Class Notes

Virginia W. Shorten, of Canfield, Ohio passed away on Sunday, Sept. 23, 2012, in Park Vista of Youngstown, Ohio. She was born Mary Virginia Williams in Albion, Illinois on Oct. 29, 1921, the daughter of Dick Campbell and Grace Belle Williams. “Ginny” attended Maryville College in Maryville, Tenn., graduating in 1943. She served a dietetic internship at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio where she met her husband, Edward Arthur Shorten, M.D. They were married in 1944. Her husband died in April of 2009.Ginny’s life was defined by her family, friends, hobbies, travels, and service to her community and others. One of her greatest causes was the YWCA, where she served in various positions over the years – President, Interim Director, Board of Trustees and Chair of several Capital Fund Drives. Other organizations for which she provided leadership in various roles include Planned Parenthood of Mahoning County; the Kidney Foundation of Mahoning, Columbiana, and Trumbull County; the United Way of Youngstown for which she was the first woman to serve as General Chair; Unitarian Universalist Church; Canfield Historical Society; the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County; Youngstown Area Arts Council; Northeastern Ohio Medical University (NEOMED); the Democratic Party; Battered Persons Crisis Center; Youngstown Community Theatre; League of Women Voters; Mahoning County Grand Jury for which she was the first female Grand Jury Foreman in 1975.Ginny was also a member of the New Century Club.Ginny was always a champion for women’s rights and causes. For several years, she hosted a local TV show called “Woman’s Place” which addressed women’s issues. Over the years, she gave over 100 public speeches for women’s rights.Ginny was recognized for her contribution to the community by receiving the Jefferson Award in 1983 given by ABC for meritorious community service. She received Woman of the Year in 1990 given by the YWCA. Ginny and Art traveled widely. In 1970, they served with Care/Medico in Kabul, Afghanistan. In 1975, they served with AmDoc in Kenya. From riding the rapids of the Colorado River to exploring China and Africa to trekking in the Himalayas in Nepal, they encountered many adventures around the world and have left many friends wherever they went. Ginny was an avid crafts woman. She could knit anyone into a corner and she made many beautiful quilts. She painted the birds and masks carved by her husband. She was an excellent cook. She played tennis, skiied (reluctantly) and golfed. Many in the community knew Ginny through her volunteer efforts and leadership; however, those close to her knew her to be a wonderful mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. Ginny and Art always opened their home and hearts to so many in friendship at times of need or just in life’s celebrations. It is virtually impossible to capture the spirit of Ginny in print as those who know her will attest. She leaves a void in the lives of those who have loved her. Ginny was predeceased by her husband, Edward Arthur Shorten, M.D., in April of 2009. She was also predeceased by five brothers and a sister. She leaves behind her loving children, Rick (Alix Foster) Shorten of La Conner, Washington, Susan (Patrick Lynch) Shorten of Whispering Pines, N.C., David (Carole) Shorten of Camp Verde, Arizona and Scott (Michele Hatherill, M.D.) Shorten, M.D. of Hudson, Ohio.She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Jessie, Peter (Anna-Bridgette), and Andy Shorten, Corey (Cody) Hartman, Brandy and Gina Shorten, Carrie (Dan) Eyer and Joanna and Tim Lynch; two great-grandchildren, Alexa Hartman and Cassidy Eyer; and many, many nieces and nephews.”Ginny had so many dear friends, but the family would like to especially recognize the Ahmad family who are an extension of our family – Dr. Iftikhar and Nadira Ahmad, Fataima (David) Warner and Leah (Sean) Berry. Ed Hlasta has helped our parents for many decades and Ginny and Art shared a mutual devotion with him. The family would like to give special thanks to the caregivers and staff of Park Vista who showed such caring and dignity to Ginny these past nine months.

After 30 years of teaching (and 38 years working for the state of Oklahoma), he has retired from Langston University, the HBCU in Oklahoma. He has taught over 20,000 students in History, and taught the college’s only Philosophy class. He was the first-ever elected representative of the Faculty, and was also the first Chair of the Faculty Senate. He will continue to volunteer teach in the Osher continuing ed system in Stillwater. He wants to move to the West, particularly Santa Fe.

