When we asked Denise Hoeing, new RCCF Board Member, to share a little about her life, she began by telling us she was born at Rush Memorial Hospital. Not just that she’s from Rush County, or even a specific town. But that’s not so surprising when you learn more about her.

Denise grew up on a beef, hog and grain farm south of Homer. After graduating from Rushville Consolidated High School, she enrolled in Indiana Central College (now known as University of Indianapolis) to study nursing. She earned her Associates and Bachelor’s degree and joined the staff at Major Hospital in Shelbyville. “I had the unusual opportunity to have worked at the original Major Hospital and am fortunate enough to experience moves into two completely, newly built hospitals with that same organization,” Denise reflected. During her 46 years with Major, she worked as a registered nurse in the CCU/ICU, adult medical unit and also as a preceptor for IU and IUPUC nursing students. Denise finally put away her scrubs and retired in December of 2020.

Not to worry, Denise definitely doesn’t have trouble filling her new free time. She and Ken have been married for nearly 42 years. Family is so important to them. Their son, Chris and his wife, Ashley live nearby. Chris farms with his parents. Their daughter, Kim, her husband, Ben and their grandchildren Leah (5) and Noah (3) live in Boone County. They also farm.

Denise enjoys watching sports and reading, but you’re just as likely to find her at a rock concert. Her photography and scrapbooking skills complement her love of traveling out West perfectly.

While at home in Rush County, the Hoeings enjoy supporting locally-owned restaurants and attending concerts at the amphitheater. They are members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Denise’s journey to getting involved with RCCF started as a donor making memorial gifts to various funds. Their daughter, Kim, was a scholarship recipient. Several years ago Denise served on the grants committee and now joins the board. “I wish others knew how much the foundation has done for the county and its residents since its beginning. There are many opportunities that have been made possible due to the RCCF, that might not have materialized or been completed without its donations,” she reflected. In addition to RCCF, Denise feels that the 4-H program, Optimist Youth Soccer League, FFA, Rush County Community Assistance and ARC all have a very positive effect on our community.

Like most of us, what it really comes down to about loving local life, is the people. “One of the things I love most about living in Rush County, however is how our community comes together to help others, whether it be for medical problems, after a tornado, fire, loss of family member or fund raising for a project,” Denise shared.

Hearing this, it’s not a surprise that Denise’s hero was her mother, Marlene Miller. “We lost her in November, and she is greatly missed,” shared Denise. “She was always putting everyone before herself. She was usually one of the first to offer assistance and food whenever the need was there. She sent numerous cards whether it was birthday, sympathy, holidays, or just to say hello,” she remembered. “She was wonderful with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren – giving support, spending time with them and planning fun and memorable activities. She was known for her giving spirit in our community and her many friends. She had a great faith in God and shared that faith with many. I hope I can use her example to guide my own life.”

Having served her community through her career, her volunteer work and caring for her family, it certainly sounds to us like Denise is following in her mother’s footsteps beautifully. We’re grateful that she has taken her foundation in life to help build ours – welcome to the board, Denise!