Life has a way of teaching you what is important. It is your decision as to whether or not you learn the lessons. Joellen Heatherly is the perfect example of someone who has taken all that her life has given her, and evolved into a healthier, happier version of herself.
“As I approach 60 later this year, this phase of life has brought unexpected changes — some hard, some hopeful,” she mentions. “The end of a marriage, the adjustment to an empty nest, saying goodbye to friends who relocate across the US, and the joy of rediscovering old passions. I’ve returned to making art, joined a book club, reconnected with friends near and afar, and enjoy a supportive group of exercise buddies. I recently started tutoring a friend studying for her nursing license. I also now know enough medical lingo to confidently watch Grey’s Anatomy and mostly keep up.”
“Retirement has also given me space to focus on health and healing. After losing my sister Susan to breast cancer at 50, I promised myself I would prioritize my own well-being. I’ve participated in an international breast cancer study for over two decades, and in 2022 and 2023, I underwent preventative surgeries to protect my health. It wasn’t easy, but I know Susan would be championing my efforts to stay active and healthy.”
Don’t let the word retirement fool you. Joellen is probably even more active, both physically and in her community, than she has ever been. While she may no longer be employed in public service roles supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Joellen fills her “free time” as a very active Tipp City resident. She is currently in her second term on the Tipp City Foundation board, and has served on the Tipp City Board of Education as well. She also enjoys volunteering at events like Tippapalooza and Vintage in the Village, and has worked on levy campaigns supporting Tipp City Public Schools.
“Retirement has given me the time and flexibility to serve in meaningful ways,” Joellen says with a smile. “Serving on the Tipp City Foundation board is so rewarding, working alongside people who care deeply about our community’s future. Whether funding school programs, preserving local history, or supporting the arts, the Foundation works to make Tipp City, Monroe Township, and Bethel Township stronger by awarding grants to local nonprofits. Every donation, big or small, helps keep our community vibrant and ensures our philanthropic spirit continues for future generations.”
When not volunteering her time, Joellen focuses consistently on her health. She is often found at Complete Fitness, taking spin classes and staying active. “Complete Fitness is a gem in our community,” Joellen notes. “It’s patrons are down-toearth and supportive — no flashy gimmicks, just good people at every fitness level. And I have to give a special shout-out to their commitment to the Miami County Special Olympics powerlifting team, The Crew. It’s a true example of inclusion, and it’s inspiring to see them lead the way.”
The biggest highlights in her life are her children, Grant and Claire, who are both Tippecanoe High School graduates. Claire, 26, lives in Tennessee near her boyfriend, Jalen. A University of Tennessee graduate, she works as a lead instructor at a Montessori school in Knoxville, teaching first through third grade. Grant, 24, lives in New Carlisle with his girlfriend, Maddie, and works as a certified cultivator at a medical cannabis facility in Dayton.
“It’s a growing industry, pun fully intended,” Joellen states with a laugh, “and it connects unexpectedly to our family’s agricultural roots in southern Ohio, where my relatives once grew tobacco. Same green thumb, just a different crop. Watching Grant thrive in this hands-on, science-driven field has been incredibly rewarding. Claire’s patient, creative approach is a perfect match for the Montessori philosophy, especially with neurodivergent students. Claire’s continuing the family tradition — my mom and grandmother were both elementary teachers — and both of them would be so tickled with her career choice, and so am I.”
Joellen feels it is family connections to Tipp City and its people and traditions that keep so many people in the city. A life-long resident, she endeavors to continue to build on its already strong foundation, and to help undertake new ventures as well.
“I was raised here in Tipp City, and while I’ve always appreciated its safe, small town feel, I also recognize how privileged I was to grow up in a place like this,” she says. “Not every community comes with strong schools, a solid foundation, and a built-in sense of home. That’s exactly why I chose to raise my family here — so my kids could have the same start that would help them thrive, whether they returned to Tipp City or ventured elsewhere. Citizens care for one another, and that spirit has endured for generations. Like any town, we have areas where we can grow — especially in becoming more open and welcoming to everyone who calls Tipp City home. I believe we’re capable of building a future that reflects the kindness and generosity already at our core. With excellent schools, a vibrant downtown, beautiful parks, and a library that brings people together, Tipp City remains a great place to raise a family. I’m proud to be from here — and hopeful for all the ways we can continue to grow together.”
“At this stage, I’ve learned it’s okay not to have everything figured out. What matters is staying open — to learning, joy, and connection. And for me, that always comes back to Tipp City: the people, the place, and the pride that lives in every corner of this town.”
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
The Tipp City Foundation is a member fund of The Troy Foundation. You can make a difference with your dollars in our community by:
- Donating online here.
- Making your check payable to the Tipp City Foundation and mail to P.O. Box 626, Tipp City, OH 45371.
- Setting up a fund or legacy plan by contacting Heather Bailey at (937) 528-2482.
STAY CONNECTED
We’d love to stay in touch. Stay connected with the Tipp City Foundation by:
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
All marketing activities of the Foundation is 100% underwritten by generous sponsors. Please contact us at info@tippfoundation.org for information on how your business or organization can become our partner in philanthropy.
- Silver Sponsor — Thrivent Financial (Matt Buehrer)
- Bronze Sponsors —J & L Wood Products, Monroe Federal, Park National Bank, Pickrel, Schaeffer & Ebeling, Sibcy Cline – Jackie Halderman, John J. Skolnicki, CPA, Taft Law Firm, Tipp Eye Center
- Friend Sponsors — Captor Corporation, Edward Jones – Neil Nehring, Greenville Federal, Minster Bank, Turnstone Financial, US Bank
- Media Sponsor — Tippecanoe Gazette
- Hospitality Sponsor — Tipp Center
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