The Rev. Robert Harold Flanders

The Rev. Robert Harold Flanders died on February 8, 2026, at the age of 81 (1944−2026).

Robert is survived by his daughter Alexa, his son Gabriel, his ex-wife and dear friend Rice, his grandchildren, Luke, Eva, Malcolm, and Margot, and many cousins.

A private memorial service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute, PO Box 905, Fort Davis TX 79734. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.

Notes of condolence may be sent to Gabriel Flanders, 48 Maine Street, Warren ME 04864.

A more complete obituary will be forthcoming after biographical research has been completed. It will be published in an upcoming issue of Elderberries and posted on the UURMaPA website.If any readers would wish to contribute information or reminiscences, we would welcome them. Please send them to UURMaPA’s clergy obituary editor, Rev. Kathleen Fowler at kathleenclarkfowler@gmail.com

Dec 18, 2025

The Rev. Michael D. O’Kelly

The Rev. Michael D. O’Kelly died on January 20, 2026, at the age of 91 (1934−2026).

Michael is survived by his children, Karen O’Kelly, Kristen DeVono (Kevin), and Sean O’Kelly; his grandchildren, Michael Harris, Lauren Harris, and Joey DeVono; his sister, Sharon Youngdahl, and his brother, Dennis O’Kelly. He was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 50 years, Marilyn O’Kelly.

A celebration of life will be held at 3 PM on February 18, 2026, at his home, 253 Magnolia Ave., Clarksburg WV 26301.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor his memory are encouraged to observe World Harmony Day on July 2, read his writings, engage in thoughtful conversation, or perform an act of kindness in someone else’s life practices— he believed could change the world, one moment at a time. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.

Notes of condolence may be shared here.

UURMaPAns Can Access the New Hymnal!

As you may know, the UUA has published a new hymnal, Sing Out Love, in an online format. (More info about this hymnal HERE) Subscription access to this hymnal is available only to institutions. Individuals can browse, but if you want to download, say, lyrics to a hymn, chords, a piano part, or if you want to have your copy transposed into a key you can sing, you have to sign up through an institution, usually, a church.

Your UURMaPA leadership has negotiated (and paid for!) access for retired UU ministers. We can have up to 999 people with log-in credentials, so…really, even if you just want to peak, you can get access.

Just Click this link: Access to Sing Out Love

Fill out the form, click submit, and the Sing Out Love staff will get you all signed up. (Might take a few days…be patient!)

Need help? Email Christine Robinson.

The Rev. Margaret A. Barnhouse

The Rev. Margaret “Meg” A. Barnhouse died on January 13, 2026, at the age of 70 (1955−2026).

Meg is survived by her wife, the Rev. Kiya Heartwood, their two sons, Sam Barnhouse Durrett and Ned Durrett, and five grandchildren. She is also survived by her stepmother, Bethie Barnhouse, her sisters, Ruth Story and Lucy and Joana Barnhouse, her stepsister, Mindy Cardenas, her stepbrother, Miguel Cardenas, and her nephew, Aidan, and niece, Lillia.

Two memorial services are planned. One will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, February 27, 2026, at the UUChurch of Brazos Valley, 1719 E 29th Street, Bryan TX 77802. A second service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at the First UU Church of Austin TX, 4700 Grover Ave, Austin TX 78756.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Brazos Valley. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.

Notes of condolence may be sent to dearmegb@gmail.com.

William Herman Decker III

Early in the morning of Dec 29, 2025, Bill Decker was with a doctor and said, “I cannot see out of my left eye and I cannot lift my arms.” Within minutes, he died of a massive stroke. He could not be revived. His sudden loss of life has been keenly felt by his family and friends.

