bpw|member SPOTLIGHT
Della Wheaton
Della Wheaton grew up in northern Minnesota in a town called Roseau, just six miles south of the Canadian border.
She graduated from the University of Minnesota-Duluth, where she had met her future husband, Hank, then in the Air Force and stationed in Duluth.
It wasn't until later, after he had followed his folks to Miami, that he sent for her with an engagement ring on her birthday.
Her training for medical technologist had ended, and she was uncertain about her future. She broke the news to her family about the proposal on Thanksgiving and by New Year's, she was married.
By Jan. 4, 1960, she was working at Hialeah Hospital. Hank worked for Aerodex, a jet overhaul business. Della and Hank had Mark, Paula and Brian, and she worked most of the time while raising her kids.
When Aerodex closed, Hank learned of a business opportunity in the Keys. The Texaco station, now the Valero station, was available and in 1972, the Wheaton family moved to the Keys.
Della describes her late husband of 40 years as fearless, unafraid of new ventures. They later began buying up properties, including the lot at MM 101.5. Hank had a passion for the mechanical, and when Texaco didn't approve, Wheaton's Service Center was born.
In the mid '70s, Della said, she had wanted to join the Upper Keys BPW for a while when Connie Gibbs of The Reporter sponsored her into the group. Della rarely misses a BPW event, and was awarded a lifetime membership earlier this year. Della is also a member of the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce.
Della has always been hands-on with Wheaton's, and enjoys her daily routine, claiming she's got the best group they've ever had working with her there. She is grandmother to Bryce, Tiffany and Tiara and great grandmother to 5-year-old Bailey.
BPW loves you, Della, and we look forward to partying it up with you Wednesday. Dec. 21.
bpw|ATTAGIRLS
Retz Reeves, CFA, AWMA, is a contestant in the Big Kahuna fundraising contest for
Good Health Clinic.
To support Retz contact her at lauretta.reeves@yahoo.com or Kate Banick at kate@thegoodhealthclinic.org.
Suzi Youngberg is the newest radio personality at Thunder Country, 6 p.m. to midnight Sundays playing classic country.
Suzi is also co-hosting Sun 103's newest radio show, Under the Bridge, 7- p.m. Thursdays at Smugglers Cove
Way to go, ladies!
bpw|RENEWING MEMBERS
Many thanks to Pam Martin for renewing her membership this year! We look forward to new and renewing members each month, BPW's continued success is based on YOUR participation. Connection makes us stronger.
Upper Keys Business and Professional Women
P.O. Box 231, Tavernier, FL 33070
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