The Editor is very sorry to learn of the passing of the eldest member of the Elkhart branch of the family, and extends his condolences to Stephen's family. His was a life dedicated to God, family, and service to others. RIP
From Legacy.com:Stephen Ong, 74, of Greeley, passed away on November 28th, 2023 in Greeley, Colorado. He was born to Richard and Mary Alice (Glace) Ong on January 5, 1949 in Elkhart, Indiana.
He earned his undergraduate degree from Wabash College and graduated with his MBA from the University of Chicago while working for NIBCO in Indiana. He was a hard worker and always wanted to do something big with his life. He chose the best and most honorable occupation of ministering to others. He loved his Lord and Savior and loved sharing that with people he met. He met and later married the love of his wife, Teresa Swinney, while earning his M. Div. at Denver Baptist Theological Seminary. They celebrated their 45th anniversary this year with a two-week cruise on the Queen Mary 2.
He loved traveling to England with student groups and enjoyed reading and teaching history. He enjoyed playing word games with his grandchildren and playing golf with his family. Above all, he enjoyed his time with his Bible daily. After he trusted Christ at age 23, he felt called to pastoral ministry. He pastored for four years at Gilcrest Baptist Church and then moved to Greeley to found Reformation Baptist Church (originally Victory Baptist Church). He devoted his life to Christian education and also founded Colorado Heritage Education School System for home school families in 1991 and Chambers College in 1998. He was still teaching until the day he passed. His unique and infectious laugh and his devoted service will be missed by all who knew him and loved him.
Stephen is survived by his wife, Teresa Ong; children, MaryBeth (James) Clifford, Christopher (Christy) Ong, Sarah (Jerry) Porter, Brandon (Chelsea) Ong, Alice (Jonathan) Wishart, R. Baxter Ong, and Katherine Ong (Mario Jaraba), 16 grandchildren; siblings B.Nelson and Page Onge and large extended family and multitudes of friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; siblings, David Ong, Kevin Ong, and Megan Corbridge.
Memorial contributions in Stephen Ong's name can be made out to the Reformation Baptist Church Building Fund in Care of Lighthouse Family Mortuary, 2525 W 16th Street #C, Greeley, Colorado 80634. To leave condolences for Stephen's Family, www.lighthousefamilylfm.com
A memorial service will be held at 4 pm, Monday, December 11, 2023 at First United Methodist Church, 917 10th Avenue in Greeley.
