Deadly tornadoes that swept through the upper South and Midwest April 27 had United Methodists, among others, assessing damage and preparing to offer relief. By the next day, at least 16 deaths in Arkansas alone had been blamed on a fierce tornado that cut through 80 miles around suburban Little Rock. The town of Quapaw in Oklahoma had two storm-related deaths and about a dozen homes were destroyed. Read the Story  Learn How You Can Help

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Vera Marie Close, age 92, who died April 14. Vera was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Virgil D. Close and is survived by two daughters, two grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, two sisters, and a brother. Vera served alongside Rev. Close at Chesterhill (1949), Bremen (1951), Bainbridge (1953), Ashville (1957), West Union (1960), Northside (1963), Carthage-Branch Hill (1966), Carthage-Elmwood (1968), Cincinnati-Faith (1970), Kingscreek (1975) and Findlay E Mt Zion (1978) United Methodist Churches. Obituary and Condolences. 

Rev. Roger Lown Smith, retired elder, who died on April 16. Rev. Smith served in the Rocky Mountain and Yellowstone Conferences from 1958-1963. In West Ohio he served parishes at Owensville Charge (1963), Georgetown (1967), Thurman Ave (1974), Wright Memorial (1982), and New Salem-Thurston Charge (1989). He retired in 1995. Services were held in Michigan.