(KAIR)--An employee who has been a part of the Atchison McDonalds since it opened nearly 31 years ago, was honored by the company with a retirement ceremony Thursday afternoon.

In 1983, Cathy Christ heard that McDonalds was coming to Atchison, and thought she would apply for an office job with the company. She had previously worked in a similar capacity for Page Airways. While she did not start in the office, she only worked a few days as a drive through employee before she was asked by owner Marilyn Dobski to be the Administrative Assistant for the restaurant. Since that time, Cathy has taken on many duties for the organization, including paying the bills for 14 restaurants owned by Dobski.

Aletia Vaughn, who is the Human Resources Supervisor for McDonalds, says that Christ has been an vital part of the company and that “she makes sure that everything is running smoothly so we don't have to worry if the bill are paid, and we can just run our restaurants”.

Christ says she is a little apprehensive about the change, but is looking forward to the next chapter in her life. She has mixed feelings, as she is leaving a wonderful McDonalds family, but now she will be able to travel with her husband, who retired eight years ago. She is also looking forward to spending more time with her grandkids and her great grandson.

Christ says she really wants to thank the community of Atchison. "My job wouldn't be what it is if it hadn't been for the wonderful customers that have come in and out of this restaurant over the years”