Connected By Giving
Community Tissue Services dedicates the Connected By Giving quilt
to those who gave the gift of life and their families.
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Quilt Square in Memory of Tulsa D. Collins.
She was born on July 7, 1947, in Makanti, Burma, of Nepalese parents from Theratun. She began her search for God when she was six years old. She was standing beside the right wheel of a bull cart, staring at the sunset. She asked her father, “Who lives up there?” He told her, “The God of the Universe.” From that day, she began to pray to one God. She developed a ritual. Every morning she would go to the village well, gather water for her flower vase, place the vase on the alter she made and pray. Years later at 15, while still in Burma, she saw a cross at St. Mary’s High School. She didn’t know that the cross represented Jesus. It wasn’t until 1967 when she came to America, this Christian nation that she discovered what the cross meant. Her testimony was, “When you are alive on this earth, you can’t live without the Lord Jesus Christ. Read your Bible and pray every day and don’t be greedy with money. You need food for your soul. Whatever you do, glorify His name. One of her great joys in the life was her trip to the Holy Land, where she was baptized in the Jordan River and saw where Moses parted the Red Sea. She witnessed to every one she met. Tulsa worked day and night to bring her family members to the United States. She was proud of her adopted country and her USA citizenship. She wanted her family to be with her. She achieved her dream, and now living in the United States of America, are her mother, four sisters, two brothers and many nieces and nephews. They are a garden she tended her entire life, and each one has blossomed into a good person. She was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister and aunt. She was a devout member of the Monroe First Church of God. She is loved by her family, many friends and her church family. Thank you, Jesus!
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Quilt Square in Memory of Casey Snowball
My son Casey died May 2, 2003, 25 days before his 17th birthday. He is greatly missed. We made a cake for him this year, put 18 candles on it, and blew them out for him. One of Casey’s favorite things was, he loved to fish. He was my fishing buddy, whenever, wherever. We had a pay lake we’d go to and often stay till 2 or 3 in the morning. Sometimes when it was time to go, he’d say, “Can you come back tomorrow and get me?” Other times I’d watch him from the kitchen window, digging in the side yards for worms, to fish across the street, in the river. Then I’d have to get after him to fill in the holes, because it looked like we had gophers. I still look out my kitchen window and see him. When Casey would see me upset or stressed, he’d say, “I love you Mom”, and a second time, till I’d say, “I love you, too”. Just to make me feel better. I still, in my head, say, “I love you Casey”, and he says, “I love you Mom”. I really miss that. Also, he enjoyed playing games with his brothers and sisters. One of his favorites was chess, which he gave his older brother a run for his money. Even though his body is no longer here, I feel spiritually connected to him. I had a dream I went to heaven and Casey was sitting there, and he was smiling. I tried to pull him back with me and he just smiled, as if to say, “I’m so happy Mom.” I know he is. He’s waiting for us and that’s somewhat of a comfort. See you later, Casey. I love you 4ever, Mom
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Quilt Square in Memory of Taylor Lee Pope
My third born child who brought a smile and joy to all of those he met. You were a true friend and friendship was very important to you. You were a dare devil who experienced so much in your life. You captured every opportunity for excitement in life as possible., You were able to parasail, mountain climb, rock slide, white water raft, hike the national parks, bungee jump, ride the ocean waves, and much more. Outdoor life was your passion. Taylor, the gourmet cook to professional camper, you brought joy and laughter to us all. You would be 19 now and we wonder what life would be like for you. The one missed opportunity was the trip to Europe. You had always said when you graduated you wanted to hike across Europe with “Pendy”. I wish you had gotten that opportunity. Life was too short. Your dad, brothers and I all miss you! We wish we could have spent more time with your smiling face. We will never forget the “peacemaker” of the family. The one who always wanted us to love one another and to SMILE! Love Mom You can shed tears because he is gone, A poem by David Harkins (1981) |
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Quilt Square in Memory of David R. Risley
This quilt square is in remembrance of my Dad – Dave Risley. He was only 55 years old when he passed away unexpectedly. This memory along with his tissue, skin, and eye donation will allow him to live on forever. He will never get to see his grandkids, but I know he would want someone to have the chance to see. This just describes the type of giving person he was. Since February when he passed away, I felt that I really never had closure. In honoring him with this square, I realize how many people he loved and how many people loved him. His daughter, |
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Quilt Square in Memory of William Charles Rice