Jim Showalter (1971) and Kay Krause were married in Stillwater, Oklahoma, at Jim’s home church. The public ceremony was cancelled because of the virus, so, on the Spring Equinox, March 19, with two friends as witnesses plus their minister, Kay and Jim were married. Kay and Jim were the only ones within six feet of each other. They broadcast it on Facebook and are above 300 views (lots of bored people these days). They have stayed at Jim’s home in Stillwater, Oklahoma, all spring, renovating the home, but, in June, they plan to move and make their permanent home at Kay’s home on the prairie of the Flint Hills in Kansas.

John Roland Showalter, 81, of Asheville, North Carolina, passed away on December 30, 2023. He was born on April 3, 1942, in Mansfield, Ohio, to the late Rev. Roland Leroy Showalter and Edna Mae Burkhart Showalter. John was deeply loyal to his family and was a respected professor at Warren Wilson College for 40 years.

John’s educational journey began at Bellaire High School and McKinley High School in Ohio. He furthered his studies at Maryville College in Tennessee and the University of Illinois in Champlain.

Outside of his career, John had a variety of hobbies and interests. He enjoyed organ music, gothic architecture, history, railroads, tractors, and genealogy. His passion for these subjects brought him joy throughout his life.

Survived by his beloved wife, Catherine Showalter (Brutsch), John leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication to his family. He is also survived by his children, Wendy Meyer (Greg Capps), Mark Showalter (Kim), and Philip Showalter (Eddana), as well as his grandchildren, Vincent, Jonathan, Blakely, Eiley, Victoria, and Vanessa. He is also survived by his siblings, Tom Showalter (Sandy), Jim Showalter, Jane Sawyer (Harlan), and Joe Showalter (Linda McPhail).

Phyllis A Tepper Shudy died peacefully on October 23, 2012, at the age of 70. Loving wife of Peter Shudy, for 41 years. Proud mother of Dan (Stephanie Steger) Shudy. Step-mother of Janine (Gary) Biely. Special “mom” of Tracy Hunter and special “grandmother” of Ryan Hunter. Grandmother of April (Gary) Fleischmann and Brion Christensen. Great – grandmother of Natalie, Noah, and Natasha. Sister of Paul (Lesley) Tepper of Yakandanda, Australia; Peggy (Edwin) Luckman of Portland, OR; Carl (Janice) Tepper of Highland Village, TX; and the late Fred Tepper of Fort Worth, TX. Sister-in-law of Roz. Also loved by other relatives and friends. Phyllis was a devoted teacher and musician. She had a passion for service in the Presbyterian Church (USA).

