After 43 years at a downtown Fort Scott business, Ann Stark has retired.

“My last day was May 27,” Stark said. “The co-workers had a retirement party for me on August 19.”

Stark has worked at Atkins Insurance Agency since 1979.

“I was hired by Ron Dodson in February 1979,” she said. “My first position was clerical, customer service.”

“I liked the small office and meeting clients one-on-one,” Stark said.

She then earned a license in property, casualty, life and health insurance in 1980.

After Ron Dodson died she and Patty West  purchased the business from his widow.

“We kept the same phone number and same customer service,” she said. “It was working, why change it?”

Through the years she took classes to improve her service to the customers.

“The laws and policies change and you are required to take continuing education classes every two years,” she said.

And this year marked her 43rd year with the business.

Stark says she does miss the interaction with her clients, since her retirement.

“You know their kids and grand kids,” she said. “I also miss working with Patty West and Chrystal Cowan, they are mother and daughter.”

But Stark said she is enjoying spending more time outside and being able to go see her grand kids more frequently, with her husband, who is also retired.