One of High River's most beloved teachers is calling it a career Friday.

Joyce Barton who teaches grade one at Spitzee Elementary is officially retiring Friday.

Barton says she's feeling some mixed emotions.

"I'm excited and I guess anxious. I'm still passionate about what I do. It's going to be tough, I'm going to try not to cry, but I cry every year. It'll be good."

Barton says it's easy to say what she'll miss the most.

"People. I think I'll still be connected wherever I am, but the kids. I've had a challenge health wise this year. I'll miss the parents, my colleagues, the staff at Spitzee, people everywhere, my kids, it's just been amazing. People are so good."

Barton taught in Calgary and Edmonton before coming to the Foothills School Division to teach at Percy Pegler in Okotoks and Joe Clark in High River before winding up her career at Spitzee.

Barton, who's been teaching for 43 years says she plans to spend her retirement years living in High River and says she may keep her hand in education through volunteering and filling in if needed.