Tonyi Deffendall is retiring after serving Butler County for 32 years, 16 of which have been spent in her current position as county clerk.
“I’ve worked with so many wonderful people and great friends,” she said. “It’s just been an opportunity that I’ve been blessed with. I mean, it’s been a wonderful place to work in and raise a family.”
Deffendall ran for county clerk while her youngest child was in high school. She recalled, “I just decided it was time to step up a little bit. And I’m so glad I did, I have truly loved every year and I will miss it.”
Hers was not always an easy job. Clerk duties are extensive — Deffendall’s office is in charge of budget and payroll, county commission records, the county’s budget, accounts payable, audit preparations and human resources. Butler County residents encounter the clerk’s work without realizing it when they visit a notary (appointed by the clerk), obtain an ATV license (issued by the clerk) or meet with the Board of Equalization (on which the clerk is secretary).
“Everything comes through the county clerk’s office,” said Deffendall.
She gets the most satisfaction from balancing the budget. It can be tight, she noted, but she enjoys “making the numbers flow.”
County clerk is the only contested seat in August’s local elections. There are three candidates: Donna Hillis, an office manager in the Butler County Highway Department; the state Boards and Commissions director Kyle Aubuchon; and Kim Mizell of the Butler County Recorder of Deeds Office. All have filed as Republicans.
Whoever wins will face a learning curve, but Deffendall asserted, “I believe any of these three would bring something to the county.”
Deffendall’s last day arrives around the end of the year. She looks forward to spending more time with her parents, husband, children and grandchildren, but is keeping her schedule free beyond those priorities.
“I do not have retirement plans. I’m not sure what the next chapter holds. But I just decided it was time to let someone else take the reins,” she said.
However, she added, retiring does not mean she will cease contributing to her community.
“I’ve told the commission I will do whatever I can to help Butler County and if they need me to come in from time to time to help out, of course, I will,” she said.