May 7, 2010
Preble County Probate/Juvenile Court Administrator Retires
After 30 years working in different capacities for the Preble County Probate/Juvenile Court, longtime court administrator Penny Morton retired last week.
Morton began her employment with the court on April 17, 1980, with former Judge John V. Dye. He appointed her court administrator in 1985. Morton also served the court as a superviser and chief deputy clerk.
After Judge Dye’s retirement in 1991, Morton continued to serve the court under current Judge Wilfrid G. Dues, who filed a recent court entry explaining how much Preble County will miss Morton as a public servant.
In that entry, Judge Dues spoke of Morton’s wealth of knowledge of probate and juvenile law and how her service to the bar “has allowed its members to provide their clients and the citizens of Preble County, Ohio, with a level of legal service second to none.”
The judge also wrote of how Morton mastered the budget process to survive in lean times and thrive in good times to initiate programs of benefit to Preble County.
“Penny’s life and service have touched the lives and professions of many grateful attorneys, citizens, families and children,” Judge Dues wrote. “Her retirement will leave a void in the Court, the procedure and practice of the administration of Juvenile Court and in the hearts of her friends and family here, which void will not be soon or ever filled.”
In retirement, Morton plans to enjoy her family, grandchildren, hobbies and fishing.