Deceased Ministers
2024 District Council Honors Fourteen Heroes of the Faith and their Ministry Stories.
Oscar Bibb
4/22/1945 - 3/24/2025
Certified 2001 | Licensed 2010 | Ordained 2012
Oscar was born and raised in Fresno. His parents brought him to the Deaf Church, where Oscar received Jesus as his Lord in 1973. Shortly after, Oscar moved north to Vallejo. A mutual friend introduced Oscar to his beautiful bride, Olivia. They married in 1987. Oscar and Olivia attended a deaf church in Vallejo and served as laymen. Oscar had a burden to share the gospel with the deaf community, and the Senior Pastor recognized the call of God on Oscar’s life and confirmed it by anointed him in front of the congregation. Oscar started preparations for the ministry and enrolled with the Berean School of the Bible. In 1997, Oscar founded the Deaf Church on the Hill in Vallejo (Vallejo Deaf Church Assembly of God). In 2013, Oscar and Olivia worked with the District to establish the NCN Deaf Fellowship. Oscar retired in 2021 but continued to support his wife, Olivia, as the Senior Pastor of the Vallejo Deaf Deaf Church. Olivia, their two children, and four grandchildren miss Oscar deeply.
Richard F Cook
3/17/1948 - 2/2/2025
Licensed 1971 | Ordained 1973
Richard was born in WA and raised in WA and OR. Richard’s aunt and uncle brought him to church as a senior in high school, where he met Jesus. Richard attended Northwest College, Central Bible College. A mutual friend introduced Richard to his beautiful bride, Janie, who attended Evangel College. They married in 1968 and started ministry at a church which Janie's father planted years earlier. The Cooks transferred to NCN in 1986, where they pastored Carlmont Christian Center in San Carlos (1986-2004) and Northside AG (Family Life Church) in Turlock (2012-2020). Richard served on the District Presbytery (1995-2001) and the Executive Presbytery (2001-2004). During these years, Richard continued his education and graduated from Bethany (1993), received a Master of Divinity (2004) and a Doctor of Ministry (2007) from The Kings University. Richard was a passionate teacher. In 2004, he joined the staff at Calvary Temple (The House) in Modesto as a Professor, Academic Dean, and Director of the Bible Schools through 2011. Richard and Janie also founded Generations School of Ministry. Most recently, Richard was a professor at SUM and EPIC, teaching remotely from his home in TN. Richard’s unwavering love and faith touched Janie and their three children, twelve grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
Buckley D Dikes
5/19/1940 - 11/08/2024
Certified 1969 | Licensed 1971 l Ordained 1974
Buckley (Buck) was born in El Paso, TX, and raised in Loyalton, CA. He was saved and filled with the Holy Spirit at 12 at the Loyalton Assembly of God church. In 1961, Airman First Class Dikes was in Okinawa when the Lord called him to the ministry. Buck and his childhood sweetheart, Freda, would serve in rural communities in Northern CA. Buck took classes through Berean School of the Bible, and in 1971, Loyalton AG (his home church) elected him to be their pastor. Buck went on to pastor Lovelock 1st AG in NV (1972-1976). He also served as the lead pastor in Gustine AG (1976-1980), Downieville AG (1981-1982), and in Los Molinos (1992-1993). In 1993, Buck and Freda packed their bags and relocated to Mineral, where Buck served as Mt Lassen’s Camp Manager for the next 14 years. Buck returned to the pastorate in 2007 at Honey Lake Valley AG in Janesville. The Dikes retired to Los Molinos in 2011. Buck was honorable, devoted, and faithful to God, his family, and his country. Freda and their three children, nine grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren knew this well.
