Audrey and Howard Duvall have lived a life full of movement, activity and loved ones. At 10 Wilmington Place, they've found the perfect community to meet all of their retirement needs and love daily life!

The Duvalls’ story began during their senior year of high school, when Howard helped Audrey’s sister start her lawn mower. 

“Her sister invited me in, and there she sat,” he said with a laugh. “Love at first sight.” 

The pair have now been married for 67 years, living all across Ohio, including Dayton, Youngstown, Centerville, Springboro and more. During their first spell living in Dayton, Howard and Audrey opened a Hallmark shop called The Yum Yum Tree that sold candy and gifts. 

Decades ago, when the couple’s three daughters were still in the house, they bought a camper and discovered a lifelong love of travel and camping, hitting “every state east of the Mississippi” and many to the west. Thanks to a job that had Howard traveling the world at times, the couple spent plenty of time traveling abroad together as well. They were able to visit Germany, Switzerland, and France, just to name a few. Audrey still remembers a wonderful highlight in life, seeing the Swiss Alps where the past Olympics were held. 

Photos courtesy of Howard & Audrey Duvall

About a year ago, with a family full of three daughters, 12 grandkids and 14 great grandkids, the Duvalls decided it was time to move out of their condo and into a community that fit their lifestyle. 

Never fans of the sedentary — Howard has a disparaging nickname for the television — the Duvalls knew they “couldn’t do what we used to do,” but wanted to find a place of community and activity. 

Several years earlier, the pair had embarked on a similar search to find a great community for Howard’s parents, but that search was confined to the south side of Dayton. It hadn’t taken them to 10 Wilmington Place. 

As they began their search, they ended up at 10 Wilmington Place almost accidentally, stopping by for an unscheduled tour and lunch. It didn't take long before they “just kind of fell in love with it,” enthralled by the “stately old mansion,” feel and the “beautiful” scenes on the property. 

They moved in shortly after their initial visit, and it took even less time for them to become part of the 10 Wilmington Place community. 

“The folks here are just so friendly,” Howard said. “We came in and immediately, within a few weeks, we were part of a group. As we sit back and look at this place, it’s all groups. There are a few people who choose to be by themselves, and they allow for that. But for people who like people, they’ll find a group and they’ll fit in. Those groups are getting bigger and bigger and bigger, which is good. It’s a good place to be. There’s a lot to do.“

The Duvalls love the variety of events and activities at 10 Wilmington Place, from meals and classes to parties and games. They even became part of the in-demand Wii Bowling scene at 10 Wilmington Place, both joining the team. 

“Everybody is friendly, and they have a lot of options of things to do,” Audrey said. “That’s what I like. You don’t have to do them, but if you want to do them, you can.” 

The Duvall's feel like they are in the perfect community to enjoy life, from socializing to seeing their family. Although it wasn't easy to make the decision to move into a retirement community, they are thrilled to have found a wonderful place to call home in their retirement years. 

“It’s where we need to be at this time in our life,” Howard said.