Stella May retires after 35 years at MNC

MNC Administrator Shari Doty (standing) presents Stella May with a plaque in appreciation of her 35 years of service. Also pictured is May's daughter, Pat.
(Town Crier photo/Revis Blaylock)

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March 31 marked the end of May's 35 year career serving as a certified nursing assistant at Manila Nursing Center.

"We want to recognize Stella for her 35 years of dedicated service to the residents at Manila Nursing Center," Shari Doty, MNC administrator, said. "When I got here, I thought Stella and Deb were one word. Stella and Deb Vassar have worked together for most of the last 35 years. Deb and all of us will miss her."

Doty read letters from Dr. Dennis Parten and former nursing home administrator Gaylon Gammill.

Also on hand to offer congratulations from Reliance were Brandon Adams, Micah Wright, Amy Rollins and John Knopp.

"Words do not do justice," Adams said.

Adams presented May with a retirement cruise and $1,000 from the company for herself and a guest.

"This is a small token of our appreciation for your 35 years of service," Adams said.

Letha Veach, 102, original owner and founder of Manila Nursing Home, was present for the celebration.

"I had visited California and toured a nursing home," Mrs. Veach said. "I liked taking care of people and came home with an obsession to open a nursing home. We were the 11th in the state of Arkansas. This nursing home is one of the best, in every way. I can see and know what is done here. I know the facility has good employees from seeing the results."

Manila Mayor Clifford Veach attended the reception.

Doty presented Mrs. May with a plaque. Co-workers presented her with gifts and well wishes.

Mrs. May's children were present including her sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Chrystal May and Eddie and Jackie May, her daughters, Debra Stull and Pat Lloyd, and several of her grandchildren. She has seven grandchildren, Brittany, Justin, Dillon, Hannah, Matthew, Jeremiah and Olivia.