Ruthanne Paisley, the longtime director of the Orange County Office on Youth, was honored at a surprise retirement celebration Friday.
Paisley, who has worked at the office on youth since its start 20 years ago, was surprised to see her friends, family and colleagues gathered in the Sedwick building to honor her.
"I can't believe everyone who is here," she said. "I thought there may be 10 people here. Looking around, the distances people have come to be here, is a little overwhelming."
Among the attendees having traveled to be there were her four sons, one of whom resides in New York, their wives and her two grandchildren, Gavin and Liam.
"I really do appreciate this," Paisley said. "It's been a really great 20 plus years. My tears are tears of joy. I really am happy about retiring. The downside is I'm going to miss everyone."
Paisley acknowledged the help, support and impact others have had on her career.
"I'm grateful for everything people have done over the last 20 plus years," she said. "I've been very fortunate to have [met] all the people and they've been very, very special to me. I thank you all for the kind things you've done. Everyone has done something special for the kids of Orange County and that isn't going to change."
The Orange County Office on Youth is a county agency aimed at addressing the needs of the youth and families as established by the Orange County Youth Commission. Commission chairman Barry Pendleton shared some of the office's high points.
"It started in the spring of 1988," he said. "[Under Ruthanne's guidance] we've received state recognitions and three national recognitions. She's left us with some good things going and she will be sorely missed."
Because of her work with the office on youth, the Orange County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution honoring her for all she's done.
County administrator Bill Rolfe presented the resolution.
"This is honoring Ruthanne for her distinguished service and invaluable contributions," he said. "The board of supervisors hasn't adopted a lot of these. They are saved for special people."
Paisley also received other small gifts of appreciation and a scrapbook created by co-worker Janice Laprade of letters from her colleagues, friends and family.
Though officially retired as of July 1, Paisley said that she will continue to do as much as she can with the Orange County Office on Youth on a volunteer basis.
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