Bill was born April 22, 1949, and grew up in Battle Creek, MI, the son of William Herman Jr. and Verna (Brown) Decker. He graduated from Battle Creek High School and attended Michigan State University, majoring in Urban and Ethnic Relations. He then founded Celebration Candle Company with his sister. Bill and Sue designed and created candles which were sold internationally. After 5 years, Bill sold his share of the business to his sister to pay for his Master’s in Social Work at University of Michigan. The business was sold to Hallmark. His sister, Susan Decker Bradley, preceded him in death.

He spent 5 years in Michigan as a Substance Abuse Prevention Educator working in schools with teachers, students and families. Developing strong self-esteem was the watchword of the program.

Bill studied Tai Chi with master Chung Liang Huang and developed a spiritual life practicing both Transcendental Meditation and Tai Chi. He taught Tai Chi at the UU Church of Greater Lansing MI. The minister, The Rev Denise Tracy, was in his class. Their connection was immediate. They married in 1982, and were married two weeks shy of 44 years. Their marriage was a gift to both of them.

Denise accepted a position with the UUA requiring a move to Chicago. Bill changed his life to support Denise’s ministry. He worked with Ridge Associates, teaching Fortune 500 Executives to supervise, build teams, and resolve conflicts. He traveled the world teaching.

Bill and Denise adopted three children. Two girls from Thailand, Tracy Boontip Decker, and Clarke Li Decker Tracy, and a son, Kyle Liam Tracy Decker. They were the loves of his life. He shepherded them to sports, arts and academic activities. His focus on building self-esteem made him a superior parent. He had three grandchildren.

Bill enjoyed gardening, creating hand-built pots and reading. He and Denise bought old houses and restored them, two in Oak Park IL and their present home in Elgin IL, which was featured on the Elgin Historic House Walk in 2024. People stood in line for several hours to see it.

Bob had friends from kindergarten, high school, college, graduate school and from all his jobs. He kept in touch with everyone with monthly zoom groups.

Bill’s Memorial service was held April 11 at the UU Community Church in Park Forest IL. Denise had preached there often and Bill loved the friendship the congregation extended to him. Memorial contributions may be made to UUCCPF: 70 Sycamore, Park Forest IL or to Act Blue in memory and in honor of William Herman Decker III.

The Rev. Patricia Trudeau

The Rev. Patricia “Pat” Trudeau died on December 27, 2025, at the age of 73 (1952−2025).

Pat is survived by her husband, Wilburn, and her son, Donovan. Memorial service information will be shared at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Unitarian Council or to a charity of one’s own choosing. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.

Notes of condolence may be mailed to the Canadian Unitarian Council, and they will forward them to the family, c/o Canadian Unitarian Council, Center for Social Innovation #302-192 Spadina Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 2C2.

The Rev. Harry C. Green, III

The Rev. Harry C. Green died on December 27, 2025, at the age of 82 (1943−2025).

Harry is survived by his partner, the Rev. Linda Hart Green; his children, Christine Green LeLait (Alain) and Harry C. Green IV; and his grandson, Samuel Pitts (Abby). He is also survived by his sister, Penny Green Reid, and by his nieces, Kate Weidenbenner (Barry), Megan Nelson, and Emily Routt. He was preceded in death by his younger brother, James Bradshaw Green.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, February 27, 2026, at Story and Song Bookstore Bistro / Center for Arts and Culture, 1430 Park Ave., Fernandina Beach FL 32024.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Amelia Island Museum of History or Doctors Without Borders. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.

Notes of condolence may be written here.

The Rev. Robert A. MacDicken

The Rev. Robert “Bob” A. MacDicken died on December 27, 2025, at the age of 85 (1940−2025).

Bob is survived by his wife Eileen Ross; his children from his first spouse Carolyn MacDicken (born Johnson), Mark, Nathan, Eric, and Tabbitha; his stepchildren Rachel and Joshua (Samantha); his grandchildren Ripley, Tulia, Wyatt, Gemma, Jonathan, and Galen; and his brother James.

A celebration of life is being planned for spring 2026.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Kiwanis Club of Black Mountain, 503 W. State Street, Black Mountain NC 28711. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.