Beatrice Marie Otte November 4, 1951 - May 25, 2018
Beatrice Marie (Staples) Otte exemplified the tangible, expressive and humble love of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. One of her favorite statements was "love unexpressed is love unknown". With a selfless and deeply caring heart, she voluntarily provided Hospice care for her own mother and a few of her friends. Her love for others was fueled by her daily reading of the Bible. Bea was a true prayer warrior, constantly praying for others. Bea hosted missionaries regularly, volunteered in winter clothing drives for orphans, and sought to get God's Word into the hands of those who had none.
In her 50's, Bea's love for orphans and persecuted Christians brought her to Haiti, China, Thailand and the Philippines. She served on the board of directors for His Hands Support Ministries. In this process, God called her heart to adopt a seven year old son from China. He says that he has been changed forever because she followed God's desire for her to care for the orphans.
Robert William Staples September 1, 1958 - December 27, 2005
Robert William Staples was born mentally disabled but that did not keep him from great accomplishments. The word "never" did not have the same meaning for Robert as it does for other people. The word "never" meant it was just going to be harder for him, but not impossible. His family was told he would never walk, never talk, never even hold a pencil, but, through hard work and perseverance, Robert accomplished all these things. Robert William Staples was mentally disabled but he lived a full life and finished well. Mental disability did not limit his capacity for love - indeed, it seemed greater. The lesson of Robert's life is never say never - only try! Robert touched many lives. He made a difference.
A memorial fund, which has been named the "RWS Love Expressed Fund", has been established to help children with disabilities in the developing world. In developing countries it is extremely difficult for parents to be able to meet the physical and mental challenges of special needs children. There just aren't as many resources and, even where they do exist, they would be beyond the financial reach of most parents. This fund will be used to help meet the needs of children suffering from any type of physical or mental disability - blindness, deafness, mental disability, and other types of disabilities. These funds may go toward the cost of special schooling, training or teaching for children with physical or mental challenges.
They may also be used to help the families of these children in other ways such as helping with the cost of medical care. Robert William Staples knew of the great poverty in the developing world and would be pleased to know people are helping make a difference in the lives of those whose need is so great and want to do as he did - MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN SOMEONE'S LIFE.
(right) This young girl was born with a life-threatening birth defect and has been receiving live-saving medical treatments.
If you would like to make a donation to the Love Expressed Fund to help make a difference in the life of a disabled child, please visit our Donate page