church of The Brethren with Rev. Virginia Haney officiating. Burial will be in Silver Creek Cemetery, Mt. Morris, IL. Visitation will be held Thursday January 26, 2017 from 9:30 A.M. until service time in the Mt. Morris Church of The Brethren.

Memorials to Mt. Morris Church of The Brethren, Silver Creek Cemetery and/or Pinecrest Manor Nursing Home.
 --------------------
Harlan E. Blake, age 97, died Sunday January 10, 2016 in The Serenity Hospice and Home, Oregon, IL. Harlan was born December 31, 1918 in Leaf River, IL the son of Hugh & Kathryn (Long) Blake. Harlan graduated from Mt. Morris High School Class of 1936. Harlan married Margaret Conway on December 27, 1950 in Mt. Morris, IL. Harlan served in the US Army during WWII where he received many service decorations; serving in the New Guinea, Leyte, Luzon, and when the war ended he was on Mindanao. Harlan was a 32 degree Mason, VFW Member, 50 year member of Farm Bureau, Silver Creek Cemetery Association, Mt. Morris Church of The Brethren, he played and loved sports, he enjoyed gardening, his fruit trees, and being around all his animals, he visited all fifty states along with several countries.

Harlan is survived by his Wife: Margaret Blake, Leaf River, IL; Daughter: Sharleen (Rick) Rand, DeKalb, IL; 2 Grandsons: Bryan (Renata) Rand, DeKalb, IL and Kevin Rand, DeKalb, IL; 2 Great Granddaughters: Aliyah and Kayden Rand, DeKalb, IL. Harlan is preceded in death by his Parents.

Per Harlan’s request there will be a private family service held at the graveside, with Rev. Virginia Haney officiating. There will be a memorial gathering at a later date. Memorials to Mt. Morris Church of The Brethren, VFW, American Legion, and /or Serenity Hospice and Home.

Three Word Wednesday—the Obituary

Three Word Wednesday gives writers, poets and those who journal a mid-week jolt of creativity. Each week, three words are selected; you create something with the words. Then come back and post a link to your contribution.

Obituary,  a notice of a death
Placid, not easily upset or excited;  calm and peaceful, with little movement or activity.
Resonant,  deep, clear, and continuing to sound or ring;  filled or resounding with (a sound); having the ability to evoke or suggest enduring images, memories, or emotions;

The obituary
by Norma J. Bruce
December 8, 2015

She died.
Two days later, he died.
The obituary was clear on the dates.
Death notices are often dry and placid,
It took my breath away as I thought back.
With careful wording and verbs about the destination.
Brief paragraph, not resonant with the muffled sounds of the past
Of young love, quarrels and misunderstandings,
When sixty years ago they had hoped for a future that
Was not to be. Ever.  At least on this side.

Richard Scott Clark, 1969-2015

My nephew Richard died yesterday morning in Alaska. The last time I saw him was at my father’s funeral in 2002.  He and his wife Jessica had had a dream of relocating to Alaska for a long time—and moved there about 5 years ago (maybe longer), and I think they found what they were looking for. Native and transplanted Alaskans both seem to love the freedom and grandeur—there’s really not many places like it on earth.  Rich, who died of cancer, would have been 46 in July, and was “best buds” with our son when we’d return to Illinois in the summers. One year the Corbett grandchildren/cousins dressed up to participate in the Mt. Morris July 4 parade as a revolutionary patriot group.  Rich is the white haired guy with an arm in a sling. Hold on to the happy times; forget the others.

Richard (far right) and his siblings Karen, David and Julie

Hitchens the atheist is dead

When I heard on Catholic radio this morning that Christopher Hitchens had died from cancer I thought, well, now he knows. When I stand before God, He will see only the righteous of Jesus Christ. Hitchens knows for sure now, but I pray that he accepted the Lord's hand at the final moment. It's never too late; God is merciful. He waits. But, Oh what a waste of a life for the one who waits to the end.

Rueters announcement of death

James Byrum DeMott 1948-2011

We were planning a trip to Indianapolis today to say good-bye, but last night he died. We had visited him in June and saw a shadow of the man in this photo (taken in 1994). Jimmy won a baby beauty contest as a little guy. He was doted on by loving parents and grandparents (Neno and Biggie), and babysat by his older sister and brother. He was 10 years younger than my husband, and besides the years of separation, their personalities were totally different.

