CHHSM, UCC-related Retirement Housing Foundation Mourn Death of Former RHF Stalwart Linda Listoe

Linda Listoe

Linda Listoe, the third person employed by UCC-related Retirement Housing Foundation, died June 12, 2019, at the age of 78. Listoe, who began work at RHF June 1, 1969, spent 37 years assisting RHF in various capacities. She retired July 14, 2006.

”As the third RHF team member in our 58-year history, Linda was critical to our growth, and she had a wonderful historical memory,” says the Rev. Laverne R. Joseph, president of RHF. “In February, I had the opportunity to talk with her at our Annual Meeting. She will be missed! We will be holding a celebration of her life at our national headquarters in Long Beach on Aug. 20 at 4 p.m., when our Board is meeting. She exemplified what it means to make a difference!”

While Listoe’s first position at RHF was as executive secretary to the Rev. Clark Harshfield (who with the Rev. Reinhold Klein founded RHF), her duties expanded over the years to handle everything from finding sites and working with architects and construction companies to filing HUD applications and attending final closings with HUD.

At the time of her retirement, Listoe was senior vice president of corporate services and corporate secretary. In that capacity, she handled all of the legal documentation involved with creating and maintaining the status of RHF not-for-profit corporations.

In 1969, Retirement Housing Foundation consisted of four communities, with two additional communities under construction. During her 37 years, Listoe experienced and participated in the exponential growth of RHF’s mission and ministry. She also was active in CHHSM, and served for many years as CHHSM’s treasurer.

“Linda served as CHHSM Board Treasurer in the early ’90’s during a very challenging transitional time for the organization,” says Bryan W. Sickbert, former CHHSM president. “Her clear passion for the service ministry of the church, as well as her quiet strength and competence, were crucial in helping CHHSM renew its mission and organizational capacity. I remember her with great fondness and am saddened by her untimely passing.”

Friends can send condolences to Listoe’s husband, Jordean, via RHF: Dr. Laverne R. Joseph, Retirement Housing Foundation, 911 N. Studebaker Rd., Long Beach, CA 90815. Mark the envelope “Regarding Linda.”