King Is 'Queen' At Mason Health Care

Those who selflessly give to others aren't often recognized for their deeds. And, if Buthean "Queenie" King had her way, she wouldn't receive hers now.

"I'm just doing what the good Lord has told me to do," she will say.

King is marking 30 years on the job at Mason Health Care, and over that time "Queenie," as she is affectionately called by her co-workers and charges, has developed bonds as strong as those formed in any family.

"It's just like a family," she said. "The residents become part of your family and you become a part of theirs. When they're down, you pick them up and when you're down they pick you up."

The family feeling was even more of a reality at one time, having both of her daughters working with her at Masons, she said.

Queenie has been a stabilizing influence as well as a compassionate caregiver, dispensing medication as a qualified medication assistant. She helped the residents move from the old retirement facility at East Center Street and Argonne Road, now the MedPark facility, to the new facility on the Kosciusko Community Hospital campus 15 years ago.

"I helped move the first resident into this new building," she said. "Russell was his name and he didn't want to leave the old building. But I assured him it would be OK and that I would drive him there myself. He felt better about the move then."

She sees the residents of Mason's to be a gift - a gift she cherishes.

"I enjoy taking care of the residents, being there and loving them," she said. "They're my people. I feel like God gave them to me."

The love of the job and of the people is quite evident in Queenie, according to staff director Yolanda Vanderwatter.

"She's always here. Her attendance is just great. She's so dedicated to the facility and puts their needs ahead of hers," she said. "And, considering the turn-over rate in this industry, her 30 years is just incredible."

"When I started working here, I didn't have to work - my husband was very successful in his business," King said. "But my kids were in school and I wanted to get out and work."

The experience she's gained has not only benefited the residents of Masons, but has helped her and her family at home as well.

"I've gained a lot of knowledge and the ability to handle a lot of things through working here," she said. "I took care of my husband when he was sick before he died a year ago. I don't know if I would have been able to do that if I hadn't worked here."

Vanderwatter said that dedication is an inspiration not only to the residents but to the other staff members.

"Queenie is so dependable. You know she's going to be here when we need her here," she said. "She's such a good example for the other employees and trains all the new employees."

Queenie counters that it is not so much dedication, but simply the right thing to do.

"When you're supposed to be here, you need to make sure you're here," she said. "The residents are going to be here, and they need you here.

"I'll be here for them as long as the Lord wants me here," she added. "When he wants me to stop, he'll tell me."