It was Friday the 13th when Chris Threlkeld heard that her employer was being acquired by MFA Oil Company in 1998. Despite learning she would be switching companies on a day that many associate with fear and unluckiness, Threlkeld’s change of employers proved serendipitous. More than 25 years later, she is retiring from the cooperative on Dec. 21, capping a successful 45-year career in the energy industry.
Threlkeld’s career began in 1979 with Thrif-T-Gas, which All-Star Gas purchased, followed by a sale to Empire Gas before the MFA Oil acquisition. Within her first three months of working for the MFA Oil bulk plant in Paris, Mo., her plant manager observed she could do more, and she began visiting the Monroe City, Mo., office a couple of days a week.
Throughout the years, Threlkeld has taken on several roles for the company, including customer service representative (CSR), office manager for one of the co-op’s LLCs, senior CSR, and senior operations specialist. She worked in at least four operating systems and trained hundreds of coworkers during her tenure.
“At one time, I probably knew every CSR in the company because of all the training sessions I led or co-led,” Threlkeld says.
Joe Case, BPLP operations director, says Threlkeld earned a sterling reputation for her willingness to help others and go the extra mile on various projects.
“I am honored to have worked with Chris and have her on my team,” Case says. “She has been instrumental in training many people, allowing them to get off to a great start in their careers at MFA Oil.”
Barry Oden, northeast district manager, can’t say enough good things about Threlkeld.
“Chris knows this industry inside and out has been indispensable in our success,” Oden says. “She has been dedicated to making us all better, helping us understand multiple software implementations, and training many employees throughout the company. Her retirement will leave a big void in MFA Oil Company and the lives of the coworkers she’s helped.”
Dawn Buford, CSR for the Memphis plant, says Threlkeld possesses a wealth of information, and there has never been a time when Threlkeld couldn’t answer her questions.
“She never left me hanging,” Buford says. “From the bottom of my heart, I thank her for being so wonderful.”
Unionville CSR Angie Steele says there’s no doubt Threlkeld will be missed.
“I have no idea what we will do without you,” Steele wrote in an email to Threlkeld. “You have gone above and beyond, and we love you for it!”
While she is ready for retirement, Threlkeld says she will miss the relationships she’s formed with her coworkers.
“I’m going to miss everyone, especially the girls who call me for help,” she says. “I’ve spent a great deal of time with these folks – it’s like a family. This is a great company, and I will miss it so much.”
In retirement, Threlkeld looks forward to traveling with her husband, John, and spending more time with their two daughters and grandchildren.