Another sister in Christ and dear friend, Betty Duda, was called to her eternal rest on Christmas Eve. Here's what Jerry Kieschnick had to say about both Jean and Betty:
Dear Friends in Christ,
This day we observe as Christmas Eve I bring to you news of the passing of two very dear sisters in Christ, Dr. Jean Garton and Dr. Betty Duda. Jean went to heaven yesterday, December 23 and Betty followed her today, December 24. They now rest in peace, free from the illnesses that beset them, rejoicing eternally at the throne of the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
Each of these gifted women served the Lord in many capacities. Jean was an initial champion of right to life issues, spoke publicly and broadly against abortion, and was instrumental in the formation of Lutherans for Life. Betty served on numerous university and national boards and was president of national Lutheran Women's Missionary League. Jean’s husband, Rev. Chic Garton, predeceased his dear wife. Betty’s husband, John Duda, is left to mourn his dear wife’s passing.
Both Jean and Betty also served a number of years together on the LCMS Board of Directors during my term of office as LCMS president. Their support and encouragement, along with that of Dr. Ed Trapp, was remarkable, especially during a time when collectively the three of them comprised a minority regularly challenged and strategically outvoted by the majority of that Board. Jean, Betty, and Ed steadfastly espoused an evangelical direction for our beloved Synod in the face of formidable opposition. I will always remain deeply respectful of each of them and thankful for their friendship and dedicated service.
Jean’s memorial service is pending. Betty’s memorial service is scheduled for Tuesday, December 27, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Oviedo, Fla.
At a significant point in his life Old Testament King David, in the presence of his people acknowledged in prayer to God: “We are here for only a moment, visitors and strangers in the land as our ancestors were before us. Our days on earth are like a passing shadow, gone so soon without a trace.” (1 Chron. 29:15)
And Jesus said to Martha: “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies. And whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” (John 11:25-26)
Terry and I thank God for Jean Garton and Betty Duda. They now celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus in a manner you and I can only imagine!
A Blessed Christmas and Joyful New Year to each of you!