Decatur Co. employee retiring after 45 years on the job

(GREENSBURG, Ind.) – Susan Gosnell has loved every moment of her time at the Decatur County Highway Department. 

Well, maybe not those first few months on the job.

She began her tenure as secretary on December 1, 1980 which was a role that had been vacant the previous two years. 

“I walked in and there was no plan, no instructions, absolutely nothing. We didn’t have a fax machine or a copier. If I needed to make a copy I had to go to the courthouse,” she recalled. 

Just weeks into the job, Gosnell was tasked with producing an annual report and it led to some sleepless nights. 

“I had to dig, sweat, cry and pray that somehow or another I could put something together to make it work,” Gosnell 

Fortunately, she was able to put that report together and has gone on to be a vital part of the Decatur County Highway Department for the past 45 years. 

Her job duties have expanded over time as she is responsible for payroll, claims, ordering office supplies, answering the phone, greeting visitors and more. 

The 83-year-old has also held some other roles within the workplace.

“I’ve been second mom, grandma, and mother superior in all those roles out here. It’s never been just a job here,” Gosnell said. 

Gosnell says what makes her workplace unique are the bonds shared with all of her co-workers. 

“There are places where you go to work and that is all it is. That’s not the case here as we are all an extended family,” Gosnell said. 

She added, “If I was home one weekend and needed something, I could make a call to anyone on the phone list and there would be a line of people at my house to help.”

Gosnell is now winding down her 45-year career and describes her upcoming retirement as bittersweet. 

She’s made the difficult decision to retire due to new technology requirements that will soon impact her role. 

Gosnell is leaving on her own terms and feels it puts the highway department in the best position, rather than her attempt to take on new technology that she doesn’t fully understand. 

“I can’t recall ever having the feeling that I have to get out of here. I’ve loved everything about it.  However, technology has pushed me to realize that now is the time,” Gosnell said. 

One thing she hopes the community realizes is how hard her co-workers at the highway department work on a daily basis. 

“People have no clue how much the county highway department does, with the limited resources we have. We have a multi-talented group of people and their job assignments change everyday. They deserve a lot of appreciation from the community,” she said. 

Looking Forward 

Susan is happy to be retiring on good terms and plans to stop by from time-to-time at the office.

She's looking forward to spending more time with her family and says she is grateful that she and her family are all in good health. 

We asked her if there is any advice that she would give to the community. She provided a unique answer that she tries to live by:

“There are three things that we never say enough: Thank You, I’m Sorry and I Love You.” 

Her last day on the job will be December 23 as the department held a celebration for her last week and are planning another soon.

One fun fact about Susan: She celebrated her 65th birthday by going skydiving!