I am sorry for your loss. When I think of Fremont, I instantly think of Mavis. There was no one like her. She was special and I believe she never passed up the chance to teach a lesson no matter how large or small. 

I had the honor of writing a story on her and her house when I was at the paper. We had such fun. She felt much joy sharing her house with others and the history behind it. 

She was active with the DAR and would call me every year when they would proudfully give out their scholarships and I got to cover it. Mavis was quite proud of each and every student as if they were.her own. 

She was proudest of her family and of the.kind and loving men and women they had become.

May God bless sweet Mavis.

Mavis was my KD teacher and also taught me piano..  My sister and I took lessons together.  While one of us was having a lesson, the other one was riding your cow.  My nieces went for their first fishing excursion on your pond with their Papa, Kenny.  She had a wealth of historical knowledge and a laugh that came from deep within.  It is hard to be without your Mom here on earth but she continues to enjoy life in the Lord's company.

Mavis was our “across the fen” neighbor north of Fremont.  I guess “across the fence” too, but it was our beautiful wetland fen that we all enjoyed and shared between our properties.  Whenever I met Mavis in person, she always had the most warm and welcoming smile.  She treated you like you were the most important person, and she was excited to be speaking with you.  She loved her property north on Fremont Road.  She was most agreeable to our resource management efforts of the unique fen and readily agreed to our use prescribed fire on a small portion of her property when I reintroduced fire to our side of the fence  It made my job easier, and her part of the fen ecologically better.   The blooming of blazing star down there this year was fantastic!  I
I’ll think of her every year when down there at peak bloom!   

Every year, I would call her to advise when we would be doing the work and the conversation was always a pure delight.  We moved easily from the business at hand to talk about our families.  She loved her kids and grandkids, and you can feel her delight when discussing them.   She would always ask about our Joseph and of course we found comfort in each other’s words on the loss of our spouses.   Now her Paul and my Jackie are talking across the fence once again.  That brings me comfort and I hope it does for all of you. God bless everyone in the family and all who knew and loved Mavis and her spirit.

To Mavis’s Family,
We are very sorry for your loss and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers, now and in the days to come.  May she rest in His arms after a long, well-lived life.  She will be missed by all that knew her and that will be many as she touched so many lives.
We have so many memories, starting with the Kindergarten class she held in her own home, and that’s going back a few years.  They are still so vivid that it is a test to her ability to inspire life-long learners while making it fun.
Not only was she in the classroom but also in the School Board room representing the community in doing what’s right for all kids with the love she had for them.
She was in my Mom’s class throughout their school days and at her passing, Mavis shared her memories of JoAnn with us.
Mavis has enriched not only our lives but many by being a kind, genuine, compassionate person.
Sending deepest sympathies, prayers, and love,
Alan & Karen (Bingaman) Middleton

Grandma with her great-granddaughter, Emilia Mae Church, August 19, 2023.

Dear Church family,  
    My mind is flooded with memories of the many wonderful books she read to us.  Caps for Sale, Stone Soup, Mike Mulligan, Make Way for Ducklings....and on and on.  I can still remember sitting around the piano singing songs.  All Kindergarten teachers should be able to do this!  What joy she brought to the classroom!

  Years later, I would come to understand that she was the parent of kids I knew at school.  I remember thinking how lucky they were.  She always seemed to have a smile on her face.  And those kids: well, simply some of the best;  Quiet, respectful, honest, caring, epathetic,  loving and kind.  All the things I remembered about her, I saw in you.  

  She attend the class of 74's last reunion and I was blessed to have a conversation with her.  I am so very grateful for that conversation.  I am also grateful to have a teacher who helped to instill in me a love of learning.  

  My prayers for each of you.  May your memories let you laugh and cry and celebrate your mom.  I will cherish her life and what she added to mine.

God be with you all,
Vicky Budd Sharp

OBITUARY

Mavis Merrilee Church

9 March, 1928 – 29 August, 2023

Beams Funeral Home

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