May 2023

1. What is your first memory of being at Ionia FPC?
Ionia FPC is my home church because it is where my parents were members, where I was baptized (June 9, 1946) and
where I became as member on April 4,1960. I remember, as a child, singing in the children’s choir and wearing short white
choir robes. We would all line up on the steps in the front of the sanctuary. I especially loved singing the Christmas hymns
in the Christmas pageant. Christmas was such a special time.
I think one of my earliest memories is youth fellowship under the guidance of Mary Esther Helms Daddazio. She was the
church organist, a Sunday school teacher, and our youth fellowship leader. I don’t remember where she took us, but the
back car doors of her car opened to the front of the car. We would all pile into the back seat, which seemed so large. No
one worried about seat belts. She was such a wonderful influence, so energetic and full of life. She loved us kids so
dearly.

2. What in the church influenced you the most in the development of your faith during your growing up years? As
an adult?
My parent’s faith and involvement in the mission and work of the church was how I developed my faith in God and the
need to be actively a part of the church. Both of my parents were on committees, and my mother was a Sunday school
teacher for many years as well as being involved in the women’s circles. For one of the local bank’s monthly board
meetings, our church, as a fund raiser, would prepare their dinner meal and deliver it to the bank. My mother was a big part
of that.
The first pastor I remember was Rev. George Rentschler. He had a deep and commanding voice especially when
preaching. His wife, Sara, was the epitome of a minister’s wife, so loving and caring. Before her marriage, she was an
elementary school teacher, and at Ionia FPC, she taught Sunday school among other things. Their daughter, Ruth, who
became a Presbyterian minister, was my age and their daughter, Ann, who became a nurse, was a couple years younger.
My dad and George were golf partners. I can remember my dad saying they would never swear on the golf course. Instead,
George would say “Hoover” because it was the biggest damn he knew. My parents developed a long and lasting
relationship with them, which kept us in contact even when they eventually retired. In their retirement, they would visit
Ionia and stay with my parents.
As an adult, being a part of our church family is very important to me.
3. Were you married in the church?
My first husband and I were married by Rev. Robert McComb in the church in 1969. When I moved to Grand Ledge in
1972, I began looking for a Presbyterian church. There wasn’t one in Grand Ledge. However, Rev. Dr. Fred Graham was
the organizing minister of a new church on Lansing’s west side. I was a charter member of Delta Presbyterian Church.
Perry and I were married at Delta Presbyterian 1986.
4. You have been Clerk of Session for many years. While this is a big job, what are the most interesting and
fulfilling aspects of the tasks?
Yes, it is a big responsibility, which I take very seriously. However, I consider the tasks a labor of love. Since I retired in
2002, besides my husband and family, my purpose in life is my faith in God and our church. It is important to me to
maintain the church records as accurately as I can, which include the Session minutes, the church official register book,
membership records and the work of the committees. Prior to COVID, I enjoyed meeting in the spring with the other
clerks of our region of the Presbytery to review the Session minutes and the official church register. I always learned
something new. We are now getting back to meeting in person, which is scheduled for May 6 at Parkwood Presbyterian in
Jension. I find it interesting and fulfilling to be a part of our wonderful, loving church family.
5. Besides your responsibilities as clerk, what keeps you coming back to church after being unable to attend during
COVID.
As we all know, March 2020 was the beginning of the pandemic, and COVID was a disheartening experience. I need
social interaction with people as much as all of us do. Having to isolate just seemed so abnormal. Thankfully, Pastor Chris
provided a virtual worship service. However, I missed our church sanctuary, our church family and Pastor Chris. It just
wasn’t the same. I couldn’t wait to get back together. I pray we never have to suspend in person worship again!!