Senior Center’s Head Cook Retires After 25 Years
The McDonald County Senior Center at Noel held a retirement party on May 23 for head cook Ann Ledgerwood.
Ledgerwood had been with the Area Agency on Aging as a cook for 25 years and has decided to retire. She grew up in Lanagan and graduated from McDonald County High School. She got married right out of high school and had a daughter, Melissa Turner. Melissa and her husband, Shelby, have two adult children, Hailey and Kyle.
Before working for the Area Agency on Aging, Ledgerwood had a couple of other jobs. She worked as a waitress for 10 years, and she also worked for the Big Nickel in Lanagan. When she joined the Area Agency on Aging, it was originally at a center in Lanagan. Then the center moved to Noel.
“Like any job, there is ups and downs,” she said of her job of the past 25 years. “I’ve enjoyed working with the seniors of the area and learning of their background, how they grew up.”
“People have asked me what I’m going to do,” she continued. “My answer is, ‘Anything I want to do.’”
She said she enjoys reading and spending time with her friends.
As Ledgerwood took a moment to check on things in the kitchen, a few of her friends weighed in on her retirement.
“She’s got a personality you either hate or love,” said Dot Harner. “She’s a sweetheart once you get to know her. I guess I got to know her when I came on board here.”
Harner said she and Ledgerwood and another friend usually go out to eat every Friday night.
Peggy Johnston has known Ledgerwood for 16 years. She is the third of the group who goes out to eat every Friday night.
“Dot and I like to go thrift storing and Ann doesn’t, but now she’s beginning to go with us,” she said.
Regarding Ledgerwood’s retirement, Johnston said, “I think it’s about time.”
Linda Jefferson went to school with Ledgerwood.
“I am glad that she’s going to retire, just for herself,” Jefferson said. “She needs some time to enjoy life. Everyone here will miss her. We love her.”
Becky Simmons, Ledgerwood’s cousin, said, “She’s been a very dedicated worker. Her life has been to serve the clients of the center. She’s never willing to skip out on work. She cares about what’s going on in the kitchen. It’s been hard for her to let go. We’ll keep her busy. I think they have enjoyed her being here. The only time she wouldn’t come to work was when she was sick and couldn’t get out of bed.”
Louine Gardner, director of the center, said, “We’ve worked together for 11 years and we’re really going to miss her. She’s a part of everything here. I’m going to miss her not only as a coworker but as a friend. I wish her much happiness and a great retirement.”
Stephanie Denham, nutrition program director for the Area Agency on Aging, said, “We’re going to miss her. She’s been employed with us for 25 years. I’ve worked with her 22 years, so we’ve been coworkers and friends. She served as head cook for years. She worked at the Lanagan center before this. She’s a good coworker and a good friend, and we’re certainly all going to miss her.”