Shufelt, Evelyn Lucile Johnson (Coddington) Our wonderful mother passed away in her daughters’ arms February 26, 2020, at Suncoast Hospice, at the age of 104. She was a resident of Lake Seminole Square Retirement Community in Seminole, Florida. She was born in Wabash, Indiana, March 12, 1915, to Amanda Charlotte Allen and Ross Leroy Coddington. She was predeceased by her parents and her husbands, Clayton Ellison Johnson Jr. (the father of her two daughters and a WWII Pacific veteran) and Russell Leroy Shufelt. She is survived by daughters, Sharlene Carrell and her husband, Ron and Diane Steen Toole (fur-baby, Fluffy); grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Sean and Melissa Lloyd, fur-kids, Tobi and GeorgE, Brett and Amy Lloyd, Stella and Connor, William and Lindsey Steen III, Donovan and Shaya, Allison Steen Napior, Colleen, Keaton, Cowen, and Cooper. We would like to thank Marilyn Angwin for the loving care and friendship you provided Evelyn. Evelyn arrived in Bradenton, FL, December 1918. She attended local public schools and graduated from Bradenton High School in 1932. She graduated in 1936 from Maryville College, a Presbyterian college in Tennessee, with a degree in Music (Piano) and Elementary Education and minored in Mathematics and Castilian Spanish. That summer, she attended the University of Florida to earn her Florida teaching certificate. She often told one of her favorite stories about when she came home from Maryville College during Christmas breaks, she always made sure to go swimming in the Gulf then go back and brag to her classmates about Florida’s great weather. She was a wonderful teacher for 31 years, 1st grade was her forte. In 1955, she was selected to be one of the teachers to open Anderson Elementary School in Tampa, FL. She taught 1st grade and played the piano for almost every school play and event. Then in Nov. 1970, she retired from teaching and married Russ. She moved to Miami Shores where she would live for 37 years in the home her grandchildren loved to visit and to go on many adventures in the area. She was a Steel Magnolia, albeit a transplanted one. She was unique, strong-willed, and kind. These traits served her well as the family matriarch who provided unconditional love and support. This was also evident in the relationships that she maintained with many people all her life, including one of her 1st-grade students, a local Tampa attorney, whom she stayed in touch with through the years. She was an active member of the community, serving the Northeast Miami Federated Women’s Club and Miami Shores Women’s Club. She was a charter member of the Friendly Villagers Club (welcomed new people to Miami Shores), Kappa Kappa Iota (Eta Conclave), North Miami Garden Club, Charter member of the 39ers (a social club), Barry University Women’s Auxiliary, the United Methodist Church of Miami (served as Secretary of United Methodist Women and was member of the Circle), and The Birthday Girls, a fun dinner group. She served as an officer and committee chairperson many times. She also played the piano before many club luncheons. In Tampa, she was a member of Palma Ceia Methodist Church where she also taught Sunday school. Please donate to Suncoast Hospice or LifePath Hospice in lieu of flowers. A memorial service will be held Sunday, March 22, 2020, 2:30 pm, at Lake Seminole Square, 8333 Seminole Blvd., Seminole, FL.

93, of Marietta died on December 1, 2014. Marguerite Fuess Sidner, 88, of Marietta died on December 10, 2014. William and Marguerite were married for 63 years. William was born and raised in Chester PA. William served 3 years in the Army during WWII on the island of Okinawa. After the war William earned his degree from Maryville College in TN. William then attended graduate school in Forth Worth TX where he met his wife, Marguerite. William worked as a director for the YMCA for 20 years in Texas and Louisiana. He then worked for 20 years for the State of New Jersey unemployment office. Marguerite was born and raised in Stuttgart, AK. She earned a degree at Hendrix College in AK. Marguerite had a 30 year career where she taught school in Texas and Louisiana and was a school social worker for the state of New Jersey. William is preceded in death by his 9 brothers and sisters. He is survived by his brother John Sidner of Chester PA. Marguerite is preceded in death by her sister Katherine “Kitty” Clement. William and Marguerite are survived by their son James Sidner of Houston TX, their son Walter Sidner of Marietta, their daughter-in-law, Janet Sidner, and 2 granddaughters, Hannah and Brianne Sidner. There will be a joint memorial service for William and Marguerite on Saturday, December 13, 2014 at 5pm at St. Andrew United Methodist Church with Rev. Mack Riley and Rev. Terry Phillips officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the Keheley Building at the church. Inurnment will be in Georgia National Cemetery on Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at 2pm. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Andrew United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be expressed at: www.mariettafuneralhome.org