He served in VietNam, was married to Nancy Keel, and worked many years for the railroad. He loved, absolutely loved, hot cars. As a little tyke he started going to the Indy 500. In June he was still able to walk us to his stand alone garage which held with his "baby," a 1971 Chevelle that he restored and raced--not street legal. This garage was bigger than most houses and was outfitted with every imaginable tool for automotive work and was so spotless you could eat off the floor--also 2 easy chairs, a frig, and big TV, plus his 5-seater pick up truck, bright red. I'm guessing Jim and his buddies had some great times back there. Behind that garage was another full 2-car garage where they kept stuff like lawn equipment. He and Nancy have over 2.5 acres and have planted many trees. The love and care they put into that place reminded me very much of how his dad used to take care of his yard. Even in June he was too weak to ride the mower, so Nancy was doing it. And now unfortunately . . . she has been diagnosed with lung cancer and is still hospitalized. No services until she's well.

Jimmy as a teen in 1963--standing, I'm sitting in front of him.

Herbert Goldhor, 1917-2011

Professor Goldhor interviewed me when I applied for the Graduate School of Library Science at the University of Illinois, Urbana. I don't remember much of the conversation, except his asking me, "Have you ever worked in a library," and when I told him about the 3 libraries--Mt. Morris Public, Manchester College, and University of Illinois, he smiled with relief.
Many people think libraries sound good until they actually experience them.

This is one of the more personal and charming obituaries I've read--perhaps written by him (many people do) or a family member. Nice story about a second chance at love.

CHAMPAIGN – Herbert Goldhor, 94, died on Tuesday (March 29, 2011) at home in Seattle, Wash., where he had lived since 2004 after having spent most of his adult life in Champaign.

A memorial service will be held in Seattle for family and close friends later this spring.

Dr. Goldhor was born on Feb. 8, 1917, in Newark, N.J., the fourth child of Adolph and Dora Balshan Goldhor. In May 1948, he married Dr. Eleanor Cheydleur and they had four children (Jonathan, Richard, Beth and Barbara) and later 11 grandchildren, all of whom are still living.

After Eleanor died in 1988, Herbert rediscovered his childhood sweetheart, Ruth H. Schwartz from New Jersey, and married her. They enjoyed 15 wonderful years together living abroad in various different countries including England, France, Denmark, Canada and New Zealand until Ruth died in 2004.

Dr. Goldhor's career as a librarian began in 1943 when he received a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago's Graduate Library School. After serving in Europe during World War II, he joined the Library School faculty of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where he remained for six years (1946-1951).

In 1952, he moved to Indiana to become the chief librarian of the Evansville and Vanderburgh County Public Library, a job that he thoroughly enjoyed for 10 years.

Dr. Goldhor then returned to the twin cities to direct the Library School at the UI from 1962-1978, during which time he also taught graduate courses and published numerous articles and two books. In 1975 he became director of the school's Library Research Center, a position he held until his retirement in 1987.

Throughout his career, he believed strongly that public libraries, access to information and ideas, and continued learning were essential to a democratic society.

Dr. Goldhor enjoyed health and strength for most of his 94 years. When he was 84 years old, he and his wife Ruth hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, spent the night at Phantom Ranch, and hiked out the next day. To train for this endeavor, they walked up and down the stairs of the Century 21 building in Champaign. Dr. Goldhor was still working out at the local gym up to a few weeks before his death.

He had a positive, open attitude towards life and was interested in learning and experiencing new things. He had a great sense of humor including the saying in later years, "I am always quite relieved when I read the obituaries in the paper to NOT find my name there!" Well, now his name is here ... Yes, Herbert Goldhor's life on earth has ended and he will be greatly missed. However, his love for books and his positive influence at both the personal and professional level will live on, and in this way his name will be remembered fondly by many.

Memorials may be made to the Graduate School of Library and Information Sciences at the University of Illinois (www.lis.illinois.edu/giving) or to the American Friends Services Committee (afsc.org).

Sue Bock

This morning at 11 we'll be gathering again with UALC family and friends -- second time this week -- to say good-bye. Sue and I hadn't been friends a long time, maybe 5 yeyears, but she was the kind of person you always wanted to be with more. She loved people and was a very special friend and volunteer for shut-ins and the elderly, and just a really enjoyable person to be around. We had a lunch date planned for next week. Now we'll have to wait for the resurrection.

From the Dispatch: BOCK (LAMBERT) Susan Lambert Bock, age 70, passed away on Wednesday, May 5, 2010 at home. She was a graduate of St. Joseph Academy and attended The Ohio State University. Susan retired from the insurance industry as a case manager. She was a long time member of the Upper Arlington Lutheran Church. Susan is preceded in death by her parents Edward and Rosemary Putnam Lambert. She is survived by her only child, Lisa Bock married to Pete Estler and grandchildren, Ty and Cole Estler. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on FRIDAY, May 14, 2010 at Upper Arlington Lutheran Church, 2300 Lytham Road. Pastor John Stolzenbach, Officiating. Private family interment at Green Lawn Cemetery.

