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Hugs, praise as longtime Washington County treasurer retires

Photo by Janelle Patterson Washington County Sheriff’s Major Brian Schuck, right, gives Washington County Treasurer Dorothy Peppel, left, a hug at her retirement party Friday.

MARIETTA — Friends, family and longtime taxpayers gathered for hours at the Washington County Courthouse on Friday to wish well the courthouse’s longest state employee: County Treasurer Dorothy Peppel.

The 80-year-old smile of Peppel greeted everyone that walked through the doors of her office with a smile and a hug, never forgetting a name or a face, on her final day before she heads into retirement.

“Throughout the years paying taxes, she’s become special to my family,” said Birdie Kroll, 86, of Bloomfield. “I’ve known her the whole time she’s been here since the 1950s, and I just love her to pieces.”

The Washington County Commissioners declared Sept. 1 “Dorothy K. Peppel Day” in her honor Friday, noting her 63 years of service in the office.

“Come Tuesday I’m sure it will feel different without her here,” said Washington County Auditor Bill McFarland. “If every government official treated people the way Dorothy treats people, that true customer service from someone who truly cares for you as a person, all of government’s problems would be fixed.”

Photo by Janelle Patterson A large crowd gathers Friday to wish Washington County Treasurer Dorothy Peppel well in retirement.

Peppel completed her ninth term as treasurer this year but before she was an elected official she served under four predecessors as a clerk for more than 27 years.

“I’ve always loved my job,” she said. “You get to know people and see them throughout their lives. I just hope that I continue to see them and that this office is still known for its customer service and friendliness.”

Tammy Bates, who was elected to fill Peppel’s shoes in the last general election, said she plans to continue Peppel’s legacy in her term, with only minor upgrades to technology and monthly payment plans for taxpayers.

“My philosophy is if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it and she’s leaving things in good order,” said Bates. “There’s no need to reinvent the wheel and put any undue burden on the county taxpayers.”

Both Major Brian Schuck, of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and Marty Kitchen, a longtime neighbor of Peppel’s in Marietta, said Peppel might have more time in retirement to add to her cookbook. Her recipes were famous at courthouse potlucks for years.

Photo by Janelle Patterson Dorothy Peppel retired Friday after serving Washington County Taxpayers for 63 years.

“I even have a copy and have tried some of the recipes myself,” said Schuck. “She will surely be missed here, but I don’t think she’ll slow down one bit and we’ll still see her in civic groups around the community.”

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At a Glance

* Dorothy K. Peppel, 80, of Marietta, retired Friday after serving Washington County taxpayers for 63 years.

* Peppel first worked as a clerk, beginning at age 17, under four predecessors: H.H. Myers, Huldah M. Warren, Ronald A. Hartshorn and Robert. H. Fulmer, before being elected as Washington County Treasurer in February 1954.

* Peppel completed her ninth term, 36 years, as Washington County Treasurer on Friday.

* Peppel will be succeeded by Washington County Treasurer Tammy L. Bates.

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