Ruth Drown remains dedicated fixture in community

For most people, retirement means slowing down, kicking back and enjoying a well-deserved break from the day-to-day grind.

Not for Ruth Drown.

Ruth, who retired from the community in 2014, where she served has a dietary aide, cook and dishwasher, has become a regular volunteer in the community’s kitchen and dining room.

Whether she’s folding napkins or helping to set the tables for dinner, it seems she’s always nearby and ready to lend a hand.

“Whenever I can help somebody, I’m right there,” said Ruth.

The transition from full-time employee to volunteer has been a natural one for Ruth and one that has made her increasingly thankful.

“It gives me something to do in my spare time besides sitting around,” said Ruth. “Even the kids say they have a hard time finding me when I’m not home—they never know where I am or what I’m doing.”

Whether it’s as an employee or a volunteer, Ruth’s dependability is a trait that makes her especially proud.

“In 20 years of senior living work, I only missed two nights,” said Ruth.

Ruth’s current schedule has her at the community for two to three hours, five days a week. When she does happen to find herself at home, Ruth enjoys quilting—a talent that has won her several blue ribbons over the years and second place at a statewide competition in Hutchinson.

Ruth is a proud mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and wife. She and her husband,Duane, have been married for 62 years and together they still own the family farm Duane’s father bought in 1945.

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