Touching Lives Stories

Elmer Muth wholeheartedly believes in the value of a good education and how it sets the foundation for a good life. That’s especially poignant given that Elmer dropped out of school in tenth grade to work in the family’s poultry and egg business. Even so, he attended high school at night and eventually earned his diploma.

After high school, the U.S. Navy took Elmer from New York to Scotland, England and France. He was on a beach in Normandy when Allied forces stormed the shore on D-Day in June 1944. “We managed to survive the invasion,” he says. After he finished his military service, Elmer attended California State Teacher’s College on the GI Bill and graduated with a degree in Industrial Arts Education and later earned a Master’s degree in Administration.

Elmer got married during his college years after meeting his wife, Esther, at a roller skating rink. The couple had two redheaded daughters, Cindy and Debbie. (Sadly, Cindy passed away at age 35.) Elmer’s large family now includes one surviving child and eight grandchildren.

Elmer’s career progressed through the years as he worked as a teacher, assistant principal and then supervisor in adult education. “You could really move up if you wanted to, and I wanted to!” he says. After he retired in 1982, he and Esther bought a small, four-acre farm near Montgomery County, Maryland. After Esther became ill, they downsized and moved to Ocean Pines, Maryland.

“I have everything I need here at Gull Creek. I inherited a good attitude from my mother, and It’s all about attitude.”

After Esther passed away in 2008, Elmer was no longer a caregiver. He started pursuing his interests and was active in the American Legion, VFW and the Kiwanis Club. After he experienced a couple of health setbacks of his own, he decided on a move to Gull Creek with the support of his daughter Debbie and other family members.

Today, Elmer enjoys life at Gull Creek and participates in activities including Bingo and choral singing. He also attends the hymn sing-alongs at Gull Creek on Sundays. “I have everything I need here,” he says. “I inherited a good attitude from my mother,” he says, smiling. “It’s all about attitude.”

Here’s what other people are saying about Gull Creek:

“Now I have the peace of mind knowing that Mom is in good care. I know that around every corner someone smiles at her, talks to her, hugs her and takes good care of her. I know I am part of the Gull Creek family, too. I no longer take this journey alone. They are here for me, too.”

– Vicki D. of Ocean Pines, Maryland, daughter of Assisted Living resident

“When one of your parents passes away and was the sole caregiver for the other, the family is faced with a very important decision. After much research, Gull Creek was the best choice for us.

I credit the staff for saving my mother’s life. She’s been there for 12 years and has graduated from Independent Living to Assisted Living and now lives in Treasure Cove, the memory care neighborhood. She is treated with dignity and the staff provides for all her daily needs. Thank you, Gull Creek!”

– K. Higgason of Bishopsville, Maryland, son of Treasure Cove Memory Care resident