PEOPLE: COMMUNITY CARING DIRECTOR RETIRES

Shirley Ramsey, the woman credited by many for being a driving force behind the success of the Community Caring Council, will retire at the end of October and spend her last day on the job Friday.

Ramsey, 62, said she has been planning for more than a year to retire early as executive director to spend more time with family and enjoy a recently purchased home in the Bell City area.

"I've worked for a long time, and I feel it's time to devote more time to my family," Ramsey said. "I have four grandchildren, and I want to give some time to them."

The council hired Tom Davisson to replace Ramsey. His starting day is Nov. 1.

"He's trying to get acquainted and learn all about our organization," Ramsey said. "My comfort level goes up every day the more I know him. That really helps a lot to have the time to spend together before I leave."

Ramsey has been with the Community Caring Council since its inception. She was a charter member of the council, volunteered as its first president and has been employed by the council as executive director for eight years.

Before working with the council, Ramsey worked for the Southeast Missouri Area Agency on Aging.

Rep. Mary Kasten, also a driving force behind the Community Caring Council, is organizing a retirement party for Ramsey at noon Friday at the Enchanted Gardens, 175 County Road 316, in Jackson.

Kasten said Ramsey is a tireless supporter of the council and has what it takes to bring people together to achieve a common goal.

"She has just been exemplary, outstanding. I couldn't think of enough adjectives to describe how she has carried the mission of the Community Caring Council forward," Kasten said.

"She has been one of those perfect persons for the job. Her energy has been outstanding. She worked hard, and she has that marvelous ability to pull people together and put herself in the background and efficiently get things done."

Ramsey said she most will miss the people she has come to know at the Community Caring Council.

"We have the most wonderful committed community people here that I have ever met," she said.

"It has been a joy for me to work with these folks. They care about children, and they are willing to give 150 percent every day to make things happen for kids."

Ramsey is considering doing some part-time grant writing after she retires, but she is looking forward to things she has never been able to do, such as watching daytime television and taking afternoon naps.

She also said she is looking forward to her retirement party Friday.

"I think they've got some interesting things prepared for me. I don't know what's going on," Ramsey said with a laugh.

Kasten declined to elaborate on the retirement festivities, saying only that there are "some surprises planned."