Psi Iota Xi

June

2024

Newsletter

A Message from National President

Rhonda McNall-Crisenbery

When thinking of ideas for my national convention theme & logo I began with my family heritage. I am a bit of a genealogy buff so my Irish roots came to mind. 

The Claddagh is made up of three symbols:

• The Heart stands for Love
• The Crown represents Loyalty
• The Hands are for Friendship

The Claddagh is among the most prevalent ancient Irish symbols that survive to this day; often used in wedding and engagement rings. For myself the thought of love, loyalty and friendship reminded me of my Psi Ote sisters.

• Friendship: When we first joined our chapters, we established friendships. 

• Love: After a bit of time, we find ourselves sitting, calling or interacting and feeling very comfortable with one or several gals establishing a true love for them.

• Loyalty: Last but not least our loyalty to Psi Iota Xi has been established deep within our hearts.

While also considering my theme & logo my thoughts flowed to my Theta Theta sisters. How we come together for a fund-raiser, volunteer, chatting about our children/grandchildren or talking about the same type of sandals we love; FitFlops. 

We also felt we should also incorporate Fort Wayne into our convention.

• The Apple: A symbol from the Fort Wayne Johnny Appleseed Festival. The Theta Theta chapter occupied a tent selling food products as a fund-raiser for many decades.

• The 3 Rivers: The three white lines in the apple logo are the rivers that run through the city, the St. Mary’s, the St. Joseph, and the Maumee; and the 3 Rivers Festival is held annually in Fort Wayne.

My husband, Greg, enjoys the television program “Forged in Fire” on the History Channel. The word “forged” is described when 2 or more pieces of metal, such as carbon steel, alloy steel and/or stainless steel are heated and combined together to make a beautiful piece.

Psi Otes are a “forged” group of women with different talents and skills.  We are combined together to form this wonderful sorority that we love so dearly!

The Theta Theta ladies and I look forward to seeing all Psi Iota Xi sisters in just a few weeks at the Grand Wayne Convention Center Fort Wayne, IN, June 22 & 23.

A wish that every day for you will be happy from the start and may you always have good luck and a song within your heart.

― Irish Blessing

Hilton Fort Wayne at the Grand Wayne Convention Center, is open for all to make reservations for the 2024 National Convention, hosted by the Theta Theta chapter.

Hilton Fort Wayne

1020 South Calhoun Street

Fort Wayne, IN 46802

260-420-1100



If telephoning, please request the Psi Iota Xi block.

(click the link)

Hilton Grand Wayne Hotel

Theta Theta would like to say “Thank You” to all the chapters who registered for a sales room table at National Convention. Due to the overwhelming response, there will now be 2 rooms for our delegates to visit, Jefferson Room A and Jefferson Rooms B & C.

The Grand Wayne has requested when you arrive on Friday to please use the Unloading Zone on Jefferson Blvd or the Loading Dock on Washington Blvd. If you require the loading dock, please contact Sue Murphy, suemurphy33@msn.com so a representative from the facility can assist you. 

As a reminder, Sales Room setup is Friday, June 21 from 4:30 – 6:00 pm. 

We look forward to seeing all Psi Otes on June 22 & 23 in Fort Wayne, IN.  



Hello Psi Iota Xi Sisters!

Can you believe it is June already?!! This year has gone by so quickly! It is almost time to gather again for another National Convention! A time to see old friends and celebrate the accomplishments of 2023-2024!  

As your Conductress this year, I was able to have a view of our sorority from a new vantage point. As one of the Facebook administrators, I was blessed to read and share lots of your fun stories, pictures, and projects! I am never ceased to be amazed by the dedication and creativity the sisters in this organization show in their philanthropic projects and support of their communities. If your posts are not getting on our national page, please feel free to friend me on Facebook or post to the national page for approval. I have also had the joy of posting some of the pictures of your initiations of our amazing new members and fun sisterhood activities.

As the chair of the Psi Ote of The Year Committee (POOTY), I was fortunate to get to read all the wonderful nominations of sisters who have gone above and beyond this year. That is saying something in an organization where we have so many dedicated individuals!!

I just finished updating the officer and membership lists. Please know that all your hard work and continued dedication does not go unnoticed! I know that the last 4 years have not been easy. I am so proud of all of our chapter officers for hanging in there and pivoting when necessary to make their chapters continue to be a positive force in their communities!

I just wanted to take a moment to share these thoughts and have you seen yourselves through my eyes. I know it is not always easy… but it is worth the time and effort. You are all rock stars!! Please know that all your hard work is noticed and appreciated!!

