Born: October 29, 1930 (Evanston, IL)
Died: March 21, 1992 (Denver, CO)
Education:
- 1952 B.A. Wellesley College (Music Theory, Piano, Organ)
- 1989 Hon. Doctorate from WVWC
- 1990 Hon. Doctorate from Nebraska Wesleyan
Notes:
- Served as music secretary at Highland Park United Methodist Church from 1969-1976, while Ronald taught at Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University. She studied with well-known Methodist composer, Jane Marshall, and audited a course in choral arranging with Lloyd Pfautsch.
- Joy in the Morning written and performed especially for Ronald’s inaugural ceremony, with the world debut sung by the Concert Chorale, as he became the 13th president of West Virginia Wesleyan College.
- Hymn of Promise, inspired by T.S. Eliot’s poem East Coker, was first performed at Pasadena Community Church in St. Petersburg, Florida at a concert in March 1985. Her husband, who died of cancer in April of that year, requested that it be included in his funeral service. It is included in hymnals worldwide, and is one of the most beloved hymns of the 20th century.
- Wrote: Adventures for the Soul: 35 Inspirational Poems and the Stories Behind Them
- By the time of her death, she was credited with more than 180 pieces of music, many of which are standards around the world.
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