June 30, 2026 - General Shelters celebrated with two of their long-time employees in a retirement gathering on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
The retirement of Retha Starkey, Vice President; and Rhonda Miller, Human Resources, was celebrated at the General Shelters facility where employees, friends and family all gathered.
David Koonce, General Shelters President, spoke about Starkey and Miller and he thanked them for what they have done for General Shelters and remarked on how much they will be missed.
"Today, we've got over 30, over 60 years of experience retired, and it's an emotional day, it's a hard day. We're gonna miss them dearly," said Koonce. "Retha and Rhonda, thank you so much for all you've done for our company, taking care of our people and our customers. I can't say enough to both of them."
Starkey took the opportunity to address everyone in attendance, thanking many for their support and sharing how much she would miss everyone.
“I want to tell everyone here how much I appreciate all of y’all’s efforts working with me. I know I’ve not been easy all the time, but I do appreciate all of y’all’s strength that you’ve given me when I come to y’all for solutions and stuff, y’all were ready to give them to me and I do appreciate that it did help me do a better job and I wanted y’all to know that, and I’m gonna miss y’all!” said Starkey.
Miller said she was grateful for the relationships she developed with those she worked with and reflected on the multi-generational community ties with the employees what work at General Shelters.
“I want to say that I am so grateful for the relationships that I have been able to build through the Human Resources Department with all of these workers and we have a couple of new guys today starting, but one of them is Calvin Bartlett’s son and I remember Calvin when he worked for us,” said Miller. “I’m hoping that through the next few years y’all will be able to build that relationship with the human resources and keep it going and anytime you need me I’ll be awfully glad to help anybody in any way you need anything and I thank you, thank you, thank you for the opportunity to work for such a great family and a great company.”
Fred Wulf was present for the celebration and Koonce complimented him on hiring such good people since he had originally hired both Starkey and Miller.
Collin McElroy commented on his experiences with both women and further commented on how his grandfather, James Campbell, would be proud for them on the day of their retirement.
“I do want to thank Ms. Retha, because since I was a little kid she’s been like a mother figure and Ms. Rhonda obviously I was friends with her children, and it was a blessing. I know James [Campbell] is smiling down today looking on both of y’all today, because y’all have really been special to everyone so thank you very much,” said McElroy.
Everyone present and all of the employees were treated to a chicken fried steak meal.
