Ragsdale retires from city after 30 years
For 30 years, Rita Ragsdale has been the face of Canton, greeting City of Canton residents and visitors who come to Canton City Hall.
On Dec. 15, Ragsdale will mark and end to her time as Van Zandt County’s ‘Favorite City Employee’ for four consecutive years and a City of Canton employee as she heads into retirement.
Ragsdale has been working for the City of Canton since Oct. 19, 1987, but said that she had a bit of trepidation at first when she was hired on in the payroll department of the city.
“When I was hired, I was put on payroll. Back then, the office was at Old City Hall. There was a big check printing machine and my desk was way across the office. I had to run up and load the checks really fast and then run back. After work, I would cry on the way home every day. I didn’t think that I could do the job but then I was encouraged by a fellow employee and she really helped me. I started thinking that I could do it and then I was moved into water billing,” said Ragsdale.
For 30 years, Ragsdale has arrived at Canton City Hall at 8 a.m. and said that one of the things she plans to do is not set her alarm and rest.
“I am looking forward to retirement and I am not going to set my alarm. For a few months though, I want to rest,” stated Ragsdale. Ragsdale has worked First Monday weekends for 30 years as well.
“I also work First Monday weekends, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. That is 16 hours. That is 12 days straight, because you work the week before, the weekend and then the week after. Not all city employees work First Monday, but when I had the chance I did because it is good overtime pay. So yes, I think I am due for a bit of rest,” said Ragsdale.
A Canton resident for “all her life,” Ragsdale said she has plans to live in Canton, but wants to travel to Florida and other places.
“Everyone knows that I love Florida and I will go there at the drop of a hat. I have seen Florida in the summertime, but now I want to see it in the wintertime. Of course, I want to spend time with my grandsons and daughters as well.”
Ragsdale said she has seen many things happen in 30 years as a city employee, but the most memorable was the building and opening of the new Canton City Hall last year.
“One of my fondest memories is seeing the city build a new city hall. It was needed, and I am proud that I was an employee and able to work in the building before retirement,” Ragsdale said. “On the opposite end, working in customer service is challenging. The customer is always right, and you have to agree with them, even if you don’t want to.”
Overall, Ragsdale said it was “a good, positive 30 years.”
“Overall, it was a good, positive 30 years. I was scared at first, wondering if I was doing the right thing. But, the more I thought about I just decided it was time. I love all my coworkers and I will miss all of them. It is almost like a leaving behind a family. We have been through so much together for so long,” said Ragsdale.
Canton City Secretary Debra Johnson remarked that Ragsdale “will be missed and we are sorry to see her go. She has been the face that people see at Canton City Hall for a long time. We wish her the best.”
A reception honoring Ragsdale was held Wednesday, Dec. 6 with the theme “Life’s A Beach,” due to her love for Florida beaches.
