Born in Evansville, IN on Sept 23, 1959 to John William and Peggy Ann Schwentker (Poling). Oldest of three children. Younger siblings, Amy Caroline Maroney and John William Jr. Spent majority of my childhood at 400 Stonegate Rd, Evansville in a great home designed by my parents. Treasured memories and fantastic neighborhood where kids played outside using their imaginations until called home by the sound of their parent’s bell ringing (we knew which bell sound belonged to which kid). Didn’t know how blessed we were 😉.
Attended Stringtown Elementary School which is still operating and outwardly looks just the same! Graduated to Central High School where I became a Central Bear and class officer. Attended most of the games, cheered my school on to Semi-State Championship in basketball freshman year! Moved south and attended Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN (my mother’s alma mater), pledged Chi Omega and graduated from the School of Nursing with my Bachelor’s.
Took my first job at The Univ. of North Carolina Memorial Hospital where I took my nursing boards and earned my Registered Nurse certification. Have practiced nursing off and on since 1982 in a variety of settings making me a “seasoned nurse” according to my current boss 😉. I am currently employed at Heritage Hospice as an Admission RN. Also work with intake/referrals. I am passionate about hospice, anyone can tell you! It is a blessing and an honor to work with patients and families at end of life.
I have been married to my husband Andy Gallmeister (also an Evansville native and graduate of Central HS) for 34 years!! We have a daughter, Carly Ardell Cox who is 26 yrs. old and married for 2 yrs. to our son-in-law, Austin Cox. They live in Indianapolis, IN near Austin’s family. Our son, William August, is 20 yrs old and lives at home. They are both wonderful individuals and a delight to be around.