Hi ladies,
It is a
privilege for me to be able to type out another interview for you all to get to
know another fellow sister in Christ at Sugar Grove
Church. This month we will be meeting Dee Hurtle! So
plug in the Christmas tree, grab a hot drink, and sit down by the fire (under a
blanket, with your warm socks on) :) and listen in as Dee
shares her story…
Dee grew up at Sugar Grove and has been attending for 79
years! Her parents were members of the church and they attended regularly. She
has been very active in church ministries over the years, including serving as
a youth counselor with her late husband Chuck, teaching the 2-3 yr. old class
with Sue Fields for 20+ years, serving on many women’s committees, and
volunteering in the nursery. Presently, Dee
serves as head of the kitchen (If you’ve ever eaten a meal served from the SGC
kitchen you will certainly understand why she is in this position!), works in
the Awana program, sends out material for the Home Department, and works in the
Tabitha Circle.
Dee became widowed four years ago after almost 56 years
of marriage, when her beloved husband Chuck passed away from cancer. “He was a
great husband, father, and grandfather. He loved the Lord and we had a
wonderful marriage.” Chuck and Dee went to Concord High School
together and were neighbors as well. He also was a friend to Dee’s
brother. “He wanted to date me, but I didn’t want to because my whole family
wanted me to date him as well.” :) Chuck
and Dee graduated from high school and Chuck again asked Dee
for a date. Dee accepted, and says that after
the first date she never turned back – as they became friends first, and then
fell in love. They were married in the old Sugar Grove
Church building.
When I asked
Dee what helped to keep love alive in their
marriage she said that they enjoyed doing things together. “I also loved doing
special things for him. As well as trust, love, communication, and always being
there for one another.” They were unable to have children of their own, but God
blessed them with two children by adoption. Scott and his wife Deb live in North Vernon, IN, and a
daughter Karla, who lives in Goshen. Dee is also
blessed with three grandchildren – Brock, Malory, and Jadyn. “Children and
grandchildren are wonderful. Our family had lots of fun and have many good
memories.”
Dee grew up on a farm just 1 ½ miles from SGC. She had
one sister and six brothers. “We had a very interesting and busy life on the
farm. We all had jobs to do. The boys worked on the farm and milked cows. My
sister Carol and I gathered eggs, worked in the garden, and did housework. My
brothers were all basketball players for Concord,
where we all went to school. My dad was our bus driver.” Dee
was very active in extracurricular activities during her school years.
Something you may not know about Dee is that she
had the lead part in both her junior and senior class plays in high school. She played the clarinet in the band, was a
cheerleader, was the editor for the school newspaper, worked in the school
bookstore, and also won the Citizenship Award. After graduation, Dee began her first job in the office at Elkhart Brass.
She then went to the factory of C.T.S. in Elkhart,
before becoming the manager of the Concord Community Schools cafeteria for 30
years. She retired from this position in 1999, then taking over the kitchen at SGC. “I love doing it!”
Dee shared that she was very fortunate to have special
people in her life that pointed the way to Christ as she grew up. “A very
special lady, who’s name was Madge Lockwood, was in charge of Jr. Church. She
was a very loving, caring, good Christian lady, who taught me a lot and made us
as children feel very special. We attended Jr. Church while our parents were in
the church service. We sang songs, learned Bible verses, and Mrs. Lockwood gave
the Bible story.
"The invitation
to accept Jesus was given often, so I knew the plan of salvation. I also had a
couple other great Sunday School teachers, Christine and Frank Lynn. They were
caring and very helpful and taught me many things. Also, Rev. C.S. Priest was
my pastor and he gave the invitation to be saved many times, but I didn’t
respond. Back then, when an invitation was given, you were to go forward in
front of all the people and I had a fear of doing that. I thought I was a good
person, but I knew you couldn’t get to Heaven by good works.
"Years
ago we would have an evangelist come to hold meetings each night for one week.
When I was a teenager, Rev. Veneroff came for these meetings. He was very
interesting and got me to thinking. He gave an invitation at the beginning of
the week, but I didn’t respond. During the week I was really being convicted
and when he gave another invitation, I went forward and accepted Jesus Christ
as my Savior. What a great peace came over me! I am so thankful for Sugar Grove
Church, which has always
preached from the Word of God. They always have, and still are! That is why I’m
still here. Praise God.”
Some verses
that are especially meaningful to Dee include:
Proverbs
3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and
lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He
will make your paths straight.
Psalm 37:5
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him
and He will do this.
Philippians
4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in
everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to
God.
In her spare
time, Dee enjoys reading and knitting. She
also makes mints for showers, weddings, graduations, or parties. Her favorite
holiday is Christmas because it is Jesus’ birthday. She also loves the hustle
and bustle of shopping, the beautiful lights, glistening snow, and the
Christmas music.
Quick Questions:
What is the best part about being a woman?
That God made me this way! I also love being a mother and grandmother.
What makes you laugh? Happy people,
people with a good sense of humor.
Three words to describe yourself:
Loving, caring, and giving.
Shy or outgoing? Outgoing
Tomboy or princess? Tomboy
Coffee or tea? Coffee
Oceanside or mountainside? Oceanside
The perfect meal? Olive Garden
Worst food ever? Oysters
Morning person or night owl? Both!
I’d love to travel to: Hawaii
Listen, read, or watch to learn? Listen
and watch
Favorite Bible character? Paul
3 Things that bring peace to your life
and/or help you relax? Reading the Word, reading books, and helping others.
Thank you Dee, for sharing your life with us and for serving the
people of SGC so faithfully!
And ladies,
may the Good News of Great Joy come to your hearts and fill you in a special
way this Christmas season.
Luke 2:10-11
But the angel said to them, “Do not be
afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
Today in the town of David
a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.”
Julie
