E. Ruth Donovan celebrates 65 years of service with J.G. Townsend Jr. & Co.

On June 23, Ruth Donovan reached a milestone of 65 years of service with J. G. Townsend Jr. & Co. The board of directors, management and her coworkers congratulate “Miss Ruth” on her longstanding and loyal employment.

Miss Ruth started working for the company prior to 1948, but historical records document her hire date as June 23, 1948. At that time, Miss Ruth was not only a wife but also mother to three small children. She began her career working under the leadership of Sen. John G. Townsend. Later, the senator’s son Julian Townsend joined the company and eventually assumed a leadership role. Julian was followed by his son, John G. "Jack" Townsend II, who was followed by the current principals, John G. "Roger" Townsend IV and Paul G. Townsend.

Miss Ruth handled the bookkeeping and daily operations of Townsend’s Fuel, a subsidiary of J. G. Townsend. During this time, Miss Ruth added two more children to her growing family.

In 1994, when Townsend’s Fuel was dissolved, Miss Ruth continued working with the frozen food division of J. G. Townsend Jr. & Co. While maintaining a full-time position with J. G. Townsend, she also worked alongside her husband, Harvey Donovan, owner and proprietor of Donovan’s Salvage Works. Needless to say, she was one busy lady!

In a recent conversation, Miss Ruth shared that she enjoyed her work with J. G. Townsend. She has many fond memories and funny stories to share. Her coworkers often refer to Miss Ruth as the “walking history book” of the business and of the Townsend family.  Reminiscing about the good ol' days, she recalled fondly some of her former coworkers, Richard Hudson, Lee Johnson, Inez Best and Solomon Henry, to name a few.

Miss Ruth, who will turn 90 in September, would still be actively working if it were not for an unfortunate fall she took which has required her to receive rehabilitation and some much-needed rest.

One of Miss Ruth's favorite sayings is, "They sure don't make them like they used to." Coworkers agree and add that few people can say they have been loyal to the same employer for 65 years, keeping their coworkers on task and laughing.