We’ll Miss You Mary Jane Baxter

There comes a time in everyone’s life where they have to let go of something. A child lets go of their “blankie”, A teenager lets go of their first crush, the 21 year-old slips away from the realm of a carefree life… On Friday here at Runde Auto Group, we had to let go of Mary Jane Baxter as she left us for what has commonly been referred to as “retirement”.

Laughing, munching, and enjoying herself, Mary Jane stopped by for the last time (as an employee) to the Runde Chevrolet building to partake in her retirement taco salad party. Excitement filled the air as we ate good food and chatted with Mary before she left.  Before she got out the door, I caught Mary Jane for a quick interview to discover what she might be up to in the future.

Mary Jane, your last day here… how are you feeling?
Well, I’m excited and a little sad. It’ll be a big change, I’ve worked all of my life, full time. It will be the first time I get to stay at home.

What is Mary Jane Baxter going to do on Monday when you don’t have to come into work anymore?
On Monday? Oh, I don’t know what I’ll be doing on Monday. It will be a different feeling because I’m not going to hear that alarm clock to get up and go to work.
I press the snooze button a few times myself, it’d be nice to not to need to press it!

Do you have any big plans for your time off?

Nope, we don’t have any big plans. We are just going to kind of bum around for the month of August. Then my husband will be going back to work at the school in Benton, WI as a teacher’s aide.

How was your retirement lunch?
It was fantastic! Everything was nice.

What did you like best about working at Runde’s?
The people. The people are friendly, always having a good time, easy to work with. It’s really a great group and I will miss them, I’ll be sure to come in and visit.

How long has Mary Jane Baxter worked at Runde’s?
I’ve been up in that store for 28 years. Al Dellabella and I started at the same time and we both joined The Runde Group when they bought Dellabella Motors.

What was your role throughout the years?
I was the bookkeeper.

What are you looking forward to the most in your retirement?
I’m looking forward to spending time with my grandchildren.  That is my priority.

How many grandchildren do you have?
I have three. All of them are girls. Analise is eight, Isabella is three and Bailey is 10 months old.

What do you like to do with them?
I don’t do any work when they are around, we just play. We are actually planning a vacation to Disney World in  November for a whole week. It’s actually me and my husband’s 40th wedding anniversary so it’s just one big celebration.

Oh! Can I come with!?
Uh… Sure!! Can you fit in my suitcase?
Maybe in like 3 of them combined…

Do you have any crafts or hobbies that you’ll be doing in your free time?
Ohhh sure. I like planting, weaving, scrapbooking, quilting… I have a lot of things I like to do. I’m sure I’ll be keeping myself busy.

What will you miss most about Runde’s?
The people and the customers. We have had several great customers that I will miss seeing.

Where would you like to visit?
I’d like to go and see Washington D.C. There’s a lot to see in the U.S. so I’m sure I’ll visit lots of places.

Have you seen the movie Field of Dreams?
Yes I did. I enjoyed it.

Have you ever actually seen the Field of Dreams?
No. But that should be one of the spots I make a point to go visit.

Is there anything Mary Jane Baxter would like to say to Runde’s before you go?
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to stay with you when you took over Dellabella Motors. I appreciate it very much, thank you.

Thank you Mary Jane Baxter, for your hard work and dedication to the Runde Company. On behalf of the Runde Auto Group we wish you nothing but the best in your life, you will be missed … but not forgotten by any means.