Bob and Betty Moeller

A Lifetime of Service, Adventure and Planning:
Bob and Betty Moeller’s Story at Patriots Colony

For Bob and Betty Moeller, a life of movement, service and careful planning led them to Patriots Colony At Williamsburg in 2021.

With decades spent traveling the world through military service, their transition to this vibrant community was not just a choice—it was a well-prepared decision for the next chapter of their lives.

A Life Anchored in the Navy

Bob, a retired Rear Admiral, dedicated 31 years to the U.S. Navy, serving in the Civil Engineer Corps in various jobs, including duty with the Seabees in Vietnam.

From the U.S. Naval Academy to building bases and housing to deployments in Vietnam, Japan, California, Texas and Virginia, his career took him across the globe.

Although, the Navy was never just a job—it was a family legacy. His father and grandfather also served in the same field, making military life second nature to him.

Betty, originally from Massachusetts, embraced the role of a Navy wife—a job Bob said is the toughest in the military. She supported Bob through the moves, deployments and constant adjustments that came with military life.

A Family Rooted in Tradition

After Bob’s Navy retirement, he transitioned into the private sector managing large-scale projects. The couple lived in Portland, Oregon, for seven years before ultimately deciding to return east to be closer to family.

Williamsburg, with its deep history and welcoming community, became their home, and they settled into Ford’s Colony for nearly a decade.

The Move to Patriots Colony

For Bob, the concept of a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) was familiar. His parents had retired to a similar community, making the transition to Patriots Colony a logical and seamless decision.

When Betty decided it was time, Bob agreed with his signature humor: “I said yes, sir.”

“It was a good time to sell, and we were already familiar with this type of living,” Bob said. “We have plenty of space here—two bedrooms, two full baths, storage and a carport. And I don’t have to cut grass anymore, which means I get to play more golf.”

Their children, already accustomed to seeing their grandparents in a CCRC, were fully supportive.

“It really eases their minds,” Betty said. “They don’t have to worry about us or feel like they need to step in and make decisions later.”

A Full and Active Life

The Moellers fully embrace the active lifestyle at Patriots Colony.

Bob, an avid walker, logs 4-5 miles daily along the Capitol Trail or enjoys a round of golf with friends.

Betty prefers pickleball, reading and gardening. The community garden, shared by about 20-30 residents, allows them to plant, nurture and harvest their own vegetables.

Beyond exercise, they enjoy socializing through bridge games, the Patriots Colony Residents Council and community events.

“When you live in a place like this, you can just pick up and travel without worry, too,” Bob said.

He enjoys traveling more than Betty, though he playfully encourages her to join him. The couple has explored destinations like New Zealand and even gone on safari.

Even with all that adventure, Betty’s finds great contentment in staying home at Patriots Colony.

The Ease of Community Living

One of the biggest perks of their new lifestyle? The convenience.

“There’s no more house maintenance,” Betty said. “They even change the ceiling light bulbs for you.”

“And when it snows, we don’t have to deal with it,” Bob said. “They plow the roads, and we just enjoy the view.”

Their villa features a fireplace—one of their favorite details.

“Just press a button, and there’s a fire,” Bob said. “That’s my kind of living.”

With an on-site dining room, ice cream shop, library, exercise room and pool, the Moellers have everything they need within reach.

Looking Ahead with No Regrets

At 79 and 78, Bob and Betty are enjoying life on their own terms.

“We planned ahead to age gracefully in place,” Betty said.

For a couple who has moved all over the world, Patriots Colony feels like the perfect final landing spot.

“It’s an adjustment that’s easy once you’ve done it,” Bob said. “Betty hasn’t even gotten the itch to move again. She’s very content here.”

With travel plans still on the horizon, daily walks, pickleball and a vibrant community around them, the Moellers continue to embrace life with the same adventurous spirit that carried them through their years in the Navy.

And, as Bob likes to remind everyone, “I’d much rather be playing golf than mowing the lawn.”