Ione Biehler, 95, is a very busy woman.

The Watermark at Morrison Ranch resident can be found at the retirement community’s choir practice, chair volleyball matches, bingo games, duck walks and much more.

And there to support and participate in her numerous and varied endeavors throughout the year are Mrs. Biehler’s four children, Bari, Brenda, Bruce and Becki.  

Family involvement is key to not only helping Ione Biehler stay active, but also so many of her friends at the ranch. The Watermark at Morrison Ranch celebrates the Biehler family’s efforts ahead of Active Aging Week, Sept. 30-Oct. 6. 

Known affectionately at the community as the “Busy Bs,” Biehler’s children call and visit her often, especially Bari and Brenda who live just a few miles away.

Bari, Brenda and Ione will spend many Friday evenings together listening to music at Morrison Ranch, and on Saturdays they may go to dinner at a Mexican restaurant for Ione's favorite — margaritas.

Bruce lives in Austin, Texas, and Becki lives in Roanoke, Va., but they, too, make multiple trips a year to visit their mother and join in the community’s activities.  

“My mom has a positive outlook on life and is a social butterfly,” Bari Biehler said. “Not only does she participate in many activities, but she encourages other residents to go, too. She gets so many of her friends at the community involved.” 

Just like their mother, the Busy Bs enjoy participating at Morrison Ranch. The four siblings frequently volunteer at events, take photographs for the community, and join residents in activities; even if Mrs. Biehler is unavailable for a few of them.

They have built bonds with many of their mom’s friends and invite them along on the family’s excursions. 

“There are several residents who feel like family to us,” Bari said. “The associates are so kind, thoughtful and are very engaged with my mom. The entire community has become our extended family.”

 Ione Biehler moved to the community about six years ago with her husband, Carl. The couple lived on a farm in Illinois before moving to Scottsdale, where they resided in their home for 59 years.

They chose to move to The Watermark at Morrison Ranch for a few reasons, including its scenic views featuring four silos.

When Carl passed away in 2022 after 73 years of marriage, Ione leaned on her children, friends at the community and her full social calendar for support — strengthening her bond with the other residents and associates. 

The Busy Bs cherish the connection they and their mom have with the residents and associates at Morrison Ranch and invited them to Mrs. Biehler’s 95th birthday party.

The party, held at the ranch, featured some of Mrs. Biehler’s favorites like root beer floats and pizza.

All four of her children attended the celebration, along with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephew, niece, cousins and some of her friends’ children. 

“We are so happy to be a part of Ione’s special day,” said Rebecca Mitchell, community life director at Morrison Ranch. “We love the Busy Bs participation in the community and support for their mom and fellow residents. We are thrilled to see the family strengthen these meaningful relationships.”