I began working for Farm Bureau in November, 2020. I started as a CSR with no experience. I came from working as a kitchen manager in a grade school, then as a house keeper in the hospital. So when I started here my brain had quite a shock. I had to work my brain instead of my hands.

I was born in Rexburg, grew up in Parker, 14 miles away, and have lived in St. Anthony for the last 38 years. I live next to the Snake River. It's a wonderful place to raise my four children. I still enjoy the river so much. After having a hot and hard day at work, nothing is better then jumping into the river. It takes all the stress away.

I went to School in St. Anthony. I went to grades 1-6 in Parker Elementary, 7-8 grades in South Fremont Jr. High, then 9-12th grades South Fremont High School. I did not like school because I got all google-eyed for a guy. I wanted to get married. 24 days after my graduation, I was married to a Dan Tews and three years later, he decided to chicken out on me and died.

 

I had a son that was two and one on the way, a little girl. My children are 42, 40, 37, and 35. Old as dirt, I tell them. But then a year later I married a high school sweetheart, and had two more girls. Boy do my girls and I have fun together. Never a dull moment. I married Darrell Abegglen. We have been married 38 years.

He is a great guy 'cause he lets me do what I want and even joins me in my craziness once in a while. Like the latest one, jumping out of a airplane. Two of my son-in-laws and one daughter jumped with us. What an adrenalin rush. I don’t think I will ever find something so exciting as that. But you don’t know what I can come up with after retirement.

 

I have mixed emotions on retiring. I have enjoyed working for Farm Bureau, especially with the people. I will especially miss the customers. I have gotten very close to so many of them. That was my favorite part of the job - the customers. 

I have no retirement plans. I still am in shock. But I know I will be taking care of my last grandson two days a week, I have 15 grandchildren. I missed all of them so this last one is going to get away with everything and get whatever he wants. And I am pretty excited to have a spotless house - throw some paint, and stuff like that.

If I had one last thing to say before you all are rid of me. I would say, “ Thank you, thank you for all your help, all your patience, for your friendship. I love you all and I will really miss you.”

Ta ta. I wont let the door hit me on the rear as I leave.

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COMMENTS FROM CARMA'S COWORKERS

It has been a pleasure to work with Carma these last few years. It’s going to be strange not hearing her chipper voice every day. I’ve gotten used to her eclectic taste in music that she plays in the afternoon, and will miss the sound of Pumba, The Eagles, or Willie Nelson singing in the background. The music has as much character as Carma.

She is always great with the customers who walk through our doors or call on the phone. I know she will be missed by multiple insureds. After so many years with a company, you can’t help but be the person requested to take care of issues that may come up.

I wish her the best of what life has to offer her, and I pray that retirement fits her way of life. May her days be filled with fun and laughter.

-Kimberly Ashcraft, CSR, Rexburg

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Carma, I have enjoyed working with you for so many years. I can’t think of a time that you didn’t have a smile in your voice while on the phone with you, or a smile in person when you were in your office. Thank you for sharing your kindness with others. Continue enjoying your adventures and best of luck in this next chapter of your life.  

-Michelle Coffin, Customer Experience Supervisor, Pocatello

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Carma is absolutely wonderful in every way. She shares her light with everyone around her and she is 100% a joy to work with. No matter what day you are having, Carma has the magic smile, words and happy spirit to make everyday a happy one. 

-Jessica Falevai, CSR, Rigby

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After Edith Ishino retired, we went through two or three CSRs over a short period of time until Carma came along 20 years ago.

 

She has been a ray of sunshine in our office. She was anxious to learn and willing to help with anything that was asked of her. I think some clients came to the office just to talk with Carma.

 

She was always excited to see anyone who came in and, if they had small children with them, she would hustle the children off to another office and get out coloring books and toys to entertain them while I took care of the insurance with the parents.

 

She will be sorely missed not only by the agents but the clients as well. Good luck, Carma, in your next adventure.

-Tom Gallup, Agent, Rexburg

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Carma is such a joy in the office. She is such a hard worker and she brings light to all those around her. I will miss her in the new year! 

-Rachael Pennell, SA to Vaughn Price, Rexburg​

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