October 25, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The LCMC Endowment Fund Board of Directors gratefully honored retiring Nancy Zeller with a plaque, “Best Wishes” book, and honorary title at their regular quarterly meeting October 25 in the Zeller Wellness and Education Center of the Moseley Health Care Complex.
At the meeting, Zeller submitted her resignation from the Board after 23 years of service to the Endowment saying “it’s time to move on”. The current Board immediately passed a resolution electing her Director Emerita, recognizing her loyal and dedicated service with honor and distinction. The resolution conferred the title to Director Emerita Zeller without term limit, thus insuring a lasting bond with the community and work she loves so much.
Nancy is a founding member of the Endowment in May 1996 along with Marvin Berry, Darrylin Coleman, Laurian Harshman, Paul Hudgeons, and John Marx. The Endowment Mission was to “assure financial stability of the Lake City Area Medical Center in perpetuity”. That mission continues today having raised over $3M along with partner Lake Fork Health Service District for healthcare delivery in Lake City.
Zeller was presented with a plaque that will hang in the Moseley Health Care Complex as permanent recognition of Nancy’s contribution and service. The plaque reads as follows:
“Nancy and Ron Zeller made Lake City their home in 1983, and were tireless at loving, working, and building a better community. Their mark will be here for generations to come.
Nancy touched the lives of so many that were sick, injured, lost, or just needed a friend. Her heart is as big as the San Juan sky, and her mission to help others is straight as an arrow to the center of what needs to be done.
She is the thread that runs the brightest and longest through that fabric of special people providing healthcare in Lake City. She was the force that took it from meager beginnings over the top to a modern healthcare complex. From her vision and guidance, the Endowment will support the mission for many years to come.
Vison, energy, tenacity, capability, compassion, boldness, endurance, and care for others. We owe her so much.”
The “Best Wishes” book contains thoughts, memories, and wishes submitted by those who know Nancy and have been touched by her kindness and support over the years. Anyone desiring to add their input to the book can submit additional wishes and thoughts to LCMCEndowment@gmail.com.
Nancy and Ron Zeller came to Lake City in 1983 from Colorado Springs, where Nancy was an operating room supervisor. In 1985, Lake City was facing a vacancy in the Nurse Practitioner (NP) position. Nancy came to the rescue earning her NP degree in 1986. Since then she provided medical care as an NP, EMT, and volunteer.
Ron Zeller, a professional architect, builder, and EMT, was a tireless member of the Zeller team in the advancement of healthcare delivery in the community. He spearheaded the construction of the new clinic that was completed in 1991, working tirelessly planning and organizing local suppliers and contractors, much of which was provided free or at cost.
After her years as a practicing NP, Nancy has filled even larger shoes as a community volunteer, fund-raiser, founding member of the Endowment, and friend to so many. Over the years, she has been a multiple Citizen of the Year winner, 1988 nominee for the Nightingale Award, 1995 EIEIO Award winner from the Colorado Rural Health Resource Center, and was among the featured western women in the April 5, 1993 issue of Life magazine.
Since 1996, the Medical Center has flourished and grown from meager beginnings in a tworoom office on Silver Street to a modern 13,000 square foot complex on Henson Street completed in 2011. It now houses medical, dental, mental health, physical therapy, urgent care, lab, pharmacy, conference center, EMS, and other health services.
In 2004, the Lake Fork Health Service District was formed with permanent funding including property tax, sales tax, and patient revenue sources. The District owns and manages the medical center and is eligible for grants from the Endowment. In 2018, the Endowment expanded its scope making the Silver Thread Public Health District and Hinsdale EMS also eligible for grant support.
This rich history of giving and hard work by the Zellers, and all who have been involved, is chronicled in more detail along with stories and commentary in the recent book – Medicine in the Mountains – The Remarkable Storied History of Health Care in Lake City. The book is available to Endowment donors.
The LCMC Endowment Fund, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) with the Mission of supporting quality health care delivery in the Lake Fork Health Service District. The Endowment operates with a volunteer board of directors with 97.7% of donations going to Lake City grants or invested for future needs.
Learn more about the Endowment at www.LCMCEndowmentFund.org. An online donation function is available. Contacting a Board member to discuss estate planning, legacy donations, and property donations is also encouraged.
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