Ninabelle Upchurch
Ninabelle Artis Upchurch was born on October 14, 1926 in West Liberty, Ohio, the third child born to Alvie C. and Hazel Louise (Clark) Artis. She attended school in Logan County, Ohio and graduated valedictorian of the Monroe Township School in 1944.
Ninabelle married Karl Crosby Upchurch on July 12, 1958 and the two remained married until his death in October 1984. Their marriage was blessed by the births of three children: Marc A. (Sunita) Upchurch, of San Diego, California; Sherri Upchurch Blackwell, of Yellow Springs, Ohio; and Brian L. Upchurch, of Portland, Oregon.
Ninabelle was deeply religious and her faith remained vital throughout her life's journey, despite the heartbreak of illness and debilitation in her later years. She was dealt a crushing blow when her physical condition made it impossible for her to drive, but she continued to fight to get her driver's license back, right up to the point where her condition worsened and driving became undeniably impossible. In what proved to be her last days on earth, she continued to speak of God and her faith, and to pray for others and their circumstances, despite her own excruciating pain. A woman of quiet but intense determination, she fought against many odds throughout the course of her life.
Ninabelle departed this life at the age of 81 on Friday, June 6, 2008 at Community Hospital in Springfield, Ohio. She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; her brother, Alva C. Artis, Jr.; her grandparents, many devoted aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. She is survived by her sister, Frances Louise (Artis) Hill of Yellow Springs, Ohio; her three children, and two grandsons, Brian Douglas and Justin Levi Upchurch, both of San Diego. She is also survived by many loving and supportive cousins in Springfield, Yellow Springs, and Bellefontaine, Ohio; in Bakersfield, California; and in a whole host of other places throughout the state and country.
Ninabelle has earned her rest from the pain and struggles of this life, and we shall miss her terribly. As her earth journey is concluded, the words of 2 Timothy 4:6-8 may serve as her farewell:
6 As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
A memorial service in honor of her faith and in celebration of her life will be held on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at 11:00 am at First Baptist Church in Yellow Springs, Ohio. The Rev. Vurn O. Mullins will be officiating.
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