Submitted photo
Mrs. Ilah Jean Staats accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award presented to her by Rev. Karl Bender, left, for her faithful dedication to the Howard United Methodist Church Sunday, Jan. 27, at her home.
HOWARD — Mrs. Ilah Jean Staats was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award Jan. 27, 2019, for her faithful dedication to the Howard United Church. Presenting the award was Rev. Karl Bender, former pastor, and Mrs. Sandra Van Buren, church secretary and treasurer. Mrs. Staats is a lifetime member of the church, as were her parents, Jozie and Cleora Nyhart.
Across the years, she has held many positions and offices within the church including Sunday School teacher (on many levels), Vacation Bible School teacher, teen choir director, pianist, vocalist, and Sunday School secretary and treasurer. She also served as Secretary of the United Methodist Women’s association.
Mrs. Staats has seen many changes in the church within her 92 years. They include the addition of bathroom facilities, kitchen facilities, and an entire basement addition as well as the existing stage and newer modifications to the sanctuary.
Besides her faithful dedication and service to the church, Mrs. Staats helped her husband Laken on their farm east of Gambier. They raised two children Duane Staats and Beverly Davis (with whom she resides). She has four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren and numerous friends with whom she also shares her life and faith.
Appreciation cards and cards of friendship may be sent to her at 19027 New Gambier Road, Mount Vernon, OH 43050.
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