Only the most interesting people can pull off the single word name. Misty’s one of them. She grew up in a secluded, lakeside homestead in the small town of Acushnet, about 50 miles south of Boston. It afforded the self-declared “tomboy” many opportunities for adventure. “You could find me climbing trees and collecting frogs.” Says Misty. “I had a house full of critters. I loved them to death. Dogs, cats, lizards, snakes, cows.” 

Besides being an animal wrangler, Misty was a singer. Kitty And The Rodeo Rangers was a country act that toured the region, culminating in a featured performance at the 1967 World’s Fair in Montreal, Canada. It was a bucket-list moment. One she didn’t think she’d top. So, she left the group and moved on to her next adventure.

For 18 years, Misty was… a trucker! The petite Misty could do the Peddle Run from Ohio to Florida in 13 stops. I’d love to tell you more, but further exploits await.

Which takes us to McKenzie, Tennessee. Long story short, Misty became the police chief there. “I learn quick,” she jokes. Misty was the only female officer in town. After a suspect fled from a heinous crime, the police went on a manhunt. Searching through a densely forested area, her team went left.  But Misty picked up his scent, so she turned right. “He shot me,” she recalls. “On my way down, I shot him back.”

All of this happened as she was going blind and losing mobility. Most of her life, Misty knew about the genetic condition that could shorten her life. Both her sisters lost their lives to it. Misty refused to waste a second of hers.

With 7 children, 19 grandchildren, and a bold spirit, 80-year-old Misty reflects on her treasured life.

“I did a lot of living. And I had a lot of fun doing it.”