Joan Gemmill is never one to be the center of attention — she even asked us not to use her photo for this story — but she played a vital role at Noble REMC as its billing coordinator and member services representative for more than 20 years.

That’s why we’re sad to say she celebrated her last day at the co-op in October, capping off a career dedicated to our members and her colleagues.

Starting her career at Noble REMC in 2002, she saw her work change dramatically with the advancement of technology, such as more payments being made online rather than in person and internal communication going digital.

“With this being a smaller co-op, we are trained to be able to do most jobs,” Gemmill said. “The technology has changed so much since I started, sometimes for the better and sometimes not so much.”

But relying on her colleagues for support was never in question.

“They are always ready with a smile and a kind word. A lot of people have retired since I started here, and there have been a lot of new faces so it has been exciting to get to interact with different people.”

Gemmill said she’s ready to begin traveling to Michigan to visit her grandchildren and have more time for her numerous crafting hobbies, but the decision to retire also came with some sadness, as she’s going to miss those she worked with.

“I have been lucky to know and work with a group of wonderful people and have my supervisor as my good friend!” Gemmill said. “I’m sure I will manage to stay busy — but not too busy.”