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Mrs. Atchley’s Garden

As part of the ceremony that recognized Olney Hamilton Hospital as the longest operating rural hospital in Texas, Mrs. Kathrine Hamilton Atchley received an honor, too. Not only was Mrs. Atchley named as a Board Member Emeritus but was also able to see the first phase of the garden she has always dreamed would someday become a reality.

Mrs. Atchley was the only child of Dr. and Mrs. Hamilton, and she grew up watching her parents get involved with the community. Taking on her role as a servant-leader while ensuring the continuity of her father’s legacy, Mrs. Atchley, along with her husband Glenn Atchley remained an integral part of the hospital’s success and longevity. Her son, Dr. Steve Atchley said, during his speech at the ceremony, “My father was involved [with the hospital] for more than 50 years. My mother began tagging along with her dad and has been involved throughout the years. After dad’s passing, she became involved with the board. Mom’s work is unfinished here, and she will remain a Board Member Emeritus to continue her work.” Dr. Atchley then turned to face the newly constructed gazebo that sat in the center of the garden; He said, “For years it has been her dream to have something in this empty space outside the hospital. She came up with the idea to have a garden and gazebo, but it never happened. It is a great honor to take part in putting this [gazebo/garden] together; This is in your honor mom, Kathrine Hamilton Atchley, and is a result of your work.”

Mrs. Atchley interrupted the applause saying, “It has been a work of love. Mr. Atchley used to say, ‘When I married Kathrine, I married Hamilton Hospital.” Everyone laughed and gathered around her in her garden at the close of the ceremony. She stood proudly underneath the garden gazebo with the “pink ladies” auxiliary and the hospital board members with a smile that sealed the envelope on her life’s work and illuminated the path leading to the next OHH adventure.

Olney Hamilton Hospital Board of Directors showed their support. The board members congratulated Mrs. Kathrine Hamilton Atchley on her achievements throughout the years. The board of directors include Dale Lovett (Chaiman), Bob Craig (Vice Chairman), Rita Choat (Secretary), Ronald Rogers, Russell Altmiller, Lonnie Rue, Lyndsey Miller, Anneta Buenger, Dr. Jeremy Johnson and Kathrine Hamilton Atchley (Board Member Emeritus) .