Why I love Hartselle
Rita Lee
Rita Lee originally hails from Blount County, but she has called Hartselle home for more than 30 years. Lee works as Hartselle’s city clerk–controller.
- Tell us a little about your family history.
I am originally from Blount County, a proud graduate of Susan Moore High School. Most of my family still lives there. My mom’s – Imogene Oden Skillman – dad was the Rev. Andrew Oden, who was a Baptist pastor for 70 years; he preached on occasion well past his 100th birthday and lived to be 105 years old, and he was in great health until his last few months of life. A wonderful legacy for his family!
- How long have you lived in Hartselle?
33 years
- What do you do for a living?
I’ve held the position of city clerk–controller for the City of Hartselle for the past 17 years.
- What is your favorite thing to do in Hartselle?
Sit in my rocker on my front porch and read.
- What is your favorite restaurant in Hartselle?
Love them all!
- Why do you love Hartselle?
I love my job with the City, and it is a peaceful, safe place to call home.
- What makes Hartselle special to you? Even though we are “officially” a city, Hartselle still has that quiet, small-town feel and great people.
Fun five
- If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time? Read!
- What fictional place would you most like to go and why? I would love to sit on Andy’s front porch with him, Aunt Bea, Opie and Barney, sing and eat ice cream!
- If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, for which activity would you win a medal? Shopping!
- Which person in history would you most love to meet for lunch and why? Harper Lee. As a Alabama native, I have admired her and read several books and articles about her and her life since I read “To Kill A Mockingbird” in school. I think she would be fascinating to talk to.
- What age do you wish you could permanently be and why? 30 – my daughter had just been born, I was a stay-at-home mom with her, and life was great!
