Fern M. Giltner
Fern Mollohan Giltner, 85, passed away on Tuesday, February 2, 2010 at the Evergreen Polson Health and Rehabilitation Center of complications from Alzheimer’s disease.
Fern was born May 25, 1924 in Burns, Kansas, the sixth child of T.K. and Lena Mollohan. She was schooled in El Dorado and Iola, Kansas and the Andover Newton Theological School in Newton Center, Massachusetts. She served as a church director of Christian education in Detroit, Michigan, and Springfield Massachusetts, and later was for fifteen years a counselor and administrator at the Methodist Theological School in Ohio, Delaware, Ohio. She was author of the book, Women’s Issues in Religious Education, published in 1985. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Polson.
Fern is survived by John Giltner, Sr., her husband of 55 years a daughter, June (Jeff) Dunnington of Sugar Land, Texas; sons John Giltner Jr. of Polson and Timothy Giltner of Delaware, Ohio; grandchildren Kaitlyn Giltner of Lewis Center, Ohio, Gretchen Giltner of Columbus, Ohio, and Patrick and Jordan Dunnington of Sugar Land, Texas; a brother, Myron (Carolyn) Mollohan of Valley Center, Kansas, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A service of celebration and remembrance will be held at the First United Methodist Church, Polson, Saturday, February 6, 2010 at 2:00 PM. The Reverend Mark Calhoun will officiate. A reception at the church will follow the service. Memorial gifts may be made in Fern’s name to the First United Methodist Church, Polson. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. Grogan Funeral Home, Polson, is assisting the family.
Thinking of you and your family.
John and John Jr.,
So sorry to hear of Ferns passing. You and the rest of your family are in my thoughts and prayers. God’s peace.
Lisa Skalsky
(member of the Alheimers Support Group)
I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with all members of the family and relatives.
Was so sorry to hear about Fern. You are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless you.
Ken and Lezlie Woldstad and family
Dear John and Family,
I am so grateful to Bill Casto for passing along the word of Fern’s passing. Bob and I are so very sorry to learn of her death, and want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Fern made such a difference in so many lives, including mine, and her influence will never be forgotten. Her encouragement and support of all of us women students at Methesco was so empowering as we were seeking to follow God’s call to ministry. I thank God for both of you and the ways you have touched my life.
Bob joins me in sending our loving thoughts and prayers for God’s healing, comfort and peace.
Mary Holm
Dearest John Sr., June, John and Timmy,
How heavy my heart has been all week and my mind full of thoughts of all of you. You came into my life via Bo so your loss feels like another loss to me, as well. I know it has been years since I have seen your mom and perhaps that is good because my memories will always be of a classy woman, in the kitchen making something for “the boys”, loving that big beautiful golden retriever and bragging about the photos of her children all over the house. I am sorry for the suffering and pain the past several years and I hope, in time, all of the beautiful memories you shared will return and sooth you souls. I am quite sure in your heads you believe this is best, you know she lived a full life and you realize the disease which she had to bear stole something from you a long time ago, HOWEVER, that does not make this time any easier or comforting, I am sure. I know I will soon be faced with those same feelings, but I have to tell you that I am almost more comforted knowing there is just “one more wonderful mom” at the gates to greet my sweetheart when it is his time. He loved your entire family so much and I know if he understood right now, his heart would be as heavy as mine. May the Lord Bless you and keep you!
With Love and Hugs,
Jo and Budy (Perhaps a small smile just appeared???)
Always in my hearts,
Judy
Sending good thoughts to you and your family, John
your friend, Scott
Dear Family and Friends of Fern (especially John):
I well remember John and Fern’s kindness and hospitality to me when I began my teaching career at the Methodist Theological School back in 1987. I was so pleased to have them as colleagues and it was especially wonderful to have a smart, sophisticated and vibrant woman colleague like
Fern. She was one of my first professional woman peers and I learned a lot from her. I will always remember Fern with great fondness and warmth.
My profound condolences and prayers are with you all.
Linda Mercadante, Ph.D. (Rev.)
Professor of Theology
The Methodist Theological School in Ohio
What a marvelous person. I am so blessed to have been even a smal part of her life. An inspiration to me- what a gracious and life-loving woman could be like. I am sending good thoughts to you John. Sincerely, Cindy Willis