FARMINGTON – According to FL Butler Fuel Company bookkeeper Sarah Makinen, the business is the oldest business in town.
“No matter what the others tell ya,” Makinen said.
But after more than forty years of keeping books, posting deliveries and overseeing the daily services of FL Butler, Makinen is preparing to retire. The family operation will stay with the Makinens after her departure, she said, which will be a “soft one” as she continues to help out as needed.
Makinen was brought into the company in 1980 by her late husband, Larry Makinen, who passed away in December and whose father was the original owner. According to Makinen, Larry was doing deliveries there in 1980 when the bookkeeper quit and she saw a position that needed to be filled. Since then, she has filled the needs of the company wherever they appeared.
Though Makinen said the paperwork has piled up over the years, the people she sees on a daily basis have remained one of the pleasures of her job.
“Without them, you’ve got nothing,” Makinen said.
Best of luck, Sarah. Thanks for being my oil company for so many years. You’ll love retirement.
Sarah is a great lady.
good luck sara
Sarah, it is well desreved… The Wilton Clinic Ladies
Congrats on your retirement from Jeff Kennedy. Where has the time gone?
Congrats Sarah, enjoy your retirement . I have had the pleasure of knowing this family for many years, Sarah’s late father in law Bert was a great man, he helped me out tremendously when I first started delivering oil, Larry, Sarah and Barry have carried on the family business wonderfully. I know Barry will continue their great service. Also you are right Sarah when you say it is the oldest business in town, definitely the oldest locally owned oil company. ” No matter what the others tell ya “
I have been buying my oil from FL Butler since 1975 it was always nice to hear a happy and help full voice on the other end of the line. Have a great retirement !
Good luck, Sarah.
Sarah,
You are the best ! Thanks for all the wonderful years of service.
We will miss you sweet lady, but hope you have a wonderful retirement that you truly deserve! Best wishes to you & your loved ones!
Best wishes on your well deserved retirement. I will miss our little chats. I can’t thank you enough for the wonderful service your company provides. God bless.
when I lived in Farmington we always got our oil from F.L. Butler, when we first moved up to Fairbanks, Bert and Aggie were our neighbors, it’s nice to see a family owned company that has stayed family for so many years,