THE LADY IN THE HAT

(April 29, 1927 – October 6, 2019)

            Five years ago, after Lois Arnold was transplanted from Illinois and began worshipping with us on a regular basis, I remember talking about her to others in our church family.  I found out that as soon as I mentioned the lady in the hat everyone knew who I meant.  She was OUR BELOVED SENIOR SAINT - - we were privileged to help her celebrate her 90^th birthday two years ago.  During this half decade that she spent with our Cortland Church Family she became a precious sister to us all.  A few of our ladies learned some stitching skills from her.  Many of our homes are adorned with one or more of her beautiful quilts.  Sister Arnold was a beautiful lady, impeccably dressed, soft-spoken, kind-hearted and as sharp as a tack.  Throughout her working days as a psychiatric nurse Lois made numerous medical-mission trips to third-world countries.  With a love for travel, she visited 49 states (all except North Dakota) and 12 countries (including New Zealand).  Sister Arnold was also a very keen student of God’s Word.

            We’ll miss her dearly.  As we visited with Lois several times in the last couple of months, she often cried when we prayed.  While she loved life and her family and the things of this world, she was also content and grateful.  She was ready to go - - to meet her Maker and Savior.  Earlier this year, on Mother's Day, our song leader led some of the favorite songs of our mothers.  Lois' request was hymn #113 / His Grace Reaches Me. 

What a wonderful way to go - - living to be 92+, at home with loved ones, without serious pain, and made confident by those heart-warming lyrics:

Now I’m under His control and I'm happy in my soul, Just to know that His grace reaches me.

                                                                        Terry Siverd / Cortland Church of Christ