Hmm,..there's something we have in common!
Despite the effects of natural disasters, despair and outright wickedness that exists in a world society which seems determined to live independently from God's rule, we also have a secure hope that mankinds' future IS a "bright one." Because of the promises held out in the Bible, exemplified by Psalms 37:9-11, and spoke of as part of the "good news" by Jesus Christ to men of "good will". Revelation 21:3,4 as well as many others promise a changed condition for this planet earth in the near future.We believe humanity will succeed in reaching their hoped for "peace and security", but only through the accomplishment of the will of God, (what we call "truth")-and by divine intervention of Jehovah God's hand.
Schweitzer, Greg married Roberts, LoriE
From what I've learned about my maiden name, searching pages such as:"Surname "Roberts", I find Origin: Welsh, Scottish. From the Welsh given name Robert, meaning "bright fame." Okay, that'd be a little too auspicious for me...but in searching Scottish roots, tracing back to Robertson, I find a cool link for my children, that we are, atleast in name only, members of the Clan Donnachaidh...here's the link for anyone interested, http://www.robertson.org/long.html Even though we all go back to Noah, its still fun seeing how we got here -from there!
On Tuesday, January 19th, 1926, in Coshocton, Ohio, little Elinor Nadine
Schweitzer was born to Alfred (Red) Nichols and Edith Buker Nichols, as the
oldest of their three children. Her two younger brothers, Dale and Tom
followed after, completing the family at that time. She attended school
there, and graduated from West LaFayette High School, in West LaFayette,
Ohio. She began dating a local boy from Newcomerstown, Ohio, John
Schweitzer, and at 18, she became a bride when they married on Wednesday,
May 24th, in 1944.
After her natural mother's death when Elinor was just 19 years old, Jesse
Rehard Nichols entered her life as a
kind mother figure, when her father remarried. Another family member was
added to the circle at this time as well,
as Jesse also had a son. His name was Don.
The young Schweitzer couple became parents in 1945, when their first
child, a daughter, Judy was born. Elinor was forced to face parenthood alone, like so many other women during those years, as John was in the Service
at this time, and didn't get to see his little girl until he got home. She
was six months old by then. Johhny's arrival two years later, in 1947, made little Judy a big sister. With two small children to raise, seeing so much turmoil on the world scene at that time, Elinor had a listening ear for the Bible's message brought by Kirk and Audrey Ramsour when the young Pioneer couple from Coshocton Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses came knocking at her door. She was extremely grateful to learn the truth about Hell simply being the common grave of mankind, as she could never rationalize the idea of a loving Creator with the false doctrine of a fiery place of eternal torment.
Her heart was humble, and she responded by starting her own Bible study. She even went to far as attending the 1950 International "Theocracy's Increase" Convention at the Yankee Stadium, in New York. She progressed to making
her personal dedication to Jehovah, and symbolizing it with water baptism,
on Sunday, July 15, 1951.Ten years went by, during which Elinor fought numerous battles with
stress and depression. Her two young
children, now enrolled in elementary school, were cared for by their
grandparents until she recovered. These were
difficult days for the family, as one could imagine. John was transferred
from the "Kresge Store" in Coshocton to
one in the southern Ohio town of Chillicothe. This store later became well
known as "Kmart", and John worked there until his retirement. Throughout the
hard times, Elinor never veered away from her faith, but leaned more heavily
on the love and support offered through organization, developing strong
friendships within the congregation. Her husband did not share her faith at
this time, although over the years, with her faithful example before him,
and no doubt Jehovah's spirit, his curiosity prompted him to make a sincere
examination of the Bible as well.
Their younger son, Greg was born in 1961. Kathy completed their family
with her birth three years later, in 1964.In November, 1965, the Schweitzers moved from Chillicothe, to what would become their homeplace; 120 acres in Vinton County, affectionately referred to as "The Farm". Located three miles out of Londonderry, Ohio, it was where John had the dream to someday raise sheep. Here the family grew their gardens every year, with Elinor canning the green beans, potatoes and tomatoes. They became friends with their neighbors, shared produce from their gardens, and mowed a whole lot of grass. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, crocheting, ceramics, (and shopping.)
Elinor attended meetings at the Chillicothe Congregation of Jehovah's
Witnesses regularly with her children, humbly relying on the kindness of the
friends for transportation, as she didn't drive. She did her best to teach
her children reliance on Jehovah and trust in his promises. This firm faith
and hope in the resurrection carried them through, when in 1971, they were
struck with the terrible blow of the loss of their oldest son, Johnny, yet
persevered.
Elinor loved the ministry, in her early years of association with the
Chillicothe Congregation, she enjoyed working with friends like Irene
Wiseman, Boo and Audrey Wetzel, as well as Joe and Carol Woolum. John was
kind enough to offer their home to serve as a Book Study location for a
number of years, and the friends living on the edge of the territory were
happy to take advantage of this offer of hospitality every week.
After John's death in July, 1989, Elinor moved to a smaller house in town,
where transportation wouldn't be such as issue for her. She bravely learned
the bus routes, and became what the family referred to as the "Gallivanting
Gramma." In her older years she endured many serious health problems that
limited her activates, but she stayed alert to opportunities to share her
hope with others, even speaking with ones she found while waiting in the
doctor's office.
It was Elinor's hearts desire to see each and every member of her family
take a stand for Jehovah God, and be firmly rooted in the truth. That's no
small hope, as she has three living children, thirteen grandchildren, eleven
great grandchildren, and even three great, great grandchildren!
On August 17, 2007, at the age of 81, Elinor Nadine Schweitzer fell asleep
in death. It should be the goal of each of us to be present at the greatest
family reunion ever to be held, and welcome her back when she is restored to
life in perfect health, and help her see her dream come true.
A Link to another Site
The Roberts Name and coat of arms |