Notes for: Grace M. Bodine
From Ronny Bodine:
Obituary, Ithaca Journal (Ithaca, N.Y.) of 22 July 2009.
ITHACA - Grace M. Miller, 84, of Northview Road, Ithaca, died Monday, July 20, 2009, at Cayuga Medical Center following a recent decline in health. Born to David and Neva Bodine on April 11, 1925 in Brooklyn, New York, Grace graduated from Bay Ridge High School and worked for the U.S. Army in Brooklyn during World War II. She married her high school sweetheart, Robert W. Miller, on May 25, 1945, while he was on furlough from the U.S. Navy. After the war, they moved to Ithaca along with Grace's parents and other family members. Grace worked many dedicated years as a secretary at Family and Children's Service of Ithaca, retiring as Office Manager in the late 80's. She and Bob then enjoyed an active retirement, traveling extensively at home and abroad, with their RV trip to Alaska being one of her favorites. Grace also loved to walk the beaches of Cape Cod and the Florida panhandle. A member of Tabernacle Baptist Church for over 50 years, Grace loved and served her Lord Jesus Christ and enjoyed caring for infants in the church nursery. She was also chairwoman of the Women's Missionary Support Group for many years. In addition to her adoring family, Grace was loved for her sweet spirit by many friends and neighbors. She maintained close contact with several former co-workers and enjoyed time with her many friends including those made at YMCA aquasize classes, an activity she relished until recently. In addition to her beloved husband of 64 years, Grace is survived by three sons, Daniel (Elaine) of Rome, New York, Timothy (Bonnie) of Laurel, Maryland, and Peter of Ithaca; six grandchildren, Joanna (Robert) Price, Elizabeth (Joseph) Sliwa, Samuel (Katelyn) Miller, Ryan Miller, Jeffrey Miller and Kelly Miller; six great-grandchildren; her loving sister, Marian Evington of Dryden; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents and older brother, Earl Bodine. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, July 24th, at Tabernacle Baptist Church, Pastor Michael Paris officiating. Family and friends may call from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 23rd, at the Wagner Funeral Home, 421 North Aurora Street, Ithaca, and 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. prior to the church service on Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Family and Children's Service, 204 North Cayuga Street, Ithaca, NY 14850; or Tabernacle Baptist Church, 1019 North Cayuga Street, Ithaca, NY 14850.
Obituary, Ithaca Journal (Ithaca, N.Y.) of 8 Feb 2010.
ITHACA - Robert W. Miller, age 85, went to be with his Lord at home Sunday, February 7, 2010, following an extended decline in health. Born to W. Dwight and Reda Miller on September 20, 1924 in Brooklyn, New York, Bob graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School and then entered the U.S. Navy at the height of World War II. He served in the Pacific Theater as a Radarman 1st Class aboard the U.S.S. Wesson, Destroyer Escort 184, from 1943 until the end of the war. His ship participated in many Pacific battles. On April 7, 1945, the Wesson was hit by a Japanese suicide plane. Eight crew members died and the ship was heavily damaged. While the Wesson was in San Francisco for repairs, Bob returned to Brooklyn and married his high school sweetheart, Grace M. Bodine, on May 25, 1945. Their marriage lasted over 64 years until Grace's death in July 2009. Bob and Grace moved to Ithaca following the war where Bob first worked at Morse Chain. In 1949 he began his 40 year employment with Therm, Inc. starting as a toolmaker and retiring in 1989 as Vice President, Quality. A charter member of the Ithaca Industrial Management Club, Bob was its president in 1962. He also was a board member of the Tompkins County Chapter of the American Red Cross and a frequent blood donor. In recent years he was active with the Ithaca Noon Rotary Club. Bob was a faithful member of Tabernacle Baptist Church for over 50 years, serving at different times as Sunday School Superintendent and Deacon. In their retirement, Bob and Grace traveled extensively in the U.S. and abroad, taking several extended trips in their motor home, "Champ." They also enjoyed many relaxing summers at their camp in Speculator, NY. The past 20 years they attended many Wesson crew reunions. Bob was an avid photographer capturing much family history and many travels with his camera. Bob is survived by three sons, Daniel (Elaine) of Rome, NY, Timothy (Bonnie) of Laurel, MD, and Peter of Ithaca; six grandchildren, Joanna (Robert) Price, Elizabeth (Joseph) Sliwa, Samuel (Katalin) Miller, Ryan Miller, Jeffrey Miller, and Kelly Miller; six great grandchildren; his loving sister-in-law, Marian Evington of Dryden; and many beloved nieces and nephews. The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the home health aides and nurses of Caregivers and Classen Home Health Associates for their professional and compassionate care. We are also grateful for the many years of excellent care given to both our parents by Dr. Mary Howson. Friends and family may call Wednesday, February 10, 2010, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Herson Funeral Home and Thursday, 10:00 a.m. until time of the 11:00 a.m. funeral service at Tabernacle Baptist Church, Ithaca. Burial will be in the spring at South Hill Cemetery. If desired, memorials may be made to Tabernacle Baptist Church, 1019 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca; or to the Destroyer Escort Historical Foundation, USS Slater DE - 766, P.O. Box 1926, Albany, NY 12201.