Happy Retirement

My mom retired from her job as City Clerk from Ottumwa on the 15th. She has been dedicated to her job for the past 43 years. My family hosted a retirement party in her honor. Family and friends came down to the Knights of Columbus to say "Thanks" for all she did for the city. One may ask, "What does a city clerk do?" Well, after 43 years of experience, she knows the ins and outs of the city when it comes to laws, permits, and regulations. She prepares the Council agendas from information provided by city department heads, city administrator, council and mayor. My mom also prepares agendas, transcribes minutes and retains records for the Ottumwa Civil Service Commission and Ottumwa Board of Health. Her office also supervises the regulation and the issuance of various required city licenses and permits, and maintains a register of said licenses.

I have many fond memories of "playing" in my mom's office while she was at her Tuesday night Council Meetings when I was younger. I would play on her manual type writer and also punch in number to her adding machine. That was so fun when I was 10 or so. Many of her co-workers watched me grow up and have became family friends. Sad to say that those co-workers are no longer working at City Hall.








Chris and my Uncle Mike


Chris with my grandma's younger sister, Betty.


My cousin Michelle helping out with the punch and serving the cake.


Chris and I with our grandma. Doesn't she look great for being 89 years old?


My grandma's youngest sister, Rita, my grandpa, and Ethel, my grandma's SIL


Ruthie actually did great at the reception. No major meltdowns for the 2 hours she was there.


Clare and my nephew Brett. Looks like they are guarding the big pile of cookies behind them. HA


One of my great friends from high school even stopped by. With me only coming home a couple of times a year and it usually being a holiday, I don't see Belinda very often.