Donor Stories

(Originally published 2013)

Stop by to see Bob Glenn these days and he is likely to be out on his bicycle – an activity he has enjoyed for many decades.  In fact, Bob helped organize the now-famous bike ride across Iowa (RAGBRAI) that began in the early 1970s.  Today, Bob is well into his ninth decade and finds the bicycle is just one way to maintain his forward motion.

Bob, and his wife Jerrie, are also interested in helping children move forward with faith and fun at Missouri’s United Methodist camps.  “Our granddaughters had a wonderful experience at Camp Galilee,” the UM camp near Eldorado Springs, Missouri.  So, a couple of years ago the Glenns created an endowment fund at the Foundation to help pay camp fees for children in need.  The Glenn United Methodist Camp Scholarship Fund has so far helped over 50 children and youth attend one of the four United Methodist camps around the state.

Lee Walz, director of camping and retreat ministries, states that the Glenn Fund “is already making a huge impact,” even helping some parent camp volunteers “who would not have been able to send their own children without the help of the fund.”

Bob and Jerrie stay active at their church (Branson UMC), the Branson senior center (Bob is a frequent Master of Ceremonies), and by volunteering in the community.  But this is just the latest chapter in a very full and extraordinary life – trick motorcycle performer, Iowa State Trooper, founding chief education officer for the Iowa State Patrol, expert pistol marksman, national board of Toastmasters International, president of the Aladdin Lamp collectors, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren –  all are aspects of the Glenn legacy.

If you think you would like to keep up with Bob and Jerrie, give the Foundation a call and start a legacy of your own!

(Editor’s note: Bob passed away on February 16, 2022 at the age of 97, and Jerrie followed Bob about a month later March 19, 2022 at the age of 93.  The Glenn Camp Scholarship Fund continues to assist children and youth to participate in UM camping programs.) 

“If every church in Missouri would begin one scholarship – just think what it would do!”  That is the enthusiastic vision that moved Reverend Treva Hall to create a Charitable Gift Annuity at the Foundation that will become a scholarship fund for United Methodist students attending Central Methodist University.  Priority consideration will be given to students from her home church, King’s Way United Methodist Church in Springfield.

This scholarship fund is just one more blossom in the garden of Treva’s life in ministry – a ministry where her love of God and love of neighbor have often found expression in landscape gardening.  Perhaps it is that gardener’s habit of envisioning the future – seeing the massive oak the sapling will someday be – that inspires Treva’s enthusiasm for education, students, Central Methodist University – and especially the Church.

In nearly every ministry setting – from seminary, to local congregations, to campus ministries – Treva is renowned for organizing people and resources, along with her own “sweat equity” to make the world a more beautiful place.  “I think that we are in the closest touch with our Creator when we are in touch with Creation,” explains Treva regarding her planting passion.

Pause a moment in the Allison Memorial Garden at King’s Way United Methodist Church, or stop beside the flower beds at Platte Woods United Methodist Church north of Kansas City and you can enjoy the fruits of her labors.  One of her most enduring projects can be seen among the graceful dogwoods and maples on the “Mountain” – the Mount Sequoyah Retreat & Conference Center near Fayetteville, Arkansas.  A former member of the center’s board, she has been a devoted volunteer for over 20 years leading scores of other volunteers in planting trees, building beds, and working to enhance the beauty of the campus.

John Wesley’s famous Covenant Prayer has always been an inspiration for Treva.  “That prayer carried me into and through my ministry,” and it expresses a central Christian truth that, “faith does not protect us from suffering.”

Indeed, our lives are in God’s hands – but every good gardener knows that!  Spring is never far away, there is much good work to be done – and Reverend Treva Hall has an extra pair of gloves.

Pauline Hackett was born in Fairfax, Missouri, in the early years of a new century.  In 1910, William Howard Taft was president and Model T’s were rolling off the Ford assembly line. 

