This month, we are pleased to feature Ohio Living Mount Pleasant residents Joe and Beth Ditmyer. The couple met in July 1966 at Red Lodge Resort on Manitoulin Island, Ontario, Canada. Joe had recently completed over four years of service in the U.S. Navy, and Beth was vacationing at the resort with her family. Joe’s parents owned the lodge at the time. They have now been married for nearly 58 years.
Joe operated his own HVAC business for 23 years before he and Beth opened a gift shop, Country Neighbors, which they ran together for eight years. He also worked part-time at Lowe’s and BeauVerre Riordan Studios, where he assisted in the installation of the stained-glass window in the Mary Kittredge Chapel at Ohio Living Mount Pleasant.
Beth began her teaching career in 1967 as an elementary art teacher before moving into special education, where she worked with children and adults with disabilities for 23 years.
Together, Joe and Beth raised three children and now enjoy spending time with their seven grandchildren. A little-known fact about Joe: he has sewn more than 25 quilts and wall hangings, many of them queen-sized and hand-quilted, as well as numerous placemats, table runners and potholders.
The couple moved to Ohio Living Mount Pleasant two years ago and have enjoyed the friendships and activities within the community. They especially appreciate the neighbors on their cul-de-sac. Their advice to others considering a move,
“Don’t wait. The older you get, the harder it is to downsize. Don’t leave it for your children or relatives to handle.”