Dorothy Arlene Taylor Hartzler age 95 formerly of Iowa City and Kalona died December 18, 2020.
Dorothy Arlene Taylor was born December 29, 1924, in Johnson County, Iowa the daughter of Margaret (Campbell) Taylor and Thomas Taylor of rural Iowa City. The youngest of four children, she graduated from University High School in Iowa City and worked at First National Bank in Iowa City prior to her marriage. She married Herb Hartzler Jr. on May 23, 1944. She worked for many years in the office at West High School in Iowa City, a position that she thoroughly enjoyed because of the students and staff.
Dorothy enjoyed her life, as an avid supporter of the Iowa Hawkeyes, many years of square dancing with Herb, and being the chief cook in the household because she was a very good cook! Most of all, the most joy in her life was her family, her children and later as grandchildren and great grandchildren came along there was nothing, she wouldn’t do for them as she dearly loved them all.
Her family includes her three children, Kathy (Glenn) Knight of Kissimmee, Florida; Jeff (Michele) Hartzler of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and Jim (Susan) Hartzler of Byron, Minnesota; five grandchildren, Glenn Roy (Alyaa), Katie (Gio), Henry (Amanda), Greg and Emma and three great grandchildren, Hana, Kate and Greyson. She was preceded in death by her husband and three brothers.
No public services are planned for this time, a celebration of her life will be held at a later date to be announced.
Wayne A. Roberts, 103, of rural Iowa City, died Wednesday, November 11, 2020, at the home where he was born. He was cremated, and a private family graveside service was held Friday, November 13, 2020 at 10:30 AM at the Welsh Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established for the Welsh Cemetery.
Wayne Austin Roberts was born December 22, 1916, the son of Robert E. and Elizabeth (Jones) Roberts. He graduated Valedictorian of his class from Sharon High School in 1934. In 1943 he joined the United States Army and served until 1945. Wayne was united in marriage to Emily Yoder on September 11, 1948, at the Sharon Center Evangelical United Brethren Church. Wayne was a lifelong member of the Sharon community and loved to tell stories of his days as a basketball player for Sharon High and a fastball pitcher for the Bayertown softball team. He was a member of the Welsh Congregational Church, Farm Bureau and was a Past Master of Masonic Fellowship Lodge #549. Wayne was proud to maintain the Octagon barn on his family’s Heritage Farm. At the age of 61 he earned his pilots license and enjoyed flying. After having his leg amputated at the age of 90, Wayne took up walking the gravel road past his house & ended up logging enough miles to walk across the country coast to coast. He was a Cardinals and Hawkeyes fan, enjoyed listening to blue grass music and horseback riding.
Survivors include three children: Nora Jane (Albert) Noellsch of Oregon, MO, Paul Owen (Julie) Roberts of Iowa City, Mary Elizabeth (Steve) Rathje of Cedar Rapids, two grandsons: Peter and Timothy Wayne Noellsch, four step grandchildren: Jennifer Newhard, Gwen, Josh and Kori Rathje, two great-grandchildren: Vera and Noah Noellsch a sister-in-law Kay Roberts of Columbia, MO, and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding Wayne in death were his parents, his wife Emily, two brothers: Donald and John and three sisters: Hilda, Joyce and Gleanna.
Sharon Center – Marjorie L. Miller, 100, of Sharon Center, died Monday, November 2, 2020. In September she celebrated a very full life of 100 years with family and friends on her lawn. She recommended everyone live to 100! A private family graveside service will be held at the Sharon Center United Methodist Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established for Sharon Center United Methodist Church, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (J.D.R.F), or Alzheimer’s Research.
Marjorie Lenora (Schwimley) Miller was born September 8, 1920, in Sharon Center, Iowa, the daughter of Lee and Nora (Williams) Schwimley. She graduated from Sharon Center High School and received her degree in Home Economics from Parsons College. On May 18, 1944, she was united in marriage to Glenn H. Miller at her parent’s home near Sharon Center. Marge was a dedicated farm wife and mother, and helped create Cookies & More and Cookies, etc. businesses owned and operated by her daughters. She was a member of Sharon Center United Methodist Church, Questers, Sharon Center Women’s Club, and the Coin Laundry Association. Marge, former Sharon High basketball star, was an avid sports fan, outstanding baker, loved her family, farming and her church.