Bill loved life, his family and giving back to the community. He was extremely proud of his sons and their accomplishments. He was active in Boy Scouts of America serving in multiple roles as his children, David and Matthew, went through the different ranks. Very proud moments for him were when each of his sons achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, when David graduated from college and Matthew from high school and when David and Danielle got married. He was also involved in Tipp City Junior Baseball serving on the Board of Directors, coaching and umpiring for many years. He had a passion for ice hockey and was an avid fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs, model railroading, and auto racing. He loved to read and was never without an action novel or book. He was a wonderful husband, father, son, and brother. He was a man full of integrity, respect for others, kindness and thoughtfulness. For these reasons, he was a perfect tissue donor, and his family holds firm to the honor and belief that he continues to live through his gift of life to others. Bill was a person who enjoyed the quiet, serene moments of life. He loved to watch a gentle waterfall, a quiet walk through the woods, a beautiful sunset on the ocean, time with family and quiet conversation with loved ones. A heart attack robbed him of his life at the young age of 56. He is so missed by his family and all those who knew him. His sense of humor, his unconditional love and support, and his quiet unassuming mannerisms made him a joy to be around and so very easy to love. His spirit gives us the courage to go on. We are honored to be his family. Love,
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Quilt Square in Memory of Charles Rowland
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Quilt Square in Memory of Nick Ciesinski
Nick was in a car accident when he was 16 years old and in a coma for 6 weeks, but he lived till he was 51. He did have a little brain damage and never could work or keep a job, but he helped me. He was a jolly person and loved to play Bingo. I sure miss him. Mother,
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Quilt Square in Memory of James A. Curry, Jr.
When I think of Jim, I see a devoted husband, father, and grandfather that had faith in God. I see a gentle man who was very much a gentleman. Jim was an honest businessman with a great deal of integrity. He spent a lot of his time as a community leader. In his early years, he was a dedicated policeman. Jim was a person that people wanted to know and they cherished his friendship. He was a deep thinker with great wisdom. Jim always said, “When you leave this world, if you can count on one hand, five true friends, then you’ve left this world a multi-millionaire.” Jim was generous with his time, talents, and money, and in the end, his body. Sadly missed and lovingly remembered, |
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Quilt Square in Memory of Justin L. Smith
My only son Justin was taken from me on February 3, 2004. He was taking a friend home, when the accident happened. Justin hit black ice and was ejected from his car. He died at the scene. I was at home when I got the phone call that no parent should get. I will never be the same person I was before that day. Knowing Justin helped so many people makes me know that Justin in life was a wonderful, loving, kind, giving 19 year old, and in death he is still giving. Justin, I will always love you. Your Mother, |
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Quilt Square in Memory of Bill Evans
Bill was only 66 years old when he passed away. He left a wife of 46 years, six children and eleven grandchildren. He was an avid internet enthusiast, camping buff and loved gardening. He loved his family and spent as much time with them as possible. He also was a hands on type of guy who enjoyed all aspects of life. There was no job too big or too small for this man. He was always there to lend a helping hand. He is loved and missed by all! With much love, |
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Don was a very good person. He was an excellent husband, and therefore made a fantastic father to our four children. Don’s life was his family. He always wanted to know what, where, and when was going on where his children were concerned. He was asking about them in the hospital. We as a family are delighted to know that Don’s donations are helping so many people. Don was a very low keyed guy, so telling the world about him and his giving would have probably embarrassed him somewhat, but we are proud of him. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to tell the world I loved him and I miss him dearly. Love,
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Jerry Hoerner was a great son and father. His son Brian was 15 when Jerry passed away suddenly. The shock was tremendous. Jerry lived a full life in his 40 years. He came into this world with the inquisitiveness of 5 people. There was nothing that he wouldn’t tackle. His attitude was that if you don’t try, you will never know if it could be done or not. He was very close to his son, Brian, and he gave Brian the poise and confidence that he will have for the rest of his life. Brian is a Karate Black Belt because of his father backing him and being there for him. Jerry loved old trucks and airplanes. He received his private pilot’s license and enjoyed flying. I can’t say enough about Jerry. All that knew him miss him so much. He will be in our hearts forever. Mom, Mildred Hoerner
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Miranda was a beautiful, young lady that loved life and enjoyed it. All throughout her young years she shared her smile and laughter with everyone. It was contagious! She had a special heart and loved giving to others. When Miranda got her license she shared with her family that she wanted to be a donor. Her first statement is one we will never forget and that was if anyone could enjoy this beautiful world better with something I could give, that is what I would want. We think of Miranda each day and think of how she continues to GIVE and LIVE! As she continues to give through being a donor she also continues to live in His Kingdom. She will forever warm our hearts and continue to make us smile through the many memories she has given. We cherish your memory hugs. We love and miss you. Love,
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