Although Ruth E. Kranz-Carl has retired as head of the county’s Department of Human Services, she will work part time until her replacement is found.

A retirement send-off for a longtime county administrator on Thursday came off jokingly a bit half-baked. That’s because Ruth E. Kranz-Carl, who has spent more than three decades in human services, only had one foot out the door.

“I had a real good roast set up, but as you know, Ruth is coming back on Monday,” quipped Gary Entrekin, administrator for the county’s Mental Health/Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities department.

Commissioner Terence Farrell explained that although Kranz-Carl’s retirement began officially on Thursday, she will return to the job next week. “Retirement is not exactly what it’s cracked up to be when you’re Ruth Kranz-Carl,” Farrell said.  “We wish you well on your one day of retirement,” added state Rep. Chris Ross.

Mark Rupsis, the county’s chief operating officer, was one of more than a half-dozen speakers who joined Ross and the commissioners in praising the leadership of Kranz-Carl, an East Marlborough resident who has headed the county’s Department of Human Services for more than a decade. “She is irreplaceable although we will do our best to replace her,” Rupsis said. In the meantime, Kranz-Carl will work part time.

Ruth E. Kranz-Carl holds a certificate of commendation she received from Commissioner Terence Farrell (from left), Commissioners’ Chairman Ryan Costello, and Commissioner Kathi Cozzone.

Commissioners’ Chairman Ryan Costello said Kranz-Carl possessed an invaluable skill set: “the mind of a manager and the heart of an advocate.” Commissioner Kathi Cozzone said she learned much about the inner workings of human services from Kranz-Carl, citing her “passion and compassion.”

Lizanne Redmond, a supervisor of the county’s Pretrial Services Unit of the Adult Probation/Parole Department, said  Kranz-Carl had served as a role model. On numerous occasions when funding for treatment programs had dried up,  Kranz-Carl always found a way to make sure people were not denied services, Redmond said.

Kranz-Carl, who began working for the county in 1977, has held a variety of positions, ranging from a drug and alcohol specialist to  the director of human services.

Expressing gratitude for the tributes, Kranz-Carl scanned the room with a smile. “I hope they’re all true,” she said. After 36 years with the county, she said she agonized over “the best time to retire” and said she felt comfortable that programs were in place that would be continued by a competent staff. “I often forget to say thank you for a job well done,” she said.