Although the Barton-Dobenin's were retired, they were still living in Kansas when friends came to visit from the Czech Republic, Joe's homeland! They wanted to see Texas and a little of Mexico so they brought them to the Valley. Joe & Elizabeth had already started looking for their "place in the sun" before they saw the ad about John Knox Village in the Weslaco Chamber magazine. Well the rest is history!

After living in many places in the world and looking at other retirement opportunities, they settled on a newly, built patio home. They liked the services and facilities available to them, and especially liked the safety of living in a gated community. When Joe says to Elizabeth, Let's go for prime rib today!" he means John Knox Village's dining room where the price is just right and the food is great! The 5-week rotating menu gives them plenty of choices for dinner and supper and there is a great breakfast available 7 days a week. And, they can invite friends to join them anytime. How nice is that?

Elizabeth loves to cook and bake but really doesn't have to, and she doesn't have to do much housework because it is furnished bi-weekly. Joe never has to take care of home repairs or the lawn. After 51 years of marriage, they suddenly have more time for each other and their new "friends and family" at John Knox Village.

Joe & Elizabeth Barton-Dobenin