By Lexi MooreHills resident Margaret Bakker recently was congratulated by the president of Avon for 45 years of excellent service to the company.Bakker, who began selling Avon on Feb. 11, 1960, will begin her 46th year with the company on Friday.In addition to receiving a glowing congratulatory letter from the Avon president, Bakker was given a diamond ring for her years of dedication to the brand and her clients.During her years of service many things have changed for her both personally and professionally.Her two daughters have grown up and her husband, Jake, has passed away. The product Avon has sold has changed as well.When Bakker started in 1960 she sold hair care products and cosmetics to clients in the southwestern area of the state. Now Avon carries jewelry, clothing, shoes, items for the home, vitamins and caters their magazines for a new generation of make-up wearers.Throughout her years Bakker earned many awards and honors, including making the elite Presidents Club on several occassions.Looking back on her first 45 years in the business, Bakker realizes that most of all she enjoyed the friendships she made with her clients. She said she is often a friend and confidant, and she has found that her clients help her through tough times as well.