Selma Thiel // From Family Farm to Senior Living
A Life Filled With Love & Laughter
With a life story as fertile as the fields she once tended, Selma Thiel’s journey from the farmlands of Pigeon to her cozy apartment at Country Bay Village is a testament to the enduring spirit of family and hard work.
Selma's roots run deep in Pigeon, Michigan, where she was born some 90 years ago and raised in a house built by her grandfather. Raising six children of her own, four daughters and two sons, Selma and her late husband, Robert, transformed her childhood home into a lively hub of activity.
Farming was more than just a job for Selma and Bob —it was their lifeblood. They ran a bustling dairy farm with over a hundred cows and raised beef cattle, working side-by-side from dawn till dusk. Selma wasn't just a bystander; she was in the thick of it, operating the combine and tackling the relentless demands of farm life. “We farmed together; it was hard work, but it was our life,” she says, reflecting on those demanding yet rewarding days. “Back then, we didn’t have sprays to put on the crops, so you had to step up and hoe the field yourself. If I had a penny for every foot I hoed in the fields, I’d be rich,” Selma joked.
Despite the never-ending work, Selma and her husband found time to explore the world beyond their farm. One of her fondest memories is taking friends to Hawaii after a successful year of selling seed — a testament to their hard work and a joyful celebration of their accomplishments.
High school sweethearts from rival towns, Selma and Bob met in Elkton, where they began their lifelong journey together. They married in 1952 when Selma was just 18. “Ihad four children (June, Bob, Joyce and Ron), then eight years later, we had Mary and Patty,” she recalls. “They all still live within a few miles from me, which I am so grateful for.”
Her husband, Bob passed away just after Thanksgiving in 2021, leaving a legacy of love and laughter. Known for his loud and lively presence, Selma fondly remembers his joy of lively conversation and for anyone that knew him...teasing. “He loved to talk, and he talked loud because he couldn’t hear very well later in life,” she says, smiling at the memories.
The decision to move to Country Bay Village came as her house became too large and after decades of constant action, too quiet. “My house was just too big, about 3,000 square feet with six bedrooms upstairs,” Selma explained.
Her primary care provider, Brenda Kretzschmer, NP suggested the move, and her children supported the decision. Moving in February 2023, she found peace in her new home with Scheurer Senior Living. “I slept like a log my first night here. It felt like such a relief knowing there were people around and I wasn’t alone.”
Mary Buda, the fifth child of Selma and Bob, shared stories of her family that always seemed to be on-the-go, "Dad and Mom were always busy. During planting or harvest season, Mom would either be topping beets or bringing meals to the field. When they could, everyone on the farm would come in to eat, so we would always have a big group for meals, including the hired men."
Today, Selma’s days at Country Bay Village are still filled with big meals, except now with her neighbors, along with all of the activities and the joy of family visits.
“I do bingo and sometimes crafts, although I don’t go to exercise; it’s too early in the morning for me,” she laughs. “I am not a morning person anymore. Before I was used to getting up at five in the morning, every morning.” With her children and grandchildren living nearby, her family remains a constant source of happiness and support. “Every Sunday after church, the entire family comes over to the apartment and we get to spend quality time together.”
Reflecting on her life, Selma acknowledges the challenges but also the immense joy and fulfillment it brought. “Farming was tough, but it shaped who I am today,” she says. Her independence and resourcefulness, created through decades of hard work, remain evident. “You just learn to do stuff yourself. The guys were always busy in the field and if the garden hose was leaking, I could cut it off and put a new
end on it.”
When asked how Mary feels about her mother living in Country Bay Village, she states, “She loves it there. As a family, it's a relief. She has a social life again. Before, she was often alone and didn't go out much. Now, she interacts with others and participates in activities almost constantly. She sleeps better, feels better and seems more like herself again.”
The social aspect of Country Bay has been a significant benefit according to her family. "She loves knowing what's going on and enjoys the updates from the resident council (a regularly scheduled meeting where updates are given for Scheurer Health, as well as conversations with residents for possible enhancements),” Mary added. “It's made her feel special and in the loop. She’s more engaged and social than she was before."
Selma’s daughter notes, "Mom's old self is back. She’s happier, healthier and more vibrant. Country Bay Village has been a blessing for her and for us as a family. We’re so thankful to have such a wonderful place for her to live. It's a place where she feels at home and connected."
Both communities of Scheurer Senior Living offer a welcoming environment with a supportive staff. Mary remarks, “If you’re considering it for your parents, you can rest assured they'll be happy there. The staff goes above and beyond and the community is warm and inviting. You won't regret the decision.”
Selma Thiel’s story is a beautiful blend of independence, love and deep-rooted connections. From the fields of Pigeon to the welcoming embrace of Country Bay Village, her journey is a celebration of hard work, family and enduring spirit that ties it all together.
