Now, they convey their giving spirit to United Church Homes’ Trinity Community at Fairborn (formerly Patriot Ridge) in Fairborn, Ohio, where Mary lives full-time. Here, in this place, Mary and Bob share their hearts with the caring staff who provide Mary the memory support she needs. Here, in this place, Bob demonstrates to care team members and Mary’s neighbors how best to communicate with her during her difficult days. Here, in this place, Bob and Mary welcome new friends into their lives as an extension of their own immediate family who live far away. Here, in this place, is now where they worship, receive their spiritual care, and donate generously. Here, in this place, they love others and receive abundant love in return. In addition to his career at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Bob served as an active volunteer for the Fairborn community for many years — at the Senior Center, the United Methodist Church, and the YMCA. Now, he spends his days — all day, every day — with Mary at Trinity Community at Fairborn (formerly Patriot Ridge). They continue to share meals, take walks, sit outside on the rocking chairs, communicate with friends, and enjoy their time together.
Four years ago, Bob knew that Mary needed a safe place to live where she could get specialized memory support care. They talked about it, and together, they decided that Mary would move to Trinity Community at Fairborn (formerly Patriot Ridge), less than one mile from their family home. Being a long-time resident of Fairborn, retired from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, and an active community volunteer, Bob was familiar with Trinity Community at Fairborn (formerly Patriot Ridge) and knew of its excellent reputation.
Bob recently experienced the genuine caring of Trinity Community at Fairborn (formerly Patriot Ridge) staff firsthand. During a recent illness, Bob didn’t come to visit Mary as usual. An attentive staff member noticed that Bob wasn’t there and called to make sure he was okay. After realizing he was sick, the staff person personally delivered both lunch and dinner to Bob at his home, knowing he usually shared daily meals with Mary. Bob emphasizes that Trinity Community at Fairborn (formerly Patriot Ridge) staff “go the extra mile” and bring extraordinary peace of mind to their two children. Bob and Mary’s children recognize how staff welcome them with warm hospitality when they visit. “I consider this just another blessing,” Bob says.
“Bob and Mary light up this place. We are so glad to know them, serve them, and love them,” says Stacie Ward, administrator of Trinity Community at Fairborn (formerly Patriot Ridge).
In 2013, United Church Homes honored Bob with the Ben M. Herbster Award, which recognizes individuals in the community who best exemplify the philosophy, leadership, philanthropic spirit, and achievements of the late Rev. Dr. Ben M. Herbster. Dr. Herbster was a legacy leader, a local church pastor, native of Ohio, graduate of Heidelberg University and served as the first president of the United Church of Christ. He was an extremely caring, progressive, and driven individual committed to social justice and peace. His love for the church and love for the people in the pew led to his love for growing benevolent institutions like United Church Homes. In his retirement, he served as Board Chair of United Church Homes.
“Bob and Mary light up this place. We are so glad to know them, serve them, and love them,” says Stacie Ward, administrator of Trinity Community at Fairborn (formerly Patriot Ridge). Their lives give testimony to how Trinity Community at Fairborn (formerly Patriot Ridge) supports a rich experience of love and community for its residents and their families.