Paula Kreisberg Ulrich died on January 1, 2025, at the age of 88 (1936-2025). She is survived by her husband the Rev. Carl Ulrich, daughter Micaela, son Jethro, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by stepson Benjamin Ulrich.
A memorial service will be held on January 11 at 1:00 PM at Westwood Unitarian Congregation, 11135-65 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, Canada. For those unable to attend, a Zoom link will start at 12:30 p.m., MST. To view the service, via Zoom, please click here.
In lieu of flowers, friends are welcome to make a donation in Paula’s memory to Seed Change, 56 Sparks Street, #600, Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5B1. UURMaPA will contribute to Seed Change.
A more complete obituary will be forthcoming after biographical research has been completed. The obituary will be published in an upcoming issue of Elderberries, and will be available on the UURMaPA website. If any readers would wish to contribute information or reminiscences, we would welcome them. Please send them to UURMaPA’s partner obituary editor, Eleanor Richardson, grandmoot@aol.com
Lackey Rowe
Lackey Rowe
Lackey Rowe, husband of the Rev. Jean McKnight Rowe, died Dec. 8, 2024 of Alzheimer’s. He was born June 12, 1938 in Union City TN, the son of Lester Lackey Rowe Sr. and Helen Miller Rowe.
He grew up all over the south—Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky and Mississippi—but always returned to Memphis TN with his dog Red, a present on his 6th birthday, who lived 18 years. An only child, Lackey was given all the things most children think they want, like a pony, cars, attention and support. After a long string of schools, he graduated from Columbia Military Academy in Columbia TN.
After high school, Lackey joined the Marine Corps Reserves for eight years and trained at Parris Island SC. He attended Memphis State University, then attained a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Mississippi. After a stint in the Philippines as a math tutor in the Peace Corps, he returned to Ole Miss and earned a law degree in 1966. He had a reputation for his liberal stance on all matters political and/or controversial in Mississippi.
That year, he married Andromache Castanis. They had two daughters, Helen and Nicole.
He was admitted to the Mississippi Bar and hired as a staff attorney with the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law in Jackson. As a civil rights lawyer, he tried cases all over the state, assisted by prominent lawyers from across the U.S. who came to work with the Lawyers Committee. Suddenly he was learning law from the best and brightest lawyers in the country and trying cases with their assistance because he was the only one on staff who was licensed to practice law in Mississippi.
Three days after his first day at work, he was in court challenging the discriminatory jury composition in a criminal case. In 1969, he joined the U.S. Equal Opportunities Commission, working in Memphis and St. Louis. Later employment included real estate and human resources director for Marriott Hotels in New Orleans, Minneapolis and Nashville, and human resources director at The Peabody Hotel in Memphis.
He was divorced in 1991 and in 1994 married Rev. Jean McKnight Rowe. They lived in Memphis until 2005, when they retired to Brevard NC, where he was active in the Unitarian Universalists of Transylvania County, the NAACP, and was an avid writer of letters to newspapers in Memphis and Brevard.
Lackey died with a huge debt of gratitude to lawyers who practiced in Mississippi in the 1960s and who are still fighting for racial equality. If his life stood for anything, it was “equal justice under the law” and abolishing racial discrimination. This is how he wanted to be remembered.
He is survived by his wife Jean; daughter Nicole Rowe Heroux; one granddaughter; one great-granddaughter; stepsons Michael J. Rickard (Julie Jeannine) and Kenneth C. Rickard (Amy Hobby); and two step-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter Helen.
There will be a memorial service at UUs of Transylvania County and another at Neshoba UU Church in Memphis, dates to be determined.
Donations in his memory can be mailed to Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Attn: Development Department, 1500 K Street NW, Suite 900, Washington D.C. 20005.
The Rev. Harry H. Hoehler
The Rev. Harry H. Hoehler died on December 3, 2004, at the age of 95 (1928-2024).
Harry is survived by his wife of 68 years, Rev. Judy Hoehler, his daughters Cynthia Hoehler-Fatton (Robert), and Kristen Hoehler (Spencer), three grandchildren, one step-grandchild, and one step-great-grandchild.
A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the First Parish Church in Weston, 349 Boston Post Road, Weston MA 02493.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of one’s own choosing. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.
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. Jay Atkinson – jayatk40@gmail.com.
Maxine (Hertel) Steeves
Maxine Steeves
Maxine S. (Hertel) Steeves, 95, died Nov. 13, 2024. Born March 29, 1929, in Fitchburg MA, Maxine was the daughter of Max and Emma (Lamothe) Hertel. After graduating from Fitchburg State Teachers College, she taught in Fitchburg and Leominster. This drive continued later with home tutoring for students and adults with learning disabilities.
In 1952, she married the one and only love of her life, The Rev. Bertrand H. Steeves (save for a lighthearted crush on author A.D. III, which was well known to Bert and the family). Bert died in 2020 at age 94. They were married 68 years.
From 1956–1994, she joined Bert and his calling at the First Religious Society, UU, in Newburyport MA, where she was not just the First Lady but a passionate advocate for justice and civil rights. Here, as the powerful woman she was, she stood by his side fighting against racial injustices, for LGBTQ and Civil Rights, even going as far as to go out in the middle of the night to spray paint over neo-Nazi skinhead graffiti like some kind of ninja for justice. She marched with MLK, Jr. and fostered a small child from Kenya, who grew up to have a large part in South African apartheid.
