Yuman bakes cakes of compassion

Some local hospice patients can attest that one of God's sweetest blessings comes covered in frosting.

Every time a patient with Hospice Compassus celebrates a birthday, a yummy cake arrives on the scene that's specially decorated to match the recipient's favorite color or hobby.

But these sugary creations are heavenly in more ways than taste.

The cakes are the work of Diana Elliott, a local woman of faith who calls the birthday surprises her very own kitchen-based "cake ministry."

"I just want them to know someone cares," Elliott explains. "These folks are still on Earth and going through some awful things, so anything that can brighten their day is a good thing."

Elliott, an ordained minister, has been baking cakes for Hospice Compassus since late 2008. Some months only call for one cake, but other months may demand a dozen. So far she's made about 30 cakes.

There has been an Elvis-themed cake and one shaped like a baseball. One cake looked so much like a real pot of flowers that hospice employees wondered what it was doing inside the office's refrigerator.

"Diana is an amazing woman and just loves to give back to the community," raved Lorene Richards, volunteer coordinator for Hospice Compassus. "Her cakes are just gorgeous and they have gone over so well. I knew patients would be excited, but families are just thrilled to see their love ones receive the cakes. It's amazing the reactions we get."

The Elvis fan loved her cake so much that she suggested preserving it somehow and hanging the fabulous creation on her wall.

Elliott's cake ministry was born during a pastor appreciation event hosted by Hospice Compassus. Elliott serves First Church of the Nazarene as an administrative pastor and as minister of music. During that event, Elliott heard a strong message about volunteering and got to thinking about the various talents she might be able to share.

"They didn't mention cakes, but it just popped into my brain. I thought 'Who doesn't like getting a cake,' especially when it tastes good!"

Elliott is a veteran of all things baked and frosted, too. She's been making and decorating cakes for 37 years. Her very first cake was for her daughter's first birthday.

"I really enjoyed it. For one thing they let me be creative, let my creative juices flow," she said, adding that personalizing a cake for each recipient is very important to her. "It's not just some cake off the shelf. I include something about the person in the cake. If there is a precious 90-year-old grandma who likes flowers and lace, that's what I'll do. They know it was made just for them."

Elliott bought her first set of high-quality Wilton baking pans while she was living in Korea, where her husband had been stationed. Her most expensive pan cost her a whopping buck fifty.

Since that first birthday party, Elliott has faithfully pulled cakes out of her oven for everything from graduations to weddings.

But her favorites just might be these cakes for hospice patients.  

"My cakes are just a reminder to hospice patients that they are still extremely valuable. The fact that they are ill doesn't detract from their value as people. These are just wonderful people! I know they are laying there ill and feeling useless sometimes, but I know they are valuable not just to family and friends, but also to the Lord."

The cakes have demonstrated something important to Elliott, too. Miracles can come from small things that are given with great love.

"Sometimes we feel that we have to do big, grandiose things to help somebody. If people are sitting at home right now thinking 'I wish there is something I can do,' there is! There are plenty of organizations in town they can help and Hospice Compassus is one of them.

"Today they just need to look down at their own talents, take a good look at their talent bank and go spend it on someone else."