Humbled by the honor, surrounded by support: West Liberty Rallies for Michelle

By Nikki Burkhamer

Staff Writer

On a warm summer evening, neighbors, friends, family members and church communities gathered for the 28th Annual West Liberty Ice Cream Social Saturday, July 25.

Renee Michelle Moffitt Greene has had a rough past six years. Different forms of cancer have given her a fight. After experiencing some time when things were looking good for her, there were some new spots found that required treatment in March.

Soon after that, she learned that she would be the honored beneficiary for this year’s West Liberty Ice Cream Social. As humble as Michelle is, she had a difficult time accepting that news.

"It was actually hard for Michelle," her pastor, Karen Griswold, said. "She struggled with accepting help. She thought so many other people were more deserving.

"She couldn't believe that she was the one that got picked. It was just beyond her that she would be honored."

Karen Griswold, who is the family’s pastor at the West Liberty United Church of Christ, described Michelle as "a great person" with "the biggest heart ever."

"She's full of faith," Pastor Karen said. "She's a wonderful mother. Family is everything to her."

For Michelle's family, the outpouring of support is a reflection of the kind of person she has always been.

"She is like the most happy, energetic, person," said her stepmother, Kathy Moffitt. "She loves people. She loves being around people. She gets her energy from people.

"She'd do anything for anyone, almost to a fault. She doesn't say no."

Family members describe her as the kind of person who continues giving even when she has little to spare herself.

"Even at the worst of times — no money coming in, getting let go from another job because of treatments — she still buys gifts," Kathy shared.

"She'll do something for me, and I'll tell her, 'Michelle, don't get us Mother's Day or Father's Day presents, but she does. It's just so important to her to bring joy and recognize other people."

Michelle, a West Liberty-Salem graduate, has worked in the medical billing and coding field for several years.

Like many cancer patients, she has faced interruptions in employment as treatments and recovery periods consumed available sick leave and time off. Yet while cancer has impacted her work life, it has never changed what matters most to her.

"Her family is everything," her father Rick Moffitt said.

Michelle and her husband are raising six children, who, along with her faith, have become a source of strength throughout her journey. That faith has carried her through difficult seasons, and those around her have noticed.

"She's very humble," Pastor Karen said. "Very kind, very humble and full of faith."

The annual Ice Cream Social is organized by nine West Liberty churches, along with the Lions Club of West Liberty, and the West Liberty Business Association.

It serves as one of two major community fundraisers held each year. Tim Wilcox, one of the organizers, explained they work together to support local families facing hardships.

There is a gathering at Quest Community Church at Christmas time, and that event "is basically a fundraiser," Wilcox said. "We take that money for families in need throughout the year. If somebody needs electricity, somebody needs gas, if kids need school clothes, if someone has a fire — things like that."

This year, for the Annual West Liberty Ice Cream Social, the churches chose to direct proceeds to Michelle and her family as they navigate mounting expenses associated with cancer treatment.

The support she is receiving comes as no surprise to those who know the Moffitt family, a name woven deeply into the fabric of the West Liberty community.

"They're remarkable people," Pastor Karen said.

The crowd gathered at the social seemed to echo that same respect and affection — not only for the Moffitt family, but for Michelle herself.

As the evening unfolded, people lined up for food, visited under shaded tents, and contributed what they could. Children played nearby while friends shared stories. The atmosphere was joyful yet ingrained in a shared purpose: helping a neighbor carry a burden she has spent years trying to shoulder with grace.

Though Michelle did stop by to eat at the social, she needed to leave early due to some recent chemo. She was sure to send a grateful message to her supporters, though, by saying:

“Words truly cannot thank you, the church family, the churches, community, and everyone who played a hand in the event! Everything was so perfect, and there was such an amazing turnout. The food was so good and the pies, oh my goodness. My only regret was having to leave early! Thank you so much. We love you all.”

For those who know Michelle best, the gathering was a reflection of the life she’s lived — one spent putting others first.

And on this evening, an entire community came together to give a little of that love back.

~*~

To make a donation to help Renee Michelle Moffitt Greene with her medical expenses, visit Civista’s West Liberty Branch located at 205 S. Detroit Street, West Liberty, OH, or call (937) 465-9050.■