Today, at the start of another new century, Mrs. Pauline Hackett Arnold still resides in the small northwest Missouri town of her birth. A life-long member of the Fairfax United Methodist Church, she is now its oldest active participant. 

Mrs. Arnold – known to all as “Polly” – has seen plenty of history in her 93 years.  For the youth of her church, however, she is making history. 

In 1996 Polly created a scholarship fund at the Missouri United Methodist Foundation in memory of her husband “Chaulkey”, to help send local high school graduates to college. The church selects the recipient of the $1,000 scholarship each year. 

“The students in the church look forward to applying and take it very seriously,” states Reverend Judy Voss. “Polly’s scholarship is another affirmation of how much this congregation and the community care about the children.”

Children and education have always been close to Polly’s heart. She received a teaching certificate from Central Methodist College in 1929 and ran a successful business – the Fairfax Variety Store — for thirty years. “It was the only place where the kids were waited on before the adults,” says Polly with a laugh. At Polly’s Store the cinnamon balls were called “Uhhs” because of one regular customer, a little boy, who would point and say “Uhhhh” when he wanted to buy one. 

Polly remembers the past and the many landmarks that surround her with clarity and fondness. Her late husband, Charles C. “Chaulky” Arnold, ran the local train depot and telegraph. The depot closed in 1975, but still stands a few blocks from the old store building and the home where Polly grew up. 

The Fairfax United Methodist Church is another landmark. But it is a landmark with plenty of life. Of the 650 people who call Fairfax home, nearly half are members of the church. 

Polly takes great pleasure in her church family and the young lives being nurtured there. Judging from the bright twinkle in her eye, she may just be imagining the next century. 

“Marvin and Bettyrae Fluke have been the kind of church members that pastors pray for; always actively participating in worship and anything else that was happening here,” shared Rev. Dr. David Maggi, Senior Pastor of Clinton United Methodist Church. “I think they have served on about every committee we have, and served with enthusiasm and wisdom. If the doors were open, the Flukes were here (and sometimes when the doors weren’t open).”

Shortly before Marvin’s unexpected death, he and Bettyrae attended a Missouri United Methodist Foundation program at Clinton United Methodist Church. Bettyrae leaned over to her husband and whispered, “Let’s put these CD’s into a Charitable Gift Annuity with the Foundation.” Marvin agreed. “The joy we felt in doing something for our church was tremendous. Marvin was thrilled we did it,” said Bettyrae.

“Marvin and Bettyrae Fluke’s gift will be used to provide scholarship money for our youth to continue their education,” said Rev. Dr. Maggi. “By their generosity new doors will be open to generations of students.”

What door will you open to sustain the ministry of your church? There are many ways to make a charitable gift in remembrance of someone special that will have meaningful significance for years to come in your local United Methodist church or other United Methodist ministry.

Make a Charitable Gift Annuity and Receive Lifetime Payments

You may wish to make a charitable gift annuity, while continuing to provide lifetime financial support for yourself. With a charitable gift annuity, you make a gift of cash or appreciated securities and the Missouri United Methodist Foundation will pay you a fixed income for life (with rates based on your age). Benefits of a charitable gift annuity include guaranteed payments backed by your Missouri United Methodist Foundation, a charitable deduction for the value of your gift, partially tax-free payout, capital gains tax savings on gifts of appreciated stock, and personal satisfaction that your gift will sustain the United Methodist mission. Lifetime payments for you…a lasting legacy for your church!

The lives and legacy of Ed and Donna Hamilton illustrate for United Methodists in Missouri just how much we have been blessed by those who have gone before us. In their honor, the Foundation has created a special designation for grants used in support of rural ministries. Such grants are to be identified as “Hamilton Grants” in honor and memory of these extraordinary persons.

The Hamiltons were dedicated members of the Elmo United Methodist Church in Nodaway County, Missouri, and are remembered by family and friends as persons of considerable social awareness and concern.

