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STARTING A NEW PHASE OF LIFE

In November of 2020, Phyllis Mitchell realized it was time to “let it go” and moved to Kirby Pines to begin a new phase of her life. From humble beginnings, she lived in a beautiful home for 25 years which she personally designed and decorated – a home filled with life’s treasures and memories. Located on beautiful acreage, the home had served on many occasions to host weddings, rehearsal dinners, and celebrations for family members. It was difficult to think of leaving! However, Phyllis and her husband, Jim Mitchell, had discussed and planned an eventual move to Kirby Pines. Unexpectedly, Jim passed away in August 2020, and Phyllis made the necessary decision. 

According to Phyllis, her move to Kirby Pines has been a blessing. “I was welcomed by everyone and quickly became friends with a group who laugh, love, and have fun. I’ve even found someone who loves to shop and someone who has renewed my interest in crafts. I meet with the Advisory Board every Wednesday as we discuss ways to improve Kirby Pines. But best of all, I meet with a group every Monday to discuss scripture and our ongoing relationship with God. I couldn’t be busier or happier.” 

Phyllis’s life began in a small town in Virginia located in the Appalachian Mountains. One can only imagine the beautiful scenery of such a location. Phyllis describes her home as being on a dirt road with a creek nearby and beautiful mountains surrounding them. There were many relatives living in the community, many of whom worked in her father’s construction business. Phyllis had several brothers and sisters; her grandparents and many cousins, aunts, and uncles came by their house often to play, visit, or help with projects. Her father played stringed instruments and taught the children how to sing the various parts. There were always many activities enjoyed by the entire family. This closeness, according to Phyllis, “Gave me a sense of security and belonging in my life. I was truly blessed to be surrounded by this simple lifestyle and by this supportive extended family. My parents set a Christian example both in and out of church. They loved us enough to make many sacrifices to provide us with everything we needed.” 

Phyllis’s parents encouraged and supported her religious activities as well as her pursuit of a good education. During high school, Phyllis was voted “most studious and most dependable” by her classmates. She was Valedictorian of her class which enabled her to get scholarship aide to the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia. She graduated with a double major in Psychology and Elementary Education. 

While attending school in Charlottesville, Phyllis met “the love of her life,” Jim Mitchell, and they married following her graduation from the university. Joining their family was a daughter, Mary Beth, and a son, Chris. There are two grandchildren to love. According to Phyllis, “Jim and I had 55 years together, and our lives were built around our love for Christ and our families.” Due to Jim’s employment, the family moved from Richmond, Virginia, to Colorado Springs, Colorado, and finally, to Memphis, Tennessee. Jim had worked in banking, pharmaceutical management, nursing home management, and finally to the Farms at Bailey Station. 

Phyllis taught elementary education until her children were born; then, she became a stay-at-home mom. As the children became older, and “to test her brain cells,” Phyllis looked for opportunities such as substitute teaching which kept her current and allowed her to be at home when the children were there. For seven years, she was the Christian Education Coordinator at Central Church, a contributing writer and seminar leader for Gospel Light Publications, and a volunteer Bible study leader and adult Sunday school teacher. 

Jim Mitchell’s success while working for Rorer Pharmaceuticals awarded Phyllis and Jim the opportunity for several trips to Europe, the Caribbean, Alaska, Canada, Bermuda, and several cities in the United States. On their own, they traveled to Israel, Greece, and Ireland. “As a girl growing up, I never dreamed of being so blessed,” admits Phyllis. 

In a philosophical mood, Phyllis describes life as one ages: “I have decided that ‘LET IT GO’ should be the mantra or theme song for seniors. ‘Letting go’ prepares us for something much better. God gradually simplifies our lives, and as our health, strength and energy decreases, He introduces new options and situations to keep us productive. We learn to prioritize relationships over material things. I have found that ‘better’ here at Kirby Pines.” Phyllis says that being at Kirby Pines is almost like getting back to her roots, surrounded by a family and friends who can empathize with her “aches and pains.” On a more serious note, Phyllis expressed her appreciation for her safety and security here at Kirby Pines. “The security here is unmatched by most private homes,” states Phyllis. 

Finally, Phyllis says, “My children don’t have to worry about me. I have a new home, a new place to serve God and others, and good people all around me. I feel so blessed to have the freedom to worship and to be with believers from so many denominations and religions. My greatest desire now is to do my part in serving and making my new home a place of hospitality and love for years to come. I have ‘LET IT GO.’ ” 

Written by Joan Dodson, Resident, Kirby Pines.

