Olive Esther Varner February 2, 1918 - August 20, 2010 A Life Well Lived Olive Esther Varner was ushered into glory while being read the Bible on August 20, 2010 after 92 years of a humble life in service of her Lord Jesus Christ. She was a farm girl born in Pennsylvania to Harry and Elizabeth Saul and was one of 9 children. In 1928 the family relocated to San Diego. Olive met her husband John Varner at a USO dance in 1944 and they wed shortly thereafter. They set out on a 50 year adventure. This adventure included owning and operating a steakhouse on State Street in Santa Barbara. In 1953 they returned to Bakersfield where they joined the family business, Varner Bros., Inc. until retirement. Their adventure included a trip to the Holy Land and several trips to Singapore. They were active members of First Presbyterian Church and it was through a church ministry that John and Olive became closely acquainted with Anthony Ang, a young seminary student from Singapore. This relationship grew and Anthony and his family eventually became their unofficial adopted family. Olive pursued life to the fullest. Golf was her passion for many years and she was proud of her hole in one trophies. She didn't learn to drive until after 40 but used this skill to serve others through Meals on Wheels, transporting cancer patients and volunteering at Fritch Eye Care. Through her faith in the saving grace of Christ she became a prayer warrior and was a member of the St Luke's Fellowship until her death. Olive taught those around her how to grow old gracefully. She insisted on maintaining her independence but knew when it was time to stop driving and thankfully accepted help when needed. She saw the good in people and as a result there were many who stepped forward to assist her. She was especially grateful to the special women in her life whom she loved like daughters and who doted on her, Terry Gladu, Renee Varner and Cookie Smart. Olive was preceded in death by John in 1993. She is survived by one sister, Edith Livesey; brothers-in-law, Bill Varner and Skeet Varner; numerous nieces and nephews and adopted family, Rev. Anthony and Dr. Diana Ang, Dr. Elizabeth Ang, Song and Grace Toh, and Debra Esther Ang. Her daily goal was to live her life for Christ. Her credo was "The Bible says it, I believe it and that settles it!". We believe that the Lord welcomed her with open arms and said "Well done my good and faithful servant." Visitation is Friday, August 27, from 4:00-8:00 p.m., Hillcrest Memorial Park. Family Graveside on Saturday, August 28, 9:00 a.m., at Hillcrest Memorial Park. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 28, 11:00 a.m., at First Presbyterian Church. www.bakersfield.com/obits
Published in Bakersfield Californian on August 25, 2010
Published in Bakersfield Californian on August 25, 2010
Olive Esther Varner February 2, 1918 - August 20, 2010 A Life Well Lived Olive Esther Varner was ushered into glory while being read the Bible on August 20, 2010 after 92 years of a humble life in service of her Lord Jesus Christ. She was a farm girl born in Pennsylvania to Harry and Elizabeth Saul and was one of 9 children. In 1928 the family relocated to San Diego. Olive met her husband John Varner at a USO dance in 1944 and they wed shortly thereafter. They set out on a 50 year adventure. This adventure included owning and operating a steakhouse on State Street in Santa Barbara. In 1953 they returned to Bakersfield where they joined the family business, Varner Bros., Inc. until retirement. Their adventure included a trip to the Holy Land and several trips to Singapore. They were active members of First Presbyterian Church and it was through a church ministry that John and Olive became closely acquainted with Anthony Ang, a young seminary student from Singapore. This relationship grew and Anthony and his family eventually became their unofficial adopted family. Olive pursued life to the fullest. Golf was her passion for many years and she was proud of her hole in one trophies. She didn't learn to drive until after 40 but used this skill to serve others through Meals on Wheels, transporting cancer patients and volunteering at Fritch Eye Care. Through her faith in the saving grace of Christ she became a prayer warrior and was a member of the St Luke's Fellowship until her death. Olive taught those around her how to grow old gracefully. She insisted on maintaining her independence but knew when it was time to stop driving and thankfully accepted help when needed. She saw the good in people and as a result there were many who stepped forward to assist her. She was especially grateful to the special women in her life whom she loved like daughters and who doted on her, Terry Gladu, Renee Varner and Cookie Smart. Olive was preceded in death by John in 1993. She is survived by one sister, Edith Livesey; brothers-in-law, Bill Varner and Skeet Varner; numerous nieces and nephews and adopted family, Rev. Anthony and Dr. Diana Ang, Dr. Elizabeth Ang, Song and Grace Toh, and Debra Esther Ang. Her daily goal was to live her life for Christ. Her credo was "The Bible says it, I believe it and that settles it!". We believe that the Lord welcomed her with open arms and said "Well done my good and faithful servant." Visitation is Friday, August 27, from 4:00-8:00 p.m., Hillcrest Memorial Park. Family Graveside on Saturday, August 28, 9:00 a.m., at Hillcrest Memorial Park. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 28, 11:00 a.m., at First Presbyterian Church. www.bakersfield.com/obits
Published in Bakersfield Californian on August 25, 2010
Published in Bakersfield Californian on August 25, 2010
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