YC Legacy
Nellie’s Bible, used from Christmas 1963 until Christmas 1994, when she gave it to her daughter Kathy.
David and Nellie on their wedding day, June 21, 1941.
women. David wanted to refuse the initial promotion because he didn’t feel qualified. He didn’t have a college degree—how could he be a campus administrator? Despite his misgivings, he said yes, and students were blessed.
Strength and Compassion David and Nellie liked to have fun with the students, says Thomas. David would catch people doing pranks, such as putting a Volkswagen on the landing at the top of the steps in front of McGehee, and he would laugh and look the other way. “He let them have their fun, but made them clean up afterwards,” said Thomas. “Even kids he disciplined loved him because they knew he always acted out of love and concern for their well being,” says daughter Kathy Hameister ’76. Gail Miller, associate professor of biology, recalled an incident that exemplified the Repparts’ ministry at YC. A student had stolen a wallet and gotten in trouble with the law. After helping her through the legal ramifications of her action, David had to dismiss her from school. (right) Jared Stark, YC Athletic Director, was given the inaugural David and Nellie Reppart Award for Service at the All-College banquet this spring. (l-r:) Tabitha Hameister, Kathy (Reppart ’76) Hameister, and Thomas Reppart were on hand for the presentation.
8 | Heritage | SUMMER 2013
However, when he discovered she had no way to get back home, he bought her bus ticket back to Chicago out of his own pocket. “That was just like him,” said Miller. What made Nellie stand out was the way that she noticed the little things, says Deena (Smith) Tandy ’65. She was thoughtful, often creating personalized gifts or poems for those in need of encouragement. Nellie made a special effort to connect with international students. She would research their home countries and do what she could to make them feel more comfortable. “She was aware of things,” says Deena. “She paid attention to people and what was going on in their lives. The way she paid attention meant that she cared about you.”
When they retired from their work at York College in 1986, they didn’t retire from their ministry. York remained their home, but they spent much of their time traveling to speak at gospel meetings, elder retreats, and women’s workshops. They spent several months working with the ministry of son and daughter-in-law Jim and Laura (Loutzenhiser) ’72 in Cameroon and Kenya. In 1996 they celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary in York, surrounded by loved ones and the community they helped build. In 1997 Nellie passed away. David followed her home the next year. “Their years at York College
“She paid attention to people and what was going on in their lives. The way she paid attention meant that she cared about you.” working with students were some of the happiest of their lives,” said Thomas. “They really had fun.” “They were wonderful, caring people. They touched so many lives,” says Kathy. “Their whole married life together was dedicated to the Lord.”