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Noah McKenney Obituary
Noah Todd McKenney, 14 months, sweet son of Todd and Bethany, and beloved little brother of Se lah and Nathan, died Monday (July 25, 2005) after a two-month fight with brain cancer.
Catch his eye and Noah would give you a big smile. The same one as in the picture.
He was born May 19, 2004. Even before he was born, hundreds of friends at The Chapel and around town prayed for him because he had spina bifida. If you had any part in those prayers or blessings, thank you. Noah made good progress working diligently at physical therapy. We chose the name Noah because, though he might struggle to walk, Genesis tells us that "`Noah walked with God,"' which was our prayer for him.
And even though his life was brief, Noah did fulfill his pur pose to glorify God. He touched so many people and he was engaging and so full of joy. He laughed hardest at Selah's an tics and snuggled into Nathan's hugs. He adored oranges, swinging, Kanga, Cheerios and his mother's arms.
Besides his parents and sib lings, Noah was cherished by both of his grandmothers, Joyce Edwards of Manchester and Betty McKenney of Manchester; also, aunts and uncles, John and Julie Hogarth of Manchester, Matt and Holly Edwards of Manchester, Brad and Renee McKenney of North Canton, Ron and Suzanne Newman of Palos Heights, Ill., and Mitch and Kim McKenney of Hartville; cousins, Tyler, Kate, Anna, John, Ashley, Erin, Bryce, Bran don, Zachary, Kelly, Christopher, Cassandra, Connor, Brynn, and Kyle. Noah also was precious to Caryn, Tiffany, and Judy Steerman.
Pastor Knute Larson will lead a service to honor God for Noah's life at 10:30 a.m. Fri day, July 29, in the Worship Center at The Chapel (Akron Campus), 135 Fir Hill. Calling hours will be Thursday, July 28, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., at the church. Burial will be at Greenlawn Cemetery in Akron. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Youth Excellence Performing Arts Workshop (YEPAW), c/o Arlington Church of God, 539 S. Arlington St., Akron, Ohio 44306. (REDMON, STOW, 330-688-6631.)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Noah McKenney
Sponsored by anonymous.
Burak Begen
December 22, 2005
Dear Todd,
I can't find words to describe my sadness, my sorrow. But in my country, we all believe every thing happens for a reason, I believe god wanted to take Noah to heaven early, and maybe test our beliefs in him. I can't know, but i can imagine that it is very hard to stand such a sorrow. I wish all the strength in the world to you and your family. Burak.
Grace
August 8, 2005
Dear Todd and Bethany:
I don't know you, but I saw Noah's obituary in the paper and his precious, sweet face brought tears to my eyes. I'm so thankful that you are Christians and that one day you'll see little Noah again in Heaven. God knows your pain and heartache - His Son died too. He's been there, and He'll be by your side during everything you're going through. But thanks to Jesus, one day all the pain will be over, and you'll be reunited with your beautiful baby boy. Until then, may the God of all peace and comfort wrap you in His loving arms. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sarah, Steve, Stephen and Emma Calaway
August 5, 2005
Bethany, Todd, Selah and Nathan-
Our Hearts our with yours--
We love you all and will hold you up in prayer as you did us--
With all our Love--
BERT & DONNA BASTOCK
August 2, 2005
DEAR TODD AND FAMILY,
WE SEND OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY!
WE KNOW A SCENE, AN AROMA, OR EVEN JUST A FEELING CAN REKINDLE THE MEMORIES OF NOAH, WHO IS SO DEAR TO ALL OF YOU. AND, WITH THE MEMORIES, THE PAIN AND THE TEARS MAY RETURN. IN TIME, HOWEVER, THESE MEMORIES WILL BECOME A SOURCE OF JOY. BUT,..., UNTIL THAT TIME COMES, OUR LORD, WHO HAS TENDERNESS IN HIS TOUCH, WILL COMFORT YOU IN EACH MOMENT OF YOUR SADNESS.TRULY, OUR LOVE AND PRAYERS. ~ " THIS IS MY COMFORT IN MY AFFLICTION, FOR YOUR WORD HAS GIVEN ME LIFE." - PSALM 119:50
Jonathan and Donna Bastock
August 2, 2005
Dear Todd, Bethany and family,
Our hearts and prayers go out to you all in this hardest of times. Although our Faith in the Lord sustains us and offers us the assurance that as Noah has moved from innocence into glory, that we shall all be rejoined and rejoice in the Father's light, it doesn't fully ease the pain of our separation. We have been chosen as a select fellowship, to know the sorrow of our Father's heart as His son was sacrificed for our sins. But we are more than conquerers and through Christ Jesus, Noah will one day run to your arms as Lauren will one day run to ours. And the Lord Shall wipe away every tear and there shall be no more death or crying. (Rev. 21:4-5). May God bless and keep you all in his tender mercies and loving arms.
