By Janet C. Wetzel
Enquirer contributor

Mona and Earl Stith have helped out after disasters, including tornadoes and the Flood of '97. But they also regularly volunteer in many other roles, including spreading cheer to nursing home residents.

And regardless of what they're doing, they're likely doing it together, wearing a smile as they see the results of their labors.

The Walton couple reaches out through various organizations, and they don't limit the hours they give. He's 70 and she's 62, but their activity level and youthful spirits belie their years.

As volunteers for the American Red Cross they have been helping out as needed since the 1997 flood ravaged the Falmouth area. They spent weeks volunteering there, including ferrying out-of-state volunteers to and from the airport.

When a killer tornado raged through the Montgomery area, in northern Hamilton County, they were there helping pick up the pieces.

"We're available when they need us," Mrs. Stith said.

They're at their church, Sts. Boniface & James in Ludlow each month in the winter working the bingo sessions. For about six years they've been frequent visitors at Rosedale Manor Nursing Home, Covington. They began going there to visit Mrs. Stith's sister, and decided to expand their visits to include other residents. For years they also delivered Meals on Wheels.

Mrs. Stith has been an active member of the Rosie Reds (Rooters Organized to Stimulate Interest and Enthusiasm) women's organization for 30 years. They also now raise money for scholarships, said Mrs. Stith, who helps out at various functions including stadium tours.

For more than a year, Mrs. Stith volunteered several days a week answering phones and doing clerical work at the Esther Marie Hatton Cancer Care Center at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Edgewood, Ky.

"Finally one of the staff there said they really liked my work, and since I spent so much time there, they wanted to hire me," Mrs. Stith recalled. About seven years ago she took the part-time job of clerical coordinator. In early 2000 Mr. Stith, who retired in 1997 from Cinergy after 43 years, became a part-time lab courier there.

But their work doesn't end when the clock says the day is over. They keep on giving, and their kindness and assistance reach far beyond the hospital walls, said Cathy Reising, manager of the hospital's cancer registry. "They don't just come in here and put in the regular hours," Mrs. Reising said. "If we have a party for patients, such as at Christmas, Mona will go out of her way to help, including getting donations for the party. And Earl's right there helping too. They're just a real team, and always reaching out to help. They're totally unselfish. It's amazing all they do. I always tease Mona and tell her I want to be just like her when I grow up. They have really big hearts. In my book, they wear wings."

Since about 1995, when Mrs. Stith realized that some employees didn't need the turkeys the hospital gives out for Christmas, she and her husband have collected them and taken them to a homeless shelter or soup kitchen. They've delivered thousands of pounds of turkeys to feed the hungry.

"It takes a lot of time, but we don't have any children at home, and we don't have any grandchildren, so that gives us time to help others," Mrs. Stith said. "We enjoy it. It makes you feel better, mentally and physically.''

Mr. Stith agreed.

"This is fun stuff. It makes you feel good. Mona does more than I do. Anytime something happens, she wants to be there helping."

Do you know a Hometown Hero ... someone in your community dedicated to making it a better place to live and helping others? E-mail Janet Wetzel at jjwetzel@siscom.net, or fax to 513-755-4150.