"Hello, this is Robin. May I help you?"

Countless times everyday, this pleasant message is the first assurance to our callers that someone is here to help to answer a question, solve a problem, provide directions, share information, direct a request or simply offer a receptive ear.

The voice belongs to Robin Mackey, office manager at Linn-Hert Geib Funeral Home and Crematory. "It's important that Robin be knowledgeable about everything that's going on, so she can share immediate, correct information, "according to Rich Geib II. "She needs to be accurate, knowledgeable, reassuring, a combination of skills that's not easy to find in one person."

A former employee of the Sugarcreek Budget and Key Bank in Canton, Robin joined the Linn-Hert Geib family in January of 2001, and has spent the last year and a half learning the ropes and growing with current expansion, as displaying, maintaining and explaining Reflections Gallery inventory has also been added to her list of responsibilities.

What is perceived as an 8 to 5 job often extends to additional hours as Robin completed paperwork for the directors, prepares guest registers for families, forwards obituary information to the media and assists with visitations and funerals. But, it's a challenge she enjoys.

"I look at my job as an outreach," Robin explained, "It's and opportunity for me to help families and make sure everything goes smoothly for them."

In her free moments, Robin spends time with her husband, Carl, in their renovated Queen Victorian home, and enjoys cooking, gardening, sharing time with friends and browsing for antiques. Her daughters, Heather (John) Metzger and Natalie. Grandchildren Morgan Metzger,Marley Metzger, Luke Hess, Madison Hess.

Challenged by the hard work and the increasing demand of the position, Robin never tires of the long hours. "Each morning I wonder what I will be able to do to help someone, and every evening, I hope I have done all that I could. My job isn't simply secretarial; it's a position of care and compassion, and I love it.