Congregaton Page 6

We live on our farm north of Whitten and we love farm life! Barb graduated from New Providence and Mark graduated from Union-Whitten. We were married in December of 1980. Our children, Garrett and Lauren, have enjoyed the youth activities of the church and were both dedicated in our church. We enjoy doing things as a family, such as attending the high school activities that our children are in, going to Cyclone ball games, and camping. Barb has attended the Community Church all her life. Mark went to the Ivester Church as young boy and later joined the Community Church in 1997. We were both involved in the remodeling project and have really enjoyed the new addition. We also enjoy our church family and are very thankful for the support we have been given and the friendships we have made.

Congregation Index

Irwin and Garnita Seward

Irwin and Garnita Seward transferred their membership from the New Providence Friends Church in 1960 to the Community Church of Union. They farmed northeast of Union where they raised their five children. Their children all joined the Community Church as youths. Now they are enjoying retirement. Irwin enjoys his ponies, and Garnita is an avid gardener. She not only tends her own beautiful gardens but also takes care of the flowers and plantings at the church. Both Irwin and Garnita are active in the church and have served on many committees and boards. Irwin died June 9,2006. Please go to the In Memory page

Congregation Index

Sydney Smith

Sydney is an avid Sunday School member. She is in the sixth grade and her parents are Richie and Jill Smith. Sydney is a good artist, she helped Susan Schill paint the Noah's Ark mural in the Nursery. Sydney makes us happy, she always has a smile for everyone in the congregation. Sydney says she enjoys coming to the Community Church because she see so many nice people and has fun. Sydney's Grandma, Merna Smith, also attends the Community Church.

Congregation Index

Merna Smith

Merna Smith was a teacher in the Union Whitten School for many years. Later she was the Postmaster at New Providence. Her granddaughter Sydney also attends the Community Church.

Congregation Index

Dick and Ramona Sommerlot

We have lived our entire married life in rural Union, raising one daughter, Dianna, and three sons, Stephen, David and Roger. Having retired, we have time to enjoy our seventeen grandchildren and friends across the country. Square dancing, bird watching, cross word puzzles, reading and music are some the hobbies we enjoy. It is wonderful to worship and fellowship with friends and neighbors at the Union Community Church.

Congregation Index

George and Dorothy Sorensen

We have been lifelong residents of the Union Community. George was raised in town and Dorothy raised on a farm, East of Union. We transferred, by letter to the Community Church in 1956. George was a rural mail Carrier. out of the Union Post Office for over 30 years. Dorothy worked in the office of the Union Veterinary Clinic for over 17 years. We have four children: Nancy, Peggy, Jerry, and Patty. All were baptized in the church and all four were married in the church. We have ten grandchildren and on great grandson. We spend almost five month in Texas, for the winter, working in the church there. Although we enjoy our church family in Texas, the Union Community Church will always be home.

Congregation Index

James and Joanne Speas

Jim and Joanne Speas have belonged to the Community Church for many years. We are proud of the church and thrilled at the cooperation and generosity of all the members who helped with this wonderful new addition and remodeling. We are the parents of six children, Richard, Susan, Danny, Brian, Annette and Jamie. We are grandparents to sixteen children. Joanne has been the organist for about as long as she has belonged to the church. Jim has always served on many committees and the board. We farm East of Union. Joanne is an RN . She worked for many years in the Doctor's Office at Conrad and at Oakview Nursing Home.

Congregation Index

Lyle and Ruth Spurlin

Lyle Spurlin graduated from the Union Whitten School. During WW II, he joined the Air Force and served as a Supply Sergeant. For thirty years he worked for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad. Now he is retired and enjoys restoring tractors. Ruth grew up in Miles, Iowa and graduated from High School in Lanark, Illinois. She worked for years in the Union Stockyard in Chicago. For twenty two years, Ruth was the co-owner and operator of Gillman's Jewelry in Marshalltown. Now she operates her own home based store, "Ruth Spurlin, Personal Jeweler". Ruth is always in church. At the present time she a member of the Willing Worker and the Worship and Festival committee. In the past she has been on the Church Board and has served on the Union Public Library Board of Trustees. Ruth says that the things she enjoys most about the Union Community Church are the people and the progressive feeling. She especially enjoys knowing Rick.