Lori Burdette-Steele served New Garden, Ashland Christ, Tiffin Pleasant Ridge, Green Springs Calvary, Champion Otterbein, Nashville, Mount Gilead Trinity, Marengo, Galena, Creston Canaan, and Burbank Trinity UMCs during 37 years of ministry. Highlights of her ministry include leading Bible study and confirmation classes, volunteering in elementary school classrooms, and serving on task forces regarding domestic violence and sexual assault.
In retirement, she and her husband Wes look forward to getting acquainted with, and finding ministry opportunities in, a new community.
Kate Cox served Pavonia, Olivesburg, Portage Faith, Elyria First, and Oberlin First UMCs during 18 years of parish ministry. Highlights of her ministry include working in and nurturing cooperative ministries and being able to help others discover and use their spiritual gifts.
In retirement, she and her husband James will enjoy life in Dearborn, MI.
Lee Ann Dunlap served Sterlin, Pleasant Grove Muskingum, Sardis, Clarington Zion, Mount Olive, Locust Grove, Hannibal, Pisgah, McKendree, McConnelsville Grace, McConnelsville Trinity, and McConnelsville UMCs during 25 years of ministry.
Georgette Gaston served Greenwich, Delphi, Fitchville, Richmond, Cambridge Faith, Cambridge First, and Cambridge Center UMCs during 19 years of ministry. Highlights of her ministry that was mostly focused “on church renewal” include watching the Holy Spirit awaken the hearts and lives of Christ’s church.
In retirement, she and her husband Jim will live in Talking Rock, GA where Georgette will do all the missions and ministry there was not time for during her appointments.
James Gaston served Lowellville, Leetonia, Washingtonville, Adario, New Haven, North Fairfield, East Springfield Church of the Cross, Cambridge Faith, Cambridge First, and Cambridge Center UMCs during 23 years of ministry. Highlights of his ministry include the weekend he was honored to officiate at a funeral, marry a couple, baptize three people, and welcome six professions of faith.
In retirement, he and his wife Georgette will live in Talking Rock, GA where James will remodel their retirement home and look into chaplaincy positions.
Karen Graham served Tiro, Mogadore, Streetsboro, Church of the Redeemer, New Concord, and Lakeside UMCs during 40 years of ministry. Highlights of her ministry include pastoral care, preaching, youth ministry, leading Bible studies and confirmation classes, and serving in district and Conference leadership.
In retirement, Karen plans to travel more to visit family and friends who live out of town.
Richard Hasley served Boyce, Cadiz Scott Memorial, and Fredericktown UMCs in the East Ohio Conference and Sun City Center in the Florida Conference during 34 years of ministry.
In retirement, Richard plans to remain in Florida where he will spend time with family and travel.
Jeri Johnson served Werner, Crystal Park, North Industry, and Mt. Zion Community Church during 16 years of ministry. Highlights of her ministry include serving as chair of the Fellowship of Associate Members and Local Pastors the past five years and assisting North Industry UMC in becoming a Lighthouse congregation.
In retirement, she and her husband Gary will live in North Canton where Jeri will read, quilt, learn to paint, and travel to see family.
Ed Kovacik served Toronto Riverview, Brays Chapel, Cadiz Scott Memorial and Norwalk First UMCs during nine years of ministry.
Gordon Myers served Midvale, Newport, McConnelsville Grace, Cambridge Ninth Street, Rockport, and Sunbury UMCs in the East Ohio Conference, four Mennonite churches, and was a missionary to Zaire during 39 years of ministry. Highlights of his ministry include the many relationships he’s formed with fellow pilgrims on faith journeys, serving as a missionary, and revitalizing congregations by reintroducing them to the grace of God.
In retirement, he and his wife Kathryn will live in Sylvania where Gordon will do extensive remodeling of their new home, restore a 1968 Jeep, garden, and spend time with family.
Darlene Robinson served Lorain Vincent, Lorain Emmanuel, Lorain Faith, Lorain Lighthouse, Fairview Grace, Cove, Simpson, Cleveland Christ, Willard First, Wildare, and Crestline First UMCs during 23 years of ministry.
In retirement, she will live in Elyria and continue taking care of and spending time with family and friends, traveling, and writing.
Ron Shultz served Easton, Marshallville, Family of Faith, and South Arlington UMCs during 17 years of ministry. Highlights of his ministry include being blessed to serve with loving congregations, and being proud to co-found the Neighborhood Network a grassroots, non-profit community organization that benefits underserved communities in Akron.
In retirement, he plans to live in Cuyahoga Falls where he plans to take time off for rest and renewal before resuming part-time ministry in the future.
Linda Slutz served Wilmot, Newcomers Chapel Pigeon Run, Justus, Brewster, Beach City, Christ Woodland, Waynesburg Centenary, and Massillon Epworth UMCs during 13 years of ministry.
James Szakacs served Garfield Heights and Hope Ridge UMCS and in extension ministry as executive director of The Nehemiah Mission of Cleveland during 8 years of ministry. Highlights of his ministry include having the best years of his working life after finally answering the call to ministry.
In retirement, he and his wife Robin will live in North Royalton where Jim will enjoy having no daily commitments after 54 years of working, spoiling their grandchildren, and awaiting God’s call to his next adventure.
Dennis Williams served Brownsville, Mount Olive, Salem Hall, New Matamoras, and Sardis UMCs during 15 years of ministry.
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