When did you move to Bluffton?
1974
What brought you here?
Ed was hired as the first guidance counselor at Apollo Joint Vocational School. We had all of Allen Co to choose from and liked Bluffton. We found a house, bought it and still live in it.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Tiffin, Ohio.
Where did you live before moving to Bluffton?
We lived in Napoleon after we got married then Lima where Ed was from, then Bowling Green for Ed's schooling and me to work at the University Health Center, then Wellington, when the Lorain County JVS opened and finally here to Bluffton.
You're actively involved at St. Mary's Catholic Church, correct? What are some of your responsibilities?
Yes. My main responsibility now is communion to our Catholics at Maple Crest and Mennonite Memorial Home. I am a greeter and Eucharistic minister at church and on the bereavement ministry. In the past, through ministry classes I was pastoral associate/DRE for the religious education classes. With young families in the parish this was a busy time. I taught some classes and especially enjoyed three-year-olds.
I understand you volunteer at the Senior Citizen Center, checking blood pressures once a month. How many blood pressures have you checked in your life?
Since I went into nurse's training in 1956 I am sure I have taken many thousands of blood pressures. Finding some high ones has led to some health issues being taken care of.
Seems to me that you worked as a nurse with my mother-in-law at the Mennonite Memorial Home. How long did you work there?
Yes, Margaret worked evenings and I followed on nights. She was one of the most caring nurses I worked with. I worked nights part time for 25 1/2 years and I liked nights working directly with the residents.
Where did you attend nursing school? What inspired you to become a nurse?
I attended St Rita's Hospital School of Nursing in Lima. I broke my femur in sixth grade, was in a body cast for three months and thought I would like nursing as I saw how my Mother took care of me.
What type of nursing did you enjoy the most? How has nursing changed over the years since you first began?
I have always enjoyed the older people. I could care for them and they gave me much with their wisdom of life. Nursing has changed SO much. There were few sinks in the rooms for hand washing, the bathrooms and service rooms were usually down the hall, we cleaned syringes for reuse and filed off burrs from the needles. But the big changes I see are we had more personal time with the patients before all the paper work came in. Education has changed - I went back to school to get a BS from Findlay College. Then I completed a MEd from Dayton University, which led me to my final work, before retirement, as a chaplain at St Rita's. Spiritual care is important in nursing and it all went together.
As I recall, you were also a Girl Scout leader. How did you get involved in that? Were you a Scout?
Through our daughter, Kathy. I was a leader for about eight years and a trainer for Day Camp. I was a Girl Scout from fourth through eighth grade. Having a husband and two sons in the Boy Scouts, I also was a Cub Scout Den Leader and trainer.
What other volunteer activities are you involved in?
I volunteer at the Senior Center for blood pressures 2 or 3 times a year and help with the Senior meals, usually pouring coffee or making fresh donuts. I also register at the Red Cross Bloodmobile 2 - 3 times a year when it comes to St Mary's.
How long have you and your husband, Ed, been married? Where did you meet?
We celebrated 50 years on Sept 2, 2011. We met while I was at St Rita's and he was at Ohio Northern. The Catholic Fraternity came to our dances and I met him through my roommate. We have children, Kevin and wife, Fay, their children Mike and fianc'e Sarah, and Kylie in Lima. Kathy and husband, Paul, son Josh and fianc'ee, Nikki, live in Dunkirk. (Two weddings next year.) Philip lives here.
What kinds of plans do you have for your retirement years? Do you enjoy traveling?
After working since I started baby sitting at 13, I want to rest. We traveled as a family but not much anymore. We do enjoy the Senior Center trips. I would like to go back to Holmes Co.
Any hobbies?
Yes! I enjoy the exercise program at Senior Citizens on Mon, Wed and Fri, as it keeps me moving. I like Facebook and am watching my Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts grow up and have reconnected with old friends. My newest like is my Kindle. I read much more because I can adjust the size of the print. I also read books for two book clubs and listen to books on tape as I work at home. My other favorite hobby is swimming at the Bluffton Pool in the summer and I just bought my 2012 pool pass!
At 73, Life Is Good.