Following World War II, Ed was appointed by President Truman as one of three Missouri Commissioners of Agriculture. Ed was an active participant in helping rebuild European livestock herds after the war, accompanying shipments of cattle overseas. At one time, Ed was cited as the person who knew Missouri agriculture the best.

Ed and Donna had no children, but were beloved by a large extended family. Reverend Richard Phillips, the Hamilton’s great nephew, remembers his Aunt and Uncle as “remarkable persons” who “were ‘parents’ to many of their siblings’ offspring.” Rev. Phillips remembers fondly, “I had the great fortune to live with them and to farm with them for a time. My wife and I farmed with them the first year we were married.”

A close family friend of the Hamiltons was their former pastor, Bishop Monk Bryan. He had many fond memories of riding horses with the Hamiltons on their farm, introducing his young family to the pleasures he knew as a boy in rural Texas. Bishop Bryan treasured the saddle given to him by the Hamiltons and recalls with a smile Donna’s favorite horse, named ‘Sunday.’

Ed and Donna’s estate plan gave final expression to their life and faith. They made arrangements for bequests to extended family, loved ones and their beloved local church. In keeping with their larger vision for the community of faith, however, the Hamiltons used the Foundation as the instrument of their largest financial legacy.

Mrs. Hamilton died in 1979, at which time the Hamilton’s farm was bequeathed to the Foundation. Valued at nearly $700,000, the proceeds from the sale of the farm became a major part of the Foundation endowment. To date, the Hamilton gift has provided grants to ministries throughout the state greatly exceeding the original gift. Meanwhile, the original gift continues to grow and will extend the reach of the of the Hamilton legacy for generations to come.

Inez M. Mencke was born on April 7, 1921 in Blair, NE. She grew up on a farm and attended the local, public schools. It was during this time, that Inez developed the desire to become a teacher.

At the age of 15, Inez began taking classes at Midland College. She received her teaching degree from the University of Omaha and at 16, began her teaching career. She taught in Nebraska for many years before marrying Harry Dexheimer on January 20, 1946. Harry was a career airman with the United States Air Force, a job which required him to move around the world. As they traveled, Inez took jobs teaching where she could. She retired from teaching full time in 1969 and began teaching as a substitute teacher in Grandview, MO.

Aside from being a devoted teacher, Inez was also very active in volunteer work. She was a member of the Methodist Women’s Organization and worked with organizations such as: the VFW Auxiliary, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and the Royal Neighbors of America.

The Inez M. Dexheimer Scholarship Fund was established in 2012 by Harry Dexheimer, who stated, “The Fund is created in loving memory of my wife who was a devoted educator and nurturer of students.” This charitable endowment fund is designed to assist one or more students with their educational expenses. The beneficiaries of the fund shall be identified by the First United Methodist Church of Blue Springs, currently located in Blue Springs, MO. To obtain eligibility information and an application for the Inez M. Dexheimer Scholarship, please contact the First UMC of Blue Springs at 816-229-8108.

Stella K. Kahrs was born July 23, 1892 at Lake Creek, Pettis County, Missouri. She was the second of four children born to George H. and Amelia Monsees Demand. Her father died of typhoid fever at the age of 38. Mr. Demand’s brother, Reverend John Demand, was a member of the West German Conference in Lincoln, NE. His two sisters were both married to Methodist ministers. On November 30, 1910 she was married to Stanley C. Kahrs in Smithton, MO.

She was originally a member of the German Methodist Episcopal Church in Smithton, MO. After the German and English Churches united, she was an active member of the Smithton United Methodist Church. Despite the fact she had no children, she taught the kindergarten Sunday school class for many years. She was a faithful member of the Ladies Aid Society which later became the Women’s Society for Christian Service (WSCS) and now known as the United Methodist Women (UMW). She played the piano and sang soprano in the church choir to express her love of music.

