Clarence and Ruth Bixler Reeser Scholarship Fund

When Clarence and Ruth Reeser sold their farm of 23 years, they were able to realize their dreams and help future Goshen College students realize theirs.

Both from large families, Clarence was one of 12 children, while Ruth (Bixler) had eight siblings.  Clarence grew up in Albany, Oregon.  And Ruth was born in Goshen and moved to West Liberty, Ohio, when she was 11.  Clarence and Ruth’s paths crossed when they both came to GC in the fall of 1949.  Ruth was at GC one year before enrolling at La Junta School of Nursing in Colorado, while Clarence attended GC for two years before participating in alternate service at a Denver hospital for 1952 to 1954.  They were married in 1953.  Though he never graduated from Goshen, Clarence went to Western Oregon State College  (WOSC) in 1962 to pursue a degree in education, which he completed in 1965.

By 1971, Clarence was in his seventh year as fifth-grade teacher and earned a master’s degree in education from WOSC.  While he taught school, however, he dreamed of farming, an occupations he had earlier enjoyed.  In 1972 Clarence, Ruth and their five children moved to Central Washington, where they lived on an irrigated farm in the desert.  They sold the farm 23 years later and set up a charitable reminder unitrust with the Mennonite Foundation, with some of the proceeds going toward scholarships for future GC students, with special consideration given to students from Oregon, Washington and Idaho.  Selling the farm not only helped the Reeser’s become debt-free, but it also allowed them time to pursue voluntary service, a long-time interest of theirs.

Though it’s been over 45 years since they lived in Goshen, Clarence and Ruth have maintained connected with the city and GC. Two of their children attended GC, including Emily, who graduated in 1986.  In addition, six of Ruth’s siblings attended GC (five graduated) and three currently reside in the Goshen area.

The Reesers thank God for their life, and pray their gift will help students realize the value of a Christian college.  “We think that Goshen College will provide a nurturing environment for any students who are looking for a college that will help them to grow spiritually,” Clarence said.  “God has blessed us in ways that we never expected, and we are pleased to assist future students, as some of our children were assisted with similar scholarships in paying for their education.”