A HALF-CENTURY OF TOGETHERNESS Valley Becomes Integral Part of Cortis' Life - Again
By SCOTT QUEEN
David and Jill Corti sat in their living room one morning in the fall telling 50 years of stories. They took turns, steadily explaining a fast-paced journey of love and respect, with a little humor sprinkled in. After a while, they went outside to enjoy one of the last days of warm sunshine, and took a ride on the side- by-side across their vast Missouri Century Farm near Lexington. The stories continued. Both instinctively knew what the other would say. After all, these accounts are treasured memories. More than fifty years ago, they met in the cafeteria on their first day at Missouri Valley College. They became great friends, and had a few things in common, including their major: American Humanics. David was very clear about the “friends” label on their relationship. He was laser-focused on his career plan– working for the Boy Scouts. “Mr. Corti said he wouldn’t have time for a wife and family,” Jill said with a grin. “So we hung out together and became good friends.” They remained friends, and the relationship grew. Summers came, and they missed each other. And the “friends” thing went by the wayside. Their time on campus passed quickly. They were on the three-and-a-half-year plan. When 1974 arrived, it was graduation time. Wedding time. Career time.
David’s long career as a scout executive started in Sikeston, MO. Then Des Moines for eight years. Dallas. Cleveland. Cincinnati too. He loved being in the field, but his management and fundraising skills took him in a different direction. One of his proudest achievements is developing the national Scouting For Food program. During those early days in Sikeston, Jill was volunteering for the Sikeston Cerebral Palsy Center when she had a chance to meet Kenny Rogers during the local Jaycees Rodeo. It’s one of their favorite stories. When the very generous Rogers quietly asked if there were any good charities in the area, Jill, along with the Jaycees, was quick to present the CP Therapy Center to him. They were so convincing that he donated a prized Arabian Stallion. Then he did a benefit concert at her request. Then another. And another. Eventually, the Kenny Rogers Children’s Center in Sikeston came to fruition. “When you are married to a scouter and moving around, it’s kind of hard to get into your field,” Jill said. So she worked for the local newspaper as a researcher. Then she earned a spot as the wire editor. Then women’s page editor, and assistant managing editor. A new twist happened in Des Moines. Jill took a job in a group dental practice, managing the business operations. She was really good at it. And as David’s jobs sent them from town to town, she too was able to find quality work in this field.
4 Viking Views | 2025
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