Griffin Foods employee still working hard at the age of 84

How many people do you know has been working at a job for almost six decades and still continues to work?<br/><br/>Wednesday was not a retirement day, but a celebration for one Muskogee woman for 58 years

Wednesday, September 1st 2004, 9:59 am

By: News On 6

How many people do you know has been working at a job for almost six decades and still continues to work?

Wednesday was not a retirement day, but a celebration for one Muskogee woman for 58 years of service. News on 6 reporter Patrina Adger says it's not everyday someone is honored for almost six decades of hard work and dedication to a company.

Estelle Nutt has been working at Griffin Foods for 58 years strong, 3 years, part time and 55 years full-time, packing coconut on the assembly line.

The 84 year old Tulsa native says she had planned her retirement in 1967, but then her husband died. â€œAfter I lost my husband, I just pushed myself into work and just kept working!" In fact, she works ten to 12 hour days, five days a week, plus overtime.

Many of her younger counterparts admit, at times, it's hard to keep up with her. Griffin Foods owner, John Griffin: "I don't know anyone that can keep up with her and especially at her age. I told her I'm going to leave when you leave. Well, I don't know if I'll be here that long! Your energy and enthusiasm is amazing. How you can go to work 10-12 hour days and end up at the Creek Nation Bingo that night."

That's right, three days a week; Estelle says she enjoys a few games of Bingo at the Creek Nation Casino. "We're just in the area and thought we'd play a little bingo session!" And a special game was played in her honor.

Wednesday was Estelle's day! And just minutes after the party, Estelle was back on the assembly line, packing coconut and showing no signs of slowing down.

Estelle has worked at Griffin Foods and Muskogee's Elks Lodge at the same time for 29 years. Estelle says she would still be working at the lodge too, if they hadn't changed management.

She says she hopes to work at Griffin Foods another five years, at least.