Russell Aaron Sarver

RUSSELL AARON SARVER, age 84 of Hastings, went to be with his Savior and Lord on Friday May 15th, 2009 while at home with Barry Community Hospice providing additional care. Rus was born October 1, 1924 near White Cloud, MI. in Big Prairie Township of Newaygo County. He married Alberta (Gandy) of Battle Creek on Sept. 2, 1945, and they have been married for over 63 years and have resided in the Hastings area for the past 45 years.\r

Russell touched so many lives during his lifetime, but was looking forward to seeing his Lord, Jesus Christ. Rus had attended Grace College and Seminary of Winona Lake, IN, and became a licensed pastor, most recently for the Conservative Grace Brethren Churches International. He had been ?faithful until death? through pastoring the Grace Brethren Bible Church of Hastings for many years, serving as chaplain at two local nursing homes, holding Bible studies at the Barry County Jail, continuously witnessing for Christ, being the co-editor of the Solo Sense newsletter, compiling and printing various Christian booklets, selecting Scripture passages to be printed in The Reminder, writing Uncle Aaron articles, and often writing Christian-based letters to Dear Editor of The Banner. Most recently, Rus also served on the Hastings Charter Township Board of Review, in addition to being a self-employed licensed carpenter. Earlier in his life, Rus also sold real estate and was a one-room school teacher. For a time, he was even the town marshal of Claypool, IN, and he also farmed as well. During WWII, he enlisted as a Conscientious Objector and served as a milk tester for farmers. As hobbies, Rus loved to restore antique John Deere tractors, and most recently made small crosses as a wood-working project. \r

Russell is survived by his wife Alberta (Gandy) Sarver and by his eight children and their spouses -- Carol (Phillip) Hill of LaGrange, IN; Steven (Linda) Sarver of Hastings; Bonnie (Richard) Christner of Clarksville; Sharon Yoder of Hastings; Jerry (Linda) Sarver of Hastings; Sandra (Darrel) Hawbaker of Hastings; Vickie (Edward) Hoffman of Hastings; and David (Dawn) Sarver of Portis, KS; and 26 grandchildren with 34 great-grandchildren. Rus is also survived by his siblings and their spouses - Hazel Patterson of Middleville; Daniel (Beverly) Sarver of Dutton; Benjamin (Kay) Sarver of Angola, IN; Elizabeth Booth of Maylene, AL; (Ruth) Sarver of Caledonia; also (Ted) Gandy of Battle Creek; (Earl) Gandy of Dayton, TN; and many nieces and nephews. Preceding Rus in death were his parents Melvin and R. Naomi (Good) Sarver, one brother Junior Sarver, and one infant great-grandson March James Brown. \r

Viewing/visiting times will be at the Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S. Broadway, Hastings on Monday May 18th, from 6:00-8:30 PM, with a final viewing at the church one hour prior to the service. The funeral service will be held at the Grace Brethren Bible Church, 600 Powell Rd., Hastings on Tuesday May 19th, at 10:30 AM. The graveside service will be at the Hastings Township Cemetery on McKeown Rd., Hastings MI. Arrangements are by the Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. You may leave a message or memory to the family at (girrbachfuneralhome.net).