Mr. Kahrs preceded Stella in death on April 4, 1968. She lived alone for several years after his death until she was no longer able to do so. Mr. and Mrs. Kahrs’ home was on a lot about the size of a half a city block. When it was decided she could not return to her home she set about making arrangements to sell the property. Two appraisers examined the property and each independently valued it at $18,000.00. When Mrs. Kahrs received the reports she laughed and said she would not take a penny less than $37,000.00. It was a short time after her home was sold when she passed away on Easter Sunday, April 10, 1977. In her will she had specified certain bequests. After her final expenses and the bequests were paid, anything remaining was to be donated to the United Methodist Missouri West conference to be used for scholarships for those entering pastoral or music ministry. The sum that was left was exactly $37,000.00!

Nola D. Robinson was born October 5, 1898, in Midway, Missouri to Frank and Emily Thomas Quisenberry. Mrs. Robinson attended the rural school in Midway, and graduated from Howard Payne College, now Central Methodist University, in Fayette in 1920. For 26 years she served as a bookkeeper at Central Dairy in Columbia. For several years she assisted her family in a grocery business in Midway. In 1957, she married Billy Robinson who preceded her in death. She died on December 10, 1997, after a brief illness.

She was a member of Midway Locust Grove United Methodist Church her entire life. At the church she served as treasurer, president of the Ladies Aid Society, now United Methodist Women, and held other various positions of service. On her 99th birthday the church held a celebration for her. She gave generously of her worldly goods, during her life and upon her dath. She had a strong Christian faith to the end.

In response to her faith and devotion to her church, Nola Robinson established a memorial fund at the Missouri United Methodist Foundation to assist young people from Midway Locust Grove United Methodist Church or any United Methodist Church in Boone County, Missouri. The fund provides a scholarship or scholarships for students preparing to enter a church-related or ordained ministry career. Since the Midway Locust Grove UMC did not have a candidate for the scholarship award in 2000, they graciously provided funding for one of the Missouri United Methodist Foundation Seminary scholarships.

In 1995 Nola D. Robinson established a permanent memorial fund at the Foundation to provide scholarship assistance to young people from Midway Locust Grove UMC choosing a career in United Methodist Ministry. Although Mrs. Robinson contributed to the fund during her lifetime, the largest gift was provided in the form of a bequest received from her estate in 1998. Mrs. Robinson is pictured with the late Don Sanders (right), her attorney, and Reverend Jack Adams (left), a representative of the Foundation, at the time she established the fund.

J. Clinton Hawkins left a legacy of leadership, discipleship and service that continues to strengthen the United Methodist Church today. He was the moving force behind the creation of the Missouri United Methodist Foundation back in 1967, serving as the Foundation’s Executive Director for its first sixteen years.

Upon the occasion of Clint’s retirement in 1985, the Clint and Marge Hawkins Memorial Christian Education Fund for Youth was created to honor the Hawkins. The Fund is a fitting tribute aimed at encouraging and nurturing the leaders of tomorrow.

Since its inception, the Fund has received, and continues to receive, gifts from friends and admirers of Clint and Marge. Each year the Board of Directors of the Foundation makes earnings from the Fund available for postsecondary scholarships.

Scholarships are available for students from the Missouri Conference enrolled in an undergraduate academic program beyond the secondary level. Typically, the scholarships are in the amount of $1,000.

Anyone interested in applying for a scholarship should contact the Foundation office or visit our website. Additional contributions to the Fund can be sent to the Foundation office, PO Box 1076, Columbia, MO 65205-Gifts to the Fund qualify as tax deductible charitable contributions.

Ellen Kottwitz loved nursing, caring for people, listening to their stories, and encouraging and aiding them in their journey. Two scholarships have been created in Mrs. Kottwitz’s memory.

The Ellen Kottwitz Memorial Scholarship For Nursing & Health Related Professions was established to encourage and support Centralia High School graduates to prepare for a career in nursing or other health related professions.

The Ellen Olmsted Kottwitz Memorial Scholarship is for graduates of North County High School in Bonne Terre, Missouri, who are enrolled in an accredited nurses training program, seeking to become a Registered Nurse or to obtain the Bachelor of Science-Nursing (BSN) degree.