Elise Renault July 6, 1957 - Dec. 21, 2025

Elise Renault passed peacefully on the winter solstice, December 21, surrounded by love. A force of nature, she lived boldly, loved fiercely, and created beauty from the world around her.

A nurse, curandera, and healer, Elise dedicated her life to those facing homelessness and injustice. In the early 1990s, she pioneered street outreach and harm reduction with Health Care for the Homeless, providing compassionate, nonjudgmental care with signature courage and humor.

An artist in every sense, Elise was a fixture of Las Vegas, New Mexico, for 30 years. Known for her long curly hair, cowboy boots, and "Elise style" jewelry—crafted from Fred Harvey-era ceramics and discarded treasures—she was a walking statement of creativity. She could fix nearly anything, loved animals, and transformed her home into a museum of "cositas" discovered on her long walks. To her friends, she was a soul mate, a "comadre," and a source of endless laughter. “No words can fully express the depth of her spirit or the extraordinary life she lived.”

Elise is survived by her sister, Claire Renault; her former husband, Robert Rutschman; their daughter, Magali Rutschman, and grandson, Phoenix Rutschman; and by her daughter, Alyssa Hardy, her son-in-law, Scott, and granddaughters, Sylvia and Iridia. In addition to her family, she leaves behind a circle of close friends who were family to her.

In her own words: “I was a mom, an abuela, a slave to my pets, a keeper of friends, a healer, and of course, an artist. Vive la résistance. Right back atcha, Ché. Siempre.” She was a queen—and as she would say, “…and don’t you forget it!”

On January 18th, a private service will be held in honor of Elise. Friends and community are invited to gather afterward at Borrachos Craft Booze & Brews at 1pm on the 18th to share memories and pay their respects. Flowers are welcome and may be sent to the reception at Borrachos. 131 Bridge Street, Las Vegas, NM 87701. In Elise’s memory, gifts may be made to causes that reflect her love for the land, art, justice, and community.