After working 15 years with the Vaughan Regional Medical Center’s dietary department, Betty Lester thought she’d be settling into retirement, but fate had other plans.

Lester, who would often see the hospital’s pink ladies when she would come to work, knew that volunteering was something she always wanted to do.

“I’ve always known about it,” Lester said. “Someone asked me to be a part of it and I filled out the application.”

Celebrating 12 years as a hospital volunteer, Lester said she’s never been the type to sit idle and enjoys staying busy.

“My husband Floyd passed away and it just filled the void and gives me something to do,” Lester said. “I like to work with the people. I’m in charge with the gift shop. I fill some of the void by ordering, receiving and pricing and setting up the gift shop. Maggie Stewart is my assistant. When stocks come in, she helps me to price it and put out displays …”

Though the hospital’s gift shop is her primary station, Lester also volunteers Fridays — sometimes all day, as the Day Chairman. Of course working with patients is her favorite thing.

“I like to take stuff to patients and see that they receive what they’re supposed to,” Lester said. “I like to come in contact with different people. I don’t have a hobby — volunteering is what I like to do.”

A native of Orrville and a current resident, Lester doesn’t seem bothered by the weekly mileage to work.

“We live on the river and it’s about 35 miles from where we live to up here,” Lester said in reference to Selma.

“I come up here sometimes two to three times a week.”

Lester has two daughters, three grandchildren and five great grandchildren who all currently live in Orrville.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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