Kansas

Volunteer retires after a quarter-century of service

January 4, 2023
Betty McCutcheon, Ascension Via Christi Volunteer who retired after a quarter-century of service

On Nov. 10, Betty McCutcheon finished her last day of 25 years as an Ascension Via Christi Volunteer. On Nov. 16, she celebrated her 90th birthday.

“It’s bittersweet, I have mixed feelings about leaving,” says the Haysville resident. “But I think at 90 years old, I feel like I should.”

For more than 15 years, McCutcheon has served in the Surgery Waiting Room at Ascension Via Christi St. Joseph and has accumulated more than 12,500 total service hours. McCutcheon credits her volunteer role, and exercise regimen, with keeping her young.

“This keeps me young by testing my memory and keeps me moving around,” says McCutcheon. “I also workout three times a week by riding a stationary bike five miles and then doing weights for my lower body and sometimes visit the senior center to play dominoes.”

Before volunteering, she spent 20 years as a secretary for the City of Wichita Water Department before moving to part-time jobs with the Red Cross and the Ronald McDonald House Charities. These roles led her to begin volunteering with each organization, with RMDHC bringing her to Ascension Via Christi St. Joseph when it had its own family waiting room.

“I have always enjoyed working with the public, but I especially enjoy it here,” she says. “Through volunteering, I have met a lot of good friends and I know I help save others’ time and steps during their jobs.”

With no immediate family nearby, she finds joy in helping others’ family members.

“Telling jokes, talking with people and being here for them is what makes me feel needed and what I look forward to,” she says. “That's why I kept coming back.”

Though she will miss her time at the hospital, McCutcheon will think fondly of her time as an Ascension Via Christi Volunteer.

“It’s given me so much to be needed and wanted, to do something important, help other people and make friends along the way,” she says. “This has added so much to my life.”

To learn more about becoming a volunteer or to submit an application, visit https://healthcare.ascension.org/locations/kansas/kswic/wichita-ascension-via-christi-st-francis/volunteer-application

Last updated: October 15, 2024