October 2, 2009
People of Faith
BY STEVE HALBIG
People of Faith is a new feature in a familiar frame. Steve Halbig, writing for the Message, will ask a series of questions of people of the diocese — some who have reached the “age of wisdom” and some who are younger. All will share stories of their faith.
Name: Ken and Mary Ann Ubelhor
Parish: St. John, Newburgh
Number of children, grandchildren: Four children, six grandchildren, two stepgrandchildren.
Have you lived in Southern Indiana all your life? Yes
Tell us a few things about yourself: Ken: I’ve been a builder and land developer since graduating from Memorial in 1958. We used to go out on the river most every Sunday when we were younger with my sister and her husband. We also like to travel, especially with the grandkids. Mary Ann: Housewife. I also love doing things with the grandchildren. We feel that is so important during this time in their lives.
What are some of your earliest childhood memories? Ken: Spending time with my grandfather and my Uncle Bernard. My parents always had a big garden and chickens. They really depended on that for our food. I even had a “Billy Goat.” When I went to work with my dad, we also fixed breakfast before we left for work. We took turns fixing bacon and eggs. Things were pretty tough in those days. Mary Ann: My mother’s parents lived with us and we would always watch TV together in the evening. I also remember the corner grocery stores and drug stores with soda fountains. We were also able to walk to school. Just about everything was free. We went to very few movies, but when we did it was really special.
What are your memories of World War II? Ken: My uncle was in the Navy and I remember it was hard to find parts to fix our car. Mom always canned what we got from the garden. Mary Ann: We had blackouts so if we were attacked by air, the planes couldn’t see there was a city below. After the war was over, we drove up and down Main Street celebrating with other people. It was awesome!
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Ken: A building contractor Mary Ann: I wanted to be a Benedictine Sister or a secretary. Eventually worked as a secretary . . . met Kenny and got married.
Who influenced you growing up? Ken: My mom and dad. My dad and I worked together almost every day. He taught me about being a good businessman and things I needed to know about the construction business. We also prayed the rosary every day. Mary Ann: My mother influenced me a lot. She was a saint. Also my dad’s parents. Later in life, my senior homeroom teacher in high school.
Who do you consider to be the best role models today? Both said Mother Teresa and our priests.
Describe how faith helped you through a difficult time in your life: Ken: To trust in God with all your heart. Mary Ann: When my mother had cancer. I had two small children when she was so sick. I couldn’t do too much to take care her but I knew I could always pray for her. That made me feel like I was doing something to help.
Do you have any hobbies? How do you stay active? Ken: Taking raw ground and turning it into a subdivision. I also like to design houses and commercial buildings. Mary Ann: Making note cards and collecting decorated eggs. I stay active by playing with my grandchildren, especially bowling on the Wii.
What is your first memory of church? Ken: Making my First Communion and getting a prayer book and rosary. Mary Ann: I attended St. Joseph Church and they had “pew rent.” The inside of the church was beautiful. Most of all Forty Hours. I loved the Litany of Saints.
What do you like most about being Catholic? Ken: Having the sacraments. Mary Ann: The Mass and the Penance services. The rosary and praying novenas are an important part of Kenny’s and my life. I love having music and singing at all of the Masses. Also having the priests available for sharing our problems and knowing you were in their prayers.
Do you have a favorite saint? A favorite religious item? Ken: St. Anthony, so I can pray to him to help find my wife’s lost “things.” Also St. Joseph since I’m a carpenter. Favorite religious items include a crucifix I carry with me every day and the Bishop Bruté medal I received last October. Mary Ann: St. Ann and St. Cecelia since she was a musician. Favorite religious items include two rosaries, one when I got married and one Kenny gave me on Valentine’s Day.
Any regrets in life? Ken: Not spending more time with my family. Mary Ann: Kenny not spending more time with me and our sons, but looking back he did the only thing he could do — running a business and supporting our family.
What is your best wisdom on life? Ken: Be honest and trustworthy. Mary Ann: Work hard and do your best. It’s important to love what you do and when you are troubled, ask God for help.