KINGWOOD — Long-time Preston Circuit Clerk Betsy Castle is retiring Oct. 31.
Preston Circuit Judge Steve Shaffer signed an order Wednesday, announcing Castle’s retirement and appointing Deputy Circuit Clerk Lisa Leishman as clerk until the next election.
“I will admit that it is with some sadness and different emotions that I submit this letter,” Castle wrote in her retirement letter. “However, it is time to step into the next phase of my life. The past 42 years have been quite a ride!“
“Betsy will be missed, but she’s earned her retirement,” Judge Shaffer said.
Castle said the time is just right. She recently celebrated her 64th birthday, and her husband, Bruce Castle, his 65th. Bruce has been retired eight years.
“It’s time for us,” she said.
When she was hired as a deputy circuit clerk by former Circuit Clerk Richard Smith in 1979, Castle said, she didn’t even know what the circuit clerk did.
At the time the office used electric typewriters, and she had to retype every order that was recorded in the books, as copy machines weren’t trusted. Later she convinced the clerk to let her have a memory typewriter.
Castle joked that she would have had an even tougher time under earlier clerks, who handwrote all the orders. It would take a courthouse full of staff to do that with the current workload, she said.
She said it was “an honor and a privilege” to serve with Judge Robert C. Halbritter, Judge Neil A. Reed, Judge Lawrence Miller Jr. and Shaffer.
“I have really, really enjoyed working with Betsy,” Shaffer said. “Preston County was very fortunate to have Betsy as its circuit clerk.”
Since 1863 Preston County has had only seven clerks: Smith Crane, who served 1863-1887; John M. Watson, 1888-1933; Cecile Wilhelm, 1933-34; Hobart Spindler, 1935-44; Blanche Wilson, 1945-56, Richard A. Smith, 1957-86; and Castle, 1987-2020.
Castle first ran for the office in 1986 and took the seat Jan. 1, 1987. She was re-elected in 1992, 1998, 2004, 2010 and 2016.”I am humbled that the voters of Preston County chose to re-elect me in all five of those elections,” she wrote, adding “I am thankful and blessed that I ran unopposed.”
“I have enjoyed serving the citizens of Preston County and the court system,” Castle wrote. “During my tenure, I made many new and lasting friendships not only in Preston County but also from all over the State of West Virginia.”
She served on committees with the State Supreme Court of Appeals, state government boards, the board of directors of the West Virginia Association of Counties and as president of the West Virginia Association of Circuit Clerks.
Castle praised her current and past staff as “a true asset to the citizens of Preston County.” The judge echoed that.
Leishman has worked nine years in the clerk’s office. She said she was surprised and excited to be tapped for the position.
“I’ve worked with Betsy for nine years. She is an excellent clerk. She has taught us a lot, and she’s taught us that you have to work together. She is excellent at what she does, and I am honored to have this opportunity,” Leishman said.
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