News
Alumni Notes | August 2025
Obituaries
David W. Yaussy ‘94 (Music Education)
David W. Yaussy, Jr., 53, entered into the presence of the Lord on August 23, 2025, in Tamarac, FL, after a long battle with metastatic melanoma.
David was born on July 6, 1972, in Pittsburgh, PA, to David Yaussy and Ruth Watts. He was raised in Wellsburg, WV, where he came to know Jesus as his Savior as a child and developed his musical gifts and passions, including piano, guitar, voice, and songwriting, which he would use to serve the Lord throughout his life. He moved to Rochester, NY, to attend Roberts Wesleyan College, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Music Education and met and married his college sweetheart, Michelle (Newman).
Shortly after graduating, David was hired as a music teacher at Northstar Christian Academy. He passionately directed choirs and numerous musicals. He was later hired as the choir director at First Bible Baptist Church in Hilton, NY, and eventually became the Director of Worship and Arts. During his tenure, he led choirs, orchestras, and productions, wrote music, and led the congregation in worship. His heartfelt calling and passion were to lead worship and mentor musicians.
In 2016, David and Michelle moved to South Florida, where they were employed by Broward County Public Schools. David was hired at Croissant Park Elementary School, where he inspired students to musical excellence.
In December of 2023, David, alongside his wife, Michelle, earned his Master's Degree in Educational Leadership at Florida Atlantic University. Together they were accepted and graduated the PROPEL program to become educational leaders in Broward County Public Schools.
David served as a Deacon at Calvary Chapel Boca and volunteered as part of the worship team as a worship leader playing keys, bass, and guitar. His dedication and love for the Lord were seen throughout his life, and he served at church and school until he was too weak to continue. His legacy continues in those lives he’s touched and inspired through education and worship.
He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Michelle Yaussy, his son and daughter-in-law, David and Alexsandra Yaussy, daughter Emma Yaussy, mother and stepfather, Ruth and Conrad Watts, in-laws, John and Elizabeth Newman, brother Matthew Yaussy, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, John and Kristine Newman, and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to 4KIDS (https://4KIDS.us/Donate), Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/pompano-beach-fl/david-yaussy-12496849
Lori Jean (Beguhl) Claussen ‘88 (Music)
Lori Jean (Beguhl) Claussen, age 60, of Richland, MI, passed away peacefully in her home on Thursday, August 7, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous five-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Lori was born on March 20, 1965, in Wessington Springs, SD. She moved to the Kalamazoo area in 1988 where she pursued her passion for music and earned a Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance from Western Michigan University. On August 4, 1990, Lori married the love of her life, Stephen P. Claussen. They recently celebrated 35 wonderful years of marriage.
Lori dedicated much of her life to music and education. She taught in the music department at Kalamazoo Valley Community College for over 30 years, was a longtime member of both the Kalamazoo Singers and the Bach Festival Choir and served on the Worship Arts staff at both Kalamazoo Free Methodist Church and gracespring Bible Church. She also gave generously of her time and talent as a private teacher, offering vocal and piano lessons from her home to many students over the years.
Deeply committed to her faith, Lori loved Jesus with every fiber of her being and never doubted His goodness in her life. She had a profound love and care for people and was passionate about helping others come to know Jesus personally. Lori often asked, “I wonder who Jesus will put in front of me today?”. She was a devoted student of God’s Word and consistently encouraged those around her to love the Lord deeply and seek His presence wholeheartedly.
Lori loved traveling with family and friends, planting in her flower gardens, savoring a good cup of coffee, and working on puzzles. She also never missed the chance to chase a great fireworks show—even if it meant driving for hours to see it.
Lori was preceded in death by her parents, Dean and Norma (Smith) Beguhl, who both passed away in 2015 from pancreatic cancer. Dean and Norma also served as assistants at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home–Richland Chapel. She is survived by her husband Steve, son, Aaron Dean Claussen of Richland, daughter, Keziah “Kezi” Jean and husband Preston Hoxworth of Battle Creek, MI; and two brothers, Peter J. Beguhl of Kalamazoo and Kenneth L. Beguhl of North Chili, NY.
A memorial service to celebrate Lori’s life will be held on Friday, September 5th at 7:00pm at gracespring Bible Church, 8463 Gull Road, Richland, MI 49083, with Pastor Bryan Tema officiating. Visitation with family will be from 5:00pm to 6:30pm. Everyone is invited to bring lawn chairs, as immediately following the service there will be a fireworks display in Lori’s honor. A private family interment will take place at Prairie Home Cemetery in Richland. Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care is assisting Lori’s family. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Lori’s honor may be directed to pancreatic cancer research by Dr. Vaibhav Sahai, who cared for Lori throughout her entire five-year journey, at the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center.
https://giving.umich.edu/basket/fund/325608
https://www.farleyestesdowdle.com/obituaries/lori-claussen
Harry L. Frudd ‘48
Harry Lavern Frudd was born on August 6, 1928 to Margaret and Charlie Frudd in Binghamton, New York and raised in a strong, loving, hardworking, God-fearing family surrounded by relatives and community who contributed to his upbringing in the same fashion. As a young man he came to Seattle to attend Seattle Pacific College and pursue a degree in Music which he achieved in 1952. His profound love and appreciation of both fine gospel, classical and opera music played an important part of his entire life.