Tim A. Schuler

We were saddened to learn of the death of our friend Tim Schuler. For many years he lived in the Greensview area of Upper Arlington and owned a flower shop, being well known around here. The visitation is Monday at UALC Mill Run Church in Hilliard, 2-4 and 6-8, and the funeral is Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the Mill Run Church. We became acquainted with Tim and his first wife Doris through our son, when our boys who are the same age met at VBS back around 1974. Mark was the only little boy I knew then who had more energy than mine. And what a charmer! They remained friends all through their school years. Tim is survived by his wife Pat and his 3 sons, David, Mark and Chris and their families.

From today's Dispatch: "SCHULER Tim A. Schuler, age 69, of Columbus, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, May 5, 2010 at Mt. Carmel East Hospital. Complete obituary to appear in Saturday and Sunday's Columbus Dispatch. Arrangements by SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL, 1740 Zollinger Road."

The double whammy of aging

I've blogged about the verbs for death and dying used in obituaries, but I hadn't really thought about the photos. Most announcements don't carry photos, and usually I can tell from the eye glasses and hair styles (of women) the age of the photograph. And I'm not surprised when the subject or his children select a military photo--which sends several visual messages--youth, vigor, patriotism, camaraderie, history. This research at OSU on "ageism" and bias, did surprise me, however, I suppose in the conclusion. The last "formal" portrait I have of my parents is from a 1991 church directory when they were in their late 70s. They died in 2000 and 2002. It's a nice portrait, and informal photographs I have of them later are nice, but it's that one I keep displayed. Glancing around my office, I think that one may even be better of my father than the one taken in 1984 for their 50th--the year he was recovering from heart surgery and he was very gaunt and thin. And we have a family portrait of my father-in-law with his four children taken on his 90th birthday which is quite nice. My mother-in-law was in such poor health the last 25 years of her life I would probably select a nice Valentine photo of 1963 with her husband if it didn't have other negative memories (death of our oldest son same week).

"Results of the study showed that age-inaccurate photos increased steadily each decade: from 17 percent (1967) to 27 percent (1977) to 30 percent (1987) and finally to 36 percent (1997). The researchers found that each additional year in age at time of death increased the odds of having an age-inaccurate obituary photo."

The author of the research, Keith Anderson, Assistant Professor of Social Work at Ohio State University, says it's a double whammy for women--ageism and sexism. It may also be cultural--how often do you have a formal portrait taken after, say, the grandchild's wedding, or the 50th anniversary? And who's to say that person in the mirror at age 85 is more you than the one who used to be there 25 years ago?

What do you think? Do you have a photo in mind?

It's Spring

Do you know where your New Year's Resolutions are? I just came across my Thursday Thirteen of 13 Resolutions. I have only been able to keep two of them--#1 and #7.

1. When I see an outrageously dressed person, brown cotton eyelet full circle skirt, gray pumps and pink bandana I will turn my head or close my eyes instead of drawing a sketch.

7. When I accidentally come across Katie Couric or another gloomy news reader, I'll just change channels.

Actually, on #1, I didn't turn my head, I did stare, but I resisted sketching. and I cheated a little on #7 too. I'm watching almost no national broadcast news.

Evaluation of diaper product

Clarity needed. I saw an ad in the paper today recruiting parents for a study. For two weeks, if they pass the interview test, they will evaluate "diaper product." Is that a new name for what we called poopy pants or is the product being evaluated a diaper?

More Ohioans dying without a verb

You probably think I have too much time on my hands, but this research project goes back about 11 years. I watch the verbs in the obituaries. In the Cleveland Plain Dealer, almost no one gets out of here with a verb of any kind, but almost everyone is "beloved." In Columbus, we are more verbal. Today seven people died without a verb; 22 passed away; 12 died; one entered eternal rest; one closed her eyes; and one went home to be with the Lord. That last gal definitely had the right idea. That's the verb I want in my obituary. Here's my poem written in 1997, on my blog 3 years ago.

The IRS

The clerk at Panera's told me this spells THEIRS.

Beijing's air quality

is so bad it is a risk for Olympic athletes. Those "energy" efficient, mercury containing light bulbs you're buying to save the environment? They're made in coal fired factories in China. That's your soot in their lungs.

Estrogen and Alzheimer's

Elderly women who took estrogen replacement were 50% less likely to develop AD later in life, if they took it during the critical period of 10 years after menopause. Taking the hormone later (65-79) may cause harm. WSJ 3-18-08.

Ireland 2.0

"Sixteen of the 41 U.S. presidents and 25% of U.S. citizens can trace their ancestral roots to Northern Ireland." Celtic Tiger 2.0 ad in WSJ on St. Patrick's Day.