Ronald D Hanson
10/15/1937 - 2/13/2025
Licensed 1975 | Ordained 1982
Ronald (Ron) was raised in a Christian home in MN. At 12 years old, Ron dedicated his life to missions at a Billy Graham crusade. Ron met his mission-bound bride, Gloria, at Evangel University. They married in 1956. The Hansons served at Calvary Christian Center in Fortuna before receiving their AGWM appointment to Ethiopia in 1976. There, Ron established a Bible Class for 50 Ethiopian businessmen. The Hansons relocated to Kenya, where they initiated a youth program and started marriage seminars. In 1983, Ron worked in Tanzania with the national church, training, and teaching, and served as Team Leader. In 1992, they returned to Kenya to assist in developing Africa’s humanitarian ministries. This included coordinating East Africa’s AIDS awareness evangelism program. As AGWM representative for East Africa, Ron led relief projects that included partnering with ASSIST International to provide a cardiac care unit in Addis Adaba and the Africa Oasis Project to bring living and physical water to remote unreached villages. Ron also ministered extensively to Rwandan refugees (1994). Ron lived his mission statement; “To drive a road I’ve never driven to tell a people who have never heard.” The Hansons retired to MO in 2014. Ron’s legacy of missions in Africa continues through their two sons and their families.
Alvin L Hartman
12/23/1940 - 7/9/2024
Licensed 1972 | Ordained 1977
Alvin was born and raised in Healdsburg, CA, where his father, Rev Seth Hartman, pastored. In his later teens, Alvin identified with Moses as he listed the reasons why God shouldn’t call him to ministry. Nevertheless, Alvin surrendered to the call in 1958. He attended Berean School of the Bible and International Bible Institute and Seminary. Alvin loved music. With his rich baritone voice, he sang solos, sang in ensembles, and directed choirs. He also played the ukelele. Alvin worked with the Royal Rangers and was anointed in preaching and altar ministry. Alvin served in Sebastopol AG in 1973, Evangel AG in Martinez in 1975, and Los Banos AG in 1979, where he served as Presbyter for the South San Joaquin Section. Alvin relocated to Cornerstone AG in Cresent City in 1984 and Glad Tiding in Santa Clara in 1986. In 1996, Alvin was elected Senior Pastor at the Big Valley Community Full Gospel Church in Kelseyville. Alvin was known for being faithful and steadfast. He and his wife Ladona were married for 64 years. They remained in Kelseyville through their retirement in 2010. Alvin was blessed with three sons, eight grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
Vaifale F Ilasa
6/4/1945 - 11/22/2024
Licensed 2003
Vaifale was born and raised in American Samoa. She came to CA in 1960 and finished high school in San Francisco. Vaifale and Iakopo (Jacob) married in 1963. In 1965, a high school friend invited Vaifale to church. She accepted Christ that day. The following evening, Vaifale brought Jacob to church, and he surrendered his life to the Lord. Vaifale graduated from San Francisco State University in 1969. She worked at Kaiser as a Pharmacist Technician for 42 years and often shared her faith with her co-workers. She also actively served in their church: the Samoan Assembly of God in San Francisco, first as a parishioner and later as a ministry spouse. In 1984, Jacob joined the ministry team. In 1995, he was elected as the Senior Pastor. Vaifale was a passionate, trustworthy, and gentle First Lady. She received a Ministry License and joined the staff in 2003. The couple relocated to Glad Tidings in San Francisco (2016-2018), followed by Sequoyah Community Church in Oakland (2018-2024). Vaifale & Jacob were contributing members, being faithful in prayer, encouragement, and support. Jacob passed away in 2020. Vaifale retired in 2022. Vaifale encouraged and loved everyone, especially her four children, seven grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Eugene B Kraft
6/13/1940 – 2/15/2025
Licensed 1965 | Ordained 1968
50 Years Licensed Recognition 2015
Eugene (Gene) was born and raised in British Columbia. His dream was to play hockey. But after getting radically saved at 17 years old, Gene left all his hockey gear in the locker room, knowing he couldn’t serve hockey and God. Gene met his girl, Joyce, in high school. They married in 1960. Gene graduated from Western Pentecostal Bible College in Vancouver, Canada, and spent several years serving as an evangelist. Gene and Joyce came to the USA in 1972. They pastored for three years in Southern CA before transferring to the NCN District in 1976. Gene pastored Lincoln Neighborhood Church of Stockton (Lakeview Assembly of God) for six years. He returned to British Columbia for 11 years but longed to come ‘home’ to the NCN District family. In 1993, Gene and Joyce returned to Stockton to pastor again at Lakeview Assembly of God. Gene served for seventeen more years until he retired in 2010. Gene also served on the NCN District World Missions Board (1979-1982 and 1995-2001). Joyce, their son Paul, and their two grandchildren miss him greatly.
