There’s something special about Rush County life, isn’t there? It only took two years of working and living in Elkhart after college for new RCCF board member, Julie Leisure, to long for home. And for good reason.

“I love the close-knit community that we have.  It is so comforting being where everyone knows your name,” she said.  Julie, a Milroy native, now living between Arlington and Carthage, has Rush County in her blood. Just like her profession – teaching. That’s really no surprise for the daughter of Phil and Nancy Mitchell.

Phil was a teacher and principal in Milroy, and Nancy taught in New Salem. But their influence spread so much further than their schools.

“My parents are my first heroes,” shared Julie. “From my earliest memories, Mom and Dad were always present for our family. They supported our interests and helped us become the best that we could be. They instilled the importance of giving back to the community, treating everyone with respect, and pursuing our dreams. They were involved in the church, community clubs, 4-H, youth group, school groups, RCCF, scouting programs, and many other worthwhile organizations.”

She continued, “Not only were they there for us, but they were always there for people in the community who needed a listening ear, financial support, advice, a helping hand, and more. They were true examples of what philanthropy is all about.”

“The greatest compliment I have ever received is that I have reminded someone of one of my parents,” she smiled.

After graduating from Indiana State with a B.S. in Elementary Education, Julie has spent her career supporting students in each of the local elementary schools. Even though she officially retired, she still works part-time at Milroy. “I have taught 1st through 4th grades, worked one-on-one with students in Reading Recovery, have been a literacy group instructional coach, and am now serving as a part-time Title One teacher. I have worked alongside some of the best colleagues who have impacted my educational growth since I began teaching in 1989.”

Julie married Dean Leisure in 1995, and they have two children, Brett and Brooke, both RCCF scholarship recipients. Brett manages the grain operations at Viterra in Glenwood. Brooke followed her family’s path and teaches first grade in Lafayette. The Leisure family also includes a cat, two dogs, four donkeys, and a flock of sheep.

Julie admits, “Dean is also my hero.  He works so hard for our family and supports all that I do. I am forever grateful to him for taking an extra job when we were starting our family so that I could stay home with the kids. He is my voice of reason and the one who helps me look at situations from all angles. He is humble, my rock, and my best friend.”

Julie loves music and traveling. She’s involved with the Rush County Chorale and serves on the worship team at Center Christian Church. She combined her passions the first time she went to Europe as part of a Christian group tour called Continental Singers. She likes to visit historical sites when traveling, too. Recently, she went to Alaska with Dean and their kids.

Set in a time of historical significance in a lush mountain scape with an iconic soundtrack, it should come as no surprise that Julie’s all-time favorite movie is The Sound of Music.

Philanthropy has always played a role in Julie’s life, thanks to the life modeled by her parents. Thinking back to the best gift she’s ever given, it’s one that’s become a Christmas tradition. To honor her parents, Julie and her siblings began making donations to RCCF, Rush County Community Assistance Food Pantry, and Milroy United Methodist Church. “I love being able to help out these worthwhile groups.  Any size of gift can make an impact on a scholarship recipient, a hungry family, or a small church.  It is our way of using the resources God has so blessed us with to make a difference in Rush County.”

Her father’s involvement with RCCF as an early board member, donor, and active volunteer until his passing last year, was Julie’s introduction to our mission.

“I was honored to be asked to join the RCCF board and be able to follow in Dad’s footsteps,” she reflected. “The influence the Foundation has had on our community is immense.  I can’t think of a better organization to give my time to. I want to be a part of its growth and be able to serve Rush County and its community members long-term. I think it’s remarkable that our local foundation has received two $5M grants from Lilly Endowment! I look forward to the new Love Community Center opening. And, there are so many endowment funds that have been created at RCCF to support cemeteries, churches, scholarships, education, local organizations, and more!  I look forward to seeing what the year ahead brings and watching how RCCF will impact the community for generations to come.”

We’re so grateful to Julie for carrying her parents’ servants’ hearts forward to enhance life in Rush County for all!