“I was very surprised and honored to receive Employee of the Month. I work with so many beautiful people, just like those who have given me their EOM parking space for the month. Sometimes when I’m at home, I feel a little down, but the minute I walk through the front door to the hospital, all that changes. I didn’t always want to work away from home. Born in Rich Hill, I was raised on a farm and I guess all I knew was how to milk cows, feed hogs, run a combine and help bale hay. I got married right out of high school to Harold. We had a son, Nelson, and a daughter, Nancy. I was very grateful I didn’t have to work away from home and could always be there while my children grew up. In 1964 I went to work at Barton County Memorial Hospital. Nancy went on to college and received her doctorate degree. She and her husband were killed in a car accident in Australia where she had gone to teach. We lost her father two weeks later. Nelson ran a salvage yard. He blessed us with 4 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Nelson died of cancer six years ago. I love my job and love the people I work with – these are truly caring people. I’m very proud of our hospital. This is my home away from home and I don’t see how I can ever leave.”