Ozarks Healthcare celebrates over 1,900 Years of Employees’ Service Dedicated to Caring for Community

Ozarks Healthcare recently celebrated 1,905 years of service to the health system with its 2021 Longevity Banquet.

Each year, Ozarks Healthcare recognizes coworkers who have dedicated ten or more years of service to serving the health of its community. Last year’s banquet was postponed due to COVID-19. Staff being celebrated this year were able to commemorate their service with a small gathering at Rubydoo’s Vintage Events in West Plains.

“We hold great pride in being able to recognize the incredible accomplishments of our coworkers,” Tom Keller, Ozarks Healthcare President and CEO said. “This year, we were able to recognize 40 years of service from one coworker alone. Our longevity awards show the true dedication of our coworkers to the health of our community from the past to now.”

Ramona "Mona" Wright, who serves as a unit secretary in Ozarks Healthcare’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU), received recognition for 40 years of service, the largest milestone celebrated this year. She is pictured below with a commemorative pin and 40 roses.

Staff who were recognized for 30 years of service included: Wanda Roark, Dr. Clara Applegate, Theresa Speake, Melody Simpson, Cynthia Rector, Glenda Smoot, Laura Walton, Marilyn Clinton, Betty Richardson, and Angela Smith.

Staff who were recognized for 25 years of service included: Bret Hall, Lori Hall, Tracy Evans, Rhonda Hollingshad, Carolyn Valade, Dr. Charles Morgan, and Lisa Riggs.

Staff who were recognized for 20 years of service included: Christina Romans, Rhonda Liley, John Locke, LaDonna Caraway, Rebecca Hutchings, Erin Hawkins, Loretta Baker-Montgomery, Buffy Camire, Martha Howard, Deborah Terry-Smith, Alberta Pummill, Valerie Blankenship, Katie Mahan, Bobby Whittingham, Douglas Dunbar, and Shawna Sanders.

Staff who were recognized for 15 years of service included: Alyse Anderson, Sharon Sowder, Paul Murray, Breanna Stiner, Amanda Brotherton, Monica Orchard, Amy Mueller, Michael McVicker, Jessica Barton, Shawna Loges, Kristi Sheridan, Stacey Middleton, Jennifer Hufstedler, Jessica Norberg, Christina Price, Jennifer Keyes, and Richard Wright.

Staff who were recognized for 10 years of service included: Heather Dixon, Mary Stasney, Sherry Pierce, Leann Davidson, Patsy Rader, Rachel Birkemeier, Christina Gayer, Kathy Prifogle, Lori Jewell, Bridget Walton, Jennifer McNabb, Monica Childers, Margie Vandiver, Elizabeth Weyland, Lora Buckner, Melissa Clark, Brenda Cotter, Mandi Rudes, Kristy Hamby, Ellen Simpson, Stephanie Campbell, Daniel Noordhoek, Dr. Jesse Rhoads, Ashley Harrill, Rhonda Howell, Kristin Long, Hope Smith, Steve Culver, Dr. Druery Dixon, Bonnie Wallace, Dr. Achenkunju George, and James Russell.

Ozarks Healthcare is a system of care encompassing primary care and specialty clinics, along with complete rehabilitation, behavioral healthcare, and home health services. While the 114-bed acute care hospital cares for more than 5,400 admissions, the entire health system has more than 364,000 patient visits annually in South Central Missouri and Northern Arkansas. For more information about Ozarks Healthcare, visit www.OzarksHealthcare.com.

Please note: Not all staff previously listed are present in the pictures below.

Ramona "Mona" Wright, who serves as a unit secretary in Ozarks Healthcare’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU), received recognition for 40 years of service, the largest employee longevity milestone celebrated at Ozarks Healthcare this year.

Pictured from left to right: BJ Richardson, Mona Wright, and Jessica Barton, all staff members of Ozarks Healthcare’s ICU, celebrating 30, 40, and 15 years, consecutively, of service at Ozarks Healthcare.

Pictured from left to right: Theresa Speake, Melody Simpson, and Laura Walton, celebrating 30 years of service at Ozarks Healthcare.

Pictured from top left to right: Rhonda Hollingshad and Carolyn Valade

Pictured from bottom left to right: Dr. Charles Morgan and Lisa Riggs, all celebrating 25 years of service at Ozarks Healthcare.

Pictured from top left to right: Katie Mahan, Valerie Blankenship, Deborah Terry-Smith, Marty Howard, and Buffy Camire

Pictured from bottom left to right: LaDonna Caraway, Rhonda Liley, Christina Romans, Erin Hawkins, and Douglas Dunbar, all celebrating 20 years of service at Ozarks Healthcare.

Pictured from left to right: Breanna Stiner, Amy Mueller, Kristi Sheridan, all celebrating 15 years of service at Ozarks Healthcare.

Pictured from top left to right: Ellen Simpson, Bridget Walton, Kathy Prifogle, and Hope Smith

Pictured from bottom left to right: Kristen Long, Dr. Jesse Rhoads, Patsy Rader, Brenda Cotter, and Heather Dixon, all celebrating 10 years of service at Ozarks Healthcare.