Phil Steward
Aunt Nancy is the only person in my life who has ever called me Flip. I remember being in Jr. High School when lots of people had nicknames, but I didn't want anyone but Aunt Nancy calling me Flip. It was a special name reserved for her.
My very first camping trip was one led by Aunt Nancy and Uncle Arlin when they were working with the teen group at Flint Central Church of the Nazarene. I was too young to be in the group, but Aunt Nancy invited me along anyway. I remember that it rained so hard we had to pack up in the middle of the night. They had all of us stay at their house on Roland. It sparked in me a passion for camping that has stayed with me my entire life. When Ellen and I took our kids, Allie, Lauren, and Philip, on their first camping trip we also were rained out in the UP. I was afraid it would dampen their desire to ever camp again, but it ignited in them a similar desire for camping that is still alive today with their children.
I also remember Aunt Nancy and Uncle Arlin taking me on my first trip to Cedar Point. Again, I was too young to be in the teen group, but they invited me along anyway.
I used to have feelings of pride well up in me whenever she sang a special at church with Mom, Joyce Spears and others.
She had a fun spirit and contagious laugh that I can still hear today. While we all miss her, I am glad she is finally relieved of her suffering and is able to again with her older sister in heaven.
