Mary and Scott Millhouse visited Israel in November 2015 as part of an Asbury Pilgrimage. CONTRIBUTED

MADISON – For Mary Millhouse, Madison offers practically all of her family’s needs.

“Most everything we enjoy is right here — church, great schools, physicians, shopping and recreation,” Millhouse said. “We especially like hiking Rainbow Mountain and walking and biking the greenways.”

“‘Out-of-towners’ comment on their commutes and congestion” remind Millhouse of Madison’s convenience. She grew up in Williamsport, Pa.

“In Madison, you don’t usually ask, ‘Do you go to church?’ but ‘Where do you go to church?'” Community leaders and area professionals reflect these values, (which) translates into excellence for education, careers, sports and health care, she said. “I’m grateful we raised our children here where family life has a high priority and good values are the norm.”

In 1977, her husband Scott interviewed with the Corps of Engineers in Huntsville. They wanted a town with a corps and a university for Mary to finish college. “I think you’d like North Alabama. Let’s try it for a few years,” Scott told Mary.

Mary graduated from the University of Alabama in Huntsville and Huntsville Hospital School of Medical Technology. In 1980, they bought an acre off Eastview Drive. “It was in the county. Eastview didn’t even go through to Hughes Road,” she said.

This year, Mary retired from Huntsville Hospital Laboratory. Scott retired from the corps and consults part time for Timberline Environmental Services. Just back from Yellowstone National Park, they enjoy travelling. Mary likes quilting, gardening and exercising.

Their children, Stephanie and Bryan, are Bob Jones High School alumni. Stephanie graduated from Auburn University; she and husband Billy Bivins live in Trussville. While finishing his degree at Auburn, Bryan works at Advanced Auto.

At Asbury United Methodist Church, the Millhouses participate in local and international missions, Sunday School and Bible study. Mary works with women’s ministry and special events.

“Asbury has always been about meeting needs of people and empowering its members to be Christ’s hands and feet and show Christ’s love,” Mary said.

Since 1980, Mary has met neighbors and grown friendships in Rainbow Mountain Homemakers, a non-profit organization focused on education and civic service.

Dining out, the Millhouses “love Applebee’s, and you can’t beat Golden China for takeout.”