By Chad Hershberger
The text message came right at the end of the annual Family Camp Talent Show on July 2. We just had a nice evening showcasing the gifts of campers when I got word that Betty Jane Mincemoyer was in ill health and entering hospice care. She had declined in recent months and had some unclear symptoms which sent her to the hospital the week before. In the morning of July 5, she went into the loving arms of her savior and was reunited again with her husband, Donald. She was 97. (obituary link)
When I heard the news, I got in touch with BJ’s daughter. She was on the way to see her mom and called me when she arrived. Although BJ was unresponsive verbally, I could hear her breathing as I shared with her how much her spirit was present at Camp Mount Luther and how much I enjoyed our friendship over the years. I told her that she was a blessing both to me and the camp. I thanked her for laying the foundations for our site and facility and that I was humbled to be able to walk in the footsteps of her and Donald (you can read more about their legacy here). Beth told me that her mom perked up a bit when she heard my voice. While the conversation was one-sided, I knew she heard my words of gratitude for a life well lived.
During my tenure as executive director, I have had to say goodbye to some of the pillars of this camp. I spoke on behalf of the synod bishop and camp at Donald’s memorial service. I visited Bambie Flickinger, my predecessor and friend, a few days before she died and was part of her memorial service. I visited with Wes Watters, our longtime caretaker, on the last night of his life. I’ve been at funerals for those connected to camp in various ways and I’ve been to camp staff family member’s final services. The heavy weight of these times is surely felt.
And I am reminded of the great cloud of witnesses that surrounds us at Camp Mount Luther. In six decades, some really remarkable people have shaped who we are and what we do. They’ve paid attention to caring for the site we’ve been given by God to do ministry here. While it is sad when their time on earth is through, there is also a sense of celebration for lives well lived and for the gift and blessing they were to the camp and its people.
Betty Jane did not want a funeral service when she died. Instead, she held a party for her 85th birthday and invited friends and family to come and celebrate life. I was pleased to be part of that celebration and hear stories and memories of her life. At that time, we didn’t know we’d have 12 more years with her but I’m so glad we did. In the last few months, I’ve corresponded with her via email, visited her at her home in Boalsburg, and she was able to attend our donor dinner last month. In front of the gathered crowd, I was able to recognize her for her service to camp and share some of the accomplishments that she and Don achieved while here in the 1960s. It was a great evening.
She shared with me as I helped her into the Evergreen Center that she knew she was slipping a bit in her health. But she said she’d bounce back. Ultimately, that was not the case. Beth shared with me that Camp Mount Luther was the last place Betty Jane visited before she left home to go to the hospital.
It made me feel good to know that she had one last memory of this place so many of us consider hallowed. She got to hear our appreciation for the work she did here. She got to mingle and reconnect with friends from over the years. She got to have one last visit to a place where she literally planted the trees that surround us. Her spirit will live on here.
Rest in peace, Betty Jane. Well done, good and faithful servant. I will miss you and promise to continue this important work we’ve both been privileged to do.