Member of the Month
July, 2009

I am pleased to announce that our Members of the Month for the month of July 2009 are Linus and Carolyn Affolder.

Linus Lee Affolder was born on March 17, 1930 in Wolcottville, Indiana. Linus attended all 12 grades at the Wolcottville Elementary & High School and graduated in 1948. He attended Indiana University and graduated in 1952. In 1955 he went to work for GMC as an accountant. Linus worked from 1957 to 1984 for the Bendix Corporation in Elyria, Ohio and Oklahoma City. While he worked for Bendix he was the Office Manager and an accountant. After his retirement from Bendix, he returned to the work force in 1984 in charge of the ground maintenance and landscaping for Deaconess Hospital. Linus retired from Deaconess in 1993. Linus served from 1952 through 1954 in the U S Army.

Linus and Carolyn moved to Oklahoma City in November 1978 from Amherst, Ohio. They joined the Village Christian Church family on June 20, 1982. Linus has served on the Property Committee, President of Disciples Men, Fellowship Committee, the church board and elder. He also helped with the Village Ventures program. He currently is serving as a deacon.

Linus likes the hymns: In the Garden, Amazing Grace and Because He Lives. He enjoys doing handyman work outside and fishing. Linus tells me that he enjoys eating in “Carolyn's Kitchen” and Chili's. He likes fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy and also enjoys a bowl of popcorn. Linus likes to relax on the patio taking in all the miracles of life.

Carolyn Elizabeth Huffman Affolder, a coal miner’s daughter, was born on November 8, 1940 in Webster Springs, West Virginia. Carolyn attended elementary school in Webster Springs and graduated high school in 1959 from Elyria High School in Elyria, Ohio.

After high school Carolyn attend two years of business school in Elyria, Ohio. Carolyn was also employed at the Bendix Corporation from 1959 through 1965. She also worked for the Chamber of Commerce in Amherst, Ohio. In 1978 she began as a volunteer for Deaconess Hospital and became a full time secretary in the Pathology Lab, leaving to work for Dr. David Wade. In 1991 Carolyn began work as office manager for Radiology Associates. She retired in February 2008 after 17 years with Radiology Associates. Carolyn said she really enjoyed interacting with the patients and made many friends.

Carolyn's favorite hymn is Precious Memories. Carolyn is active at Village Christian Church. She has been a Sunday school teacher, served on the Fellowship Committee, Education Committee, church board and works with the Prayer Shawl Ministry. She also helps with the Village Ventures program. She has served as an elder and is currently serving as a deacon.

Carolyn said her favorite food is Pasta and she enjoys going to Charleston's to eat. She enjoys spending time with her grandchildren and crocheting, and says this is very relaxing. She also enjoys cooking and her volunteer work at Mercy Hospital.

Linus and Carolyn met while both worked for the Bendix Corporation. They dated for 4 ½ years before marrying on October 9, 1965 in Elyria, Ohio. Linus and Carolyn have one son, Brian and two grandchildren, Grace and Riggs.

When asked what is a lesson life has taught you Linus replied, “To be patient and try to make good decisions and give thanks for all the blessings we have been given”. Carolyn said, “Speak softly and be happy with who you are”.

Written by Anita Basinger