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Deb Petrilla has been a volunteer at The Village at Luther Ridge for the past five years. She said she knew Luther Ridge would be the perfect place to volunteer because of the special connection she had formed with SpiriTrust Lutheran® when her mother enjoyed the last years of her life as a resident at the village. Deb never visits SpiriTrust Lutheran without her two furry friends who also serve as therapy dogs. When Deb puts the therapy bandanas on Wyatt and Ruby, they know where they are going and can’t wait to spend time with their other family at SpiriTrust Lutheran.
Following the death of her husband in 2018, Faye Fetrow wanted to interact more with her fellow residents at The Village at Kelly Drive, so she began volunteering on a regular basis. While Faye helps with activities and friendly visits, she said she truly enjoys giving back in the hair salon. Faye operated her own beauty shop for 50 years in nearby Manchester. This experience has given her a way to help residents look and feel great while building connections as part of the Kelly Drive family. 
Susan Nitsch, a resident at The Village at Shrewsbury, was one of the first volunteers to return this summer. She carved her place in dining services and was initially volunteering seven days a week. The more she worked, the more she saw the need. Dining team members describe her as a “volunteer goddess” because she is a very dedicated hard worker. Susan says she derives satisfaction from helping a resident unwrap a straw, assisting in opening a ketchup bottle and seeing everyone’s eyes light up at the mention of ice cream.
Deb Petrilla has been a volunteer at The Village at Luther Ridge for the past five years. She said she knew Luther Ridge would be the perfect place to volunteer because of the special connection she had formed with SpiriTrust Lutheran® when her mother enjoyed the last years of her life as a resident at the village.
Deb never visits SpiriTrust Lutheran without her two furry friends who also serve as therapy dogs. In 2015, when her 26-year-old son unexpectedly died, her eight-week-old Vizsla puppy, Ruby, got her through the most difficult time of her life. Because of this support, she knew she had to share Ruby’s ability to comfort and love with others. In 2017, when Ruby received her official certification as a therapy dog from Therapy Dogs International, the pair starting visiting on a regular basis. The same year, the family welcomed a Golden Retriever named Wyatt who they also were training to become a therapy dog. Deb says she enjoys seeing the smiles and joy the dogs bring to residents and staff. The dogs’ presence often evokes memories of past pets that leads residents to sharing stories of their pets. The dogs also provide comfort to residents and families during the final stages of life. When Deb puts the therapy bandanas on Wyatt and Ruby, they know where they are going and can’t wait to spend time with their other family at SpiriTrust Lutheran.
Bette Price and Sandy Langknecht, resident volunteers at The Village at Utz Terrace, saw the importance in reopening The Country Store in August 2021 and offered to serve as co-managers. Bette had some retail experience and Sandy had none prior to managing the store, but you would never know it from the great job they are doing. Sandy and Bette enjoy selecting the merchandise and have a flair for arranging displays. The store, which offers practical items, gift items, seasonal decorations, jewelry, cards, puzzles, candy and more, has been an important part of the fabric of the village since its grand opening in September 2008. In March 2020, the store closed due to safety concerns associated with the pandemic. “Managing the store is not just about selling goods. It’s about the people and the community," said Sandy. “The best part of The Country Store is quite simply – the people.”
Michele McFarland before the pandemic could be found visiting residents at The Village at Sprenkle Drive. Michele has been a volunteer for two years and was a regular friendly visitor. Michele says, “When I visit with residents I not only brighten their day, but they also brighten my day and I always leave feeling fulfilled." Michele has made friendly phone calls and sent notes of encouragement to residents throughout the pandemic.
Georgianna Hoffeditz, a hospice volunteer for 39 years, began making bereavement phone calls during the pandemic a month after her husband died peacefully under our care after receiving hospice care intermittently over the course of a few years.
Typically, volunteers take at least a year off from volunteering following the death of a loved one to afford them space to grieve, but SpiriTrust Lutheran granted an exception to Georgianna after she politely insisted we allow her to resume supporting others on their grief journey.