Rev. Graeme Wilson Sieber, 80, Maryville, TN, retired Presbyterian (U.S.A.) pastor, died December 13, 2015. Graeme graduated from Maryville College, Pittsburgh Seminary, and Nova University. He devoted his life to helping others. Even as an Alzheimer’s patient, he comforted fellow residents and staff. He served Presbyterian churches in Pennsylvania, Knoxville (Graystone), Farner and Oak Ridge and as Director of Bachman Home in Cleveland, Tennessee. He served on boards of Midway Rehabilitation Center and Nancy’s House, for people living with AIDS, and led PFLAG Knoxville. He volunteered over 1,000 hours in the Smokies and joined Alzheimer’s TN walks. Once called “that hippie preacher,” he focused on social justice, peacemaking, civil rights and affordable housing; counseled Vietnam draftees; and sought full rights and ordination for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals. G ra e m e treasured family and friends, discussing current issues. Hiking, music, traveling. His confidence in God was clear, expressed in ways that were welcoming and accepting, not judgmental. Preceded in death by parents, Henry Wilson Sieber & Mary Louise Speer Sieber McClure, and stepfather William A. McClure. Survived by wife of 56 years, Mildred Lineal Beard Sieber; children, Mary Elizabeth Sieber and Robert Graeme Sieber and his husband Lucio Maramba; grandchildren, Katharine Elizabeth Sieber-Ford and Matthew Stephen Sieber- Ford; brothers and their wives, James Leo and Carole Sieber, Frank and Betty McClure, Al and Alice McClure, George and Barbara McClure; inlaws, Taylor and Kathie Beard, Robert and Jean Beard, Marvin and Susie Beard, Liz Heid; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews. The family thanks Asbury Place staff and Blount Memorial Hospice for their care. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Highland Presbyterian Church (highlandpresby.org), 721 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, TN, 37804; Maryville College, Advancement Office, 502 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, TN 37804 (alumniandfriends.maryvillecollege.edu); Alzheimer’s Tennessee (alztennessee.org), 5801 Kingston Pike; Knoxville, TN, 37919; or PFLAG Maryville (pflagmaryville.org/donate). Memorial Service: Highland Presbyterian Church, Maryville, 1 p.m. Saturday, January 9, 2016. McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home, Maryville, TN 982-6812, www.mccammonammonsclick.com .

I’ve now lived at the same address (in Cottonwood, AZ) for longer than at any other address. I still enjoy life in the Northern Arizona desert.
Last December, my son and I published the book, “Andy Speaks.” In it we relate life with his autism. My Author Name for this book is: Carolyn L Coen, if you want to look it up on amazon. If you read the book, we would appreciate it if you’d write a review on amazon.
Other than that, I split my time between writing things for another book (which I enjoy) and managing the medical providers here in Yavapai County (which I do not enjoy!).

Dr. Lewright Browning Sikes, age 68, died Tuesday, September 25, 2012 after a lengthy illness. Dr. Sikes was born in Rutherford County, TN in 1944, and was the son of the late McCulloch Hord and Judith Browning Sikes. Dr. Sikes received his B.A. degree from Maryville College and his M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Tennessee of Knoxville. He was a Professor of History at Middle Tennessee State University for 26 years. He was the author of The Public Life of Pierce Butler (1979), the editor of Nick Hardeman: A Civil War Novel (1993) and the author of articles and/or reviews in The Georgia Historical Quarterly, The Tennessee Historical Review, The North Carolina Historical Review, The Journal of the Early Republic, The Journal of American History, and Boarder States: Journal of the Kentucky-Tennessee American Studies Association. He presented and/or critiqued papers for many organizations, including The Southeastern American Society for Eighteenth Century Studies and the Society of Historians of the Early American Republic. Dr. Sikes was the recipient of several grants from The National Endowment for the Humanities and Middle Tennessee State University. His field of interest was Colonial and Early National America. His retirement gift of 160 rare books to the MTSU library was the core of the start-up collection of books for the Special Collections unit of the University Library. Dr. Sikes was a professional musician and performed with many organizations, including the Nashville Symphony Chorus, the Nashville Opera, the Jackson Tennessee Symphony, and a number of churches in Tennessee. Dr. Sikes is survived by his two daughters, Mary Elizabeth Sikes of Hendersonville and Parri (Todd) Thurman of Knoxville; granddaughters, Camilla Marie Thurman and Karenna Pearson Thurman; sisters, Judith (Scott) Farrell, Mary McCullough German, Lucy Karnes, Martha Felker and Jane (Richard) Renner. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Comprehensive Care Center Foundation in Nashville, TN in memory of Dr. Sikes.

of Houston, Texas, graduated with a Master of Divinity and the Master of Arts degrees at Princeton Theological Seminary’s 203rd commencement ceremony, held on Saturday, May 23, 2015. The Master of Divinity is a three-year graduate degree that is the basic professional degree for ministry. The Master of Arts in education is the basic professional degree for Christian educators. The Seminary awarded a total of 169 degrees at the Commencement Exercises. About Princeton Theological Seminary Princeton Theological Seminary, founded in 1812, is the first seminary established by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church. Its mission is to educate leaders for the church of Jesus Christ worldwide, and its more than 500 students and 11,000 graduates from all fifty states and many nations around the world serve Christ in churches, school and universities, healthcare institutions, nonprofit agencies, initiatives for social justice, mission agencies, and the emerging ministries of the church in the twenty-first century.

passed away on November 21, 2014.

