Durham postmaster Lila Unruh retires
By JENNIFER WILSON
News editor
As an employee of the United States government, Lila Unruh knows all about red tape.
And as the postmaster of the Durham Post Office, Unruh goes through all the forms and paperwork that the Wichita and Kansas City post offices do.
But sometimes it's a tad unnecessary — like the sexual harassment training Unruh goes through even though she works alone.
It's a good thing that Unruh has a sense of humor about her job.
She'll say goodbye to it this Friday as she retires after 30 years of working for the U.S. postal service.
"It's just time," she said.
Unruh has always lived in Durham, but she began her postal career in Hillsboro in 1973. She worked as a clerk at that office and the Lehigh office through 1984.
In October of 1984, Unruh moved a little closer to home and became postmaster of the Durham Post Office. That's where she's been ever since.
The job meant more responsibility — a lot of filling out forms and taking inventory, she said. The number of forms dramatically increased after Sept. 11.
Unruh also puts mail in the post office boxes for residents who use them. If you're not on the rural route deliver, which comes from Gypsum, you have to get your mail from one of the boxes.
Unruh also keeps busy taking care of customers at the window. She's gotten to know her customers pretty well that way.
"I know everybody in town," she said. "When you've been here, you know the needs of people."
When you work in such a small office, you're also able to provide a little extra service. For example, if a customer comes in to mail a letter but forgets the address, Unruh doesn't mind keeping the letter and having the customer call the address in over the phone. Then she'll write it on the envelope.
Unruh loves putting up the American flag every day — she feels honored to be able to do that, she said.
Friday morning, a reception will be held in her honor at the post office from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. A community picnic Saturday evening will also celebrate the occasion.
So what will Unruh do now? She'll be far from bored, she said. She'll help her husband Gary with his construction business, spend time with grandchildren, and get more involved with the local senior organization.
"I won't go home and sit around," Unruh said. "I'm not worried about being bored one tiny bit."