Survivors include her children: Linda (Russ) Kennel of Rock Island, IL, Mary Jo (Jon) Banwart of Ames, IA, Kim Keilin of Aspen, CO, son-in-law Ed O’Brien of Iowa City, five grandchildren: Jack and Alex O’Brien, Andrew Kennel, Miles Keilin, Lauren Banwart and seven great-grandchildren: Mack and Grant Williams, Harper, Cal, Lily, Audrey and Katie O’Brien.
Preceding Marge in death was her husband Glenn, daughter Jane O’Brien, two granddaughters: Sara O’Brien Sherman, Betsy Kennel Williams and her brother Gerald (Jeanne) Schwimley.
My neighbor two doors down and her tree that came down and just missed her house by about a footMy shed scattered all over the neighbor’s back yard and his arbivida trees all down facing east
Our house was safe, not even a window screen torn or damaged. I will lose one tree, my birch in the front yard. Linden tree out back will need professional trimming, but will be OK to save.
A house up on Boyson Rd. that had bad roof damageNeighbor’s easement to the southNeighbor’s easement to the westMy rock garden with neighbor to the north’s two trees in it
Neighbors all around me got hit so hard. Two neighbors down the street will take down my birch this week before contractors come to clear all the debris – every street in CR looks like mine or worse even. My neighbor next door also had 3 feet of water in their newly refinished basement. He forgot to have the battery back up plugged in. He’s kicking himself pretty heavily!
We were in the car when this hit. I was taking mom to an appointment for her hernia surgery to be scheduled. We were in it about 5 minutes before I could find a safe place to be, which ended up being the Mercy Hosp. parking ramp. It was by the grace of God that I was led down that street to it. We had power lines dropping all over the place as we drove, trees uprooting and snapping off. At one point, I was on 5th Ave. I think, and looking in my rear view mirror, saw a whole tree coming up the street in the wind. I quickly turned south again to avoid being hit in the rear end by it. Reminded me of the movie Twister for sure, and much too close for comfort.
Once in the parking ramp, we sat there and the car shook back and forth for 27 minutes. We couldn’t even get out of the car to get inside the hospital 20 feet away from the doors to get to the basement. It was simply unbelievable. Just glad we are OK.
Mom getting beat at Cribbage by kerosene lantern
I stood in line at Lowe’s at 5 in the morning on Wednesday to get a generator. Got the bigger of the two they had available – I figured for $150 more, I’d go all out. Got it all set up with the help of neighbors and 20 minutes after firing it up, we got power back. Sad thing is, it’s such a brute, I can’t loan it as it takes 3 guys to lift it. They’ll put the wheels on it this week sometime so I can get it moved back to the garage better and get it covered. I’ll be ready for the next time. What an experience. Mom and I both remarked that it’s by far, the worst storm either of us have ever been in – me in 65 years, and mom in 86!
Just wanted to say hi and update our lives in retirement . Julie and I retired about 2.5 years ago and it has gone by so quickly.
We spent the first six months doing a complete remodel of the house we bought We moved into a 55 community and the house we purchased was built by the the original owners. They had planned to live the lives out in the house but alzheimers sent them down a different path. The house was ok but had never been updated. I think we got a good buy but spent plenty redoing it to our liking. We now live in a very nice house and will stay here until some major change forces us out.
Our community was very active until the COVID hit. We had plenty todo and kept active in a number of groups and social events but currently all are on hiatus. We are still in a relatively low risk area but we only venture out for needed supplies and an occasional meal. Our golf course remained open so we spend a lot a days doing that. With Florida another hot spot they are considering closing or restricting our pools and gym, we will nave to see.
Before all this hit we went on a cruise to the southern Caribbean and Belize. The cruise was a great time, Belize left a lot to be desired. Except for the Mayan ruins, I would probably never return. We went with Julie’s brother Jim and his wife. They were great fun and we both sort of knew that each couple needed time alone which worked out well for all of us. We then spent several days in Biloxi and New Orleans. A mutual friend had his 60th BD in New Orleans. Exploring the area was very interesting. There is plenty to see and if you like to drink and gamble plenty of that available. The food there is amazing. We made sure sure we went to a good restaurant each evening to try out the local flavors.
Julie and I went to Vegas in mid February. The day we returned was the first day that southern California enacted some their first restrictions. We were pretty clueless at that point. Fortunately there was no problems for us but is was somewhat unnerving to find out this was an issue when we got home.
The only unfortunate thing to happen to us was our 14yo golden retriever had to be put down. He was my bud and I still miss him a year later. At 14 he was past his time and we just could not stand seeing him decline any further. For those of you that had a long time furry family member know what I mean. As of this time we have not replaced him.
