Family Loss

The Rochester College family expresses its sympathy for the loss of the following former students and employees during the last twelve months.

Marie Hall, wife of one of the college’s founding administrators, passed away on March 9, 2012. Maurice Hall worked as assistant to the president and taught missions courses for the college from 1959-1964. The Halls also served as missionaries in France and Vietnam. In recent years the couple has worked tirelessly on behalf of World Christian Broadcasting.

Olivia (Burtch) Cucco, class of 1995, passed away suddenly from a blood clot on February 22, 2012. Olivia’s mother, Diane (Burtch) Vitale, also completed coursework at the college while Olivia was enrolled. Her brother, Aaron Burtch, is a member of the class of 1994.

Former board member Oscar Glover died on January 23, 2012. Oscar served on the Board of Trustees from 1974 until 1999. Two of Oscar and Hazel’s daughters are alumni, Peggy (Glover) Hebel, class of 1973, and Janette Glover-Preece, class of 1976. Two grandchildren also attended, Phil Glover (’00) and Dan Hebel (’01).

Following heart surgery and an extended illness, Bob Forrester passed away on January 1, 2012. Bob was a member of the class of 1962.

Dr. Herbert Luft, a member of the class of 1963, died on December 27, 2011, from an apparent heart attack.

Gary Vaught, a member of the class of 2000, died on December 12, 2011 after a battling cancer. Gary completed his bachelor’s degree on a part-time basis as an adult student before the college had a special program for working adults. His wife, Jane, is a long-time member of the Associates.

Former board member and Associate Ann Luchsinger passed away on December 1, 2011. Ann served on the board from 1996 until 2011. She was an active Associate since the early 1960s, serving as assistant treasurer of the organization for many years.

Dr. Leo Hindsley, professor emeritus of history, passed away on November 29, 2011. Dr. Hindsley taught for the college from 1968 until his retirement in 1993. Two of Leo and Darlene’s children are alumni. Becky (Hindsley) Pate is a member of the class of 1971, and Cynthia (Hindsley) Michaelis a member of the class of 1974.

Audrey Gardner, wife of the college’s third president, passed away on November 28, 2011. In addition to serving as the college’s first lady from 1971 to 1978, Mrs. Gardner taught English and served as the college’s first full-time financial aid director. She was a gracious host and welcomed hundreds of students and employees into her home.

Former employee Jeanne Bertholet passed away on October 7, 2011. Jeanne worked in the maintenance department with her husband Marcel Bertholet from 1968 until 1985. Marcel retired in 1989 and is living in Florida.

Jim Fox, a member of the class of 1963, died on September 27, 2011, after battling cancer.

Bill Brooks, a member of the class of 1971, passed away suddenly from anaphylactic shock (wasp sting) on July 30, 2011. Bill’s wife, Barb (Benham) Brooks, is also a member of the class of 1971. Their daughter, Shelley (Brooks) Williams, is member of the class of 1998.

A member of the class of 1963, Bonnie (Hicks) Stemler, died on July 8, 2011. Bonnie also worked on campus as a secretary for Dr. Joseph Jones during the 1966-67 academic year.

Missy (Miller) Lolmaugh died from pancreatic cancer on June 17, 2011. Missy was a member of the class of 1968.

For comments about this page or to contact family members of deceased alumni, contact Larry Stewart at lstewart@rc.edu.