Fretwell retires as manager of school cafeteria
RUSSELLVILLE – Renee Fretwell has officially retired after more than 23 years of service in the cafeteria at Tharptown schools.
Fretwell was born in Franklin County and spent her early years moving around with her family as her father served as a preacher. They lived in several places, including Phil Campbell and Tishomingo, Mississippi, before returning to Russellville when she was in the seventh grade.
She graduated from Russellville High School in 1982 and married her husband, Ronald, the following year.
She began her journey in education as a substitute teacher, spending two years in the classroom. She then subbed in the lunchroom for another two years before being hired full-time in 2002. She stepped into the role of cafeteria manager around
2011.
“I enjoyed being in the lunchroom and seeing them come in,” Fretwell said. ‘They’d come straight to me and start talking.”
For Fretwell, it wasn’t just about serving meals — it was about being present for the children. She emphasized that many students rely heavily on school meals, and she found meaning in ensuring they had a reliable source of nourishment and comfort during the day.
“It’s sad when you can look at a kid and can tell this is the only meal they get,” she said. “But when they come in and they’re just so excited, that makes you feel good.”
Just as she cared deeply about the students, Fretwell also found joy in working with her coworkers, especially her sister, Rhonda Wagner, who worked beside her in the cafeteria for 11 years.
Fretwell said she will miss that part of her job, but she treasures the time they had working side-by-side.
“Some people would say, ‘Do y’all get along that great?’ But we really do,” she said, laughing. “We’re not twins, but everybody used to think we were.”
Wagner echoed her sentiments, recalling her love for the time she has spent working alongside her sister.
“She’s the best boss,” Wagner said. “Even if she wasn’t my sister, I’d still feel the same way She’s very easygoing and laid back. She helps you in any way she can.”
Wagner said the two remain close outside of work, often talking after hours and spending time together on weekends.
“It’s really been a wonderful 11 years for me,” she said.
Fretwell’s connection to Tharptown runs deeper than her job. Her children graduated from Tharptown when the school only went through ninth grade, then attended Belgreen. Two of her granddaughters attended the school while she worked there. One started there in kindergarten and rode home with her every day for eight years until she left for high school. Another recently completed first grade.
Fretwell has lived in Franklin County for most of her life. She met her husband, Ronald, when they were both part of a wedding. She was a friend of the bride, and he was a friend of the groom. They have two sons and five grandchildren.
She’s also proud of the extended family connection to the school. Her niece, Brooke Harris — Wagner’s daughter — is the assistant principal at Tharptown Elementary.
Though she’s retiring from her full-time role, Fretwell isn’t finished with education. She plans to return as a substitute teacher, something she said she has always enjoyed.
“I guess I should’ve gone back to school and been a teacher,” she said. “I really enjoy being in the classroom, but I’ve also loved working in the cafeteria.”
Fretwell also hopes to take more beach trips with her family.
“We usually take a trip once a year and stay about a week,” she said. “I’m looking forward to that.”
As she looks ahead to her next chapter, Fretwell said she feels grateful for her time at Tharptown and the opportunity to make a difference to students over the years.
“I’ve worked for some great people, and I’m glad they gave me the opportunity to be here for the kids,” she said. “We’re here for them, and as long as the kids are taken care of, that’s what matters.”
