Rev. Pauline Esther (Wirt) Rupe, 68, passed away on November 30, 2010 at her home in Evergreen, Colorado after an inspiring four-year battle with cancer. She kept a positive attitude all during her ordeal as she continued to lead a very active life throughout her illness. Some of her activities included: leading bible study groups, taking cruises and trips with family and friends, entertaining her family during special celebrations and extended family vacations at their Michigan cottage, singing in church choirs in Michigan and Colorado and the Bay View Assembly choir, the Little Traverse Bay Choral Society and the Evergreen Chorale. She even joined Jan's Happy Tappers in Denver, CO recapturing the joy of her childhood in tap dancing. She felt blessed to be able to attend her 50th class reunion from Muncie Central High School this summer and to spend two weeks with her daughter in Korea all before she fell critically ill.
Pauline was born on October 12, 1942 at Ball Memorial Hospital, Muncie, IN to the late Rev. Charles and Ruby Wirt of Muncie. She graduated from Muncie Central High School in 1960. Pauline married Meredith Rupe on March 16, 1963 after being introduced at a youth officer's retreat by Rev Sheldon Duecker, who later became a Bishop of the United Methodist Church. Off they went to seminary at Drew University, Madison, NJ where she supported the family as Meredith went to school. It was here that she became introduced to sacred dance, which she used in ministry for the rest of her life. She enjoyed being a supportive pastor's wife for many years until they moved to Big Rapids, MI where she took a position at Ferris State University as a Testing Coordinator for those wishing to teach their occupation in schools. She also consulted with many companies in developing competency tests for their employees. During this 19-year span she developed many sacred dance choirs of all ages, with many of those who participated now leading such groups in their own churches. She also served as Christian Education Director for the Big Rapids United Methodist Church. She then felt the call to ministry and took the Course of Study and was appointed to the Quinnesec, MI, United Methodist Church where she found much fulfillment as a pastor for eight years.
Her children and grandchildren were special to her and she celebrated their accomplishments attending more athletic games, music concerts and graduations than can be counted. She so looked forward to their coming to the cottage for family vacations.
Pauline received a two-year secretarial degree from Ball State University and continued her educational journey by beginning her bachelor's degree at Northern Michigan University, Marquette, MI and completing it at Ferris State University, Big Rapids, MI where she also earned her Masters Degree in education. When she went into the ministry she completed the Course of Study at Garret Evangelical Seminary, Evanston, IL. Over her life she touched so many lives with her loving dedication and hard work for people within and outside the church, with her friendly smile, generous gifts, heartfelt counseling and kind words helping many through their life trials. Her presence is missed by her family and the lives she touched.
Pauline is survived by her husband of 47 years, Meredith of Lake Louise Christian Community, MI and Evergreen, CO, two sons, M. Dylan Rupe (Safia) of Evergreen, CO, Manuel Rupe (Michelle) of Mt Pleasant, MI; one daughter: Majenica Rupe of Evergreen, CO. Five grandchildren: Alex and Aiden Rupe of Evergreen, CO and Lauren, Tyler and Carter Rupe of Mt Pleasant, MI. Sister: Dorothy (Gene) Glaze. Two Brother-in-laws: Robert Richmond of Elwood, IN and Robert Russell (Pam) Rupe of Sharpsville, IN. Six nieces and nephews: Diana Richmond, Elwood, IN, Kerry (Karen) Stinson of Albany, IN, Connie (Pete) Swingley of Selma, IN, Chad (Andrea) Andrews of Carmel, IN, Sara (Kyle) Badgett of Lafayette, IN and Christina Rupe of Sharpsville, IN. Pauline was preceded in death by her parents Charles and Ruby Wirt and her sister Donna Ruth Richmond.
Funeral Services will be conducted at 11:00 AM Monday, December 6, 2010 at the Aroma United Methodist Church in Aroma, Indiana with Rev. Wayne Reece, a family friend from her childhood and Rev. Dick Judson, pastor of the Aroma Church officiating. Burial will follow at the Aroma Cemetery adjacent to the church. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 PM Sunday, December 5, 2010 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home, 415 S. Anderson Street, Elwood. Memorial services will also be held for her in Evergreen, CO in January and Big Rapids, MI, in the spring.
Memorial gifts may be given in her memory to the Rupe Lectures on Faith and Work at Ferris State University - Big Rapids, MI or to the United Methodist Foundation of Michigan - Grand Rapids, MI.