Global Ministries is saddened to learn of the death of June Fleshman

Global Ministries is saddened to learn of the death of June Fleshman

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June Fleshman

March 16, 1935-March 13, 2014

Global Ministries is saddened to learn of the death of Rosalie June Fleshman, former missionary to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia and Nepal.

Born in Pasadena California to Sam and Catherine Fulco, June moved with her family to Grants Pass Oregon when she was twelve.  Her father owned an auto repair shop, her mother taught fourth grade, and June studied piano and accompanied the high school choir.

At age seventeen, she went to the University of Oregon, majoring in music education.  There she met Keith Fleshman, a pre-med student.  They married four years later and together pursued further studies preparing to be missionaries of the United Christian Missionary Society, a predecessor mission body of Global Ministries.  Over a period of forty years June taught music and English, learned three foreign languages and, raised a family of four, often in challenging conditions compounded by three national revolutions.  She and Keith served as missionaries in what today is the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, and Nepal. 

For the children’s teen years June and Keith returned to Oregon, living in Lebanon, where Keith practiced orthopedics.  Church work and square dancing were June’s passions.

After retirement June moved first to Salem, and then to the Mennonite Village in Albany, both in Oregon.  She died of Alzheimer’s disease in Lydia’s House Memory Care facility in the tender care of her family, the loving staff of Lydia’s House, and the Evergreen Samaritan Hospice.

June is survived by Keith, her husband of 58 years, and by sons Oliver and Tom of Eugene, daughter Susan Sanchez and husband, Jesus, of Eugene, and daughter Bitsy Bullock and husband, Will of Salem; and five grandchildren.  She was predeceased by her parents, sister Alice and brother John.

Condolences may be sent to Dr. Keith Fleshman, 4799 Becker Circle Southeast, Albany OR 97322-7139.  A memorial celebration of life will be held at First Christian Church in Albany at 2:00 p.m., Saturday March 29, 2014.  Memorial gifts may be directed through First Christian Church, 432 Ferry St SW, Albany OR 97321-2369 to the Alzheimer’s Foundation or to the Week of Compassion, P.O. Box 1986, Indianapolis IN  46206-1986.