Obituaries

Miles D. Ordinachev

Miles D. Ordinachev, age 86, died Sept. 6, 2013, at 12:05 a.m. at his vacation home in Bentonville, Ark. His family was at his side. Miles was the first-born of his Serbian father, Delmar (Ann Allen) Ordinachev. Delmar and his parents left Yugoslavia after the Communist invasion destroyed their home and vineyards. They came through Ellis Island and moved to St. Louis, Mo. Miles' grandparents were involved in helping to establish the Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church in St. Louis. For seven years, Miles endured the slow decline of health due to the onset of dementia -- a cruel destroyer of one's memory. Miles was aware of the disease and often asked God to take him home. Miles attended Serbian School, graduated from McKinley High, where the graduates still celebrate the Gold Bug traditions of their school. Miles went on to earn degrees from Washington and Webster University majoring in industrial electronics technology, science, math and physics. Miles taught adults at the old Hadley Tech in St. Louis; he moonlighted as a crane operator, and during World War II, he was a voluntary fireman in St. Louis. Miles married his first wife after high school. They had two daughters, Linda and Jeanie. After working outside of public education, Miles began a long and successful career with the technology division of the Special School District. Miles had a high respect for the special ed and the technology staff, and worked tirelessly to improve the instructors' and students' education opportunities. He was the first president of the teachers union, with 100% of the vote; he served as chair of the electronic division of the Missouri Vocational Association Education division, and was a longtime member of the teachers union executive committee. Miles was commended for a United Way drive that had one hundred percent of the teachers participating in the drive. Joann, Miles' second wife, joined Miles in extensive travel to other countries. Miles often engaged in talking with educators from those countries to learn about the policies of the education systems of the countries and their viewpoints on educating the under-achieved. Miles was very interested in languages; he learned Russian, was fluent in Serbian and was able to communicate in French and German. Miles used his knowledge of the people and the languages of other countries to engage his students in learning about the different cultures. Miles had students he taught in the '60s still call him, but dementia has robbed him of this wonderful legacy. Miles supported many organizations; he loved the arts, contributed to Masons and the Shrine, and was still able to celebrate his brother Ray's rise to become a Potentate. Miles is survived by his wife, Joann; his daughters, Linda (Terry) Sollenbarger and Jean Birkenmeier (Jerry), all of St. Louis, Mo.; his brother, Ray (Dee) of Hot Springs, Ark; and Delmar Ordinachev, who resides in Florida; his dear cousin, Marion Allen Wilderman; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. The Circle of Life Honorable Chaplain John Pate will conduct the service Monday, Sept. 9, 2013, at 2 p.m., with visitation from 1 to 2 p.m. at Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. 4th St., Rogers, AR 72756. As a family we are most grateful to all who have crossed our paths during this time and pray that their journeys lead to everlasting peace. The loving care of the Circle of Life caregivers offer the comfort and the expertise needed by the families who must accept what is. Our own trusted caregivers, Rosemary Gordon and Versetta Wolverton, never left our sides and provided the pillar of rock that everyone needs when they must watch their loved ones begin their journey to their heavenly home.

Published September 7, 2013

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