Couple Retires/
Rehires after Faithfully Serving Community
by Sheila Baltzell, 10-28-2017
Above: Jerry, Connie and Charlie
Jerry Sell, M.D., and his wife, Connie (Beougher) Sell have recently
embarked on a new path in their retirement, one of the half time
variety. Although they are busy doing new things, Dr. Sell is keeping
his hands in the profession that he has loved for 40 years. His last day
working full time was at the end of August 2017. His current schedule
includes various medical procedures and surgeries at Van Wert County
Hospital as well as pitching in to help wherever he is needed. He
generally works one week on and one week off at the office in Rockford
to see his surgical patients and assists the newest doctor in town,
Norman Means, M.D. Dr. Sell continues to locate and attract new doctors
to the area.
After running the Family Medicine office for 30 years while raising a
family Connie is finding it difficult to stay completely retired. She
has gone on to helping her son, Jonathan, start a Biggby Coffee
franchise in St. Marys, OH. She does this by continuing her knack for
bookwork from home for the one year old business. Connie also continues
to help with the family farm after the death of her father, Charlie
Beougher, in 2004. Today she helps when brother Gary Beougher needs her.
When the Sells looked toward their retirement, they knew that travel
would be in the picture. So far, they have enjoyed several overseas
trips with their friends, Patty and Bud Schoenleben. These trips have
included visits to Italy, the Holy Land, and Egypt. In Italy, their
cruise took them from Venice to Croatia, then to Sicily and Rome. In the
Holy Land, they visited all of the Holy sites including; Jerusalem, the
temple, Galilee, the Dead Sea, Golan Heights, Israel, Egypt, and the
Jordan river- where Connie was baptized. In Egypt they visited Cairo,
the Museum of Antiquities, and the pyramids. The goal of their trips
will now involve learning from the Road Scholar Program. Link Here. Some
trips they have already had the pleasure to experience have been Bryce
Canyon, Zion National Park, and the Grand Canyon. The Sells were led by
an 85-year old geology professor who shared his knowledge of Earth with
them.
They soon hope to enjoy the Road Scholar trip they are currently
planning to Ireland, in celebration of their 2016, 50th Wedding
Anniversary.
Traveling for them will not stop at enjoyment and enlightenment trips
though, they intend to participate in medical and general mission trips.
The Sells wish to participate in at least one mission trip per year. The
most recent trip was a group led by Nathan Boggs, from New Horizons
Community Church to Big Laurel Missions, KY. This trip served the less
fortunate in our country. Jerry and Connie along with son, Jonathan, and
other New Horizons members spent several days helping to complete homes
for the area residents. Dr. Sell has done three mission trips to
Honduras, accompanied on one by Connie. He has also done a medical
mission trip to Haiti after the 2010 earthquake. Dr. Sell is considering
a return trip to Haiti (possibly to help Carrie Stoller, CNP) as well
las a return trip to Sierra Leone, Africa. His previous Sierra Leone
trip was with Dr. Ron Baker through the United Brethren Church missions.
Connie is also considering a trip to Haiti.
Click
Here to read about the trip to Sierra Leone.
Looking back at their lives, becoming a family medicine doctor has made
all the difference to their family and this community, which they have
served so faithfully for 40 years. Dr. Sell said, “It has always been a
team effort with Connie by my side.” After graduation at Rockford High
School, they married. Connie was by his side when he attended Middletown
School of Nursing, during his stint in the U.S. Army, from 1967-1970, as
a preventative medicine instructor. His service led to the Army
Commendation Medal for acts of heroism and extraordinary or meritorious
service. When the couple returned to Ohio, he received his Bachelor of
Science and Microbiology degree-cum laude in 1970; medical degree-cum
laude in 1976; and residency at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Dayton in
1979, for “family medicine” practice. Dr. Sell completed in full-range
and surgical obstetrics.
Click Here to
read about an additional article on Dr. Sell as the Rockford Chamber
Person of the year (from several years ago).
In between all of this, the Sells love bird watching together on their
back porch, their favorite place to hang out. They also have fun with
their two children, Jonathan, Jenny, their spouses, and their six
grandchildren at Dale Hollow Lake. Following their grandchildren’s
adventures be it at college, in School at Parkway, science fairs, or on
the ball field, is their greatest enjoyment. You also might find them
making coffee at Biggby, St Mary’s on special days.
Locally the Sells look forward to the Rockford Bicentennial celebration
coming up. Dr. Sell is active on the Rockford Area Development
Corporation in Rockford as well as the Governance Board at New Horizons
Community Church.
So, retirement? Not exactly, but close enough. |