Mary Matau
History/AVID Elective Teacher
20 years in the district
40 years teaching
“I chose to study art to become an interior decorator, but I changed my mind because: one, I am a farm girl [and] not a city girl, and two, I realized I like kids,” Matau said. In November, Matau will turn 65 and is eligible to retire. “It’s time to stop being so cranky,” Matau said.
Jeanne Ruecker
Counselor
26 years in the district
34.5 years counseling
“My mother was a high school teacher and counselor; my father was a professor at University of Puget Sound; this job is just something I felt like I needed to do,” Ruecker said. She waited 10 years for a counseling position to become available at Walla Walla. “I was at no place to be moving (my kids were already in the schools here) so I just waited for a job to come up here,” Ruecker said. Last year she became ill with esophageal cancer, but now is in good health. She wants every kid to make the most of every day. “You never know how many days you have left. Remember, listen to your body,” Ruecker said.
Karen Shafer
Assistant Cook Manager
7 years Wa-Hi
“Karen decided to retire now since her husband is. She wanted to spend time with him,” Cheryl Drumheller (co-worker) said. Karen is known for her bubbly personality and is always positive. Shafer, however, could not be reached for comment.