Julie’s dad turned 90 in March. We were supposed have had a gathering to the adult members of the family but that was canceled until sometime in the future. He lives in the same community as us, which is mostly the reason we moved here. Julie wanted to be closer to him for all the reasons you can think of. He usually comes over of Sunday dinner and calls when there is some sort of a problem. We help out as best we can and so far has not been too bad.
We were supposed to take a long driving vacation this year but that has been put on the back burner. The last niece graduated high school this year and we were supposed to go to her graduation party, then a long trip to the Rockies and back to Iowa for my family Christmas in June. Unfortunately none of that is taking place,maybe next summer.
Both our boys are doing great. Ben is still in DC working for the USDof Transportation as an engineer. He as been working from home since March with no date on return to normal office hours. He has a significant other for some time now. He recently adopted two cats and she has a dog. I guess all 5 of them are getting along nicely. Based upon current conditions, it may be some time before we get to see him.
Quin is still in Orlando working IT for Hilton Hotels. He and his significant other bought a house and have been fixing it up. They have also become backyard vegetable gardeners growing a large variety of fresh fruits and veggies. We do get to see them on occasion but tend to keep our distance for safety purposes.
Well that concludes my life in a page.
I attached two files, one is the top music from the summer of 73 and the second is a collage of Julie and I through the years. Our most recent photo is middle bottom .Isolation gives us time todo things that maybe we would never think of
Stay safe all and hopefully we will all be able to get together in a few years for our 50th
love from Florida
Arnie and Julie
1973: Songs of the SummerArnie and Julie through the Years…
Leroy (Roy) Duane Schrock died peacefully on June 27, 2020 while hospitalized in Phoenix, AZ for COVID-19 and complications from Leukemia.
Roy was born on March 18, 1933 in Wood River, NE. His family relocated to Kalona, Iowa while he was a young boy and he graduated from Iowa Mennonite High School He married Marlene (Moore) Schrock in 1954, a marriage that lasted for 66 years. Roy and Marlene raised their family in Iowa City and Coralville where Roy was a professional carpenter and co-founded S & E Custom Cabinets. In 1976 he started a career in real estate and owned and operated LaMar Trucking.
In 1990 Roy and Marlene moved to Arizona and eventually started a cleaning service. They settled in the Phoenix area when they were ready to fully retire and became dedicated volunteers in every community they resided. As a couple, they were surprised with the 2013 Volunteer of the Year Award from the LeadingAge Arizona organization. Even at 87, Roy was maintaining and watering the plants in their larger senior living organization. Roy is described as a quiet hard working man, who preferred to listen more than talk and was happiest when busy.
Roy is survived by his wife, Marlene and three adult children: Brenda (Jim) Bradley, Doug (Lori) Schrock and David (Alana) Schrock; seven grandchildren: Tyler (Krissy) Schrock, Megan (Brian) Hill, Jessica (Matt) May, Adam (Nicole) Bradley, Patrick Collins, Maile Schrock, Kannanni Schrock, Ian Pinckney, Arielle Cobian, Alliya Pinckney and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by three sisters: Wilma Cannon, Lila Gould and Thelma Schrock, He was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Ada Schrock (Mitchell) and brother Dellis Schrock.
Good afternoon relatives and friends. Well, it’s been an interesting last few days. Chris and Jordan decided to allow her parents to come and visit them just 5 days after returning from Texas on a plane, from seeing their grandson who was born in March. End result – we are not babysitting this week to see how her parents fare these last 9 days that they should have been isolating at home. In the long run, to follow what health experts recommend, we should also isolate from Chris and Jordan for a full 2 weeks as well, in case the Raels were carrying Covid and didn’t have signs or symptoms and passed it on to the kids. Don’t ask me why they chose to do it – they simply did and now lost their baby sitter for the week at least. Frustrating – this is how the virus spreads – making bad choices…
Anyway, I’m getting a lot done at home this week since we don’t have Kairi at all. I’m preparing the house for my future procedure coming up. Last year late, I went to my ortho shoulder specialist who had done my right rotator cuff surgery back in 2011. My first, on the left, was done by another doctor in 2001. I told him I was having issues with it and wanted it checked for another tear. He took an xray, looked at it, said I had arthritis, injected it with cortisone and sent me on my way. It’s never felt any different, if anything, it’s gotten worse. It’s been keeping me up and waking me up many times in the night, so I did some research and went to a new doctor yesterday afternoon. He runs a practice that works in rehabilitation and regenerative therapy without surgery whenever possible. I got in right away, saw him within minutes, and he did a full scale ultrasound of my shoulder with my arm in several positions. He went through each snapshot he took during the process and explained everything to me. Bottom line – I don’t have a rotator cuff tear after all – I have rotator cuff shredding – it’s completely shredded on the left side.