Following college graduation, he moved to Chicago where he remained for several decades, and completed a Master’s Degree in Library Sciences. In 1968 he married Roberta Conley. Eventually Harry and Roberta moved to Savannah, Georgia where they enjoyed living on Skidaway Island. There he managed a private school library. Harry and Roberta enjoyed many trips to Europe with interests in history, art, architecture, classical music and culture. Throughout his life he had the great pleasure of enjoying performances of many of the world's most accomplished symphonies.
Following Roberta’s death in 1995, Harry moved back to the Northwest, settling in the Warm Beach Senior Community where he lived for the past 30 years devoting a great deal of his time to volunteer work at both Warm Beach Conference Center and Senior Center. In the process he developed hundreds of wonderful and valued friendships both at Warm Beach and in the community which brought him great joy and fulfillment. He also enjoyed interests in sports including the Sounders, Mariners, and Seahawks. He attended both Warm Beach Free Methodist Church and St. Aidan's Episcopal Church. Harry’s great enjoyment of people and diversified interests served him well and made him a devoted and valued friend to many. Harry enjoyed having great energy and good health well into his 90’s.
On August 7th, a day after turning 97, he had a major stroke and spent his last days at the Health Care Center where many, many friends had an opportunity to spend time with him in his final days.
Harry was preceded in death by siblings Eugene, Emma, Charles and Duane. He is survived by his brother Robert and sisters-in-law Bonnie and Sharon in New York state and dozens of nieces, nephews and many dear friends who remember him fondly. At his request no services will be held.
Memorials may be made to Warm Beach Conference Center, Warm Beach Senior Community, or St Aiden’s Episcopal Church, or of the donor’s choice.
https://www.gilbertsonfh.com/obituary/harry-frudd
Colleen Mary Drake Nieves ‘06 (Master of Education)
Colleen Mary Drake Nieves age 44 passed away Thursday, July 17, 2025
Colleen was born December 20, 1980 in Greece, New York to the loving parents of Gary and Mary Drake.
Colleen graduated from Roberts Wesleyan University with a masters degree in education. SUNY Brockport BA. In business. Colleen moved to Bartow Florida in 2010 to begin teaching at Lake Gibson High School. In 2024 she returned to Rochester to spend more time with Family, where she taught as a substitute teacher in the Spencerport New York school system.
Colleen professed her life to Christ at an early age. She loved to read her Bible praying for and with others. She loved spending time with family and friends. Colleen had a beautiful smile that always lifted our spirits and made us feel welcome in her presence.
Colleen is survived by her loving parents, her mother Mary Drake and her father Gary Drake. She's survived by her husband Miguel Nieves of 12 years. Her two brothers Kevin Drake/Dana Spyradakos, Michael Drake/Christina Drake, niece and nephew, Madelynn and Daniel.
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/colleen-drake-nieves-obituary?id=59033599
Raymond McCagg ‘58 (Mathematics)
Raymond Eugene McCagg, age 88, passed away on July 13, 2025 in Quincy, Massachusetts. He was born August 8, 1936 in Brockport, NY to George and Elizabeth McCagg and was one of three children.
Ray dedicated his life to his family and the community. He taught math at Honeoye Falls High School for 22 years and enjoyed coaching and refereeing several sports including tennis, basketball and volleyball for various ages of children. Ray earned a Masters degree in both Education and Mathematics from the University of Rochester and University of South Carolina. Undergraduate studies were completed at Roberts Wesleyan College where so many life-long friendships began. Ray married Donna Marie Murdock in 1959, whom he lost to cancer in 2019.
Earning the nickname of "Recreational Ray", he would play any game available, truly enjoying the activity and placing importance on fairness and sportsmanship ahead of winning and losing. He was active in the Honeoye Falls Methodist Church for several decades and participated in countless local and regional outreach events in the spirit of fellowship and humanity. He loved playing cards and telling corny jokes.
He is survived by his daughter, Marty McCagg of Quincy, MA, his son Mark McCagg (Tammie) of Charlotte, NC, his granddaughter Hallie McCagg and Ilva Hamzaj, his exchange student-turned-second-granddaughter, of Albania.
There will be a few minutes during the share and prayer time at Honeoye Falls United Methodist Church on Sunday, August 3rd, to voice memories of Ray.
In lieu of flowers, as there will be no formal service, you may consider a donation to Honeoye Falls United Methodist Church or Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, NY.