Larry J Krake
Licensed 1973 | Ordained 1976
Larry was born in MN and raised in Sacramento. He was saved, baptized, and filled with the Holy Spirit in 1965 at Bethel Temple in Sacramento. In 1970, Larry met a fun gal, Dotty, while on a missions trip with Bethel Temple to her church in Elko, NV. They married in 1971. Larry attended Bethany College and Berean School of the Bible. The Krakes launched the International Prayer Corp in Sacramento in the early 70’s. Larry and Dotty served throughout the NCN District and briefly in OR. As a staff pastor, Larry served at First Assembly in Pittsburgh, Peoples Church in Los Gatos, South Bay Christian Center in Mountain View, Manteca Assembly of God, Trinity Life Center in Sacramento, and Christian Life Center in Fallon, NV. Larry served as Senior Pastor at First Assembly in Tracy, Maranatha Christian in South Lake Tahoe, Trinity Assembly of God in Pahrump, NV, and River Valley Church in Olivehurst, CA. Larry also served the district as the Seniors Coordinator (2010-2013), a Youth Representative for six years, and on the Teen Challenge Board in Lake Tahoe. Dotty, their two children, and five grandchildren witnessed Larry’s passion for prayer, encouraging and equipping God’s people. Larry touched many lives.
Ofa K Musika
5/31/1959 - 2/18/2025
Licensed 2012 | Ordained 2022
Ofa was born in Tonga. He was recruited as a football player and immigrated to the US. He met Latu, a beautiful young lady from Tonga and they married in 1984. Latu came to know the Lord shortly after, but Ofa remained a “bad boy.” Latu prayed for him daily, and in 1988, Ofa met Jesus and was radically transformed. He stopped drinking and partying immediately. Instead, he became an evangelist and led all his party friends to the Lord. He enrolled and graduated from Asian Pacific Bible School and he served as Youth Pastor and Assistant Pastor at Christian Worship Center International in Milpitas. In 2020, he became the Senior Pastor. Ofa loved music. The family ministered together through worship arts. Ofa was known for praising God in ALL circumstances of life. He had a huge heart for those in need. Ofa sacrificed to feed children in Jamaica and Fiji and help the homeless in Tonga. Ofa and Latu were blessed with nine children. In addition, they raised many others who needed a safe place to live. Ofa was a man of great faith who loved his family, including his fourteen grandchildren and two on the way.
G Frances Myatt
2/24/1937 - 12/24/2024
Licensed 1999 l Ordained 2003
Gloria Frances (Fran) was born in OK. She was raised in Eastern OR and the church. She loved Jesus and committed her life to Him at 13 years old. Fran started serving in the church at sixteen. One Sunday, a young Air Force man visited the church. Fran caught his attention, and she and David married in 1956. By 1973, the Myatt’s had relocated to Fiddletown, CA. The family became members of Amador Christian Center in Plymouth. Fran actively served with Women’s Ministries and Vacation Bible School. She directed the choir and orchestra. During a Watch Night Service, Fran remembers a distinct call to ministry. She attended Capital Bible College and Berean School of the Bible. Fran continued her ministry at Amador Christian Center. She began teaching Bible Classes and served as the Associate Pastor to Rev. Donald Coates until her retirement in 2008. Fran and David continued living in the area. David passed away in 2015, joining one of their daughters in heaven. Fran leaves behind their remaining three children, nine grandchildren, and fifteen great-grandchildren.
