Eunice M. Osterhout

Eunice Osterhout, 92, went to her eternal home on Monday evening, February 24, 2020.

She was born March 29, 1927 in Vineland, NJ, the daughter of Rev. Walter and Maude MacPherson. She graduated from Eastern Nazarene College in 1948 and completed a Masters Degree in Languages at Albany State University the following year. She then taught at Northwest Nazarene College, where she met her husband, William G. Osterhout. They married in 1951.

The couple began their family the next year, and went on to have five children. The family lived in Oregon, Massachusetts, New Jersey and North Carolina before settling in Maryland. During these years, Eunice taught in a variety of settings, including the preparatory program at Eastern Nazarene College, fifth and seventh grades, Kindergarten, and special education programs. Wherever they lived, she was actively involved in church work in a variety of roles. Her philosophy (picked up from her childhood as the daughter of a pastor) was to fill whatever need presented itself to the best of her ability. Her roles included serving as President of the Missionary Society, pianist, choir member, Vacation Bible School Director, and head of Christian Education. Her favorite position was as a Sunday School teacher. She had a heart for children and loved working with and relating to them. She had a way of treating children with respect and listening well to them that expressed her caring heart. She felt joy when she was able to identify and encourage a child’s gifts and talents. She also served the community, including a stint as PTA president of Clarksville Middle School. She had the gift of hospitality, often inviting friends and visitors over for Sunday dinner. She enjoyed creating a space where family and friends would feel welcome.

Eunice loved playing the piano, gardening, and watching birds at backyard feeders. She brought beauty into the world through all of these activities.

She is survived by five children: Estelle Ducharme (Steven) of Clarksville, MD, Glen Osterhout (Meredith) of Connecticut, Clyde Osterhout (Joni) of Pennsylvania, Lee Osterhout (Marjorie) of Washington, and Stephen Osterhout (Wendy) of Laurel, MD, as well as nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She is also survived by two brothers: Neil MacPherson of Missouri and David MacPherson of Hagerstown, MD.

Wherever she went, whatever she did, Eunice consistently lived out her faith with compassion and grace. She will be greatly missed.

Relatives and friends may visit on Friday, March 6, 2020 from 6pm to 8pm at Gaithersburg Church of the Nazarene, 8921 Warfield Rd., Gaithersburg, MD 20882. A Graveside Service will be on Saturday, March 7, 2020 at 10:30am at Crest Lawn Memorial Gardens, 2150 Mt. View Rd., Marriottsville, MD 21104. A Memorial Service will follow at 2pm at Gaithersburg Church of the Nazarene. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to South Carroll Church of the Nazarene, 351 Liberty Rd., Eldersburg, MD 21784 (http://sc-naz.org).

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