Toni Bolling Lutter

At its January 2019 general meeting, Gila Butte Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), awarded the Society’s Ellen Hardin Walworth Medal for Patriotism to Diane Middents. The medal was presented by Carole Jones, Special Committee Chair.

Each of DAR’s four Founders Medals honors an individual 21 years or older who has displayed outstanding service in the promotion of our American ideals of God, Home and Country through faithful and meritorious service to community, state or nation. Diane Middents is an active leader in Boy Scouts of America (BSA) and has mentored more than 25 young men in their journey toward achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest BSA rank attainable. She is known for her organizing skills and for inspiring Scouts to achieve their highest goals.

Ellen Hardin Walworth was a DAR founder in 1890, at a time when women were excluded from the community organizations which constituted an important part of American professional and social life. To compensate, she pressed for membership in all-male organizations and was a founder of DAR. Hardin earned her law degree in 1896. She wrote on historic and patriotic issues and served on a variety of patriotic committees. She was instrumental in founding the Women’s National War Relief Association and served as its Director General. She will be remembered for her leadership in the fundraising effort to renovate Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington.

Gila Butte takes pride both in its association with Ellen Hardin Walworth and in honoring Diane Middents with her Founders Medal.

Eligible women interested in service to their community and their nation are urged to contact Gila Butte DAR for membership information. Eligibility: women over age 18 who can prove bloodline lineage to a patriot of the American Revolution. DAR does not discriminate based on religion, race or national origin. Call 480-802-6993 or access the chapter website, gilabutte.arizonadar.org.