Issue link: http://lawtonfirst.uberflip.com/i/1378943
6 spring/summer 2021 In Loving Memory I t is with great sadness, that I share with you the unimaginable loss of our beloved friend, Bethany Kuehny. She was just 52 years young. In many ways, she was like a daughter to my husband, Gary, and me. We have known Bethany for more than 35 years. She and her husband, John, met in the Single Adult Ministry (SAM) in Chickasha, Oklahoma. Gary along with Bethany's brother, Randy, officiated at her and John's wedding in September of 1990. Bethany fought a brave and strong battle for many years with heart disease, and the complications from that rendered her with many health concerns. Despite these challenges, she took each day in stride, never really complaining, many times feeling tired, but never giving in to it. If anyone could be compared to the Energizer Bunny, it was Bethany, although I'm sure she could have outrun it. Bethany was always looking forward, putting her faith and hope in Jesus. Bethany left huge HEARTPRINTS on my life. She was a beautiful woman, inside and out, and was a wonderful friend to my husband and me, supporting us and the ministry of LFA for more than 10 years. One of her beliefs in life was the importance of being authentic with people – saying what needs to be said and always striving for the good. I admired Bethany for her tenacity and her can-do attitude. No matter what the task was, she gave everything she had. She offered valuable and truthful advice, and she stood by us no matter what the decision or the outcome was. I have often referred to her as our Radar. Many times, she would take care of business and think outside the box, so often before we could ask about it. She was a solutions person. We will surely miss her presence. Bethany always kept her amazing sense of humor. Even when she was in the hospital, she would stick her tongue out and squeeze her eyes together – her way of saying, I love you! Our friend was loving and real. She was a wonderful mother to her children and grandma to her grandchildren. She laid a strong foundation for them. In the days ahead, we will continue to share our many stories and pictures with her family. There were so many happy times, and she had many special traditions she created for family. Oh, how she could create! Every event that she was a part of had her special fingerprints all over it. She could create something out of nothing and make it spectacular! Often, I would say, "I wish I had ___." Her immediate reply would be, "Oh! I have that in the barn!" One of her recent discoveries of enjoyment was going camping with the love of her life, John. Her face would light up when she talked about how she could relax and contemplate life with her husband. There is no doubt that Bethany will be missed – her magnetic smile could light up any room! Her beautiful spirit will live on through all who knew her and loved her. She tried to stay here for all of us, but God called her, and she had to go. During my friend's illness, I know that there were two things that kept her going: her family and her hope and trust in God. Otherwise, to face another day would have been tough, and I know how many days she must have had like that. Now my hope is that she rests in peace, knowing that she did all that she could and that her family and friends will be okay. When we love people, it is so comforting to know that they will always be with us in our hearts, and we will see them again. I will see you again, my dear friend. ■ by Pastor Debbie Pratt Then Jonathan said to David, "Tomorrow is the New Moon feast. You will be missed because your seat will be empty." ~ I Samuel 20:18