Doris Schlessman Endowment Fund

When Doris passed after a lengthy illness, Roy, her husband of 59 years, gave a generous gift to Red Mountain UMC. He wanted her to live on as an inspiration to other women to get involved with the United Methodist Women group. Roy said Doris had lived the life of so many others in her generation, "cooking, cleaning and raising our four children."

He recalled the day she was encouraged by another church member to attend a School of Missions event and noted that was where she found real pleasure and fulfillment in her life outside her home.

This invitation led her to fill leadership positions in the United Methodist Women group and occasionally preach from the pulpit. While serving as President of the UMW, Doris attended the National Meeting of UMW held in Portland, Oregon made financially possible by an endowment fund created for that purpose at their then home church in Oklahoma. Someone had been cognizant of the need and provided monetary support giving Doris her emancipation, relieving her from her status of a stay at home mom and wife of the 60's.

Now, an endowment created in Doris's name is providing the funding and support for other women to enhance their mission and ministry. Doris Schlessman may be gone, but her name and memory will go on forever, helping women for many generations to build strong relationships and become active leaders at Red Mountain UMC.

Thank you, Roy and Doris Schlessman for your thoughtfulness and generosity.