Rundels receives volunteer recognition

WAVERLY – After six individuals nominated him for his years of work, a Waverly man was chosen as the National Church Residences 2015 Volunteer of the Year award, out of all 344 National Church Residences communities in 28 states.

Richard “Dick” Rundels began attending grief counseling classes in Portsmouth after the passing of a family member. As he began to heal himself, he decided the best use of his time would be to help heal others. He began volunteering every day in the Portsmouth home.

“I just couldn’t sit in the house by myself. It felt so much better going out and talking with (the residents) and seeing them every day,” Rundels said.

Six months later, Rundels contacted the hospice care unit in Bristol Village in Waverly, which is closer to his home, and would require him to travel less.

“I thought it’s what the Lord wanted me to do. I was by myself, but it’s nice to work with them and bring them happiness,” Rundels said.

Rundels says he has children that live in Chillicothe, so he has family nearby, but the people in Bristol Village have become like an extended branch of that family.

Becky Mettler is the volunteer coordinator for the hospice care unit of Bristol Village and has been working with Rundels since he started volunteering there. Mettler says Rundels has become known for his willingness to sit with patients and their families as well as bring food to families who are with a passing family member.

“This man is remarkable. ... He has sat with clients for 16 hours before because he didn’t want him to be alone,” Mettler said.

Rhonda May’s mother was in the Bristol Village nursing home before she died. During her mother’s stay, May and her family became very familiar with Rundels. May says that, one day, Rundels bought her family lunch while they were visiting her mother, and when she offered to reimburse him, he refused her money.

“He does deserve it I’ll tell you that. ... He’s the best volunteer they have over there. He’s so humble and kind,” May said of Rundels. “Everything I have to say about Dick is good. ... He’s got so much compassion.”

Rundels was recognized again for his volunteer efforts at the National Church Residences Founders Day dinner Saturday night.

“I’m glad I received it, but I don’t feel what I do is any more special than what any of the other wonderful volunteers here at Waverly do. I just accept it on behalf of all of them,” Rundels said.