Loisruth Chilton

Loisruth Chilton, age 87, of Fayetteville went to be with her Lord, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012. She was born Sept. 13, 1925, in Dumont, N.J., to Alfred and Bonnie Kohler Richter. Since her teenage years, Loisruth was involved in various forms of Christian service, including working with inner-city families in New York City during the 1940's while she attended Bible College. It was in college she met her future husband, the Rev. Harold Bruce "Chilt" Chilton. Upon graduation, they served as missionaries to the Philippine Islands during the 1950's, where Loisruth was one of the founders of Faith Academy in Manila, which continues to thrive today. She also taught Bible studies in women's prisons there and traveled to remote villages to sing and teach with her husband and young children. Returning to the States, they served several churches during the 1960's-'70's and were also teachers in both private Christian and public schools. Loisruth ministered as chaplain/counselor to troubled youths in the Juvenile Hall System in Southern California, where she also taught countless Bible studies, published children's stories and continued in writing poetry, while singing in various musical groups over the years. In 1987, the Chiltons moved to Las Vegas, serving in a Baptist church for 12 years, where Loisruth was a founder of a Christian school. She was also area director of Concerned Women for America. Upon retirement, they moved to Fayetteville, becoming members of University Baptist Church, where she taught ladies' Bible studies and was a member of the choir. She was preceded in death by one son, the Rev. David Harold Chilton. She is survived by her husband of 62 years; one daughter, Jayn Parenti and her husband, Paul of Fayetteville; daughter-in-law, Darlene Chilton of Rescue, Calif.; five grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Loisruth was an accomplished writer, poet, and artist, but her greatest passion was to teach and share the love of God and His Word. Loisruth was laid to rest in the Fayetteville National Cemetery on Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012 under the direction of Nelson-Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville, Ark. A memorial celebration of her life will be held at University Baptist Church, Chapel of the Dove, at 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any gifts to be sent in her memory to Loving Choices, 275 S. Duncan Ave., Fayetteville, AR 72701. To place an online tribute visit www.nelsonberna.com.