News at ABWE
Carol Lynn Stagg (1938–2008)
A choice servant of God, Carol Lynn Horvath, was born in Toledo, Ohio, on September 30, 1938. After graduating from Whitmer High School and later the Flower Hospital School of Nursing with the RN degree, she married her high school sweetheart, Dick Stagg, on September 12, 1959.
Carol came to saving faith in Christ when an associate pastor visited their home early in their marriage, and Dick received the Lord as his Savior in 1962. Eventually Carol spent a semester at Word of Life Bible Institute.
By the time Dick had finished his medical degree and entered private practice in northwestern Ohio, the Staggs had three daughters: Kathy Ellen, Karen Sue and Kristen Elizabeth. In August of 1972, the Staggs were accepted by the Association of Baptists for World Evangelism and appointed as missionaries to South Asia. In 1973, they arrived on the field and spent 15 years in missionary service at Memorial Christian Hospital. While Dr. Stagg carried out a strenuous schedule in the hospital, Carol served as homemaker and poured her life into raising their three daughters. She also completed a variety of publication projects, taught literacy, and entertained both local citizens and international guests who came to the hospital for treatment.
In 1989, health complications forced the Staggs to relocate back to Ohio, where Carol continued to entertain international guests in their home. In 1993, the Stagg family moved to Pennsylvania, so Dick could serve as ABWE’s International Medical Director in the new International Administration and Training Center in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania.
During the final 15 years of her earthly life, Carol’s health continued to deteriorate due to Lupus and other health complications. Still this courageous and determined lady continued hospitality ministries along with several trips back to South Asia. Carol was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in July 2007 and endured increased suffering in the months following until she was released into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, February 21, 2008. She was in her home, surrounded by her family who read Scripture and sang as she breathed her last: “absent from the body, present with the Lord.”
Carol is survived by her husband, Dick, her three daughters: Kathy (and Stephen) Ward of Columbus, Ohio; Karen (and Donald) Taber, Jr. of Dillsburg, Pennsylvania; and Kristen, also of Dillsburg, Pennsylvania, along with her grandchildren: Paul and Amanda Taber, her mother, two sisters, two brothers, and numerous relatives.
All of us who knew Carol marveled at her courage and steadfastness in serving the Lord for so many years despite her health complications. She poured out her life for the Savior she loved with all her heart, was devoted to the people of South Asia and the missionary team, and cherished her precious family. Carol showed “true grit,” persevering through pain, and never giving up. She yearned to live long enough to watch her grandchildren grow up, but ultimately yielded to her Lord’s call to come home.
Now Carol’s joy is unspeakable—her faith is sight, her body whole. Loved ones left behind grieve profoundly as they love her so much, yet the Comforter ministers peace to their wounded hearts. Rejoicing in the Resurrection, they eagerly await the Great Reunion when they will all be together again in the presence of the Lord!