Taylor to retire after 33 years as a dental assistant

Marilyn Taylor

The Greencastle Hometown Dental office will be hosting an open house on Thursday, Jan. 12 from 2-5 p.m. in honor of dental assistant Marilyn Taylor, who is retiring after more than 33 years.

Born in Green Bay, Wis., Taylor resided there until her family moved to El Paso, Texas, at the age of 16. It was there she later met her husband, Virgil.

After Virgil obtained a job at IBM Corp., the two moved to Greencastle, and Taylor's dental assistant career began.

"I moved here because my husband worked at IBM," explained Taylor. "I got the job at Dr. (Tom) Graffis' office after a friend convinced me to turn in an application, and now here I am."

For more than 33 years Taylor has worked in the dental office located at 1113 Indianapolis Rd. She has seen five different dental offices come and go starting with the founder, Dr. Thomas Graffis, in September 1978.

"I'm thankful that Dr. Graffis gave me the opportunity to have this career," she said. "It's just time (to retire)."

After all those years, Taylor has decided there is more of life she wants to see. Although, her official date of retirement was Dec. 31, she has been volunteering at Dr. Dennis Knuth's office, for whom she's been working for two years, until the new dental assistant will begin her job.

"Officially my last day was on Dec. 31," Taylor said. "I'll be volunteering until the 19th if they need me, but Thursday is really my last day."

There are many things and people Taylor will miss as she goes into retirement, but she is excited at the endless possibilities of what she can now do with her time.

"I plan on sleeping in, I'm not going to have to rush to go somewhere," explained Taylor of her first day of retirement. "I usually get up at 4:30 a.m. each day. It will be nice to be able to sleep in."

Taylor, who has many hobbies, plans on continuing with baking, sewing and crocheting. Travel may also be in the future, but she is looking forward to spending time with her family, which includes four children and 11 grandchildren.

"I will miss seeing all the patients and being with the dental team. We're all good friends now," Taylor said. "I want to still enjoy some life."

Greencastle Hometown Dental will hold the open house on Thursday in celebration of Taylor. The public is welcome to attend. Refreshments will be served. For more information contact 653-4081.