We, at Iowa City Church of the Nazarene, are so grateful for the way Ortha touched our lives. She was a godly woman who was an encouragement to many. Personally I was in a Bible Study with Ortha and Duane and was so touched by their gentle, kind spirit that was seeking to love Jesus. Ortha often would talk about being held in the palm of God's hand. Such a beautiful imagery of Ortha's life and how she lived it in confidence of His love for her. Our prayers and sympathy to all.

Pastor Teresa and Iowa City Church of the Nazarene

I am a niece of Ortha. One great memory I have of her is when my cousin Kay and I flew to California (my first airplane flight) when I was around 17 and Kay was maybe 19 or so. During our visit with her, she took us into San Francisco and she was stressing the importance of trying new foods, foods from other cultures, etc. She wanted me to try an artichoke, which isn't a food from another culture, but may as well have been, since I had never had one, growing up in Iowa. I remember being very opposed to having to try it, but low and behold, I liked it. (What's not to like something dipped in butter or mayonniase!) Anyway, that experience opened me up to trying new foods, especially new ethnic foods that I totally enjoy to this day and I have to admit she was right!

We will miss having Ortha with us at Oaknoll. She was a dear, kind woman who never met a stranger. She loved her coffee and cookies, children, and a good walk. She is the person with the longest residency at Oaknoll and most of the staff have never been here without her. I will miss seeing her. Many thanks to her wonderful family for allowing us to serve Ortha for 37 years.

Kim Bergen-Jackson,

Administrator

Oaknoll