Married Darrell Simmons in November 2021.

Gave birth to Ethan Robert Simmons on 12/23/21, will give birth to Levi James Simmons in June 2023.

New Providence Presbyterian Preschool scholarship from 2014-2018, Reading tutor at Blount County schools.

Patricia Ann Cox Sines, 77, died Feb. 10, 2007, in Franklin. She was born in Lisbon, Ohio, and moved to Fort Pierce in 1972. She graduated from Maryville College in Maryville, Tenn., and the University of Pittsburgh with a master of library science in 1968. She sang opera in college. In Fort Pierce she and her husband created Wayne Construction Co. In 1973, she became the librarian of John Carroll High School and worked there until her retirement in 1988. In Fort Pierce, she was president of the American Association of University Women, a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and a volunteer with the Treasure Coast Opera Society. Survivors include daughters Cynthia Catenaci of Rogersville, Tenn., and Patricia Walker of Vero Beach; brother Jim Cox of Canton, Ohio; three grandchildren; and former former husband Wayne Sines Jr.. Memorial contributions may be made to the John Carroll High School, 3402 Delaware Avenue, Fort Pierce, FL 34947-0349.

Just celebrated his 7th year in private practice serving Knox, Blount and surrounding counties in Tennessee

William R. Sitler, 88, of Knightstown, passed away Saturday, August 31, 2019 at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis. He was born June 12, 1931 in Little Rock, AR to the late Robert Scott and Katherine Rutledge Sitler. Bill was a lifelong resident of Knightstown and a 1949 National Honor Society graduate of Knightstown High School. He went on to study at Maryville University for 3 years until going into the Army and serving for 2 years in Austria and Germany. Upon returning from the Army he continued his education at Butler University where he received his Pharmacy Degree. Bill was the Pharmacist and Manager for Hooks in Knightstown from 1979 until his retirement in 1994. A lifelong member and Elder of Bethel Presbyterian Church, Bill was also a proud supporter of the Hoosier Gym, was a volunteer and on the first committee organizing its existence. One of Bill’s true loves was hiking and camping with his family in the Great Smoky Mountains. Bill is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary Ann, whom he married in June of 1957; daughter, Martha Ann (Andrew) Windisch; sons, Thomas Scott Sitler and Richard Rutledge (Marsha) Sitler; grandchildren, Rachel Sitler, Stephen Sitler and Nathan Sitler; cousin, Jane MacKeever Tischbein; along with many nieces and nephews. Along with his parents, Bill is preceded in death by his siblings, Lois Ann, Henry, Lucy Brock and Mary Kay Eason. Services will be Saturday, September 7, 2019 at 12:00 pm at Hinsey Brown Funeral Service Knightstown Chapel. Visitation will be from 10:00 am until the time of service with burial to follow at Glen Cove Cemetery in Knightstown, IN. Memorial contributions may be made to Bethel Presbyterian Church, 112 S. Franklin St. Knightstown, IN 46148.

