In Memory of Ruth Evelyn Daniels
Ruth Evelyn Daniels, wife of former Methodist Children’s Home President Dr. Jack Kyle Daniels, passed away Saturday, Jan. 23.
A native of Grand Saline, Texas, she graduated from Baylor University, where she also met her husband, Jack.
Dr. Daniels, who served as president of MCH from 1978-2003, arrived at MCH at the age of 2 along with his siblings and spent his formative years at MCH. The couple’s 64-year marriage always involved MCH in some manner.
“The Danielses have been faithful supporters and encouragers to many people, including me,” said Trey Oakley, MCH president and CEO. “When I arrived at MCH 21 years ago, my family and I were warmly welcomed by Dr. Jack and Evelyn. It was a joy to serve with and learn from them both. While Dr. Daniels was the one on the payroll, everyone knew the couple was a package deal.”
Oakley said his wife, Karen, always described Evelyn as the “model First Lady who truly loved and gave her best to MCH.”
“Not long after joining MCH, Karen and I were expecting our first child,” Oakley said. “Karen fondly recalls Evelyn pulling out all the stops and hosting the most wonderful baby shower for us. She didn’t have to do that for a young midlevel manager as I was then, but Evelyn was all about serving others and had a gift for making others feel valued and loved.”
In retirement, the Danielses faithfully attended the annual homecoming weekend of the MCH Alumni Association to reconnect with lifelong friends. Amy Barley, a member of the MCH Board of Directors and daughter of an MCH alumna, reflected that “Jack and Evelyn have been a part of our lives for as long as I can remember. Evelyn was an example to each young girl she came into contact with.”
Jimmy Hammond, a former MCH resident, returned to serve as a home parent during Dr. Daniels’ tenure as president. He remembers Evelyn as welcoming and hospitable.
“When my wife and I came to work as home parents, Mrs. Daniels was the first person to tell me that Dr. Daniels and I shared a special bond of both being former students who returned as full-time staff.
“Dr. Daniels always wanted to make sure the children of MCH were taken care of because it was ‘their’ mission, not just his,” Hammond added.
Evelyn is survived by her loving husband, Jack; two children, Lyn Koenning and Kyle “Stig” Daniels; four grandchildren, Stephen White, Lisa Atkins Matz, Kimberly Atkins Berger, and Cole Koenning; and three great-grandchildren, Kylie and Samantha White, and Vincent Matz.
MCH alumnus Jim Milam honored Evelyn by using a phrase Dr. Daniels often invoked when speaking of the passing of a friend: “As Jack was known to say: ‘God gave us the gift of memory.’ Evelyn will be remembered.”
“Methodist Children’s Home has such a rich history,” said Oakley. “I often say that we stand on the shoulders of giants – those who paved the way through their service, commitment, love, and expertise to make MCH what it is today. Ruth Evelyn Daniels certainly is one of those giants.”
Youth Compete in the McLennan County Jr. Livestock Show
From Feb. 8-12, Methodist Children’s Home charter school students participated in the McLennan County Junior Livestock Show at the Extraco Events Center in Waco. Twelve FFA students had animals selected to be shown, with three advancing to the Sale of Champions.
“Like Mr. Oakley told our kids, it’s not always about the placing but the memories and knowledge they gained,” said Steve Kruse, AG teacher at the MCH charter school. “Thanks to everyone for thinking about our kids and encouraging them.”
The process to showcase animals was adjusted to include COVID-19 protocols. Masks were required in the pen area, but could be removed when the youth presented their animals due to sufficient physical distancing. A limited number of guests per participant were allowed to attend to minimize crowd size.
The MCH charter school is operated in partnership with The University of Texas-University Charter School system and located on the Waco campus. Students participating in the junior livestock show learn about caring for and showing animals during agricultural sciences classes.
JR. LIVESTOCK SHOW RESULTS:
SHEEP DIVISION
- Abigail – Participated (Hair Sheep)
- D’Nayjah – 3rd (Med. Wool) (Sale)
- Emma – Participated (Med. Wool)
GOAT DIVISION
- Destinee – 9th
- Emma – 10th
STEER DIVISION
- Dalton – Participated
SWINE DIVISION
- Alex – Participated (CROSSES*)
- Austen – 10th (CROSSES*)
- Camray – 8th (WOPB*)
- Lacy – 7th (HAMP*) (Sale)
- Nikki – 11th (BOPB*)
- Taylor – 9th (DUROC)
- Triston – 5th (YORK*) (Sale)
*SHOW SWINE BREEDS:
- BOPB: Black Other Pure Breed
- CROSSES: Cross Bred
- HAMP: Hampshire
- WOPB: White Other Pure Breed
- YORK: American Yorkshire
MCH Receives 2021 GuideStar Platinum Seal
Winter Weather Response from MCH
On Saturday, Feb. 13, 2021, a large storm system hit Texas and much of the region, bringing historic snowfall and subzero temperatures which taxed energy grids and supply chains. For more than a week, many in communities across the state endured power outages in addition to the bone-chilling temperatures, causing unprecedented emergencies and even loss of life. In response to inquiries from many concerned supporters of the ministry, MCH President and CEO Trey Oakley shared the following letter detailing how MCH fared through the storm: Read full letter here.
The Daniels are special people, my wife and I came to work at MCH In 1992 thinking that we would only be there maybe a year, well 24 plus years I was still there, I feel blessed to have served. I only hope my time there was a blessing to someone as I know it was due to having the Daniels serve. Rick and Sylvia Cummins