Photo attached – on the lower right just above the first bright spot, is a longer bright line – that’s my first repair in that shoulder from 2011 which is holding just fine. It’s nice and light all above it and around it in the snapshot. On the lower left, it’s supposed to look bright gray and white like the right side, but is quite dark and very patchy. That’s where everything is shredded. It’s so bad, he doesn’t recommend any surgery at all because there’s nothing to anchor to, to pull anything together any longer. I’m so irritated that my doc last year didn’t do enough.
Ruth (Jurgens) Noth’s Shoulder Ultrasound
So, since surgery is out, I’m going to go the route of a cutting edge technology, and I’m going to try stem cell therapy. They will inject stem cells into the shoulder, do 6 laser treatments to produce better blood flow in the shoulder for healing, and hopefully it will take and regenerate tissue in the shoulder to fill in all the lacking areas, give me better mobility, and get me out of pain that I have all day long and worse at night.
I have the procedure done July 9th at 9 a.m. It’s about an hour long process, and eventually I’ll get 2 laser procedures a week for 3 weeks (6 total), and at some point, will also get 6 weeks of physical therapy. Medicare and my supplement will only pay for the office visit, ultrasound and PT. The injection itself and laser treatments will be out of pocket. I felt the cost was worth the try to get better mobility and hopefully get out of pain. My new motto will be “just because you can do it, doesn’t mean you should do it”. I took a neighbor’s tree down last fall and likely where I encountered the shredding, even though I didn’t feel it at the time. Also, working with dad helping him up and down and up and down so much and rolling him by myself every 2 hours when he was in Hospice care at home. I should have hired help and will next time for sure!!!
I’m excited about this new therapy – the doc had great credentials and write ups, and I talked to a few people who had seen him that I knew. One had both of her knees injected with stem cells and she avoided knee replacement surgery! It’s an amazing medical procedure gaining new ground every day. It regenerates what’s already in your system and gets things back to normal. Amazing science and I just hope and pray that it works for me. The thought of not having my range of motion and being in pain until everything atrophies and dies off is not a nice thought or wait. Dr. Kim said that he’s had very good success with shoulders like mine, so keep your fingers and toes crossed.
My outdoor work is coming to an end for the most part. My 15 year old neighbor boy reworked 6 of my 8 rock gardens, moving the rock out and placing new thick black plastic down and putting the rock and any edging back again. I’m attaching a few photos as well. Nice to have it all done. Most of them were wrought with tons of weeds and are now nice and clean and good looking again. We put plastic all the way under the edging as we went along, so that grass and weeds don’t grow up between bricks and all. Things are looking very nice at last.
Mom wanted the big pots put back in front of the house and flowers planted. She finally said Ruth, if you don’t do it soon, the stores won’t have flowers to buy any more. I asked her how long I could wait before they’d be gone. LOL I compromised and we picked up artificial flowers which are looking nice – easy for me, no watering or mess. She can’t go out and water as she’s too unstable on uneven ground or rock. I pulled all my hosta out from under the birch and gave them away to my neighbor, and just kept the three in back memorial garden that Tom had planted. I want less as I age, not more, and especially now with a bum shoulder for the third time!!! By the way, the larger stones come from one of Uncle Calvin Jurgens’ farms up home. Love them!!! I have around 30 total all around the house.
Two weeks ago I found out that the property line Tom and I was shown 25 years ago, is really the easement marker, not the property marker. I also realized after coming in the house after my new neighbor approached me about it, and going to the County GIS site, that my two rock gardens that are 25 x 15 are solidly 3 feet inside two of my neighbors’ properties. So, they are getting dismantled and seeded in by late fall. The new neighbor didn’t ask me to move anything, but I think it’s for the best to get things legal now while I’m alive and well. He made me an offer I couldn’t refuse – he wants to buy the rock (6 tons of 3-5 inch river rock) and he’ll move it himself. Couldn’t ask for a better deal than that. Once he’s moved it, I’ll have a truck load of dirt brought in to get it leveled out again, and then have it spray seeded in September. In the end, I’ll have less to mow and maintain and no one has to deal with it in the future. There might be an Iowa law that would allow me to keep the land and have the property lines remarked since I’ve maintained it all these years, but I want it square with the world now without fuss.