Janet Flora
August 1, 2005
Todd, Bethany, Selah and Nathan,
We are so saddened for your loss. Noah's is one of the sweetest little faces we have ever seen. Your family has sure been a wonderful testimony of God's faithfulness. We will be praying for you. God's strength will get you through the days ahead.
Nick, Anne & Janet Flora
Jessica Lin
July 31, 2005
Dear Todd, Bethany, Selah and Nathan,
Be joyful knowing that little Noah is being taken care of in Heaven by the Lord Himself! My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
The Kincaid's
July 31, 2005
The McKenney Family,
Out prayers, thoughts, and love are with you at this time of sorrow.
Mitch Gingrich
July 31, 2005
Todd & Bethany:
I just learned of your loss. I am saddened and grieve with you. We are still in New Zealand and hope to comfort you upon our return.
With love and prayers,
Mitch & Beth Gingrich
Isaiah 41:10, 13
Liza Coven
July 30, 2005
Dear McKenney Family,
Larry Joins me in sending our deepest sympathies at this most difficult time. Our prayers are with you.
Laure Palmeri(Rennie)
July 30, 2005
Todd, Bethany and family
It should give us happiness to know that little Noah has reached a place we can only dream of. It is of greatest honor to sit at the right hand of God. We cry tears of sorrow for our loss, but it is said we should cry tears of joy, because of where they have gone.
we also lost a little one from our family a few years back.Having a chance to have him in our life was one of the most wonderful opportunities that God could have given us. We still have all the wonderful memories of Mitch and will always remember all the good and the big happy smile that he had as he came in the door. keep the memories and hopes that someday we will all meet our little angels again in a much better place. With all our love and prayers
Mary Eckard
July 30, 2005
Hi Dear Family,
I am very sad to learn of the home going of your precious son. My heart is with you.
Dalene (Trent) Brandon
July 30, 2005
Dear Todd and Bethany
Joyce and Betty
Just to let you know your in my thoughts and prayers.
Michelle Wagster
July 29, 2005
Todd and family:
I wish I had some profound words to make your pain go away. I can't imagine what you are going through. I pray that God gives you comfort and strength. I am praying for you.
Courtney Hood
July 29, 2005
I'm so sorry for ur loss and I will pray for him.
Daniela Cercel
July 29, 2005
Dear Bethany and Todd!
I am deeply sory to hear about your loss.
Please, be strong and have faith. Noah will watch over you and his siblings from Haven.
May God bless you and your family.
Daniela Cercel, Montreal
Pam Crumbley
July 29, 2005
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
With love, Tim, Pam, Paul and Jon.
Martha Faris
July 29, 2005
Dear McKenney Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. You will all be in my
thoughts and prayers.
Mary Edelen
July 29, 2005
We will be praying that God will bless and keep holding on to you during this painful time in your lives. You truly were touched by an angel in Noah. What an adorable little boy, with that angelic face! We will keep you all in our prayers. The Edelen Family
David & Judy Stump
July 29, 2005
We knew how ill Noah was, but were still shocked by his death. We're sorry we missed getting to know him. He sounds like such a beautiful child. Our prayers go out to you. May God's love/hesed be your strength and comfort. Deut 1:31. With tears,
Susan
July 29, 2005
"As long as we can love each other, and remember the feeling of love we had, we can die without ever really going away. All the love you created is still there. You live on - in the hearts of everyone you have touched and nurtured while you were here."
. . . Morrie Schwartz ("tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom)
Noah will live forever in your love and in the hearts of everyone blessed by his spirit and his sweet smile.
Gale and Sandra Ebie
July 29, 2005
Todd and Bethany, our prayers have been and will contunue to be with you during this difficult time for strength and comfort.
Marvin Crumbley
July 29, 2005
Dear Mckenney family,
I just wanted u guys to know that I know what its like to loss a loved one and I also wanted to let u know that Noahs in a better place now its hard to find the right words to say that im sorry for your loss, cuz i am, and I just wanna give you guys my best wishes. Noah was loved by many and still is. Just know he walks with god now and he looks down on you guys with the same smile.
