This column serves as a spotlight, highlighting the everyday people who work and live in Callaway County. The Fulton Sun takes a moment with someone who is not usually featured in the news but is just as instrumental in making our community the strong and beautiful place we all know and love.
Faith Ragsdale was out with her husband Gary and grandson Dylan enjoying a day at the Memorial Park splash pad Monday. Faith Ragsdale was raised in Columbia. She has four children and four grandchildren. The family lived all over, including Kansas, Oklahoma and Ohio. The Ragsdales have lived in the Fulton area for ten years.
Q: What was your first job?
I was a receptionist at a dental practice in 1970. I was trained to become an assistant and then I went to dental hygiene school. I liked being with people - that probably made my job harder, because I always love to talk to people and of course, they can't always talk back. (Laughs)
Q: Who inspires you most?
It's hard to say, I've had so many people in my life. I know it sounds different, but actually God inspires me most.
Q: What have you done in life that was most fulfilling?
My family - my children and grandchildren and husband.
Q: What is something you are proud of?
Raising my children and they all turned out good. I have two daughters in Columbia and then I have one in Pennsylvania and one in Virginia Beach. Daughter number one works at Shelter Gardens, number two is a middle school teacher, number three is a first grade teacher and number four is being a homemaker right now.
Q: What profession would you like to attempt?
I have volunteered for 16 years - I would go in and help at the schools and help my daughter, whose a first grade teacher. That's been more fulfilling than anything else. I like to volunteer.
Q: What profession would you not like to do?
Oh. There's probably a whole bunch of those. I wouldn't want to be the President of the United States. (Laughs) I wouldn't want to be involved in politics - no way. I like to have my opinions, but at the same time it's a hard job.
Q: What is something no one would guess about you?
I'm pretty much an open book I love to sing I used to play piano, but that was eons ago. Once you start having children and grandchildren, forget it until you retire.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Callaway County?
It's small, a quiet lifestyle. We like where we live. I just like the slow pace and the uniqueness of the Brick District.