Carolyn Duttine:
CLASS OF 1966
Dunbar High SchoolClass of 1966
Dunbar, WV
University of CharlestonClass of 1989
Charleston, WV
Piketon High SchoolClass of 1966
Piketon, OH
Nitro High SchoolClass of 1966
Nitro, WV
Nitro Junior High SchoolClass of 1963
Nitro, WV
Carolyn's Story
Life
I'm retired from a 37-year career with the telephone company and worked another 14 years as a contractor for the same telephone company. However, I'm finally retired and moved back to Dunbar in 2017. My husband, Steve Duttine (fellow 1966 classmate) moved to Scott Depot in 2018. In June 2021, Steve passed after a brief, but valiant, battle with a rare blood disorder....ITP (idiopathic thrombocytopenia).
After remarrying and living in FL with her husband of over 6 years, my mom (a 1946 DHS grad) now lives with me and my two lab-mix rescues, Max and Millie.
Mom was estranged from her husband (who has dementia) in April 2021 by his greedy, heartless son who keeps her husband isolated (and estranged from other family members) and practically has him imprisoned in his own home. While she was here in WV for a family visit in April 2021, Mom and her belongings in her FL home were thrown to the curb. Since that time, Mom's husband has been disallowed any communication with her or with his other son or granddaughter. The saddest part of this whole incredulous situation is that Mom (93) and her husband (92, and DHS 1947 grad) have been robbed of the little time remaining in their lives to be together. Theirs was a storybook romance from the beginning. They met via phone to discuss a DHS alum reunion, and in person when he traveled from FL to attend the 2015 Grand Reunion because he was "lookin' fur a wife" . Long story short, Mom be...Expand for more
came his wife, and they became inseparable. Walking hand in hand at Walmart, the grocery store, doctors' appointment....they completed each other. My heart aches for them both. Mom's fear of his son and my fear for her, were key factors in keeping her from returning to FL. I firmly believe she would not be alive today, had she returned. Much to my benefit, she is now here with me where we can help take care of each other. Were it not for the costs involved and requirements to be in FL at the whim of lawyers, courts, etc., we would have fought the fight to safely get Mom and her husband back together. An elder abuse report has been filed against the son and an investigation has been initiated. To date, we have heard nothing as to a resolution. It is in God's hands, and I know he will see it through.
For over 25 years I played senior slowpitch softball with the Golden Girls of Virginia. My team has played in many tournaments, including state and national Senior Olympic events, all over the country and Canada. Having had a knee and a hip joint replaced, and needing other joint replacements, I've hung up my cleats for less strenuous sports. In my spare time, I like to sew, crochet, work in the yard, and do crafting.
I attend St. John United Methodist Church in Scott Depot which I dearly love. If you are looking for a church, come join us. Currently we have in-person and live streaming service. Visit the facebook page ... SJUMCWV
Register for Free to view all details!
Reunions
Register for Free to view all events!