Domenica "D" Rush

1937 - 2015

Rush, Domenica "D"

Domenica "D" Rush was a nurturing and loving wife, mother, grandmother, godmother, sister, aunt and friend. She gave of herself to everyone with equal passion. She loved to serve and lived a life of giving to people from all walks of life.

A native New Mexican, Domenica Iorio was born April 10th, 1937, in Gallup and raised in Hot Springs, after the age of 7. Her mother was a refugee, born in Mexico and her father was an immigrant from Italy. Her family was in the liquor, restaurant, hotel and agricultural business over the years.

In 1967, she married William "Bill" Rush. Together, they were the guiding force in Dan Schatzman's life from the time he was five years old, as well as, devoted grandparents to Dan and Yvette's twins, Domenica and Victoria of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Also surviving is a brother, Bernardo "Barney" and wife, Kay Iorio of Los Lunas, New Mexico; nephews, Tony and Mike Grenko; a first cousin, Pilar Solano and numerous nieces and nephews of Arcadia, California.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bill and her brother, Dr. Pete Grenko.

A member of Hot Springs High School's graduating Class of 1955, Domenica entered the Regina School of Nursing. After her graduation in 1958, she began a career in healthcare that would span over 50 years. She was a leader in the community, church and in the healthcare profession from the age of 21 until she took her last breath.

Bill and Domenica raised thoroughbred horses together. Domenica continued to race horses after Bill's death. She had winners which included Ginger's son and Dawn is Affirmed.

Her career in healthcare included many positions from RN to CEO of rural hospitals in New Mexico. She was able to build through others by mentoring Healthcare Professional and always believed in leveraging technology.

She was the Operating Room Nurse of Hillcrest Hospital, Chief Nursing Officer in Grants and then Surgical Supervisor of Carrie Tingley Hospital for Crippled Children.

In 1973, she was recruited to be the Administrator of St. Ann's Hospital in Truth or Consequences and where she remained until 1988.

In 1989, she went to the UNM Department of Medicine and was a Clinical Manager for the Medical Unit and developing with Physician Leadership the Collaborative Practice Program.

In 1990, she went to Presbyterian Healthcare System as the Administrator of Nor-Lea Hospital in Lovington for four years and accomplished the transition of facility to the management of Covenant Health care System, Lubbock.

From 1994 until 1995, was the Interim Administrator and troubleshooter for the Rural System spending time in Artesia, Clovis, Tucumcari and Espanola.

In 1995, was asked to return to Sierra Vista Hospital in Truth or Consequences where she remained at the facility until 2003.

She then returned to Presbyterian as Interim Administrator in Santa Rosa, NM assisting with management and subsequently consulting for the hospital, community and county.

From late 2004 until 2007, "D" held Administrator positions in Socorro, Tucumcari, managing long-term care programs for THI in Roswell and Baltimore, MD. She also provided valuable mentorship everywhere she traveled within the Presbyterian Health System. Her dedication and passion was rewarded at a White House Ceremony recognizing major accomplishments in healthcare, distinguishing Sierra Vista Hospital (SVH) as the first rural hospital in NM to adopt electronic medical records.

For Domenica, knowing that SVH could continue to serve the community she loved was a reward in and of itself.

Then again returned to the community of T or C fulltime in 2007.

Over the years, Bill and "D" have opened their home and their hearts providing friendship, kinship and, when needed, helping hand to countless members of our community.

There is a hole in the hearts of many today because of our loss, but we are all by far better off for knowing this gracious woman. She is physically gone but her spirit will live in our hearts and lives for eternity. Farewell sweet "D", one of New Mexico's great women, we will all miss you.

There will be a Prayer Vigil held on March 26, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church (T or C, NM). A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday, March 27, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church with Rev. Don Hyatt, CSB officiating. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Don Hyatt, CSB officiating at the Rush Rancho (1100 N. Riverside Drive, T or C, NM).

Serving as Honorary Casket Bearers are Ivan Padilla, TV & April Jones, Jim Grider, Joe Torres, Mike Moreno, Forest Hill, Betty Martinez, Belinda Cloud, Dick Elkins, Carl Brown, "B" Card Ladies, Laura Mitchel, Chrintina Campos, Sandra Widner and Ida Jones.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions should be sent to the Bobby West Scholarship Fund c/o Sierra Vista Hospital, 800 E. 9th St., T or C, NM 87901 or to the Domenica Rush Nursing Scholarship Fund c/o Lubbock Christian University, 5601 19th Street, Lubbock, TX 79407.

For condolences, please visit www.kirikosfamilyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are by Kirikos Family Funeral Home, Inc. & Sierra Crematory, LLC, 303 N. Cedar St.-T or C, NM 87901 (575/894-2574).