Tingley resident Connie Richards was among 60 volunteers from across the state recognized recently at Hospice and Palliative Care
Association of Iowa's annual honored volunteer ceremony held in Altoona.Richards has been a volunteer with HCI Hospice Care Services for 10 years.
"I had family members receiving wonderful care from hospice," she said, "and decided I would like to give back to others by becoming a volunteer."
A
life-long Ringgold County resident, Richards is also a Tingley First Responder a board member of Iowa Beef Industry Council, a member of the local
Lion's Club and is active in her church. She recently retired from many years as a 4-H volunteer and as a member of both the Red Cross CISM team and
DAT teams.
"Connie exemplifies the true spirit of being a hospice volunteer by her willingness to serve others in whatever capacity is needed," said
Cindy Mitchell, HCI volunteer coordinator. "This might be sitting quietly holding a patient's hand as a presence or sharing activities together. She is a
delight to work with. The entire Mount Ayr team would like to thank Connie for her dedication to our mission."
Richards explained that her duties are
dictated by the needs of her clients.
"I have done a variety of activities while a volunteer from sitting and visiting with someone to taking someone to
the beauty shop for a perm," she said. "I enjoy just being a friend to someone who needs company. One of the most memorable times was when I visited a
lady every other week and played games all afternoon. She always seemed to win even though I did my best. I also am an Eleventh hour volunteer. It is
such an honor to be able to sit with someone's loved one during their end-of-life journey. I would strongly urge anyone with a desire to be a help to
others to take the volunteer training. You get more back than what you give."
Photograph courtesy of Mount Ayr Record-News
Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, October of 2015
