Calvary Chapel Mourns Eskridge's Loss

in Ramona is grieving the loss of one of their congregants, Mary Jean Eskridge (Freeman) this week. The 94-year-old's body was found in her mobile home with signs of trauma on Tuesday. Gary Allen Thomas, a neighbor at the mobile home park, on one count of murder and will be arraigned Friday. Ramona Sentinel reported that family said Thomas was "a caretaker" for Eskridge. Both people lived at Ramona Terrace Estates, according to a Sheriff's spokesman.

Eskridge was a regular attendant at Calvary Chapel, enjoying weekly Bible study and potlucks there, according to Mary Deal in the church office.

Senior Pastor Rob Hubbard told Patch on Thursday that Eskridge was "the sweetest little lady."

"I can tell you my wife, Mari, and I, as well as those who knew her at Calvary, have broken hearts. This morning I prayed for God to give me something from His Word to share with the church to help us all deal with this senseless murder. As I was doing my devotions this morning I read Psalms 116:15 (NKJV), 'Precious in the sight of the Lord Is the death of His saints. I believe Jean went into His presence. That is what brings us joy in the midst of this tragedy. She will be greatly missed."

Eskridge was the founder of Jean's Dance Studio in Spring Valley, which her daughter now runs,  who came up to Ramona on Tuesday after hearing of her death. There are also three sons.

UT San Diego ran this photo of Eskridge from her hey day as a dancer with Big Band groups.