Volunteer gets parking spot for 98th birthday

FREMONT — After a 97-year-old hospital volunteer threatened to quit because she couldn't find a place to park, ProMedica Memorial Hospital officials gave her a prime parking spot as an early birthday gift and to honor her 25 years of service.

Myrtle Koch turns 98 Tuesday and said her secret to living so long is her love for what she does. Every Monday and Friday, Koch spends her mornings and afternoons answering phones, filing insurance claims and handling other paperwork for Golden Threads, a senior citizens resource based at the hospital.

Golden Threads director Annette Overmyer said Koch threatened to quit before when a younger driver took a parking spot near the hospital's front entrance.

"It's a little harder to walk around now," Koch said. "I'm delighted to have my own spot. It will be right by the door.".

Koch has been a fixture at ProMedica, as she finishes her 25th year as a volunteer for Golden Threads, where she has become close with many people who work on the first floor of the hospital.

Overmyer said she has worked with Koch for 15 years and said there was no way the office was losing Koch because of parking.

"When she comes in Friday, she will have her own special spot. We are still humbled she comes in," Overmyer said.

Despite her age, Koch has no plans to stop volunteering. She still drives but although she said she has slowed down a bit physically, she still loves coming to the office.

Even during a birthday party held Monday, a day before her birthday, Koch was eager to answer calls and get back to work while eating a piece of red velvet birthday cake.

"I just enjoy the people," Koch said. "Answering the phone keeps you young."

While Koch enjoys the people she works with and helps, her colleagues say the pleasure is mutual. Several hospital employees spent their day on Monday visiting with Koch, offering her presents, cards and smiles.

"She's a breath of fresh air," said Overmyer. "She's like a mother figure to all of us. She is always in a good mood."

Not only does Koch bring positive energy to the office, other volunteers say she inspires them to keep coming to work because she puts a smile on their faces.

"Everyone respects her. Many of us retire in our 60s or 70s and come to volunteer," Gary Kaltenbach said.

Kaltenbach, a volunteer office mailman who has worked with Koch for 12 years, said she is an inspiration to many because she continues working and still has a sharp mind at 98.

"She's a dear. She comes in with a smile on her face every day," Kaltenbach said.

cshoup@gannett.com

419-334-1035

Twitter: CraigShoupNH