Jeff and Dianne Key
July 28, 2005
Todd and Bethany:
We are friends of Suzanne and Ron. We attend church with them in Orland Park, Illinois. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. We pray that God would grant you an extra measure of peace and comfort.
Jeff and Dianne Key
Sandy Bair
July 28, 2005
My prayers are with you all at this time. Noah was a wonderful little boy who brought love to this world. He is now walking with the Lord.
Kristopher Jackson
July 28, 2005
I am so sorry I cant make it My mother just called to tell me. I remember being in YEPAW and you talking about here being pregnant. I will miss baby Noah. I will stay in Prayer.
Sharon Hines
July 28, 2005
May God be especially close to your family as your faith will allow forever time with Noah when in heaven. Although I didn't know your precious son, my sister, Jane Barge, talked of his challenges. May God bless you now and always.
Don and Shirley Bendell
July 28, 2005
Todd and Bethany & family;
We wish there were some magical words that will make the pain go away, but there aren't. We do know, not think or guess, but know, that God really loves the little children, so we know He is there with you, through his Son and further through Him, in the Holy Spirit of Truth to hold and comfort each of you. This is a time to cry, so weep. Jesus wept, even though He knew he would raise Lazarus from death. He has also raised Noah from the bondage of death and into the bright light of eternal bliss. I guarantee you Noah is sitting on Grandpa Hugh's lap and Uncle Gary's and giggling and playing all the time with no spina bifuda, no pain, no stress. You will be rejoined later, but for now, don't try to understand just keep believing and feel the warmth of the Holy Spirit as He embraces you all.
In God's love, your cousins,
Don and Shirley Bendell
Debbie Mattei and Family
July 28, 2005
Dear Todd and Family,
Our prayers go out to you and your family. Noah will be in your hearts forever.
BRUCE & SHIRLEY ALLRED
July 28, 2005
DEAR PASTOR MCKENNEY & FAMILY,
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.
BRUCE & SHIRLEY ALLRED
GROWING TOGETHER ABF
THE CHAPEL
Robin & Steven Plant
July 28, 2005
Todd Bethany Selah & Nathan Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
We will miss Noah and his beautiful red hair. He was a beautiful child.
Steve & Carri Sensius
July 28, 2005
Todd (Bethany)
Mitch informed me of your loss today. I am deeply saddened by the news.
I can assure you that I know the pains after losing (twin) "special-needs" daughters (one at birth and another (last year) who was 5 yrs old. Your pains do subside, but the memories that Noah have given you in his short time here will last a lifetime!
You & your entire family are in our thougts & prayers.
George Noleff
July 28, 2005
Todd and Family,
I am very sorry to hear of your loss. My sympathies are with you.
Chris, Tina, Tonya, Kara, Kimberly, & Coleen Flight
July 28, 2005
Pastor McKenney & Family,
Our prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Pam
July 28, 2005
My prayers go out to you and your family. I don't know your family but I was told by a fellow co-worker. And to see Noah's precious little face instantly made me smile. Noah is with God and still has that cute little smile to share forever
Ken & Jane Barge
July 28, 2005
Bethany, Todd, Selah and Nathan...our love, prayers, tears and sympathy are with you each day. What a joy to have known and spent time with "Baby Noah" as he was known to all my prayer partners. His short life has been an inspiration to many thru you the family. Gods Peace be with you.
Crystal Thompson
July 28, 2005
Dear Todd, Bethany, Selah, & Nathan & grandmothers,
I am so very sorry for your loss of angel-faced Noah. How he has touched so many lives! Bethany, you were in our Well Bible Study for a time along w/Noah and we were so blessed with your presence. I have been blessed w/Todd's preaching. I am so sorry for your pain and loss. Psalms 147:3 promises that God is able to heal the broken-hearted and bind up their wounds. That suggests that he is ever vigilant in your loss and he will heal you in ways you could never expect. He is faithful and trustworthy! May your lives be surrounded by His presence and His love and your hearts filled w/His peace. You are so loved by so many that you don't even know just by your example in this situation!
I'll keep each of you in my prayers.
Sharon K. Derivan
July 28, 2005
Dear Todd, Bethany, Selah and Nathan,
Your sweet Noah does indeed "walk with God." My prayers are with you as you suffer this loss. There are no other words!
Pastor Dan Page
July 28, 2005
Dear Todd & Bethany -
My heart hurts with and for you yet somehow it tenderly rejoices knowing Noah's walking with God even though it's in a timetable and ways you weren't planning. I can't begin to imagine the heartache you are enduring. I am praying for you all.
