Posted 10/2/08
Foundation Recognizes Dick and Sue Studebaker for Community Service

Dr. Richard B. and S. Sue Studebaker (in memoriam) — owners of the oldest lived-in dwelling in Montgomery County and pioneers in the Centerville-Washington Township Historical Society — were recognized by the Centerville-Washington Foundation as Community Founders at a November 12, 2008 reception at The Golf Club at Yankee Trace.

Dick and Sue were charter members of the Centerville-Washington Township Historical Society. Dick served as the society’s second president. Sue — known locally and nationally as a historian, antique collector and author — died January 21, 2008.

Perhaps best known as the owners of 1791 Quaker Hill, the Studebakers purchased the Judge John Ewing home in 1958, six years after they were married. Lovingly restored and filled with antiques, the home, has been featured in national publications such as Early American Homes, Time-Life’s American Country Series, House Beautiful, and Antiques.

Sue majored in Speech Education at The Ohio State University and completed the Graduate Study Program at Winterthur Museum’s Institute of Advanced Study. She taught classes on antiques at several museums and universities in the area and was a featured lecturer at the 43rd Annual Antiques forum at Colonial Williamsburg.

Dick founded the Oakwood Eye Clinic where he practiced for 45 years. He served three years in the Air Force during World War II as an aerial navigator and he completed both his undergraduate and graduate education at The Ohio State University.

The Foundation’s Community Founder award was initiated to recognize outstanding service to the community. The list of previous honorees includes Marilyn McLaughlin, longtime Clerk of the Centerville City Council; Frederick C. Smith, former CEO and Chairman of the Board of the Huffy Corporation; and Shirley and Paul Heintz. Shirley served three terms as Centerville Mayor and Paul retired as Vice President for Finance at the Peter Kuntz Lumber Company.

The Centerville-Washington Foundation was established in 1998. An affiliate of The Dayton Foundation, the Centerville-Washington Foundation functions as a useful and cost-effective partner for corporate and charitable giving. In addition to providing grants and leadership, the foundation invests and manages donor’s charitable funds.

Through the Centerville-Washington Foundation, each donor has a range of options and the opportunity to preserve and strengthen the Centerville-Washington Township Community. For more information about the Centerville-Washington Foundation, please contact Bob Daley at 433-0811.

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