“Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them will receive many curses” Proverbs 28:27 NIV

As I mentioned last week, many people in Kiowa County had heavy hearts who were affected from two deaths in the county, and now a third family has had a tragic death affecting them.

Delisa (Eikenberg) Weeks was troubled by a liver problem for many months. For a while there was a hope of a matching type of liver could be found. She and her husband, and daughter and then son, too, spent many days in the Denver hospital. Friday, before she died, was a good day with her family and many relatives surrounding her. She called many of her loved ones to tell them in a message that was recorded on their phones that she was ready to die, and other encouraging messages. Delisa’s funeral was the largest I have ever attended in the former Methodist Church (now Eads Community Church) since I attended funerals there since the 1940s.

People held Delisa in high esteem since she had been a dispatcher and worker in the Sheriff’s office, and then was elected to the Kiowa County Clerk and Recorder for three terms. She was greatly loved and appreciated for the 23 years she worked at the hospital Friday nights and some weekends.

I loved her so much because of her kindness to all people and especially to my precious niece, Deana Griswould who was her classmate. She was known also or her faith and caring church attendance even in her last weeks and days. Her Eads Eagle letter jacket was displayed among the many wreaths of flowers as a reminder that she still holds the school record for two mile run since 1982.

Brad Larrew’s large memorial service was at the Kiowa County Community Building at the fairgrounds in Eads. A sumptuous meal was served following his service. Brad’s mother and sisters prepared the meal for a large group of people, with some school and hospital personal bringing side dishes and desserts.

Earlier this summer, we celebrated Vinton and Mary Ellen Englehardt's 51^st wedding anniversary at the Eads Senior Citizen Center. Last Thursday, just before they and their two children and spouses were getting ready to board the airplane to fly to Seatle, Washington, for a cruise to Alaska, Shellie Engelhardt had a phone call that her son, Austin, was killed when a vehicle turned into him. What a tragedy for a young father. A Go Fund Me page for Austin’s family has been setup at http://gofundme.com/f/support-for-austin-gonzales-family-whv77

There are so many types of sports games on the schedule that it is difficult to keep up with when they are played, and who won, however readers can check the Kiowa County Press in print and KiowaCountyPress.net for updates.

A good thing happened for us; someone posted thee pages of games. Now if we can just get close enough to read them. So far, I think the Eads teams are winning most of their games or tournaments.

Six women leaders from Weisbrod Health traveled to a Colorado state meeting. Our administrator, Beth Bell, made a presentation and was pleased that Lionel Wilson, MLS, who work in the lab of Weisbrod Health, received a high honor from the Eastern Plains Health Consortium, the “Stronger Together” award.

The senior dinner in Eads was well attended last Wednesday with over 60 people who came to enjoy Gail Voss’s country fried chicken and potatoes and gravy plus side dishes and desserts. Our leaders, Sarah Seibel Ferris and other, will host Bingo on a Sunday night and Tuesday night soon. Seniors can eat their Kiowa County fair barbeque noon meal during the county fair at the senior center if they wish. I think someone has volunteered to help Gail transport it to the center.

Barbara McCoin of Eads has worked at the Eastern Colorado Bank for many years. She retired last week, but was treated special all week.

We always appreciate Pastors Mark Imel and Lane and Debra Gooden from the First Christian and Praise Community Churches, who come to bring church to us on the first and fourth Sundays, respectively. Gail Voss, Lay Leader of the Eads Community Church, brings us great music and meditations on the third Sunday. Ron Mannering of Lamar has served us on the fifth Sunday. They are a blessing to us. We do appreciate visitors when they come. Community folks are especially welcome Thursday mornings for 9:30 a.m. coffee hour when Linda (Adamson) Hopkins serves us refreshments or doughnuts and the two local newspapers. Our town is so blessed to have two such fine newspapers.

Last Sunday, Trinity Lutheran Church had a dinner honoring and saying goodbye to our dear members, Rod and Judy Houser. They are moving up to Sterling to a senior community where they will have a small home. Mike and Sara Crawford grilled numerous hamburgers and ears of corn for the main menu. Tracey Weeks set a special table for them to visit with their VFW friends. We are going to miss these dear people, who are truly servants for the Lord Jesus.

Milton Watts is home from a city hospital after a serious horse accident and then open-heart surgery, plus the doctors’ threat to sit quietly at home in a chair or bed for a week.