One truly heartwarming treasure of being in this kind of service to others is that of incredible friendships.  I have so many, with memories that I hold dear along with pictures of those who have already left this world or who are still with me, to send emails, text messages or cards. I’m the kind of person who takes these relationships as gifts from God, meaning they are not to be dismissed with a terse “thank you” or a passing thought. 

No, I hold very close to my heart all who enter my life in such a way. Really!!

And I know that when meeting you all while in America, especially if I’m leaving for an extended period of time, and for those who are getting up there in years, this might be our last time together.

That was the case with 94-year-old Searoba Mascher, from my hometown church in Marshall, Illinois.

A Name to Be Remembered

Already, I can feel you readers looking at that title and wondering, “Why in the world would someone name their child such a strange name? Does it have anything to do with the Sears and Roebuck catalog of old?”

And the answer would be, yes!

I remember asking Searoba such a question while in the church office where she was helping me put together my latest newsletter. She explained the Sears & Roebuck catalog was her mom’s favorite. It was a staple in the family for finding and purchasing so many wonderful items. With great ingenuity, her mom combined the two together to create, indeed, a unique and unforgettable name: Searoba.

Now, of course, we have Amazon. Over 100 years ago? Sears and Roebuck. These examples would have been during Searoba’s toddler years. I include them below. My, have styles have changed!

One wonders if, years from now, someone will name their child Amazon with the same sort of sentimental fondness toward buying as Searoba’s mom did toward Sears & Roebuck.

My Posted Condolences For Searoba

With our online capabilities to send condolences on funeral home sites, this is the one I posted after hearing of one of my greatest supporters having passed.  I include it here:

In so many continents, world countries, and I would guess in just about every US state, there is someone whose life has been touched by Searoba and whose memories of her have been firmly imprinted on his or her heart.  Her unique gift to bring people together, from overseas guests  to those in our United Methodist church community as well as the many organizations she diligently participated in, is truly that:  a gift.   I personally experienced that gift the past 4 years of being “stuck” in Marshall, unable to return to my church placement  due to Covid.  This delay offered numerous opportunities  for me to talk to Searoba on a more personal basis. We spoke in the church office, fellowship time over coffee, in the pews before or after worship, at the ice cream socials when she was scooping out ice cream or at the cashier’s box,  in the Marshall UMC kitchen when she was cooking, delivering items  or serving. . .  Every conversation we had revealed something new about the woman who so  faithfully and prayerfully led a strong life of service.  I learned how she received her name, her childhood adventures in a by-gone era of rural farm living,  her spearheading efforts (including the grant proposal writing) to establish Lincoln Trail College’s study program center and about her many travels with husband Clyde as well as the task of taking care of him as his life ended.  It was quite astounding to listen to her never-ending baking sprees for whatever function lay in her pathway, or tales of her many outings and hostings of foreign exchange students, including  visits to their home countries, when possible.  Our last conversation in December, 4 days before I left for Southeast Asia, was her interest in my upcoming placement. She was such a blessing and great contributor to mission projects and missionaries, myself included. Searoba, your physical presence will be greatly missed but in so many hearts and minds, you will live on forever and ever. Heartfelt prayers sent to family and friends,  from Connie in Laos.   

Here are a few pictures I compiled. Not sure which of those goodies is Searoba’s but she was known for whipping up whatever was needed. 

The Obituary Itself

The obituary doesn’t do her justice but here it is for all the cut-and-dry details of one of my greatest supporters, Searoba Mascher. Her funeral is today and while I’m nowhere nearby where I can attend, I certainly am with her family and others in spirit and thought.

http://pearceobits.casketpics.com/obituaries/searoba-m.-mascher

A Cherished Snapshot

Here is my last photo of us all together at my farewell tea, held by Mary Ann Stepp in her home. L-R: Searoba (seated), me, my mom Priscilla, Bev (seated) and Mary Ann. A blessed gathering, a blessed memory.