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Kelsey resigns as manager of apartment complexes

She was only 20 years old when she started as the manager of September Apartments in Marion.

It was a second job for Kodi Kelsey of Marion and husband, Randy. Little did she know that it would become more than just a job.

Going to the apartment complex every day meant contact with the tenants nearly every day.

"I became very attached to some of them. It has been a difficult decision for me to quit," Kelsey said.

After 19 years, Kelsey decided it was time to have more free time and an opportunity for someone else to offer fresh ideas.

"Leaving this position was one of the most difficult decisions I've ever had to make in my life. I didn't want to do it without a replacement," she said.

David and Cheryl Silhan of Marion seemed like the most likely replacements. David's mother is a tenant at September Apartments, so the couple is routinely at the facility.

"They're going to do a good job," Kelsey said.

She's excited about the possibility of the tenants having more activities and someone coming in and doing a facelift.

One of the more memorable tenants for Kelsey is Phil Foust.

"He drove by the apartment complex one day and fell in love with September Apartments. Phil told his wife about it and they moved here," Kelsey said.

Caring for an apartment complex for the elderly and disabled can certainly have its ups and downs.

"In all of the bad times we've had, Phil's always been there to pick me up with flowers, candy, or cards," she said.

In addition to caring for the apartments, Kelsey also was responsible for general landscaping needs such as mowing and snow removal.

"I couldn't have done this without my family," she said.

One of the reasons Kelsey decided to give up her management position was because son Josh had graduated from high school and now attends college.

There are two apartment complexes. September I has 20 apartments and September II has 16.

At this time, September I does not have any income restrictions, which means regardless of the income, a senior citizen or handicapped person can live there.

"When I started this job, I never dreamed I would become so attached to these people," Kelsey said with tears in her eyes. "I'm really going to miss them."

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