Celebrating National Women’s History Month: Kathrine Atchley

The community agrees that we should celebrate Kathrine Hamilton Atchley’s life to recognize National Women’s History Month. Mrs. Atchley celebrated her 99th birthday Oct. 21, 2020.

Everyone who knows Mrs. Atchley is aware of her love for Olney Hamilton Hospital (OHH), founded by her father George B. Hamilton, in 1927.

Mrs. Atchley was the only child of Dr. and Mrs. Hamilton, and she grew up watching her parents get involved with the community. She said her father taught her many things by showing her as opposed to simply telling her; with one of her best life lessons comprising her visits to the hospital with him. Her involvement with the hospital began at a young age and has continued through generations.

“My father had a uniform made for me, and he would ask me to go to the hospital with him to comfort patients. He taught me to be kind to people and recognize them. We shared a love for the hospital,” Mrs. Atchley said.

She passed her love for the hospital to the four children she had with her husband, Glenn Atchley, whom she married Dec. 21, 1941.Taking on her role as a servant-leader while ensuring the continuity of her father’s legacy, Mrs. Atchley and her husband remained an integral part of the hospital’s success and longevity.

“When I married Glenn, he told everyone, ‘when I married Kathrine, I married the hospital, too.’ He learned to love the hospital as I do,” Mrs. Atchley said.

In 2019, OHH honored Mrs. Atchley with a lifetime board position as a Board Member Emeritus. During the celebration ceremony, her son, Dr. Steve Atchley said, “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.” He continued, “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.”

Other accomplishments include Mrs. Atchley’s involvement in church and school. She has been a lifelong member of First Baptist Church and currently the oldest member. She sang in the choir for years and taught Sunday School. She is a member of the Hamilton Hospital Auxiliary and a member of Amity Club. Her love for children was evident with her involvement as a “Room Mother” at the school and as Chairman of Campfire Girls.

Hockaday School in Dallas served as the steppingstone for Mrs. Atchley’s education from grades 7-11. She chose to return to Olney to attend her senior year at Olney High School. After graduating OHS, she attended Southern Methodist University until she married Glenn. She followed Glenn throughout his time in the military during World War II, residing in Nebraska, Kansas and Denver. In addition to their four children, the couple have 8 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

When reflecting on Mrs. Atchley and her contributions to the community, she wants to be remembered as—in her words— “One gal that had a good life and a good time.” A life for which she remains thankful.