The year was 2006. The population in the Town of Prosper was a mere 5,244 but would increase by five when Darrin and Rita Hendley moved to Prosper with their three children, Rose, Sarah, and Ross.
Fast forward eleven years and the then-newcomer Hendley family are now familiar faces around the Town of Prosper, often seen welcoming new residents.
Their story began in Georgia. An Italian girl from New Jersey meets a country boy from Vidalia, Georgia in college. Darrin was attending Southern Polytechnic State University in Marietta, Georgia and Rita was attending Kennesaw State University just ten miles away. Introduced by a friend, the two started on a journey that would bring them together and eventually to Prosper, Texas.
Darrin gradated with a degree in Engineering and worked in the telecom industry for over 25 years. He retired and had a desire to start a business where he could interact with and help people. A year ago, Darrin became licensed and now owns his own Farmers Insurance office.
Rita has had a successful career selling Premier Designs Jewelry for over 25 years and has led a bible study on Sunday mornings at the church they have been attending for about six years, Prestonwood North.
Being from a large Italian family, Rita loves to decorate, shop, cook, and entertain. Her Sunday meals include lots of pasta and “gravy” as she calls it, which is red sauce to the rest of us.
“My kids love it when I cook Fettuccine Alfredo, but I really just love to cook anything Italian,” she said.
Darrin is a duck hunter and displays his ducks all around the house, even in Rita’s office.
“In many of my jewelry videos you can see ducks hanging on the walls,” she laughed.
The Hendley’s daughters both attend the University of Arkansas where they are active in the Kappa Delta sorority. Ross is a senior at Prosper High School and can be found every Friday night under the stadium lights helping lead the Prosper Eagles to victory.
Both are active in the Prosper Chamber of Commerce and love finding new ways to interact with the community.
In what could be described as a Hollywood love story twist, just as the Hendley’s did 25 years ago, in 2015 Southern Polytechnic State University merged with Kennesaw State University. “Darrin can’t stand it that his school merged with mine, but it’s kind of a neat story,” said Rita.
The Prosper Times is featuring Prosper residents each week in “Prosper Profiles.” We want to bring to the forefront individuals who quietly go about their business with little to no fanfare. If you know of someone who qualifies for this spot, please send an email to let us know.
Renee Marler | Renee@CedarbrookMedia.com
