Casey’s manager retires after 35 years

Retirement is when you stop living at work and start working at living and that is exactly what Casey’s Store Manager Lila Clipperton plans on doing. Traveling and spending more time with family are only a few of the items on her to do list after retiring on Friday.  After 35 years of service Clipperton says “it is time.”On Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. there will be a reception in honor of Clipperton’s retirement at the store and all are welcome to come to send her off to the next phase of her life. Employees will miss her smile when they come into work while customers will be sad to see her leave after making Casey’s General Store a part of their daily routine just to come in and say good morning to her and hear her say “have a safe day.”Back in 1981, Clipperton began working as a clerk at the old store on Charles City Road. It was only when her Store Manager Mary Ann Lane became sick and was unable to come back Clipperton became the store manager. She was a great choice since they noticed her dedication, hard working nature and how she enjoyed the customers.There have been many changes through the years from employees, moving into a new store, remodeling and even having a truck go through the front of the store.  All these will be fond memories for Clipperton even if they were not at the time.“It’s getting harder for me to do the physical part of the job,” said Clipperton. After all these years of unloading trucks, stocking the coolers, carrying boxes throughout the store and giving 200 percent every day to make sure her customers are taken care of, it takes a toll on a body.  Making her customers happy is always a top priority for her. “Customers make my day,” said Clipperton and this is what she will miss the most.Clipperton has done numerous things for so many people and it is time to celebrate all of her accomplishments and achievements which she has downplayed through the years. Come to Casey’s General Store for the reception to wish her the best of luck on her retirement and enjoy some treats while visiting and reminiscing.Clipperton will be missed by all who know her as the Store Manager who cares about everyone, helps whenever she can and laughs whenever she gets the chance.  She will be missed by all and all who know her will have a great Lila memory to keep with them forever. Mine will be us talking about everything and listening to old country music while making donuts before the store opened back in the day. So Lila, enjoy retirement, you have earned it, you will be missed and “have a safe day.”