Archie W Phelps
1/9/1933 - 10/2/2024
Licensed 1955 | Ordained 1959
50 Years Ordination Recognition: 2005
Archie was born in KY. He grew up in TX and WA as a pastor’s kid. Archie’s family would often perform specials at their church—mom on the organ, brother on the piano, with Archie and his sister singing. Archie responded to the Lord’s call. He graduated from Northwest College in 1956. Archie and Laverne married in 1959. Archie did evangelistic work in WA and hosted a Radio show for several years before transferring to the Northern California and Nevada District in 1968. Archie was a butcher by trade, but he continued his evangelistic work, preaching in San Francisco, Richmond, El Sobrante, El Cerrito, Stockton, San Pablo, and many other cities. Later in life, he and Laverne traveled to LA in their motorhome on the weekends, where they led church services for retirees in RV parks. After Laverne passed away in 2017, Archie retired in 2018 and faithfully attended Hilltop Community Church in Richmond. Archie was well-liked by everyone. He was a supportive husband and father who always made time for family. Archie’s two children and grandson cherish their memories of him.
Lydia Solla
11/26/1938 - 12/16/2024
Ordained 1987
Lydia was born in TX. She gave her life to Jesus as a young girl at Luz del Valle in Union City. At 14, Lydia knew she wanted to be a missionary! Lydia graduated from the Latin American Bible School in La Puente, CA, and the Latin American School of Theology in Uruguay. In the early 1980’s, Lydia answered an urgent need and went to Paraguay. She served with the Paraguay Task Force as a Missionary Associate. After returning to the States and receiving her Ordination, she was fully appointed with AGWM in 1988 and returned to Paraguay. She continued preaching in local churches, teaching in the Bible School, and training ministers. Lydia also did much work with the Women’s Ministries and served as an interpreter for guest evangelists. In 1992, Lydia relocated to Montevideo, Uruguay, where she taught in the Bible School and engaged in secretarial work. When a call went out to start a Bible School in La Paz, Mexico she was fully prepared! Lydia retired in 2005 but continued to go on short-term ministry trips to Mexico and Spain. Lydia's son, Michael, was greatly inspired by her passion for missions.
Clifford R Traub
7/25/1939 - 2/16/2025
Licensed 1966 l Ordained 1969
50 Year Licensed Ministry Recognition: 2016
Clifford (Cliff) was born in WA and raised in OR. Cliff attended church regularly as a young man, where he met his love, Carol. Carol was Cliff’s sister’s best friend and the pastor’s daughter. In 1959, Cliff was called to the ministry at the memorial service for his future father-in-law. Cliff and Carol married in 1961. They were partners in life and ministry. Cliff graduated from Eugene Bible College (1963-1966) and pastored in OR for 15 years before transferring to NCN District in 1982. Cliff pastored Bethel Church (One Church) in Modesto for 30 years! (1982-2012) Over his lifetime, Cliff built two churches (OR and CA), performed over 160 weddings, dedicated over 200 babies, and baptized over 900 believers. Cliff served as District Presbyter (1993-1997), Executive Presbyter (1997-2009), and Honorary Executive Presbyter (2009-2025). He also served on several District Committees, including the 100 Year Historical Committee (2019). Cliff’s heart for missions led him to teach in Africa and build churches in Guatemala. After retiring in 2012, Cliff was asked to assist four churches in crisis. Cliff greatly treasured Carol, their four children, their spouses, fifteen grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren.
