Metz Legacy Society 2024

Honoring those who have passed

The Metz Legacy Society recognizes those donors who have included Grand Rapids Community Foundation in their will, estate plans or have created a life income gift to the Community Foundation. Here we pay tribute to those who have passed in the last year, as of June 30, 2024.

Giving for students’ futures

Robert J. Dunlap Scholarship Fund

Originally from “the thumb,” Robert Dunlap called Grand Rapids home since the 1970’s. Professionally, he worked as an accountant for Winalda Litho, a local retail packaging manufacturer.In his free time, Bob enjoyed and found success bowling. He was active in the Grand Rapids Bowling Association, serving as president for eight years. His accomplishments include 17 – 300 games and city, state and national titles. Bob was inducted into the Michigan Bowling Hall of Fame in 2006. He also volunteered with the Advocates for Senior Issues, an arm of the Area Agency on Aging.Bob’s generous estate gift created the Robert J. Dunlap Scholarship Fund, which will provide flexible support for students to pursue their education goals. Bob was especially interested in supporting students who are not just high school seniors and those that are pursuing careers in trades or technical careers.

An adventurous path through life

Eleanore Alten Gilleo Fund, Anita Gilleo Scholarship Fund

Born in Grand Rapids and raised primarily in her grandparents' home, Anita M. Gilleo had an adventurous spirit and lifelong curiosity. A writer, editor, businesswoman and artist, she earned bachelor’s, master’s and Doctor of Arts degrees in her lifetime. Her career included work for the American Chemical Society, the Army Corps of Engineers and the United States Armed Forces Institute, bringing her to places such as Morocco, Spain, Lebanon, Germany and Vietnam.

Throughout her life Anita worked to preserve her grandfather's artistic legacy through exhibitions, lectures, scholarships, and bequests. She gifted “Cattle” one of her grandfather Mathias J. Alten’s artworks, to the Community Foundation in 2022 in honor of the organization’s Centennial. Estate gifts created the Eleanore Alten Gilleo Fund for historic preservation of the Community Foundation’s building and the Anita Gilleo Scholarship Fund, a recognition fund of the Trust of the GR Federation of U of M Alumnae Club.

Dedicated advocates and leaders

Gwen and John Hibbard met and made a full life together in Grand Rapids, raising four children together during 65 years of marriage. Gwen moved to Grand Rapids after graduating from Northwestern University in 1957. John was born in Grand Rapids and received a degree from University of Michigan before serving in the U.S. Navy.

Gwen was an avid art collector, teacher, social activist and humanitarian. In addition to raising a family, she directed her energy into volunteer work and socially progressive causes. The couple were early supporters of Planned Parenthood of Michigan, the West Michigan Environmental Action Council and Grand Valley State University, among other organizations. 

John had a successful career as a life insurance representative, leading to the formation of Hibbard/Umphrey and Associates. In addition to his family and professional responsibilities, he served on many community boards, was the local chairman of the UNCF, was secretary of the Rotary Club for 17 years and served as Vice President of the Dyer-Ives Foundation.

John and Gwen were consistent supporters of Grand Rapids Community Foundation, giving annually to support a variety of funds for more than 35 years.  

Dedicated to family and community

Phillip Roy Jacobus was a devoted son, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. After excelling academically and athletically at Plymouth High School, he attended the University of Michigan where he earned business and law degrees. 

Phil spent 36 years with Hartger and Willard Mortgage Association, retiring as President. He had many professional affiliations, including as a member of the Porter Hills Board of Directors, the Republican Party, the Wiseman's Club and Westminster Presbyterian Church.

While at Michigan, Phil met fellow student Cherry Harris. The couple married in 1958 and raised their four children in Grand Rapids. A voracious reader, dog lover, exerciser and swimmer, Phil enjoyed certain places—family reunions at Bayshore Resort, the family cottage on Kimball Lake in Newaygo, and their residence in Naples, Florida

Generously supporting our community’s future

Don Tuttle was a proud local business owner, having started Quality Model and Pattern in 1983. After his retirement in 2012 Don stayed engaged, stopping in to enjoy coffee and donuts with staff and advising the company until his passing.

A husband, father and grandfather, Don will be deeply missed by his wife of 55 years Mary and their family. One of his favorite things in life was supporting his children and grandchildren in their sports activities, rarely missing a game or event. Don also enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with dear friends in Ft. Myers Beach. Don's future gift will create the Don and Mary Tuttle Fund, a designated fund for the benefit of West Catholic High School. 

Prioritizing caring and supporting education

Russell and Mary Warner Fund

Mary Arden Warner made an impact professionally as a nurse, after completing training at Detroit Mercy School of Nursing. While working at Butterworth Hospital she assisted in the development of the first Intensive Care Unit at the hospital. 

Mary and her husband Russ met in the fifth grade and were married in 1958. They shared a full life, focused on their faith and family. Mary and Russ loved to travel the world with family and friends. Mary prioritized kindness and generosity in her life, taking pride in being a friend and sharing  her blessings with those around her. She knew that a card of comfort was encouraging when facing a difficult situation and ran the card ministry at Princeton Church for many years. 

She and Russ were strong supporters of education. As part of her estate, Mary designated gifts to Hope Network and South Christian High School. Additional support created the endowed Russell and Mary Warner Fund, a designated fund to support South Christian High School.

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