Beech Tree News Network

Betty A. Daugherty retired this past Monday, after 43 years of employment as County Extension Clerk at the Butler County Extension Office. In her time at the Extension Office, Betty worked to further the community through her involvement with local clubs and organizations such as the FCS, Homemakers clubs, 4-H programs, and several agriculture related programs. She has always been an outstanding member of the local community, and coworkers describe her as being a hard worker, continually striving for excellence. They say she was always upbeat and talkative in their company, with a constant smile to share.

When asked how working in the office has changed now that Betty is absent, I received a one word reply, “quiet”.  Her former coworkers are still getting used to Betty’s retirement. “Alecia is lonely” one said, referring to Alecia Hillard.  It will be an adjustment for the entire office as well as the community as, after forty-three years, Betty was someone they could all depend on to be there when they needed her. As Tracy mentioned, Betty had been there with her through several of her own personal crises and many times they had cried on each other's shoulders. She was more than just a coworker, to those at the Butler County Extension Office, she was family. Most of us can't remember a time when she wasn't there and, though all are happy for her, to say she will be missed can't even begin to convey how much.

When questioned about what she thinks Betty will do with all her free time, Alecia said she will probably be busy “planning road trips, fishing, and spending more time with the grand kids". In other words, she will continue to be as busy as ever.

When I spoke with Ms. Daugherty, she mentioned that in the past four decades she has seen Morgantown and the surrounding area go through many changes. She recalled the extension office as it had been in the early 1970s, before modern technology was common use. She remembered the office transitioning from typewriters to word processors and computers, and how she made the transition with them. Betty also told me about her memories of a booming town full of factories and industry, and also of the fires and famines that plagued the city. The Butler County community grew and diminished, then grew again, yet through it all Betty has been there, and will continue to be a present part of community events for years to come.

Story by J. Harris, Beech Tree News