I cannot wait to celebrate with you at the National Convention in Fort Wayne, Indiana! 

See you soon!

Valerie Helms-Mejia

National Conductress  

Alpha, Muncie, IN

This year has flown by for me as a first year DO. Southeast has been so busy. It has been enjoyable learning about my Sisters and groups they support. Makes me very proud to belong to such an amazing group. Visiting my Chapters has helped me to grow also. I just want to highlight a few things we have been doing this past year.

My first Council visit:

·       Epsilon, Columbus, this is a large chapter yet they are very down to earth and welcomed me in (as I was very nervous that night). They have dual officers to share the responsibility of duties, and work their Thrift Shop for service hours. I will never forget that night.

·       Iota, Rushville, reported $10,500 for their Hearing Aid Program, talk about people we serve. Great job ladies.

·       Alpha Theta, Charlestown, turned 100 years old in December. They held a Music Festival Night.  The school choirs and several local groups performed for a large crowd that evening. They also had local artisans setup highlighting their crafts. Had calendars made from photos around Charlestown taken by a local photographer. Light up wands also had the anniversary date for sell.  Afterwards the left-over wands were donated to the Theatre Department at the high school to use in their production of Cinderella.

·       Alpha Omega, North Vernon, was able to give over $5000 in scholarships to college students, by having a purse auction.

·       Beta Phi, Shelbyville, started a scholarship fund several years ago that has grown so they were able to grant over $2,000 to a college student in speech and hearing.

·       Iota Chi, LaGrange, KY, helped a local elementary school teacher to purchase musical instruments for her class.

·       Iota Phi, Clarksburg, supports and maintains two little free libraries.

·       Sigma, Greensburg, has helped with communication boards for local sensory playground.

·       Upsilon, Greenfield, supported local theater group that is dedicated to restoration and upkeep of a historic performing arts building in downtown.

·       Zeta Tau, Milroy, purchased “The Gift Shop Bear” book that was read to all first graders. They were each gifted a copy for Christmas from the chapter.

·       Zeta Lambda, Connersville, sponsors the annual high school art show. This helps to inspire students that their art endeavors are worthy of exhibition.

·       Zeta Xi, Madison, sponsored a free speech and hearing clinic for anyone in their area.

This is just a sample of how the Southeast District is supporting others and building the name of Psi Iota Xi within their communities. We should all be so proud of each other in all endeavors to grow.

I also had the privilege to attend two State meetings this year, Kentucky and Indiana. It is so nice to 

Carol Good

Southeast District Officer

Alpha Theta, Charlestown, IN

Tori Mankin-Harrell

2024-2025 Indiana State President

Gamma Tau, Marian, IN

victoria@mankin-law.com 

Emily Remington

Iota Theta, Armstong, IL

Natalie and Rachel

Alpha Chi, Hagerstown, IN

Kerry

Gamma Nu, Brownsburg, IN

Heather Addington, Sarah Stammen, Emily Reinhard & Amy Bateman

Theta Zeta, Fort Recovery, OH

Kathy McGee

Omega, Lebanon, IN

Jenna

Iota Lambda, Ferdinand, IN

If you have a chapter fundraiser or something special to share about your chapter or a Psi Ote, please go to the Psi Iota Xi~Group Facebook page to post. Link below:

Psi Iota Xi~Group | Facebook

This is one of two Facebook pages, the other is more project and news related at the National level. We are working to get it revamped. More to come on it.

Iota Sigma, St Joseph, IL

Pre order and pick up at the IN State meeting or at National Convention.

Convention Charm Order Form (link)

Theta Delta, Bremen, IN

Congratulations to these brilliant young artists!

They were all finalists in our Hometown Banner Contest.

Zeta Epsilon, Bargersville, IN at their May meeting.

Eta Mu, Rochester, IN

Eta Mu gave an additional $500 to the Riddle One School/One Book program as well as the theatre production of Willy Wonka!!

Alpha Iota, Richmond, IN

Rush Party at Lisa Cakes, Richmond, IN.

We had a cupcake decorating lesson. So much fun!

Beta Sigma, Austin, IN

Spring Social! Fun making wreaths.

Eta Delta, Carmel, IN

Same As You, music program just got a little more vibrant, and their building got a little (ok, a lot) louder! Thanks to a generous grant from the Eta Delta Chapter. Additional drums for our students to play during Mrs. Hansen’s Music classes! They were so grateful for this enriching gift!

Sally Lipscomb

Life’s journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting “Wow! What a ride!”

The above statement totally describes Sally. She lived life to the fullest.