Other than these two things, life is pretty dull as usual here. We’ll get back to sitting for Kairi, who turns 1 on July 7th; we continue to do puzzles, church coffee time each weekday morning for an hour, church via Facebook, and other meetings with Zoom when necessary. I’ve made arrangements for my neighbor boy to mow for me the next 6 weeks while I mend and regenerate hopefully. He’s thrilled to get the work and the money and does an excellent job.
I hope this finds you all doing as well as possible. Stay safe out there, do your part please – as I explained to my youngest who does nothing during this pandemic for himself or anyone else, if I change my philosophy and go against the CDC and medical professionals, I risk my and other people’s lives. If you change your philosophy and tighten up on some control and distancing, etc… you save and protect more lives – who needs to change here. This is the conversation we had when he said he wanted to drive home and I said no, because I know he has no rules at all right now and does what he pleases. I won’t risk my life or mom’s even for seeing my son – it’s not responsible. He’ll not be coming home, but we are video chatting more often. LOL
Charles Wilhite, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, and neighbor passed away on January 25, 2020, in Iowa City.
Mr. Wilhite was born April 6, 1930 in Udall, Kansas, the son of Arthur Wilhite and Mattie (Rucker) Wilhite. He grew up in Wichita, Kansas and graduated from Wichita East High School in 1948 where he was a multisport letterman. After high school, Mr. Wilhite joined the U.S. Navy where he served as an airman during the Korean War. He also wrestled more than 200 matches out of Naval Base San Diego earning All-Navy honors and winning the Pacific Fleet Championship in 1952. Following his service in the Navy, Mr. Wilhite attended Kansas State University on the GI Bill where he wrestled before graduating from Wichita State University in 1956. While in college he married his sweetheart and wife of 66 years, Marjorie Wilhite.
Mr. Wilhite’s professional career reflected his passion for athletics. He was a high school teacher and coach in Andover, Kansas for three years before beginning a long career providing recreational services for veterans first at the VA Hospital in Sheridan, Wyoming and then at the VA Hospital in Iowa City. He believed helping veterans with recreational and social interactions was an honor and a privilege. During his tenure with the VA, he also served as an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) counselor and held leadership positions with the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE). After retirement, he enjoyed domestic travel, reading, playing the piano, guitar and banjo with whatever country western group would have him, and his daily crossword puzzles. Like many Iowans, he also enjoyed University of Iowa sports and Chicago Cubs baseball.
Mr. Wilhite is survived by his wife, Marjorie; his son Chris and his wife Sue of Albuquerque, NM; his daughter Connie of Miami, NM; his son Jim and his wife Carlota of Bellevue, WA; his son Jeff of Iowa City; and his granddaughter Noelle of Aspen, CO. He is also survived by his brother Art of Wichita, KS; and his sister Mary of Springer, NM. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Wilma and his brother John.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the First Methodist Church where he found a genuine sense of community, or Iowa City Hospice whose care and kindness were very meaningful in the last days of his life.
Henry J. Tayne (87) of Franklin (MA), formerly of Braintree and Boston, died at home on May 10, 2020 of congestive heart failure surrounded by his wife Barbie and their three girls. Henry and Barbara were high school sweethearts. They were married for 67 years and Henry often said they met in the cradle.
Henry was the beloved son of the late Henry J. Tayne, Sr. and Mary Gorey Tayne. He was a Staff Sgt. in the U.S. Air Force and a printer all his life, as were many of his family members before him. He was a member of the Boston Litho Club Inc. and was a magna cum laude graduate of Newbury Jr. College. He attended Boston State College and Dean College. He loved being with his family, spending time near the water, and exploring Boston and the Blue Hills.
He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara (Sullivan) Tayne, and his daughters: Kathie Tayne and Liz Tayne, both of Franklin, and Bobbi Tayne Gerlits and her husband Dave of Clinton. He is also survived by his two grandchildren: Henry and his wife Minah Gerlits of Leominster and Bessie Struck of Sudbury, and two great-grandchildren: Isaiah Struck and Tayne Gerlits. He is also survived by his sisters Ann Provost and Kay Griffin, both of Westwood, and predeceased by his brother, Eddie of North Attleboro, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and family friends.
Private arrangements are being done by Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home. The family would prefer no flowers. Should you wish to make a donation in his memory, the family suggests the Franklin Food Pantry.