At home, she hosted dignitaries from across the globe and shared life in a small New England community. In these roles, she maintained her grace, wisdom, and a sense of delightful humor. She was recognized with many accolades including entrance into the Clara Barton Sisterhood, honoring her enduring legacy of courage and compassion.
Maxine and her family enjoyed wonderful summers at their cottage in Fryeburg ME, soaking in its natural beauty and tranquility. She was known to bring English flashcards along on these vacations, much to the dismay of her children. As if that wasn’t enough, she also forced anyone present to play Scrabble (which she always won and knew she would). If you knew the difference between “There” and “Their,” you had her undivided attention. At the age of 72, Maxine became a published author of booklets, “Glimpses of the Past” and “Root and Branches.”
The gift of her life will continue to be treasured by her children: Jonathan R. Steeves, Kathryn W. Steeves and husband Stephen I. Weiss, and Christopher I. Steeves and husband Thomas J. Brewer; five grandchildren and two step-grandchildren. The family will have a burial at Oak Hill Cemetery, Newburyport, in August 2025, where Bert and Maxine will be laid to eternal rest together.
The Rev. Ronald W. Knapp
Ron Knapp
The Rev. Ronald “Ron” Wayne Knapp died on October 21, 2024, at the age of 90 (1934-2024).
Ron is survived by his wife of 71 years Anne Knapp; his brother Dale Knapp; children John Knapp (Jacki), Kyle Knapp (Gail), Ronda Strimple (Hank), Forrest Knapp, Corellen Allendorfer (Phil)’ brother-in-law Alvin Doerfler (Duffy); sister-in-law Lillian Knapp; nine grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.
A memorial service was held on November 9, 2024, at the First Unitarian Church of Omaha, 3114 Harney St, Omaha NE 68131.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Unitarian Church of Omaha NE. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.
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. Jay Atkinson – jayatk40@gmail.com.
The Rev. Margaret A. Keip
The Rev. Margaret A. Keip died on October 16, 2024, at the age of 86 (1938-2024).
Margaret is survived by her husband Fred F. Keip, and her children David Keip, Jeffrey Keip, and Kristen Cunningham.
A memorial service will be held at the Unitarian Universalists of Grant Pass OR in 2025. (Date to be decided.)
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Unitarian Universalists of Grant Pass, PO Box 1602, Grants Pass OR 97528. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.”
Notes of condolence may be sent to Fred Keip, 1700 Kellenbeck Ave., Apt 107, Grants Pass OR 97527.
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. Jay Atkinson – jayatk40@gmail.com.
The Rev. Doddie L. Stone
The Rev. Doddie L. Stone died on September 26, 2024, at the age of 89 (1935-2024). Doddie is survived by her sons Donald Stone and Craig Stone, daughter Cindy Gatioan, as well as her nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at the First UU Congregation of Terre Haute, 1875 S Fruitridge Ave, Terre Haute IN 47803.
Notes of condolences may be sent to Sylvia Oster, 1101 E. Royse Dr., Terre Haute, IN 47802.
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. Jay Atkinson – jayatk40@gmail.com.
The Rev. Patricia V.M. Tummino
Tricia Tummino
The Rev. Patricia “Tricia” V.M. Tummino died on September 20, 2024, at the age of 75 (1949-2024).
Tricia is survived by her brother Peter; her husband Lawrence; her children Annie, Ben, and Joe; and her grandchildren Enzo, Lucia, and Asa.
A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Middleboro, 25 S. Main St, Middleborough MA 02346. A reception will follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of one’s own choosing. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.
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. Jay Atkinson – jayatk40@gmail.com.
The Rev. Robert J. Lewis
Robert J. Lewis
The Rev. Robert J. Lewis died on September 6, 2023, at the age of 92 (1931-2023).
Robert is survived by his wife of 64 years Sylvia; his children Janet Lewis (Wayne) and Drew Lewis; grandchildren Kelsey Strouse (Andrew), Lily and Lanni Solochek; great granddaughter Samantha Joy Litwin; brother Wilford Lewis; and many nephews, nieces, and cousins.
A memorial service was held on October 26, 2023, at the River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 6301 River Rd, Bethesda MD 20817.
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. Jay Atkinson – jayatk40@gmail.com.
The Rev. Carl Arthur Hover
Carl Arthur Hover
The Rev. Carl Arthur Hover died on August 15, 2024, at the age of 88 (1936-2024).
Arthur is survived by his wife, Ellen Dionna; his two children: Carla Hover and Carl Hover; and five step-children: Jonathan Wolf, Carol Wolf, Pamela Wolf MacMahon, Adam Wolf, and Franklin Wolf. He was preceded in death by his two sons: Kenneth Arthur and Carson Monroe.
A memorial service will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at the UU Congregation of York, 925 S George St, York PA 17403.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the UU Congregation of York PA, or the Unitarian Universalist Society for Ministerial Relief, c/o Rev. Susan Suchocki Brown, 80 Mill Glen Rd., Winchendon, MA 01475.