Sally was born in Bloomington, Illinois, on August 8, 1932. She attended Bloomington High School and Illinois Wesleyan University, where she was a member of Kappa Delta sorority. She married Harry Eugene Lipscomb on November 7, 1953. They bought the Logansport Country Club in 1968 and enjoyed that adventure together for nearly two decades.

Sally lived her life large and continues to encourage the rest of us to do the same! From her Country Club years through her vast retail career, Sally enjoyed talking to and helping people!



Sally was a faithful member of Logansport’s Trinity Episcopal Church, where she was active in the Episcopal Church Women (ECW) as well as many other responsibilities in the life of the congregation. She was also a member of the Alpha Xi Chapter of Psi Iota Xi, Logansport Art Association, and Mary Dykeman Guild of Logansport Memorial Hospital.

She was a voracious reader with one rule: ALWAYS finish the book you start! Sally loved the Game Show Network and spending free time solving crossword puzzles… but more than anything else she LOVED to travel with her family and friends. This was a passion she instilled in her granddaughter, Gretchen, who has always loved an “abventure” from a very young age! For Sally, life couldn’t get much better than time spent with “her girls” either at Torch Lake or Sanibel Island.

Sally leaves behind her two daughters and sons-in-law, Lori and Michael Winters and Lisa and Christian Robinson; a granddaughter and her husband, Gretchen and James Chauvaux; several nieces and nephews and many beloved friends she called “family”.

Sally was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Lipscomb; a grandson Kelson Winters and three brothers, Bill, Bob and Guy Flesher.

A funeral mass was held at Trinity Episcopal Church in Logansport with a reception following in the church’s Parish House.

Margaret "Peggy" Edwards

Margaret “Peggy” McClung Edwards, 93, passed away peacefully at Wellbrooke of Westfield on Thursday, May 16, 2024.

Peggy was born in Muncie on October 7, 1930, the daughter of Earl and Helen McClung. She graduated from Burris High School in 1948, and from Ball State Teachers College in 1952 where she majored in Home Economics. Following college, she was an instructor for Indiana & Michigan Electric Company. In March of 1952, she married Lieutenant Richard Edwards.

Peggy was very involved with the Muncie community as she was a member of Gamma Gamma Sorority (now Pi Beta Phi), a member of Alpha Chapter of Psi lota Xi as well as past President of Psi lota Xi Day Nursery, a member of The Muncie Altrusa Club, President for two years at United Day Care Nursery, a member of Valentine Hollingsworth Chapter of Colonial Dames XVII Century, Regent of Paul Revere Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution. She assumed the role of Senior Society President of Buckongehelas Society of Children of the American Revolution for six years.

She was on several boards, such as Muncie Federal Savings and Loan, United Way, E. B. and Bertha Ball Center as well as Ball Memorial Hospital where she was Chairman of the Life Love and Laughter Committee.

Peggy was a member of First Presbyterian Church where she previously served as a Deaconess, Deacon, and Elder. When her children were young, she took on the role of a boy scout troop leader as well as a girl scout troop leader.

We will always cherish the family gatherings around the dinner table celebrating special occasions, and her sincere generosity toward others. Her positivity had such an impact on others and continued until the end.

Our family appreciates Wellbrooke of Westfield for making sure that our Mom/Grandmother was taken care of.

Peggy is survived by her daughter, Jean Ann Holman (husband, Rob) of Noblesville; grandchildren Jacob Edwards (wife, Ashley) of Fort Wayne, Stacy Edwards (husband, Mark Leister) of Indianapolis, Victoria Neal (husband, John) of Carmel; two great grandchildren, Olivia and Lucy Edwards of Fort Wayne; sister, Virginia Hunt of Sacramento, California; and sister-in-law, Susie Paul of Walnut Creek, California.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 69 years, Richard P. “Dick” Edwards; son, James R. “Jim” Edwards.

Funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at The Meeks Mortuary and Crematory, Washington Street Chapel with Rev. Dr. Ronald Naylor officiating. Entombment will follow in Elm Ridge Cemetery.

Family and friends may call at The Meeks Mortuary and Crematory, Washington Street Chapel from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.

The Meeks Mortuary and Crematory is in charge of all arrangements and online condolences may be left for the family at www.meeksmortuary.com.

Memorial Contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 1400 W. Riverside Ave., Muncie, IN 47303 or United Way of Delaware County, 400 N. High St., Suite 300, Muncie, IN 47305

Lisa McKinley Reibly

Lisa Kay McKinley Reibly, 50, of Peru, Indiana, passed away at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 10, 2024, at her home, surrounded by her loving family and friends.  