May God's grace prevail and may Noah's life because of Life Himself (Jesus!) be celebrated as it flows and He moves freely through these difficult days.
God bless and keep you.
Jim & Lu Meng Hardy
July 28, 2005
The family is in my thoughts and prayers. "God is our refuse and strength, an ever present help in trouble..." (Psalm 46)
Pastor Jim Hardy, Hiram '89
Connie Leary
July 28, 2005
This is a song by Michael W. Smith-Hello/Goodbye. We played it at our Noah's funeral. Other songs were:
Thank you for giving to the Lord-Ray Boltz
One more day with you-Diamond Rio
You'll be in my heart-Phil Collins
These songs are precious to me and I hope they will be to you too. Please listen to Hello/Goodby...it was created especially for Noah. I hope you can find them. Much love and prayers to you.
A grieving grandma
Barbara
July 28, 2005
Dear Todd, Bethany and family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Your beautiful child is laughing in the arms of His loving Heavenly father, where there is no pain or suffering. Please know that you are loved and lifted up in prayer during your time of grief.
For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom 8.38-39)
Amy Siffert
July 27, 2005
Noah is resting in God's arms.
It was a picture of God's Love and Grace, the last time we saw him outside The Chapel, cradled in his mother's loving arms.
In God We Trust,
Amy and Bob Siffert
Sandy Myers
July 27, 2005
Dear Todd,Bethany,Selah,&Nathan,
Our hearts,prayers,and tears go out to you and your families. You probably don't remember us but we are very close friends with Brad and Renee. They have kept us up on Noah' condition weekly. Many, Many prayers have gone out for Noah and your family. We are praying now for healing hearts,and we know how happy Noah must be in Heaven with God with no pain.
Sincerely, Sandy, Bill, Derrick, and Darren Myers New Concord,Ohio
Amy Crumbley
July 27, 2005
Dearest Bethany, Todd, Selan, Nathan ~
The kids and I send our deepest thoughts and prayers to you during this time. Noah was a beautiful little boy when I saw him in Philadelphia, he had a glow about him that I won't forget. He is now glowing even more in God's loving arms.
All our Love,
Amy, Courtney, Davis, Rachel
Bob and Beth Goff
July 27, 2005
The McKenney Family,
What a beautiful little boy. What a precious family God chose for Noah to belong to.
With great love and our deepest sympathy,
Bob and Beth Goff
(Young Professionals)
A Hiram Friend
July 27, 2005
His eyes are on the sparrow...
My thoughts and prayers are with you. His love is with you always.
Virtle & Bertha Smith
July 27, 2005
Our hearts are heavy for you. What a sweet pleasant little man. We lost 2 boys forty-nine years ago but we know they are with Jesus and we will someday see them again. God bless you. We love you.
Valeri Wertman
July 27, 2005
Dear Pastor McKenney and family,
My heart breaks for you.
You do not know me, but I attend the Chapel in Green. I have had the pleasure of hearing Pastor McKenney speak, and Mrs. McKenney sing on several occasions. My 3rd son was born shortly before Noah. Mrs McKenney and I were pregnant at the same time, and due during the same month, both with our 3rd children and both with boys. I prayed for Noah when you had the ultrasound that revealed he had spina bifida, and then again when he was diagnosed with cancer. I loved the picture you showed during one service of Noah in his towel, after a bath, with his big beautiful smile. I can relate to your story about how difficult it was to get the three kids ready to have their portraits taken, and joking that to get to the appointment on time you had to start the day before!
I can't even begin to imagine the heartache of losing a child. Tonight I will hug my kids a little longer, and continue to thank God for each day that he lets me spend with them.
I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Amanda
July 27, 2005
I don't know you, but what a blessing it was to read about your son. My heart aches for you but thank God he is in a better place. Just enjoy the memories that you have and know that you will see your angel again in heaven. May God bless your family and remember that God will never give you more than you can bear. You are in my prayers.
Melanie & Derrak Ostovic
July 27, 2005
Todd, Bethany, Selah, Nathan and Joyce,
We have no words.
Our love and prayers,
Melanie & Derrak
Brent and Joelle Bendell
July 27, 2005
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Melissa, Steve, and Livi Coven
July 27, 2005
Todd, Bethany, Selah, and Nathan:
Our thoughts, prayers, and tears are with you. Noah was very lucky to have such a loving family to show him the joys of life. He will forever be remembered in our hearts and thoughts. May you find peace knowing he is home with God watching over you.