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/raymond-mccagg-obituary?id=59102353
Gilbert L. Vining ‘62 (Business Administration)
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Gilbert Lowell Vining (Windham, New York), who passed away on June 5, 2025, at the age of 91, leaving to mourn family and friends. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.
In the echoes of fond remembrance, may a sense of peace be found, knowing that the memories held dear will continue to shape and inspire his loved ones, keeping Gilbert Lowell's spirit alive in the hearts and actions of family and friends alike. While his presence may be gone, his impact lives on in the kindness shown to others and the joy found in the ordinary moments of life.
He was predeceased by: his parents, Leonard J. Vining and Louise Chatfield. He is survived by: his children, Rev. Gilbert Vining (Dawn), Rev. Ronald Vining (Leann) and Ruth Welch (Dennis); and his brothers, Wesley and Lemuel Vining. He is also survived by his nine grandchildren and twenty-seven great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that you consider making a charitable donation in Gil's memory to either Mitchell Hollow Mission Church, located at 893 Mill St., Windham, NY 12496, or to Polestar Outdoors, a ministry dedicated to providing youth with invaluable outdoor education and safety, P.O. Box 2373, Cody, WY 82414.
https://www.echovita.com/us/obituaries/ny/windham/gilbert-lowell-vining-19869514
Donald A. Carlson ‘59
Donald Arthur Carlson went to be with his Lord and Savior on January 4, 2025, in Issaquah, WA. He was 89 years old.
Donald was born in Akron, Ohio on August 29th, 1935. In 1972 he moved the family to Southern California, living in Torrance until 2023, when he moved to Renton, WA.
Donald was proceeded in death by his wife of 63 years, Elaine, and daughter, Heather. He is survived by his children Kathy, Cindy, and Jeff, 16 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.
https://www.flintofts.com/obituaries/Donald-Arthur-Carlson?obId=34561216
Joyce M. Pearce ‘65 (English)
Joyce M. Pearce, 80, of Franklin passed away with her family by her side on September 2, 2023 at the Caring Place.
Born on February 28, 1943, in Olean, NY she was the daughter of the late Albert and Ethel (Coleman) Bishop.
On August 3, 1968, she married the love of her life, Keith Pearce who survives.
Joyce loved working with children, and worked as a teacher for over 40 years. She began her career as a third grade teacher at Elba Central School in Elba, NY before settling in Franklin, PA where she taught third and fourth grade at Christian Life Academy in Seneca, PA for 28 years, retiring in 2013 at the age of 70.
She was an active church member at both Community Chapel and The Crossing Free Methodist Church of Franklin, serving as youth leader, Sunday School teacher, organist and board secretary. She also enjoyed cake decorating for her family and friends, playing games and reading.
Left to cherish her memory along with her husband is her daughter Kimberly Roberts and her husband, Jeffrey of Mars; her son Brian Pearce of Franklin; her grandchildren, Rebecca and Nathaniel Roberts both of Mars; and many nieces and nephews. Also, her lifelong friend and former college roommate Mary Margaret Hyde.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her half brothers, Elmer Coleman and Fred, John, Stanley, and Thurman Bishop.
https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/28907167
Howard Rohrer ‘54 (Business Administration)
Howard Wesley Rohrer, 86, went to heaven to be with his Lord and Savior on March 2, 2023. He was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, papa, mentor, and friend.
Howard graduated from Greenville College in 1958 with a Bachelor of Business Administration. Howard was a man of many talents and abilities. He worked for General Electric, Prime Computer, retired from Honeywell, was an independent computer consultant and worked various other jobs into his 80’s, even running his own vending machine business.
Howard was a member and faithfully attended the CrossPointe Community Free Methodist Church in Westlake, Ohio for 53 years. He was a conference delegate, church delegate, board member, treasurer, song leader, youth leader, Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School teacher, trustee and Christian Youth Crusade leader.
Additionally, Howard was industrious and quite the handyman. He built their first home in Granite City, Illinois, and their cottage on the Light & Life Campground in Mansfield Ohio. Generous, loving, kind and always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need is how family and friends will remember Howard.
He is survived by his children Wesley (Cheryl), Rebekah (Greg) and Darin (Joanna), his 8 grandchildren and their spouses, 13 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Joann, of 64 years, his parents Norman and Lois Rohrer and sister Barbara Andrews.
https://www.buschcares.com/obituaries/Howard-Wesley-Rohrer?obId=27434006
Elaine Marlene (Clisby) Carlson ‘58
Elaine Marlene Carlson went to be with her Lord and Savior on February 28, 2019, in Torrance, CA. She was 83 years old.
Elaine was born in Greenville, PA on August 20th, 1936. In 1972, the family moved to Southern California, eventually settling in Torrance.
At the time of her death, she was survived by her husband Donald, and children Kathy, Cindy, Jeff, and Heather, 16 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren.
https://www.flintofts.com/obituaries/Elaine-Marlene-Carlson?obId=34561291