Born in Knoxville, TN on February 23, 1942, Jim Skeen departed on May 30, 2017. For a number of years, Jim Skeen managed life with two chronic diseases, carcinoid syndrome and Parkinson’s, with courage and aplomb. Despite some physical limitations, he refused to retire to his recliner chair and instead continued his worldwide travels and eclectic interests. Finally, the carcinoid syndrome was no longer controllable with medical intervention, resulting in his crossing the finish line on May 30, 2017, not long after his 75th birthday. Special thanks to Emory Healthcare workers and Atlanta Hospice for their help during this journey. He had resided in Decatur, GA. His liberal arts education at Maryville College in TN provided him with the foundation for his interests in the many cultural traditions of the world and led to his numerous travels of discovery (48 countries) during retirement. His postgraduate education at the University of Georgia with a PhD in their renowned Ecology program was the foundation for his professional career. He spent many years at Fernbank Science Center teaching students of all ages and expanding the horizons of DeKalb county teachers through enrichment courses. He managed the unique Fernbank Forest area in the 1970’s and 80’s and did ecological research there. He helped guide graduate student research projects in the ecology program at Emory University. When plans for the Fernbank Museum of Natural History solidified, he transitioned to the management team there as Associate Director and helped to make that museum a reality, doing everything from working with architects and construction supervisors to raising funds for the project. After celebrating the museum’s opening, he transitioned once again to consulting on museum development projects, then gradually to full retirement and traveling. A lifetime of eclectic interests led also to a variety of philanthropic interests to which he devoted considerable energies. Categories of his “causes” included environmental organizations, liberal arts educational institutions, science education for youth in Appalachian areas, the Appalachian Trail, refugee programs, education programs in Asian and Africa, historical museums in the USA, and East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. He enjoyed serving as host for the past eight years to public health professionals from developing countries who were spending a year at Emory University as Humphrey Fellows. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Marianne, whom he met at Maryville College, his sister Deborah Skeen of Knoxville, and a number of nieces and nephews. Marianne plans to celebrate his life in many circumstances with friends and family in informal gatherings and to take both his spirit and some of his ashes both to many special places that he enjoyed as well as to some that were still on his list of places to discover. His wit and wisdom and his ability to tell stories will linger in the memory of many friends. Memorial contributions can be made to the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy, a very effective regional land trust that protects landscapes in western North Carolina, including lands surrounding the special section of Appalachian Trail that crosses the Roan Highlands and Hump Mountain. Their web site is: https://appalachian.org, and the address is 372 Merrimon Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801

Lanai Ballard Slater was inducted into the Blount County Sports Hall of Fame in October 2019 for volleyball and basketball.

Sloan, Ouida Newman, age 85, widow of H.A. (Buster) Sloan (after 63 years of marriage), formerly of 318 Englewood Rd., Madisonville, passed away 6:30 A.M. Sunday, November 4, 2012 at NHC Healthcare of Athens. Daughter of the late Rolin & Mable Newman. Member of the First Baptist Church of Madisonville. Graduate of Englewood High School & Maryville College. Retired Monroe County Elementary School teacher. Enjoyed playing Bridge with her friends. An avid collector of antique dolls and other collectables. Displayed and decorated her home year round with items she had collected for many years. Home was always open for friends to come by during the Christmas & holiday seasons. Survivors, sons & daughter-in-law, Stephen M. & Cliffette Sloan, Maryville, Allen Sloan, Loudon, Granddaughter & spouse, Kelleye & Eric Swanson, Tellico Plains, Great-grandchildren, Cody Swanson & Evan Swanson, both of Tellico Plains, Sister-in-law, Sue Sloan, Madisonville, Brother-in-law, Warren Graves, Morristown, Several nieces & nephews. Funeral 2 P.M. Tuesday, Biereley-Hale Chapel, Dr. Lon Shoopman & Rev. John E. Pennington officiating. Interment Haven Hill Memorial Gardens. Family will receive friends 12-2 P.M. Tuesday at Biereley-Hale Funeral Home, Madisonville.

Eddie Small ’18 has been accepted to the University of Tennessee-Knoxville’s competitive accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program for fall 2018.

Eleanor Rocker Smart, age 85, of Birmingham, died October 13, 2007.

is in his third year working as Kingsport (TN) City Police Officer. He and his wife Tiffany just celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary. They have three children, Hannah (18) and afreshman at Liberty University. Porter 15, Nevan 9.

Writes in to share he is in his 10th year as Police Officer for the City of Kingsport, TN. He is currently serving his 6th year as the School Resource Officer at Dobyns Bennett High School his high school alma mater. He and his wife Tiffany have been married for 27 years and have 3 children Hannah 26, Porter 23, and Nevan 17.