In Rush County’s southwest corner, in Orange Township, sits the Harcourt family farm. Carl and Barbara Harcourt, RCCF supporters and founders of the newly established Harcourt Family Scholarship Fund, make their home there. But Carl wasn’t the first generation of his family to do so.

His grandmother, Flo, raised four children there in the 1930’s and 40’s – his aunts Betty, Marilyn, and Maurita, and his father, Russell Jr.

Russell Jr. earned a full ride to Purdue on a basketball scholarship. When his parents divorced, he did what needed to be done. He left school and the game he loved to return home and farm.

“All the Harcourts have been very hardworking and surmounted numerous hardships to maintain the family farm,” shared Barbara. It’s a sentiment many of us understand – the sacredness of these places and the sacrifices required to keep them afloat.

In addition to their love of the land, the family has always regarded education highly. Carl’s mother, Betty Mae Bassett Harcourt, was an art teacher. She was involved in the community and had a love for helping others gain education.

His parents originally set aside a fund to assist anyone who had the desire to further their education, regardless of academic standing.

These dollars and holding true to their values made it possible for each of Carl’s aunts to attend college after graduating from Milroy High School. All three were graduates of Indiana University with successful, impactful careers.

Marilyn Harcourt Hardwick Woods earned a master’s degree. She taught at several schools in Richmond, Indiana and at Arlington High School in Indianapolis. She later served as Dean of Students at John Marshall High School, also in Indianapolis. She was involved in several community organizations.

Maurita Harcourt Ball earned a bachelor’s degree in education and English and was a Mortar Board Honoree. She taught 5th and 6th grades and led the school choir at Charles Elementary School in Richmond, Indiana. She taught Sunday school and sang in the choir at church. She was also heavily involved in the community and enjoyed gardening, spending time with family and friends, and visiting the family farm.

Betty Harcourt Spyrison earned a bachelor’s degree, in bacteriology and chemistry. She was a laboratory technician at General Hospital in Indianapolis before later becoming a radiology technician. A woman with many interests and talents, she enjoyed quilting, penning poetry, painting, animals, and gardening.

Between his grandmother, three aunts, and mother, Carl grew up surrounded by strong, intelligent, and well-rounded women. His sister, Sharalie, followed closely in their footsteps.

Sharalie Harcourt earned a bachelor’s degree, unsurprisingly from Indiana University, and later obtained a master’s in counseling from Butler University. She worked for years at the Marion County Welfare Department and for many years at the State Department of Children’s Services. She was instrumental in helping to set up their computer systems and was a mentor to many. She volunteered at Riley Hospital for Children rocking and comforting babies born with substance addictions. From her obituary, “Sharalie surmounted many physical difficulties throughout her life with grit and determination. She had the art of making and keeping good friends.” She was imbued with a witty sense of humor, a mischievous side, and an abundance of care, kindness, and loyalty to those she loved.

It’s impossible to measure the number of lives these women were able to positively influence. But given the nature of their work and their characters, it is undoubtedly huge. It was the generosity of Russell and Betty that helped them reach their potential. By giving one person a helping hand, you never know how far that will reach.

In that spirit, Carl and Barbara recently established the Harcourt Family Scholarship, honoring Russell and Betty B. Harcourt, Marilyn Hardwick Woods, Maurita Ball, Betty Spyrison and Sharalie Harcourt. This scholarship will provide support to residents of Orange or Anderson Township for any schooling beyond high school. Priority will be given based on financial need, with preference for a student who does not have the highest GPA.

“We want to honor all the family members’ efforts and Carl’s parents’ original dream to assist those persons who have a sincere desire for further training or education,” reflected Barbara. Their gift has done just that.

Helping you ensure your values live on to enhance life in Rush County is our passion. By starting a permanent fund at RCCF, you can endow what you love – forever. Get in touch with us at info@rushcountyfoundation.org or (765) 938-1177 to discuss your turning your dreams into reality.