Flossie Marie Kaufman Obituary (1918

FLOSSIE LUELLA MARIE STONE KAUFMAN October 28, 1918 - September 27, 2014 FLOSSIE KAUFMAN was born in Greeley, Colorado on October 28, l9l8, and was brought to Centralia the next year where her father, Arthur Stone worked for the railroad, and her mother, Lydia Stone later owned the small grocery store on Main Street. Flossie went to Washington Elementary school and graduated from Centralia High School in l936 where she was a classmate of Merce Cunningham, the famous New York ballet choreographer, and schoolmate of other wonderful Centralia people such as Harold and Wilma Herriford, and Lorris West, who became a well known concert pianist. Riley, an accomplished musician and member of the Haven of Rest quartet national radio program met Flossie at a local camp meeting where she was his page turner at the piano. In 1939 she became his life partner in a 7:00 am wedding ceremony at the Fox Theater during a live broadcast over the new radio station, KELA, on their regular, weekly program, 'The Voice of Morning Worship.' Sam Norin, also head engineer at KELA, sang two solos by remote from the KELA station accompanied by Mel Hanson who was playing the pipe organ at the Fox Theater, quite a feat, even with today's technology! The Haven of Rest quartet sang, accompanied by Lorin Whitney on the pipe organ. Flossie had many talents and had a significant career in her own right as a vocal soloist with a lovely deep contralto voice, as a public speaker and writer. In the early years she sang in a trio and did readings with Wilbur Nelson's Morning Bible Hour. She was known throughout her professional life for the artistic and dramatic expression she gave to the characters in a story, composition or poem, in her deep, rich, voice, captivating her listeners. Together they made quite a team with their music, pastoring, and years of missionary ministry in Asia. Eventually they included their daughters, Kay and Rilene, to become a musical family. Riley played the piano, organ and a small soprano saxophone that delighted audiences all over the world for many years. They recorded two records and traveled through Europe and across the United States twice, raising awareness of the use of media to reach countries otherwise closed to the message of God's great love, and peace through Jesus Christ. After 20 years overseas, Riley became General Secretary of the Revival Time Department for the national Assembly of God offices in Springfield, Missouri working with C.M Ward and Flossie's sister, Goldia Anderson who became the national Women's Missionary Counsel President. Later they worked together for the PTL Club where Riley was director for the counseling department. After 60 years of marriage, Riley passed away in 1999. Flossie loved Centralia, and enjoyed life to the fullest, actively participating in her church events, and reading club. On her 90th birthday her book of short stories, "Pearls" was published. She filled her days with a never ending curiosity about life, always a positive influence on all those who had the privilege of being in her company. She will always be fondly remembered as an elegant hostess with a lovely gift of hospitality, a precious smile and joyful laughter. She was one of the last truly pure-hearted people of her generation and she will be greatly missed by all. She is survived by her daughters and their families: Kay and Victor Falda, Adelia Falda, Isabella and Todd Albert, Vincent Falda, Rilene and Bill Wallace, Ramona, Ken and JoySong Montealegre, and Andrew Wallace. At noon on Saturday, October 4, her family and friends will be celebrating her life at an informal Celebration Fellowship at Calvary Assembly of God Church in Centralia.