After 35 years of dedicated service to the South Lincoln Special Cemetery District, Superintendent Shannon Rickert retired on Friday, Jan. 24. Rickert’s career has spanned decades of hard work, problem-solving, and community engagement, leaving a lasting impact on the seven cemeteries she oversaw.

Rickert’s journey with the cemetery district began in lawn maintenance and groundskeeping before she transitioned to the role of sexton. Through on-the-job training and years of experience, she rose to the position of superintendent seven years ago.

“I have worked with a lot of wonderful people and had some great teachers who helped make my career a success,” Rickert said.

Over the years, Rickert has worn many hats, handling tasks ranging from office work and snow removal to grave digging and record keeping. She moved to Kemmerer in 1979, and has since become a vital part of the community. Alongside her three colleagues, Rickert stepped in wherever needed to ensure the smooth operation of the district.

One of the most challenging aspects of her job involved reconstructing records lost in a fire in the 1970s. Although Rickert was not there during the fire, she faced the ongoing difficulty of piecing together missing information.

“Unknown things with the records and finding the records that got destroyed in the seventies was challenging,” she said.

She often relied on card files and headstones to uncover details, but inconsistencies, such as names spelled phonetically, made the process complex. Despite these obstacles, Rickert found it rewarding to help people locate their loved ones and provide them with family history.

Rickert’s retirement marks the start of a new chapter. She plans to travel and spend more time with her grandchildren, who live locally. She and her husband, Alan, made it a goal to retire together; Alan will also retire this year after working with the railroad. Although Rickert admitted to having mixed emotions about leaving, she feels ready to move forward.

“There is a lot of history in the cemetery,” Rickert noted, highlighting her interest in genealogy and her appreciation for the stories held within the grounds.

She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with families during their times of need, underscoring the deep connections she’s built throughout her career.

As Rickert steps down, Emily Deason will take over as superintendent. Deason inherits a district enriched by Rickert’s dedication and will try to carry on her legacy of compassionate service.