28 Mar Memories of Roxie Stahl

Steve Dennie, Communications Director

Roxie Stahl, 88, passed away March 18, 2013, at a retirement community in North Manchester, Ind. She spent 26 years working for Huntington University, 1964-1990, serving as editor, publications director, and public relations director.

Like many former Huntington University students, not to mention the numerous faculty and staff who worked alongside her, I have very fond memories of Roxie.

First of all, Roxie was clearly a highly talented writer and graphic artist. She was a book illustrator and graphic artist before joining the college staff, and did chalk presentations for churches and organizations across the Midwest. At Huntington University, she juggled many responsibilities in what was basically, in those years, a one-person communications shop. She could wear all of the necessary hats, cranking out quality material in whatever genre was needed.

But I also remember, with gratitude, the interest she took in me as a student. Sure, it helped that I liked to write and that she knew my parents (Dad worked with her at the college for a couple of years). But she just enjoyed students, and thrived in the college environment. I always found her pleasant, personable…and Christ-like.

In my case, Roxie took a special interest in developing my writing ability. She found great pleasure in sending some of my campus writings to Huntington and Fort Wayne newspapers, and was absolutely thrilled–more thrilled than I was, I think–when something appeared with my byline. She, along with the amazing Edwina Patton, continually encouraged me and nudged me toward a career in writing.

After I graduated and began working in the United Brethren denominational office as editor, I worked with Roxie on a professional basis for ten years. She continually supplied me with quality articles to use in our publications, and with whatever else I needed to tell the story of the college. And the encouragement never let up. When I landed articles in other Christian publications, I would want to tell Roxie, because I knew she would be both interested and proud.

Roxie, as I think about it, was somewhat of a mentor to me, though I never thought of her that way until just now.

A memorial service will be held April 13 at 2pm at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral home in Wabash, Ind.