The small jobs are the ones that people don’t typically notice. The people who throughout our days, sometimes slide by, making things smoother but going unnoticed.

But our life would be lesser without them in it. For one community, they are having to say goodbye to someone who did a small job, but helped so many lives.

87-year-old Sandra Bellows is retiring from her crossing guard job. She has worked at the Missouri’s Independence School District after 55 years helping students cross safely, to and from school. And while some people might have overlooked her last day, her students did not.

On her next to last day, her students met her on the corner, but this time, instead of waiting to cross, they stopped and held up signs, saying ‘Happy Retirement’, and held out flowers. There was no shortage of hugs for the beloved employee.

Crossing guard Sandra Bellows is greeted by students and their parents during a celebration of her retirement. Photo by Independence School District

“It was a happy feeling and they all had such smiles on their faces,” Bellew told “Good Morning America.”

[The students] kept telling me how much they’re going to miss me. And of course, I had several crying and it was just really healing in a way, knowing that they did care and they will miss me.”

Having started in 1968, Bellew has helped students, and as time passed, their children, and eventually their grandchildren. 

She said she is going to miss meeting the new students and their parents, as well as “seeing the kids and getting hugs from them.”

“It’s not big money but it was fun doing it so I enjoyed it,” said the mom of seven children of her own.

When asked what the future holds for her, she said she just hopes to stay moving and enjoying life.

I’m planning on just going swimming and doing water aerobics and exercise and try to keep myself strong and keep my legs strong so I can stay going,” she said.

Back when Bellew turned 80, school staff threw her a party, with gifts and food. She was given the Second Mile Award, which honors people who ‘go the extra mile’ for the community. 

Sandra Bellows hugs a student during her retirement send-off. Photo by Independence School District

The school district’s official page said, “Every morning and afternoon, Sandra faithfully mans the crosswalk … She has been an ‘official’ school crossing guard for 17 years but has been helping ISD students get safely to and from school since 1968 when she started at Bryant Elementary.”

Reminiscing a bit, Bellew recalled to reporters that on her 80th birthday, she still had been willing and able to work. “I could have quit a long time ago, but I enjoy it. You’ve got to enjoy your life. You don’t live to be 80 years old if you don’t! I’m not old.”

Watch the happy tears flow and the hugs goodbye, below.

Sources: Good Morning America | Upworthy