JERRY & NANCY BARRON STAUFFER

We do enjoy our retirement, but it certainly doesn’t mean we have much free time. Nancy and I have been retired for seven years now.  Life has been a blessing for each of us.  We have had good jobs, good health, a family life that has been very pleasurable and successes in our endeavors that have been meaningful.  Nance taught Mathematics 28 years after staying home with our children.  I was a guidance counselor, coach, and athletic director for 40 years. We both stayed in the same school system for this duration. Much of our life revolves around church and church friends and, of course, our 7 grandchildren.  They are a joy, and we spend time watching football, basketball, soccer, concerts, programs and plays.   All are involved in sports and are good students. 

Eric (son one) has his own software business with a partner in England.  They have several employees and seem to be doing well. Eric has two children ages 8 and 10.  Larry (son two) is a fireman and owner of his own construction business.  He has two children ages 13 and 16.  Beth is at home with her three sons ages 6, 8, and 10.  She home schools, need we say more!

One of our greatest enjoyments is Nancy’s father.  He turned 96 in May and has an amazing memory and sense of humor.  We spend time with him each week.  He has 16 great grandchildren (14 under 8 years of age). .  We had a big 95^th birthday party for him.  All of his nephews and nieces attended.  There were nearly 100 at the church.  He still lives alone.  We wish he would come live here but he wants to stay in his home as long as possible, and we understand.

As with most retirees, we spend as much time as possible traveling and enjoying this amazing country we live in.  We have spent time in England, down several rivers through Europe and Italy.  Yet, we are most amazed at the beauty, variety and uniqueness of the States.  Of course we spend as much time as possible at the lake with brothers, nieces, nephews and lots of Dad’s great grandchildren. Nancy’s grandfather bought six lots together in the 1940’s, so we have 5 modest summer homes in a row which allows lots of relatives at one time.

Nancy spends her time gardening, sewing and quilting and a book club. She is involved in two quilt bees, two Bible Studies (interdenominational), teaches adult Sunday school and cooks for community centers.   I have been doing a lot of work with Habitat for Humanity as a volunteer and have worked the Katrina area several times with Habitat and church efforts.  Nancy and I have done mission work in Kentucky.  Nonetheless, I find plenty of time to golf, for woodworking and some photography.

We still keep in touch with Jerry & Nanette Rushton (Barrett Hall head residents).  We often visit with Russ and Sara Jo Baskett.  Russ was my roommate, and we are thankful that we have remained friends for 45 years.

As life passes, we are learning to be grateful for the blessings we took for granted when we were younger. 

Jerry@TheStauffers.com