DeTar Celebrates 1,500 Total Years of Dedication at Annual Employee Service Awards

11/21/2025

In the season of thanksgiving, DeTar Healthcare System has plenty to be grateful for, especially when celebrating the exceptional dedication and service of its team members during the Annual Employee Service Awards Banquet on November 12. This annual event is held to honor employees reaching significant career milestones and recognizes those individuals whose commitment, compassion, and professionalism continue to advance DeTar’s mission of delivering quality healthcare to the Crossroads community.

“At DeTar, our strength lies in the dedication and compassion of our people,” Brett Maxfield, CEO of DeTar Healthcare System, said. “Each of you—whether celebrating five years or forty-five—has played an essential role in shaping the care, trust, and excellence our community depends on every day. Your commitment inspires those around you and continues to move our mission forward.”

This year’s event recognized employees marking service milestones ranging from five to 45 years, as well as those retiring after decades of dedication to DeTar and the patients they serve. In total, 1,500 years of service and care were recognized at this year’s employee service awards.

Honorees included:

5 Years of Service: Kayla Fullingim, Jessica Jansky, Elizabeth Garza, Sandralee Witherspoon, Marco Chavarria, Jennifer Zissa, Mary Cahill, Valerie Ruiz, Ella Alcala Garcia, Jessica Ferrell, Barbara Perez, Kim Money, Maria Vasquez, Emelia DeLeon, Terresa Rodriguez, Kimberly Velasquez, Brianna Macias, Luz Hernandez, Lisa Letbetter, Brittany Hudson, Candie Ray, Misty Polasek, Erin Piwetz, Jessica Sternadel, Randall Walker, Velma Duncan, Suzanne Boepple, Jessica Balboa, Sohail Jalil, Heidi Wolf

10 Years of Service: Kayla Ellington, Jaron Post, Sonya Hallmark, Martin Aguilar, Deandra Peña and Dominique Graham, Brittany Bayer, Clayton Ley, Morgan Petrash, Roberta “Birdy” Garcia, Cynthia “Cindy” Dominguez, Britni Wild, Suzanne Martinez, Tabitha Harryman, Mark Andrews, Melissa Ragsdale, Natalynn Vasquez, Melani Arriaga

15 Years of Service: Jimmy “Doyle” Hickson, Carol Stevens, Alicia Lesak, Alicia Glaze, Terri Figueroa, Annemarie Alvarez, Kimberly Spoon, Stacy Broome, Renata Williams

20 Years of Service: Misty Boyd, Mary Gonzalez, Nereo Celis, Lori Horbey, Rhonda “Michelle” Martinez, Clint Sparks, Nancy Allen, Kara Janak, Sandra Kasala, Jennifer Flessner, Anna Cavazos, Fabian Benavides, Diane Gonzales, Melissa Braunholz

25 Years of Service: Allison Morris, Mary Allen, Michele Berger, Terry Clay, Marigayle Ohrt, Brian Benavides, Belinda Dominguez, Yrma Cervantez, Nicole Friedrichs, Stephanie Pletcher

30 Years of Service: Leslie Hanslik, Angela Matula, Jessica Heller, Gena Scherer, Diana Sanchez, Connie Pape

35 Years of Service: Yvette Peuttus

40 Years of Service: Kathleen Steger, Patricia Edwards, Elizabeth Haubert, Lisa Bivens

45 Years of Service: Rachel Rodriguez, Maggie Barefield

Retirement Recognition: Geraldine Cross, celebrating 40 years of service

“Seeing decades of care and devotion reminds us that the true strength of DeTar lies in its people,” Maxfield said. “For Rachel and Maggie, their 45 years represents a lifetime of care and devotion not just to this hospital but to this community.”

For 45 years, Rachel Rodríguez embodied dedication, reliability and deep institutional knowledge at DeTar Healthcare System. Beginning her career in the dietary department in 1979 before transitioning to Purchasing, where she remained for more than four decades, Rachel witnessed the full evolution of the supply chain, from paper-and-pencil inventory and rolodex files to four major computer system conversions.

“Rachel was all-knowing and so reliable. She could solve any issue with minimal direction,” Julia Montes, supply chain director, said. “She was a true asset to our department.”

Even after her retirement in December 2024, Rachel continued to demonstrate her commitment to DeTar by returning in a PRN capacity to help the team during significant staffing shortages. Her willingness to step in, even after decades of service, reflected the exceptional character she brought to her work every day.

“Life hasn’t been the same since her retirement. I always knew that if I needed a day off, everything would be handled 100% because Rachel could step into any role without hesitation,” Montes said. “Congratulations, my friend, on 45 years at DeTar. It was our pleasure to have you here—you are missed more than you know.”

Another employee that has continuously been a shining example of dedication and service is Maggie Barefield, assistant chief nursing officer. Barefield, who joined DeTar in 1979 as a newly graduated LVN, quickly became known for her clinical excellence, work ethic, and unwavering commitment to her patients.

Over the decades, she transitioned through various roles—from pediatrics to adult ICU, then house supervisor and head nurse—before assuming leadership positions as director of rehabilitation services and assistant director of nursing.

“In each role, Maggie's transformative leadership and commitment to mentoring her colleagues created a lasting impact. Her focus on compassionate care and fostering a collaborative work environment led to lower staff turnover and higher patient satisfaction,” Heidi Wolf, chief nursing officer, said.

Last year, Barefield’s lifetime of extraordinary care, service, leadership and mentorship was recognized when she received the prestigious Daisy Lifetime Achievement Award.

“Her journey is a testament to the heart of healthcare,” Wolf said. “Maggie’s career exemplifies what it means to dedicate your life to patient care and to the people around you. She has dedicated decades to ensuring not only the highest standards of care, but also the next generation of nurses and healthcare professionals.”

As DeTar Healthcare System looks to the future, the organization remains deeply grateful for the people who make its mission possible—those who show up every day with skill, empathy, and heart.

“These honorees represent the heart of DeTar Healthcare System,” Maxfield said. “Their compassion, teamwork, and commitment to excellence ensure that every patient who walks through our doors receives not just care—but genuine healing and hope.”

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