Rodney D Waters
3/17/1962 - 4/16/2024
Licensed 1986 l Ordained 1988
Rodney was born in Fortuna, CA, and raised in Olivehurst. Rodney was very athletic. He earned a full-ride football scholarship to Arizona State. However, while driving by New Life Assembly in Marysville, the Lord told him, “If you go in there, you will find what you are looking for.” Rodney gave his life to Jesus, went to Bible School, and was called to ministry. Rodney attended Berean, William Jessup, and Liberty University (M.A.). Rodney married the most kind and compassionate young woman, Sandi Powell, in 1986. Rodney and Sandi served at the New Life Assembly in Olivehurst (a combined total of 15 years). Rodney taught at New Life’s Bible School, led the college ministries, of which Ms Char Blair was a part, and was an integral member of the Born Again Band (New Life's worship team that played at several District events and world missions trips). Rodney also served as Sr Pastor in Fort Bragg, planted The Lighthouse in Natomas (2002-2007), and served as worship pastor at Abundant Life Fellowship in Roseville. In 2021, Rodney served as an Honorary Pastor at Church on the Rock in Woodland. Sandi and their two children and three grandchildren describe Rodney’s life as “A life well-lived, a man well-loved.”
David W Yoder
12/22/1933 - 2/23/2024
Ordained 1993
David was born and raised in Ohio. At five years old, David gave his life to Jesus in the church his dad pioneered and pastored. David met Virgina Hannay (Jerry Hannay’s sister) while attending Life Bible College (Foursquare). They married in 1954. David was passionate about music. He earned an MA in Music Education from Stanford University and a Doctorate from the University of Southern California (1973). Although David was Ordained with Foursquare, he had many connections to the Assemblies of God. Rev Forrest Beiser Sr invited him to teach at Bethany College after hearing David’s Youth for Christ’s twenty-five-piece band (1958-1960). David served as the music and youth pastor at the Assembly of God in Redwood City. (1958-1961). After spending time in Southern CA, Rev. Beiser Sr invited David to return for another teaching assignment at the Sacramento City College (1970-1993.) During this time, he served as the Minister of Music for Century Assembly in Lodi and Trinity Life Center in Sacramento. David continued teaching in PA and WA. David and Virgina retired in the Sacramento area in 1998. Virgina passed away in 2002. David remarried in 2003 to Ruth who passed away in 2023.
We honor Darliene wife of Assistant Superintendent, Earl Johnson.
Darliene Johnson
2/12/1929 - 2/17/2025
Darliene was born in CA and raised in MN, where her dad pastored. Darliene attended North Central Bible College. She and her best friend, Earl, married in 1949 and began ministry together. Earl served as pastor in MN, then as Director of Music at Eugene Bible College. In 1958, Earl served as Music Minister at Bethel Temple in Sacramento (1958-1965), Senior Pastor at Downey Assembly of God (1965-1968), and Bethel Church in Redding (1968-1982). In 1982, the NCN District Council elected Earl to serve as the Assistant Superintendent where they remained until Earl's retirement in 1997. Darliene cherished the ministry opportunities, traveling to home mission churches, and visiting missionaries abroad. Darliene loved music, especially the piano. Darliene started playing at five years old and practiced 5-6 hours a day in her teen years! (She could make the keys sing!) Darliene gave piano lessons to many students over the years. Darliene also painted beautiful murals and watercolor flowers and countless families received one of her crocheted baby blankets. Darliene and Earl's impact is far-reaching. She is greatly loved and missed by her four children, twenty-six grandchildren, and thirty-eight great-grandchildren.
We honor these seven ministry spouses for their years of faithful service.
Judi Denney
6/22/1957 - 8/21/2024
Spouse of: Rev. Eugene Denney
Joyce Farley
9/17/1937 - 2/17/2024
Spouse of: Rev. George Farley
Manjula Latchman
8/29/1962 - 3/26/2025
Spouse of: Mahendra Latchman
Charlotte Ann Matlock
11/3/1947 - 10/7/2024
Spouse of: (Deceased) Rev. Glenn Matlock Jr.
Jerry Pack
9/12/1937 - 12/29/2024
Spouse of: Rev. Connie Pack
Leah Windham Rowley
10/1/1943 - 3/10/2024
Spouse of: Rev. Ken Rowley
Widow of: (Deceased) Rev. Grady Windham
Gail Wilson
9/20/1943 - 6/24/2024
Spouse of: (Deceased) Rev. Timothy Wilson