Miss Nellie Dunsmore, aged 94, was called home on 17th April. She was saved as a young girl of 15, came into fellowship in Hebron Hall, Larkhall, and from that early age showed an interest in Sunday School work. At the closure of Hebron Hall she then moved to an outreach in the town, Hareleeshill Gospel Hall and, despite advancing years, involved herself in seeking to reach out to boys and girls with the message of salvation. Nellie loved to be at the gatherings of the Lord's people, even at times when unwell. She made that special effort to be present. Our dear sister lived a long life to the glory of God - 79 years in happy fellowship. She had gone into a local care home for some respite care for about two weeks, where she sustained a slight heart attack and was called home to Heaven. Her seat is empty, her presence is sadly missed. "Whose Faith Follow".
Mr Ronald (Ron) Ferguson, in his 86th year, was called home on 30th June. His earliest recollections of spiritual interest was while attending a Sunday School in an old school room at Ballymaquire where a Miss Badger taught the Word of God with love and tears which made a deep impression on Ron and the other boys in the class. Mr Jim Hutchinson came to the area for gospel meetings and Ron and most of the other boys along with others were saved. Ron was fourteen years of age at the time and when he told his grandmother, then 82 years old, she wanted to be saved too, and was soon rejoicing in salvation. Ron was baptised and received into fellowship at Kingsmills and throughout his life he evidenced his love for his Lord, His Word and the gospel, supporting the work of the Lord wherever he went. He was an astute businessman and along with his wife Ethel had many enterprises causing them to move several times during which time they enjoyed fellowship at Ballymagarrick, Preston (England), Portrush, Bangor, Belfast and for the last 6 years at Carryduff. He was a brother beloved and is much missed. A large company attended a Thanksgiving Service in Carryduff Gospel Hall and the graveside service. Family tributes highlighting his life were paid, and the services were conducted by Samuel Thompson and Harry Andrews. Ron is survived by his wife Ethel, four daughters and one son.
Mr Roland McAdam, aged 84, was called home on 10th January. From his salvation as a young man Roland manifested a deep interest in spiritual matters, and was valued and highly esteemed in Banbridge assembly, where his contributions were greatly appreciated. He was highly skilled and sought after in his profession. Above all else it was his deep sincerity and love for the Lord and His people that marked his life. In later years, often in weakness of body, he struggled out to the assembly gatherings. He was lovingly cared for by his devoted wife, Kathleen, for whom prayer is valued. He had the joy of seeing all his family saved and interested in the Lord's work. His son David is a much respected missionary and able surgeon in Africa.
Mrs Elizabeth Stewart, aged 89, was called home on 3rd June in Biggart Hospital, following a long, painful illness, patiently borne. She was saved and baptised as a young girl and raised in Saltcoats by her grandparents in a home where God's name was revered. As a family they worshipped in Bethany Hall. Our sister showed her love for the Lord by the way she served Him even as a very young person, notably by her interest in youth work, and was one of the founders of the "Ayrshire Girl's Camps". She met and married Jim Stewart in 1944 and they set up home first in Saltcoats, then in a variety of others places - Millport, Ardrossan, Stevenston, and Largs, and in all of these they joined in fellowship with the Lord's people. During this time they were blessed by the birth of two boys - William and John, Sadly, Jim was called home in 1984, and shortly after this Betty decided to move to Ayr where she could be closer to William and his family. There she worshipped for a time in Riverside Evangelical Church. Then, about 1992, she joined with the fellowship in Bute Hall where she threw her weight into the work in the Ladies Hour, the Ladies Choir, and the Ladies Bible Study group. Our sister was blessed by having such a lovely family. William and Ina gave her two grand-daughters, Karen and Gillian, then her great-grandchildren, Oliver and Violet. John and Margaret gave her a grandson called Jamie. Betty was proud of them all and loved them dearly. They loved her too and will miss her. This was confirmed for us as we listened to Betty's grand-daughter, Karen, giving, in honour of her grandmother, a lovely reading called "Legacy of Love" which really summed up how her family felt about her. Our sister spent her last 20 years in Bute Hall, Prestwick, and has left many friends there who loved and respected her, and will miss her greatly. Betty was a woman of true substance who certainly "made her mark" as she served her Lord here, and will be remembered fondly by all. Her health was poor in recent days, but for Betty Stewart it is now far better - she is with the Lord she loved in that place in His Father's house He has prepared for her.