The family would like to thank the Franklin Fire Department, the staff at Milford Regional Medical Center, and Salmon VNA & Hospice for the care they provided.
With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation. Psalm 91 v16
Mummy, oh Mummy, where do we begin? We will begin by giving gratitude to God for your amazing life and for allowing us to have you till you were 90! The truth is you weren’t just our mum, but everyone’s mum, a neighbourhood mum and dearly loved by all who experienced your generous heart of gold. Your warm welcome stretched to extended family, friends, neighbours and even total strangers. You were extraordinary, and it felt as if you were going to be here forever.
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
This is a quote by the famous Maya Angelou and it sums you up perfectly. Mummy’s ability to generate that warm spirit with her radiant smile made everyone who met her feel special and loved. Whether you were a gardener, a driver or a doctor, she gave you her time lovingly.
Our dear mum was born on 18th January 1930 to Godfrey Crentsil and Elizabeth Sam in Dunkwa on Offin, where her father, an ex-serviceman, was stationed after the second world war. She attended St Mary’s Convent School for girls in Cape Coast and on completion of her standard seven education went straight into work in Takoradi where she lived for most of her life. She worked for three prominent companies in Takoradi at the time, AG Leventis, Taylor Woodrow and Elder Dempster Lines as a telephonist. She had the perfect telephone speaking voice, distinct, pleasant and with beautiful enunciation. She was also known for her sense of style and fashion and was captured by the Sunday Mirror newspaper. The caption read…
“Meet Ms Emma Crentsil, with a smashing set of white teeth, people queue up at the bus stop just to catch a glimpse of her”!
She definitely caught the eye of Thomas Edward Ampofo, our dad and her future husband, who worked with the Ministry of Forestry. Once she started a family she gave up work to become a stay- at-home mother, and what a mother… the rest is history!
A great pity if you didn’t get to savour this incredible Fanti woman’s palm soup and the rest of her sumptuous savoury dishes and delicious cakes. She had a flair for turning ordinary ingredients into the extraordinary, earning her the name ‘Onyim Nwia’, meaning she ‘rocked’ the kitchen! With Mummy creating special flavours, and aromas wafting through the house, her kitchen was a delightful and fun place to be. She was the undisputed queen of the kitchen, her kitchen had soul with a flavour all its own.
From Windy Ridge to Chapel Hill, she has always kept a beautiful tropical garden with a gorgeous selection of exotic flowers, where she would often sit and enjoy another of her favourite past times, drinking tea… Everyone who knew Mummy well, knows she loved and enjoyed different varieties of tea from every corner of the world and loved treating you to her latest selection. She had many interests, but her real passion was people, caring for them and making them feel they mattered. Her house was always filled with love, jokes, laughter and more love. Mummy had a great sense of humour and always had us in stiches with her captivating storytelling. We will dine out on her stories for a long time to come. We have treasured childhood memories with happiness all the way, she truly was our best friend.
Mummy’s 90th birthday was a magnificent celebration. It was wonderful for us all to see and share in her joy and the outpouring of love from the many video messages from around the world.
A Legend and an institution, Mummy was our rock, the centre of our lives. She struck a balance between being fun and being firm and you could never pull the wool over her eyes, a great disciplinarian.
You taught us kindness and love, and also the importance of God in our lives, so thank you mummy. Your passing is a massive loss to us and to the community. The pain is excruciating and to say we will miss you is an understatement. You will continue to live on in many hearts. We all got the best out of you and are eternally grateful. Gone, but will never be forgotten. With Emma Ampofo Crescent in Chapel Hill named after you, you still live on. There will never be another Emma Crentsil Ampofo, you were a one-off. Our memories of you are priceless, we love you dearly and will cherish them forever. When we need an angel, we know who to call.
Elegant, beautiful, sweet and charming, Mummy lived a full and wonderful life with pure class. She sparkled like a rare diamond, a true gem. In the last year she graciously prepared us for what was to come with her songs and gentle utterances “I’ve lived my life,” “I’m ready” and she would constantly sing the nursery rhyme “My grandfather’s clock” with a smile… as if to say, when I’m 90, I’m done.
Just like the song, on the 12th of April, 2020, at 9.50 am, her ‘clock stopped, never to go again’.
Ama Sekyiwa, Nana Akyere, Emma Crentsil, Mrs Ampofo, Auntie Emma, ‘Onyim Nwia’, Mother Supremo… Although you’re with the angels now, your guiding light still shines on each of us.
So long Mummy, rest in perfect peace. Your children, grandchildren and great grandchildren XXX
