After 20 years of dedicated service to the Oppenheimer Place as the Operations Manager, Liz Rutherford steps down to retire. During a special reception Wednesday, Ted Williams presented Rutherford with a quilt made by his wife Joan Williams. Gary Estes, standing in for Mike Kluk who was at work, presented Rutherford with an engraved piece of Nambé ware engraved to commemorate her 20 years of service. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
The residents and board members hold a ‘social distanced’ reception to thank Liz Rutherford as she retires after 20 years as operations manager of Oppenheimer Place. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
COMMUNITY News:
Perry and Rita Rutherford moved to Los Alamos in 1950 where the family grew to seven boys and Liz.
Two years after graduating from Los Alamos High School, Liz joined the Sisters of Saint Francis in Colorado Springs. Her community serves in the areas of education, health and social needs.
Liz earned a bachelor’s degree in Speech and Hearing from the College of St. Joseph in Albuquerque, and a master’s degree in Special Education from the University of New Mexico. Liz also was awarded a Master of Arts in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of Northern Colorado, Greeley.
For more than 17 years, Liz was a Special Education teacher in therapeutic treatment centers and schools in Albuquerque, Denver and Westminster, Colo. From 1989 to May 2000, Liz worked as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist in Denver with persons with adult onset neurological disorders and served as a crime victim advocate and as a domestic violence court advocate in Jefferson County, Colo. In 2014 she was elected to the leadership team for her community.
In 2000, Liz returned to Los Alamos to care for her mother, after the family home was lost in the 2000 Cerro Grande Fire. Staying on in Los Alamos, Liz continued her service, applying her skills, knowledge, life experiences, and compassion in becoming the operations manager of Oppenheimer Place. Liz has maintained that position for the past 20 years. Her role has included many things, including assuring adherence to the Condominium documents, keeper of the history of OPCA, responder to emergencies and alarms, comforter and friend.
Liz is moving on to her next adventure. In celebration, Oppenheimer Place held a reception to thank her, and wish Liz bon voyage. The “socially distanced” party was on the afternoon of Wednesday, June 10 in the patio room. All wore masks and took turns visiting with Liz.
“I want to say I am saddened that I was unable to say goodbye to many friends in Los Alamos before leaving due to the stay at home order,” Liz said.
