Clevenger honored for half century of service at Excelsior Springs Hospital

Lizzie Clevenger has worked at the Excelsior Springs Hospital for half a century, and plans to make it for another half a century.

Clevenger was the woman of the hour Tuesday afternoon, when the hospital handed out service awards as part of National Hospital Week, National Nursing Home Week and National Nurses Week.

She started on Easter Sunday 1962, when the hospital was still located on the east end of town. When the current facility opened in the ‘70s, she was already a fixture on the dietary department staff.

“We opened this hospital on Jan. 10, 1977,” said Sally Nance, “and legend has it that Lizzie came and stood exactly where she wanted the kitchen to be. We’ve never had an employee we could count on more than Lizzie.”

Given the microphone to say a few words, Clevenger was quick with a joke.

“I’ve got new eyes now, so I’m going to stay another 50 years,” she quipped.

Her family was there to see her receive a special plaque, a photo album with pictures taken over her five decades in Excelsior Springs health care, an arrangement of 50 roses and $500 in cash.

Clevenger was one of nearly three dozen people recognized for their years of service. Earning a 25-year pin was Connie Slater, and Sherry Peterson and Janie Ardese both received 20-year pins. Up for 15-year recognition were Evelyn Marsh, Michael Gross, Rusty Scobee and Pamela Evans.

Betty Lockwood, Tiffany Cook, Christy Marker, Melanie Harris and Muriel Daniels earned 10-year pins. Five-year recognition went to Vicky Johnson, Dana Taylor, Shawna Wiegand, Marissa Clark, Nancy McNeil, Brandy Minnick, Amber Munsinger, Kelli Server, Misty Wilmes, Tiffany Sisco, Janet Trout, Ronda Walker, Teresa Gilham, Danette Deshong, Vesta Glenn, Debra Hatch, Teressa Keeler, Dennis Routh, Sheryl Whitesel and Samantha Henson.

Reynold Rose received both the Leadership Award and the Employee of the Year Award.

By Eric Copeland • eric@leaderpress.com

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