Farewell to Two Pioneers of Calimesa

In recent months, Calimesa Church lost two stalwart members, foundational to the beginning of this church. Their care for, and contributions to, this community should not be forgotten.

On January 9, 2023, the last surviving original member of this congregation, Cordy Deffner, died at the age of 95.

When a group of 26 families left the Yucaipa SDA Church in 1963, to form a new company on the south side of “the wash”, Bud and Cordy Deffner with their three children numbered among the original 74 members. Cordy was active from the start, supporting the church and always on the lookout to build Calimesa’s membership. Bill Hooker recalls that a few days after he and Marie first moved to Yucaipa, his doorbell unexpectedly rang and opening the door, he was surprised to see a little lady holding a plate of cookies. This lady, of course, was Cordy. She welcomed Bill as a new neighbor and rather pointedly told him that he needed to attend Calimesa, “the best Adventist Church in the valley; no point in driving over to the Yucaipa Church.” Bill listened to her and has faithfully attended Calimesa ever since.

Though working full time as a Registered Nurse, Cordy held various church offices and is probably best known for serving as Coordinator of Money Counters. In this position of trust for more than 20 years, she trained and scheduled individuals, teaching them to reconcile contributions according to SECC guidelines. When it came to Church Business Sessions, Cordy was not cowed by official pronouncements. “She did not need to be loud,” stated Harold Neuendorff, “but she gently, firmly expressed her opinion and generally that opinion was a sound one that helped keep the church on an even keel.” After retirement Cordy became active with the Prayers and Squares Quilting Ministry. “She could do anything,” said Cindi Neuendorff, “from running a household to repairing farm equipment!” In later years, when Cordy could no longer drive and walking proved difficult, it was no burden for various members to pick her up and drive her to church, so she could remain an active participant. As physical health grew increasingly more challenging, “Cordy never lost her spirituality,” said Harold. “She loved her church and the people in it; she loved studying her Bible and the Sabbath School lesson. Most of all, she loved God and never deviated from her faith in Him.

In 1965, the other foundational Calimesa Church member, Phil Quishenberry, arrived with Mary, his bride of one year. They had been previously acquainted with then pastor Warren Heintz, and that was a big draw for the couple to attend church in Calimesa. Although Mary displayed excellent ability and service in the children’s Sabbath School divisions (she’s still there), Phil was promptly cho-

By Damaris Matthews

sen as one of the Youth Leaders. It was thought that such a big man with a heart full of fun could keep those youths in line. Phil’s most vital contributions to Calimesa Church, however, came as a master plumber during the construction of the buildings. With the Fireside Room under construction, the fledgling church was heavily dependent on volunteer labor. Phil would put in a full day’s work at his day job, then go to the church in the evenings to work five or six additional hours, under the direction of general contractor and church member, Ken Roberts. As the church progressed through other phases of construction, Phil was always there applying his knowledge and strength where needed.

During Sabbath services, Phil was known for standing in the lobby to greet his many friends. He delighted in giving men extra firm handshakes, but with the ladies he was ever so gentle. His pervasive sense of humor led to several practical jokes, of which Bud Deffner was a frequent recipient. In addition, Phil served as a Deacon, willing to help out until he could no longer stand. Phil departed this life on September28, 2022 at age 85.