It was 34 years ago that Sharon Simpson sat down at her desk in the Ronan Public Schools district office.

In between then and now, carbon paper copies turned to fax machines, and faxes turned to e-mails, and seven superintendents came in and out the door. With that, and too many other memories to print here, she’s calling it a day.

Sharon has held the title of the secretary to the superintendent for her entire tenure. In 2001, she took over duties as the district clerk as well, taking minutes for all of the district school board meetings.

“It’s been a great place to work, it really has,” she said. “I remember feeling anxious and overwhelmed, but everyone in the district office was so kind and helpful I felt comfortable and right at home from the first day. I remember typing constantly – I swear (former superintendent) Mr. (Bill) Harvey  stayed at work all night as when I got to work in the morning there was always a huge pile of paperwork to type.”

Sharon can count on one hand the number of staff who have been with the district as long as she has. She didn’t think when she began at the small office inside the high school that she’d be there for 34 years - more if you count her time as a Maiden.

Sharon grew up in west Pablo, graduating from Ronan High School in 1968.

Both of her children attended RHS. Her husband, Bruce, taught there for 27 years before retiring in 1997. His kids are Ronan grads as well.

Bruce came to the district when Sharon was already there. They now share a home east of Ronan.

Sharon plans on giving her gardens there a little more attention when she’s done. Learning to relax might be tough, she said, but Bruce will help with that. She’s hoping that first day without work is a nice one, so she can sit down on her deck, browse the news and drink in the mountain scenery.

“On July 1,  I’m planning on sitting on our deck and just drink in the beauty of the Mission Range,” she said.

More time with her seven grandchildren will also be at the top of her list. Three live in Ronan with her daughter Heather Niemeyer, two are in Havre and two in Arizona.

In the week leading up to her retirement, Sharon is preparing to cook for almost 250 guests as her son, Ryan Pleninger’s wedding is this weekend in Round Butte. You name it, it will be at the dinner: Tri-tip beef, barbecue pork, baked beans, melon salad, potato salad, marinated veggies, rolls (not the cake, though, that’s someone else’s job, Sharon said).

“I probably will have to do several more Costco runs,” she said.

With the help of family, she’ll also do the cooking for the rehearsal dinner.

Sharon has catered throughout the years for special occasions. Both her mother and grandmother were master cooks, and after learning from them, she’s come to enjoy cooking as well.

Touches of her family adorn the walls of the district office. Niemeyer painted the sunny schoolhouse scene on the waiting room wall, as well as several paintings throughout the building. Bruce crafted pencils and paint brushes also hanging around the office.

Sharon’s last day will be June 30. The life-long friendships she’s made will stick with her, as she ventures to enjoy a different part of life.

Funny/interesting stories:

“There have been so many funny, interesting, heartwarming and also some tragic stories – I sometimes joke that I should write a book – maybe that will be one of my projects during retirement! 

Several years ago there was a bomb threat called in.  At that time our office was still located in the Ronan High School building.  All of the students and staff were of course sent home, but I stayed to answer the phones – don’t know if you would call that stupidity or commitment – looking back on it now  it was probably pretty stupid!

We have shared many laughs, shed some tears but all in all it’s been good.”

Plans for retirement:

“I’ve been asked why I have decided to retire and in reflection it’s time to spend quality time with my family, learn to relax and enjoy the time we have – we never know what the next day has in store for us and how our lives can change in an instant.  It’s also time for a younger generation to take over.  I’ll probably sleep in a bit – don’t need to get up at 4 a.m. anymore!  Also looking forward to working in our yard and gardens, doing some traveling, wetting a fishing line or two, stalking that elusive bull elk, take up a hobby or two, just try to enjoy each day and oh, maybe that book.  We have some remodeling and maintenance projects to do around the house (don’t tell Bruce though he already thinks I have too many ‘honey-do’ lists).”

Advice for Valerie Johnson, Sharon’s predecessor:

Keep your sense of humor, be pleasant to everyone, don’t let the small stuff get you down, keep your cool under pressure, remember who we are here for, and go with the flow – whatever happens, happens.  In the words of the late K. William Harvey “Keep it meaningful!”

Closing:

“There are too many people to name, but I have been so fortunate to have worked with such a wonderful group of people that are not only colleagues but life-long friends.  I am proud to have worked for the Ronan School District.  A very sincere and heartfelt thank you to everyone for making my 34 years with the district so memorable and happy – I will never forget you!”