Meet Rita Peat

Rita Peat grew up in Elkhart, Indiana. After graduating from high school, she majored in elementary education at Indiana University. She married her best friend, Dave, and they began their careers, Dave as a pharmacist and Rita as a third grade teacher. Together they raised their two children, Adam and Katy, who continue to be blessings.

When Adam was 11 months old, they joined the Jamestown United Methodist Church. The family could walk to church in five minutes. It became a second home to them as they were involved in many church activities over the years.

In 2011, after 36 years of teaching, Rita retired. "I loved being a teacher," she said. "Language Arts is my passion—connecting readers to books as a method for teaching the love of reading." She also taught Advanced Language Arts at Bethel University for three years.

After 40 years of marriage, Dave died suddenly from a stroke in January 2015. They lived in the same house in Elkhart throughout their marriage, so they had deep roots in the community. Nonetheless, Rita decided to move to Westfield in 2022 to be closer to her daughter, son, and son-in-law. Even before she moved, she knew about St. Luke's. "I first came to St. Luke's when my then single daughter sang in the choir" she noted. "I also attended whenever I visited my children. A few years later my daughter was married at St. Luke's."

Thus, when Rita moved to Westfield, she knew that St. Luke's would be her church home. "I knew I wanted to be a part of such an inclusive community. The sermons touch me each time I attend. I am learning more about being a disciple of God. I simply love coming to church," she enthusiastically stated.

Rita joined the church shortly after moving and immediately got involved. She volunteered in Freedom School the past two summers, and has also volunteered helping with Easter breakfast. And when she updated her will, she decided to designate a percentage of her estate for St. Luke's Endowment Fund. Because of her love of teaching, she hopes that her gift will help ensure a strong youth ministry program well into the future. "I want the life of St. Luke's to continue on and on. It is my hope that others after me can experience loving to go to church, recognizing that God's love is for all," she concluded.

When Rita is not volunteering at church, you might find her volunteering at Coats for Kids or Open Doors, reading a good book, playing card games, and going on walks with Ruby, her dog.

Rita Peat recognizes that a planned gift is an important way to build the church's endowment so it can continue its ministries well into the future—and a wonderful way to leave a legacy that reflects one's values. St. Luke's is grateful for the many ways Rita shares her time, talents, and treasure, and for her thoughtful estate planning. The church is pleased to recognize Rita Peat as a member of St. Luke's Legacy Society. If you would like more information on how you too can become a member, contact David Heetland, pastor of planned giving, at [email protected] or 317.399.6202.