Wardsville City Clerk Shirley Stockman has been a resident of the small Cole County village for more than 50 years. She started working for the village when it needed to incorporate to gain a local water and sewer system.
"When I started out back in 1965, they just asked me to do it," Stockman said.
The community has grown around the Blair Oaks R-2 School District as well as St. Stanislaus Catholic School and numerous subdivisions that have developed.
None of Wardsville's village officials work full time, but that doesn't mean anything to Stockman. She takes care of everything Wardsville needs, from records to ordinances.
"I've been here and doing this so long, they know just who to call," she said. "I'm just here to serve the people (and) answer their questions."
Wardsville began operation of its water system in 1965. The village had less than 100 water customers in the beginning. In April 2017, Missouri American Water Company purchased Wardsville's water and sewer system for $2.75 million; 875 customers were served within both systems before it was purchased.
"There were so many requirements we had to meet. We just didn't have the funds available with 300 or 350 customers to maintain the sewer," Stockman said.
Stockman said the job comes naturally to her and she just "goes with the flow." As city clerk, she prepares the budget for the board and anything else the village needs. Community members come to her for questions about everything.
After she graduated from Helias High School in Jefferson City, she went to work as a secretary for the Missouri planning and construction department from 1960-68. She moved to Wardsville in 1964 with her husband, Francis Stockman.
When she was looking to stay home more to raise her family, she transitioned to the city clerk role. She has four children and now lots of grandchildren, most of whom live nearby.
Although unsure what is her favorite part of the job, she said she and her family consider her a people person with communication skills that help in her position.
"I really enjoy meeting people; I like to interact with people," Stockman said.