Hugh Ilg
July 27, 2005
My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.
Tom Creamer
July 27, 2005
My deepest sympathy to your entire family.
Bob & Janis Mosteller
July 27, 2005
Dear Todd & Bethany, Selah and Nathan,- please know that our hearts are heavy at your loss of Noah. We pray for God's comfort. We love you.
Jeff, Jenny and Mikayla Veness
July 27, 2005
Todd, Bethany, Selah and Nathan,
We are praying for you.
Fresh Start ABF The Chapel
July 27, 2005
Bethany, Todd, Selah and Nathan,
'Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."'
Without a doubt, Noah is dancing with Jesus!
May our thoughts and prayers surround you...know that you are being lifted up to Him.
"Fresh Start" from the Chapel
SIF
July 27, 2005
Bethany, Todd, Selah and Nathan,
Know that you are all in our hearts and prayers. Thanks for sharing Noah with us...his smile will forever be impressed on our hearts. Your church family feels your pain and are here if and when you need us. We know that Jesus holds you all in his loving hands.
Singles in Fellowship from the Chapel
Scott & Paula Calhoun
July 27, 2005
Our continued prayers are with you. Noah's smile has always made us smile. May the Lord bless you and your family.
Nanci Kulchar
July 27, 2005
My heart aches for you at the loss of your beautiful Noah. How good it is to realize the separation is only temporary; and you will see him again one day because of our Lord. My prayers are for your comfort.
Lee Achmoody
July 27, 2005
Todd and Bethany,
Our Prayers and tears are with you as we look forward to those days when there will be no more crying and there will be no more heartbreak or the pain you are feeling at this time.
Lee and Dottie Achmoody
Dennis & Sandra Thornton
July 27, 2005
Noah is safe in the arms of God and
he has seen the face of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
We also lost a little one recently and we know how much your hearts are aching, and breaking.
Reading about Noah brings back the pain and tears of our own loss but also reminds us of the joy and the hope that we have.
May every assurance and promise of God bring peace and comfort
to your family.
Judy Battaglia
July 27, 2005
May God bless and confort your family.May God watch over you and comfort you with his love through this time of sorrow.Lots of Love coming your way .Your family is in our prayers .Judy from the Chapel
Vicki Isabell
July 27, 2005
I don't know you, but you are right. The beautiful face in that picture certainly caught my eye. He appears just perfect and now he is. Thank you for the wonderful story of Noah and the blessings he brought to this world. I am overwhelmed that any donations will be made to YEPAW. My daughter just ended her 4th year and I will be certain to let her know of young Noah who will also always be a part of YEPAW. God bless and keep you and your family in this difficult time. He is awesome and He will help heal your broken heart.
Connie Leary
July 27, 2005
What a beautiful ANGEL! That face is full of love.Please know that I share in your grief of the loss of Noah. My grandson, whose name was also Noah met Jesus after being on this earth 1 1/2 hours. These beautiful angels come to us from up above for a purpose. The impact of their love lives on as there is not one day that I don't think of our Noah and how much God must love us to have given him to us. I pray for you and your family to find comfort in God's love and know that you are very special in his eyes and heart to have been given your angel. Rest in peace sweet Noah and my little angel will be sitting on Jesus's lap waiting to greet you. I want you to know that as I write this I am also sheding tears for your loss. It hurts...and my comfort comes from knowing...I held in angel in my arms and he knew how much he was loved. God bless you all and I will be praying for you. Thank you for letting me share my love.
John & Sheri Clemence
July 27, 2005
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
Dan and Cyndi Maloy
July 27, 2005
Todd, Bethany, Selah and Nathan,
You are in our hearts and our prayers.
Thom & Phyllis Hans
July 27, 2005
We are praying for you and your family during this difficult time. Noah was a very special little boy, and we know he is with Jesus today.
Krista Cox
July 27, 2005
Bless this beautiful little one.. We also have a child who walks with God..My heart goes out to all of you.........
Dave and Mary Homsher
July 27, 2005
Our continued prayers for God's comfort, love, strength, and presence are and will remain with you and your dear family. We love you.
Redmon Funeral Home Inc.
July 27, 2005
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Linda Plum
July 27, 2005
Your testimony is amazing. To God be the Glory. I imagine Noah may be running the streets of gold even now. What we can only imagine is now Noah's reality. God's grace is sufficient.
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