She was born on May 27, 1973, in Wabash, Indiana, the daughter of William R. McKinley II and Linda Sims McKinley.  Lisa grew up in Peru and graduated from Peru High School in 1991.  She then attended Hanover college and graduated in 1995.  Lisa, nicknamed “Sis” many years ago, was often referred to as that around town.  

Sis was always special.  She took 3 days to enter the world.  Some might say that “lateness” followed her well into her adult years as most of us were usually waiting for her.  Boy was she worth the wait though!  

Lisa had an infectious smile and lit up any room she walked into.  She had a gentle soul that was second to none. No matter what came her way in life, she always took the high road. The continuous messages and calls received by the family over the past few days confirms just how deeply she was cared about.

Lisa is survived by her parents Bob and Linda McKinley, Peru;  a sister, Natasha (Brian) Ege McKinley; special friends, Heather Muzzillo, Jennifer Cook, Angela Garner, Lisa Hawker, Jennifer Fuqua, Kelly Rickabaugh, Marybeth McBride, and Jamilee Myers; her three cats whom she adored, Kiki, Champy, and Coal; aunts, Pat (Terry) Truex, Sierra Martin; and uncles, Richard (Charlene) Sims and Dan McKinley.  She is also survived by numerous cousins. 



Lisa was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother, Margaret Sims. Paternal grandparents, Bill and Mary McKinley, uncles Mike McKinley and Jan Martin, and also a special friend who had set a fine example on how to battle cancer and stay positive, Shane Nye.

Lisa was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma in June 2022.  Never once did she let that diagnosis define her.  She chose to live life.  She was the bravest and strongest cancer fighter we’ve ever seen.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, April 15, 2024, at the First Presbyterian Church, Peru, with Pastor Mark Perry officiating.  Burial will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Peru.  

Visitation will be from 2-7:00 p.m. on Sunday, at the church, and one hour prior to the service on Monday, also at the church. 

Memorial contributions may be made to The Scratching Post of Peru, Indiana.  

McClain Funeral Home, Denver, Indiana, has been entrusted with arrangements.  Condolences may be sent online at www.mcclainfh.com



Jean Ann McIntyre

Jean Ann McIntyre died Monday, April 29, 2024 at Meilland Square Memory Care in Kalamazoo, MI. She was born July 11, 1940 in Richmond, IN, the youngest daughter of Chauncey and Marcella (Brock) McNelly, graduated from Hagerstown High, attended Ball State and later Indiana University East, graduating with a Business Degree.

After homemaking for her children, she returned to college to complete her degree, for which she was especially proud, then worked in accounting for employers in Richmond, IN, Colorado Springs, CO, Ft. Wayne, IN and Kalamazoo, MI, in support of her husband’s career moves.

Jean was known for her faith, her devotion to family, her love of music and sports, and her quick wit. She was an active member of Hagerstown Congregational Christian Church, participating in choir and many committees. She attended Gracespring Bible Church in her later years. She made a solo pilgrimage to Israel after retiring, a lifelong wish. She supported herself, her children and grandchildren financially in their educational pursuits, and was an ever-present fan at all their sports and other events she could attend. She enjoyed traveling to attend musical, college and pro sports events with her family.

On July 24, 1959, she married David L. McIntyre in Hagerstown, IN, who preceded her in death. Surviving is a daughter, Carol (Martin) Ranly, granddaughter Claire (Kyle) O’Brien and great grandchildren Elaine and Neil O’Brien of Michigan, granddaughter Michelle (Drew) Imhoff of Michigan; two sons, Michael (Kristina) McIntyre and Kristina’s son, Jacob Dale of Oregon, and Bradley (Kimberly) McIntyre, granddaughters Ashley McIntyre and Shelby McIntyre of California; one sister, Janet (Marion) Culy of Pennsylvania; and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents.

The family will hold a private memorial service to honor David and Jean’s wishes, and extends their gratitude and heartfelt thanks to all who befriended and cared for her at Heritage Community of Kalamazoo and through Centrica Care Hospice. Friends who wish may make memorial contributions to Meilland Square Memory Care, c/o Heritage Community of Kalamazoo, 2300 Portage Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49001. Arrangements by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care, Richland Chapel.

Barbara Kvam

Barbara Jane Kvam's journey through life ended abruptly on Friday, April 12, 2024 following a five-year battle with dementia. 

Everyone who got to know her, from friends and neighbors to caregivers and physicians, marveled at her ability to remain positive during this ordeal, and to maintain her beautiful smile. 

Raised in Sioux City, Iowa, the daughter of Richard and Rosemary Stoneburg, she graduated from Central High School and went on to receive her Bachelor of Education Degree from the University of Northern Iowa.  

