For 46 years, Light has worked as an administrative assistant at Iowa District West, working behind the scenes to make operations run smoothly.

Light credits her 46-year career at the office to her co-workers and the people she has interacted with every day.

“We’re like family,” Light said. “Everybody here works together and helps each other when help is needed.”

Many of Light’s colleagues believe that her positive presence in the office contributes to the family environment.

“I will fondly remember Sue’s warm and reassuring voice on the phone,” District President the Rev. Dr. Steve Turner said. “In a world that often feels rushed, her calm demeanor and thoughtful words always made a difference. Sue’s consistently upbeat attitude was truly infectious.”

“She was a constant source of positivity and her steady presence made the office a more welcoming and productive place.” Turner added.

Office employee Jill Davis shares a similar sentiment to Turner, saying that working with Light has been a great experience.

“Sue is a master proofreader who brings excellence to every task and always knows when it’s time for a chocolate break,” Davis said. “It’s been a joy to share both work and sweet moments with such a remarkable colleague. Wishing her all the happiness in her well-earned retirement.”

Light’s primary job responsibilities at the office involve the church’s youth and educational programs and a monthly newsletter called the Messenger.

Light said that a list of all of her job responsibilities would be “a mile long,” but she takes great pride in completing her tasks on time.

When Light first started her career, she had to use a typewriter and did not transition to using a computer until later.

“Back in the day, I typed numerous letters, but now very little mail is sent because most of the communication is emailed,” Light said. “A big part of the day was spent answering the phone, but now most communication is done directly via staff cell phones and emails.”

Rev. Bob Riggert, a retired office employee, credits Light’s long career to her adaptability.

“During the course of her employment, she worked with four full-time executive assistants, four different district presidents, numerous part-time assistants, committee chairpersons, etc.,” Riggert said. “Sue was detail oriented. Her proofreading skills are legendary. She took care of many district meetings and events.”

The office’s assistant to the President for Youth, Education and Family Life, Rhonda Mohr praised Light’s dependability and work rate.

“Sue Light is a faithful servant of the Lord whose dependability has been outstanding,” Mohr said. “I’ve had the opportunity to have Sue as my administrative assistant the last eight and a half years and was blessed to have her by my side. Her proofreading skills and attention to detail have been first rate.”

“Sue’s faithfulness to her position over all these years has been and is an example to others,” Mohr added.

Light has worked with the office’s business manager Roger Curtis for 27 out of her 46 years.

Curtis is grateful for Light’s 46-year commitment and work ethic with Iowa District West.

“Sue does such a great job of keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes,” Curtis said. “I really appreciate her attention to details and proofreading my monthly Messenger articles and other communication pieces.”

“I’m thankful for her nearly half a century of dedicated commitment to our organization,” Curtis added. “She is always so reliable and punctual and it is awesome to have had someone on the team for so many years.”