For 20 years, customers walking into The Citizens State Bank in Newton were greeted by a familiar face. Whether opening an account, answering questions or helping Spanish-speaking customers navigate the banking process, Victoria Ramirez built her career on serving others.

Now, after working in professions that spanned multiple industries and decades of service to the community, Ramirez is retiring at the end of November, leaving a legacy defined by relationships and commitment to helping people.

Ramirez actually joined The Citizens State Bank thanks to her husband who encouraged her to apply for a position at the bank’s Walmart branch in 2006.

“I had always worked in some sort of financial position,” Ramirez said.

That background made banking a natural fit. She began at the bank as a teller before being promoted to a customer service representative and later a deposit account specialist.

Before banking, Ramirez spent 18 years with the city of Newton, where she served as city treasurer and managed payroll, accounts payable and financial reporting. Her career also included roles with South Park Apartments, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Norcraft and Newton Presbyterian Manor.

Rather than viewing those positions as separate career stops, Ramirez saw them as opportunities that prepared her for the next step.

“I believe that God puts you where you need to be,” she said. “I have truly appreciated each and every position that I have had. There were lessons to be learned at each one.”

Among Ramirez’s most significant contributions was her ability to serve Spanish-speaking customers across The Citizens State Bank’s markets. That effort grew into a defining aspect of her career. Her husband often shared her business cards with Hispanic work crews, letting them know they could receive banking assistance in Spanish. Then, as more customers sought her out, Ramirez conducted account openings and customer service interactions entirely in Spanish.

“It just continued from there,” she said. “It feels great to be able to help them.”

Over the years, Ramirez became a trusted resource for customers who might otherwise have faced language barriers when opening accounts or accessing financial assistance.

Ask Ramirez what she will remember most about her time at the bank and she doesn’t mention promotions or accomplishments, however. Instead, she talks about people — the friendships she formed with coworkers and the customers she served each day.

“I have loved the job and love helping our customers,” Ramirez said.

That approach, meeting people where they are and finding solutions, became the hallmark of her career.

Her impact, colleagues say, extended far beyond the Newton branch.

“Victoria has been an important part of our bank team,” said Amy Budde, Newton market president. “Her availability to assist Spanish-speaking customers benefited all of our bank branches over the years. We will miss her as part of our Newton banking team.”

Retirement will bring a slower pace, at least for now, according to Ramirez. She plans to spend more time reading, practicing tai chi and yoga, and enjoying quiet mornings outdoors at her residence with a cup of coffee, although she might welcome a part-time job later.

“After I leave, I plan to focus on me,” she said. “I’ve been ordering books to add to my ‘to be read’ selections. I do plan to find a part-time job in the Spring to make enough to cover my insurance costs. That’s all I need.”