Even though she was Swedish, she consented to marry a Norwegian, Robert A. Kvam, with whom she spent the next 53 years. Together they had three beautiful daughters, Kristin Huston of Prior Lake, Minnesota; Rebecca Hughes of South Russell, Ohio; and Ingrid Stephens of Knoxville, Tennessee.

Barbara was a truly gifted mother, instilling in her daughters the virtues of kindness, hard work, and respect for self and others. The subsequent procreation of seven grandchildren produced countless hours of joy and blessings.

Apart from her maternal prowess, she was a master teacher whose devotion to both the child's well being and his/her fundamental learning, garnered praise and admiration from parents and colleagues alike. Her thirty-year teaching career, which began in Norfolk, Virginia, in an all-black school, continued in Madison, Wisconsin, Walla Walla, Washington, Bloomington, Illinois, and ended at Storer Elementary in Muncie, Indiana, benefitting thousands of first and second graders. 

Clearly Barbara was a woman of faith, stemming from her upbringing in the Swedish Covenant Church, and culminating in her service to First Presbyterian Church as parishioner, Deacon, and choir member. 

Lastly, she loved her sister and brother, Bevelyn Tieck of Hinton, Iowa, and William Stoneburg, of North Oaks, Minnesota, both of whom are living.  

Indeed, as a mother, educator, devoted spouse, she fought the good fight, and has now triumphed over death. 

Debra Soliday

Debra Joyce Soliday, 70, of Hagerstown, died at her home on Saturday, May 11, 2024. She was born in Connersville on November 27, 1953 to Joe and Faye (Grizzel) Thornsbury. She lived in the Connersville area until moving to Hagerstown in 1973. She was a retired 30 year employee of Visteon in Connersville and was a life member of PSI Iota XI in Hagerstown. Survivors include her husband, Max Soliday; 2 children, Jayson (Nicole) Soliday and Holli (Tim) Shields; 5 grandchildren, Wesley Soliday, Sam Soliday, Gracie Shields, Arden Shields and Ainsley Shields; 2 nephews, Derek (Julie) Hornsby and Devin (Lindsay) Hornsby; great-niece and nephew, Macie Hornsby and Rylie Hornsby; a bonus daughter and grandson, Crystal Taylor and Gage Taylor. There will be a celebration of Debra’s life from 4 to 7 PM on Saturday, May 18, at the Sugar Grove Barn, 8306 Sugar Grove Rd., Economy, IN 47339. Memorials may be made to PSI IOTA XI, c/o Susie Lewis, 521 Meadow Brook Rd., Richmond, IN 47374,

Joyce Lee

Joyce Ann Lee, age 91, passed away on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at the Villages of Oakridge in Washington. She was born December 2, 1933, in Washington to Alonzo "Lon" and Rose (Foster) Lee. She graduated from Washington High School in 1950, ranked ninth in her class, and retired from CSX (B&O when she started in 1951) after over forty years of service. She was a member of Christ United Methodist Church where she enjoyed the potluck socials.

Joyce is survived by her son, Gary Lee Frye, EdD, GPC; grandsons, Josh and Alex Frye all from Lubbock, Texas; niece, Tammy (David) Wallace of Newburgh; great-niece, Brittany (Adam) Brown of Chandler; great-niece, Emalee Brown; great-nephew, Andrew Wallace; and great-great-nephews, Jacob and Caleb Brown.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Alonzo and Rose Lee; siblings, Carolyn and Steve Lee; nephew, Stephen Todd Lee; and great-niece, Lauren Anne Wallace.

Joyce did not want a funeral service, but plans are being made to hold a memorial service the last week of July at Christ United Methodist Church where the family is planning to have a potluck meal. We will have more information in the paper when those arrangements are finalized.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.edleemortuary.com. The staff of the Ed L. Lee Mortuary is honored to have been entrusted with arrangements for Joyce Lee.

Convention 2024 will be hosted by Theta Theta, Fort Wayne, in Fort Wayne, IN, June 22-23, 2024.

Hilton Fort Wayne

1020 South Calhoun Street

Fort Wayne, IN 46802

260-420-1100

If telephoning, request the PSI IOTA XI block.

(click the link)

Hilton Grand Wayne Hotel

Convention 2025 will be hosted by Upsilon, Greenfield, in Indianapolis, IN

Convention 2026 will be hosted by Omega, Lebanon, IN

Website

About Us

Calendar

Contact

National Office

3905 Vincennes Road, Suite 303

Indianapolis, IN 46268

317.471.3512

info@psiiotaxi.org