The West Liberty community comes together again this year to support an area family going through a medical difficulty during the 23rd annual West Liberty Ice Cream Social, slated for 4 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 24, behind the West Liberty United Methodist Church, 202 W. Newell St.
The event is being sponsored by the area churches and the West Liberty Lions Club, with the proceeds benefitting Bill and Mary Walker, both of whom are pastors at Quest Community Church of West Liberty.
In August of 2020, Mrs. Walker was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. She had a lumpectomy at that time and started chemotherapy. This treatment was followed by a mastectomy in March.
Mrs. Walker recently finished a round of radiation and will be continuing chemotherapy for several months.
The couple was on a group plan for their health insurance, but the group dropped the four in the group with the highest expenses, as it was a plan where the expenses were split. The Walkers have been able to get a new insurance plan, but their out-of-pocket expenses will be much greater.
Mr. and Mrs. Walker have lived in the county for 15 years, moving here to plant a new church and started Quest at that time.
Prior to entering the ministry, Mr. Walker had been a school teacher and principal in the Cincinnati area. Mrs. Walker worked in administration in hospitals before starting at Quest as the executive pastor.
They had two children, but their son was killed by a drunk driver while in college in Cincinnati. Their daughter lives in Indianapolis and has one child.
For the ice cream social, the ala carte menu includes chicken and noodles, hot chicken, sloppy jo, hot dog and cony dog sandwiches, slaw, pasta salad, cucumber and onions, apple salad, pie, cake and homemade ice cream. Carry-outs will be available.
Bill Purk will be entertaining with some friends.
If you are unable to attend but would like to help to support the Walkers, checks can be made out to: “West Liberty United Methodist Church” and mailed to: Post Office Box 606, West Liberty, Ohio 43357.
If you have any questions, contact Nancy Dowden at (937) 465-4219.