LIVING THE ULTIMATE LIFE

In small town America, many people have been nurtured and supported in their formative years by the advantages which are unique to small town living. Both Suzanne and Michael Hufnagel are products of such an environment. Although their lives encountered hardships, cumulatively, their lives could be described as the “ultimate life.” There were supportive families, opportunities for education and advancement through employment, three children and six grandchildren to love, and a retirement to envy. In 2011, the Hufnagels sold everything, bought an RV, and spent the next eight+ years traveling the Unites States and Canada.

Suzanne (nee Stevens) and Michael Hufnagel were born in, or near, Tell City, Indiana. This small town had a rich heritage and was ideal for childhood. Life was good. No one locked their doors, bicycles were ridden from dawn to dusk, and sleep-over with friends was the norm. However, both Suzanne and Michael suffered losses during their childhood. Suzanne’s parents divorced when she was nine, and Michael’s father died when Michael was four years old. As a result, both lives were altered. Suzanne’s mother began working outside the home, and Michael’s family moved to his grandfather’s farm. However, according to Michael, “I loved living on the farm. There are many adventures I had in those early years that I wouldn’t trade for anything. That’s when I developed my love for the outdoors.”

Suzanne attended St. Paul’s Catholic school through eighth grade and was active in the band, playing cornet and French horn. Michael attended a different school. They met at the city swimming pool the summer following their freshman year of high school. They soon began dating “off and on.” Suzanne participated in musical and drama ventures while Michael developed the “Hoosier Hysteria” by involvement in sports. In his younger years, Michael also enjoyed scouting and eventually became a Boy Scout Leader.

Following graduation in 1962, Suzanne moved to Indianapolis to work in the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and then as a receptionist in a prominent law firm. Michael entered Purdue University. The romance blossomed, and in 1964, Suzanne and Michael were married. One interesting bit of information shared by the Hufnagels was that both their mothers remarried around the same time.

The Vietnam War caused disruptions in many lives. Michael was drafted into the Army in 1966. He relates this about that experience: “I was in the Army from 1966 until 1968. I was trained as a Drill Instructor and discharged with the rank of Sergeant (E5). My Army years have many stories that had God’s hand in them. The main one is that I remained stateside while most of my trainees had to go ‘across the pond,’ and many didn’t return.”

After his discharge from the Army, Michael returned to Purdue earning a BS and an MS in Industrial Engineering. His employment resulted in family moves from Indianapolis to Cincinnati, Memphis, and Little Rock. Starting out in the engineering field, Michael moved to Marketing and then Information Technology. His last positions were as CIO of transportation companies.

Suzanne worked until their first child was born in 1970. She became a homemaker and the family increased to three, two boys and one girl. According to Suzanne, “Sewing and making things has been a big part of my life. I made my children’s clothes and my own for many years.” She began piecing the beautiful quilts we see displayed on our Art Wall in 2016. So far, she has made a total of 12 quilts. “I enjoy making things that are not only beautiful but useful,” says Suzanne. In 1975, Suzanne became a believer in Jesus Christ and has been involved in study and teaching Bible classes. She and Michael are members of Harvest Church and participate as Greeters.

Because of his love of the outdoors, Michael has always sought activities which allowed him to be “with nature.” He says that he has done a lot of backpacking and water skiing. When his children came along, they also enjoyed the outdoors. According to Michael, “We enjoyed tent camping, boating on a pontoon, and jet skiing on Pickwick Lake.” Michael says he has always enjoyed wood working and refinishing furniture.

When RV living came to an end, the Hufnagels did not want the hassle of another house and began looking at retirement facilities. After considering several, they chose Kirby Pines for a number of reasons. Primarily, Memphis seemed like home base, and their daughter lives here. Also, important to them was the Lifecare benefits and the community that Kirby offers.

Living at Kirby is living the ultimate life. According to both Suzanne and Michael, “We enjoy living in our two bedroom apartment which requires little maintenance and no yard work. We SO enjoy the beautiful grounds here and are thankful for those who keep our grounds beautiful.”

Suzanne and Michael Hufnagel have certainly been a wonderful addition to our community. Both remain very active. Suzanne leads a Bible study and pleases us with her artistry. Michael has served on the Resident’s Association Board and has been an extraordinary helper to many of us who have various technology problems. 

The Hufnagels’ thoughts on moving: “So many residents experience the agony of downsizing when they move in. We had the experience of up-sizing in moving from a 400+ square foot motor home to a 900+ square foot apartment. We were able to buy all NEW furnishings. What fun!”

Written by Joan Dodson, Resident, Kirby Pines.