100 People 100 Reasons

For 32 years, Leigh Allen has served as an example of how to communicate with and care for others. Since July 2019, she has been the Director of Medical Surgical Services, where she provides encouragement and support to her staff and coworkers. A strong leader and educator, Leigh has mentored, managed and taught many St. Mary’s employees throughout her career.

When asked what makes St. Mary’s so special, Leigh said: “Our history; the values and Christian beliefs the founding Sisters based their practice on. We continue to be a leader in the community, to show compassion to those we serve, and to be a place where people want to work and to come to for help.”

Julie Neal has a long history serving the St. Mary’s Medical Center community. In the early years, Julie co-founded the PATH to the Cure event, which provided 20% of proceeds to the Paul Ambrose Trail for Health and 80% to St. Mary' s Pink Ribbon Fund. During the six years she was involved, they raised more than $300K to provide free screening mammograms to uninsured and underinsured individuals in our community.

With her great success in building connections and raising funds for worthy causes, Julie was asked to serve on the St. Mary’s Foundation Board in 2014, and did so until 2022. In 2015, she was hired as the Director of Volunteer Services, and in that role, she oversees the hospital Auxiliaries, the gift shops and volunteer programs. One thing Julie is most proud of was her role in the rebranding of the St. Mary’s Gift Shop.

“We rebranded it as Madeleine's Boutique & Unique Gifts in an effort to honor Sister Madeleine who previously served as a Director of Volunteers and was a savvy business woman," Julie said. "I hope the contributions I have given strengthen the impact of what the Pallottine Sisters started in this community years ago. They came to a community that wasn't their own and gave their talents, their heart, their resources and Huntington has never been better for it. The amount of faith and trust that took is always so overwhelming to me. We should all be so lucky to know someone or be as giving as those Sisters have been to this community.”

Julie said she hopes St. Mary's always carries their mission and values set for us into the next 100 years.

In November 1990, Sister M. Diane Bushee, SAC, began working full-time as Senior Vice President of Mission Integration for Pallottine Health Services, Inc. in the corporate offices at St. Mary’s Medical Center (SMMC).

Bushee served in a number of leadership roles at SMMC, including associate director of nursing. She played a key role in the expansion projects and other changes that grew St. Mary’s Hospital into St. Mary’s Medical Center and helped foster the growth of the St. Mary’s Department of Spiritual Care and Mission. Since 1990, she has served as the vice president of mission integration, making sure that all administrators, clinical staff and non-clinical staff understand the importance of the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services.

In April 2021, Sister Diane Bushee, SAC, vice president of misson integration, retired after more than 60 years of service. However, as a long-time Huntington resident, she continues to support SMMC’s mission to this day. We are very grateful for her commitment to continuing the mission and values of our hospital.

As we prepare to celebrate Doctors’ Day tomorrow on March 30, we want to spotlight one of our very own. Dr. William Beam has been a physician with St. Mary’s Medical Center for more than 30 years.

As a pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine specialist, he’s served in many roles including department chairman for internal medicine, member of the medical executive and credentials committees, and currently, as president of the medical staff.

His impact on the St. Mary’s legacy reaches far and wide. During his tenure, he led efforts to develop modern ICU units and formalize critical care as a specialty across disciplines. He was instrumental in the establishment of the AASM-accredited Regional Sleep Center with a stand-alone Sleep Medicine Fellowship program resulting in six Fellows passing board certification. If this wasn’t enough, he played a pivotal role in the development of the pulmonary rehabilitation program with accreditation from The Joint Commission.

When asked what makes St. Mary’s such a special place to work, Dr. Beam said, “It’s the devotion of the Pallottine Sisters to the pillar values that guide our compassionate care of the Huntington community. Their legacy was on display during the worst of the COVID pandemic when virtually every hospital employee gave their best effort to keep care at the highest quality in the face of daily tragedy. My hope for the next 100 years is that we continue their mission based on these core pillar values that has made it a success thus far.”

For nearly 30 years, St. Mary’s Medical Center employee Hulse Budd has positively impacted the lives of patients in our region. First as an Emergency Room nurse and now as a member of the Information Systems team, Hulse said he has quickly learned there is more to caring for patients than just completing assessment and administering medications.

“Many patients not only require physical care, but also have needs for mental, emotional and spiritual care. Recognizing these needs and engaging others in the healthcare team to meet the needs of patients and families became a priority. Using the examples from the Sisters’ Mission to show compassion and hospitality to all persons became important to me along with providing the nursing care I had been taught to provide.”

After several years in the ER, Hulse began working as a charge nurse and eventually a coordinator in the ER. He said these opportunities allowed him to assist other new nurses to understand the science and arts of nursing care in the Emergency Department. After 18 years working with the ER staff, an opportunity to move to a different specialty presented itself. After moving into the role with the St. Mary’s Information Systems team, Hulse said he was able to use the skills learned and experienced in the ER in a completely different way.

“Working with nursing and IS leadership, I have been able to assist in improving the tools available, and offer suggestions to improve overall workflow and patient care at St. Mary's.”

When looking back over the 100-year legacy of St. Mary’s, Hulse said it’s the compassion and love of Christ instilled throughout the organization by the Pallotine Sisters that makes it different and special.

“All hospitals, clinics and providers care for their patients. St. Mary's has always taken the extra step to ensure that not only do the patients receive the care they need, but feel loved, safe and secure in the process. This also extends to the patient's family and visitors. All of the staff at St. Mary's from housekeeping and laundry to nurses and physicians take time to share the compassion and love that has been exemplified by the Sisters of the Pallotine order.”

Hulse said his hope is that St. Mary's continues to be a leader in healthcare, and where people choose to receive care that is needed.

David Sheils said he believes every person who has every worked at St. Mary’s Medical Center has contributed to its legacy. As Vice President of Support Services and former President of the Foundation, David has been involved in fundraising for facilities (e.g. Center for Education) and programs like KIDS in Motion that serve the health and wellness of our community.

During his nearly 30 years of service, he’s worked on numerous construction projects that have helped to expand our service lines, and worked alongside a support staff who provide quality services for our patients, staff and physicians.

“I think we can all agree that the mission and values of the Pallottine Sisters is what makes St. Mary's special. From the very beginning, they have set the tone for what is expected from everyone working at St. Mary's. It is still palpable today. Healthcare will continue to evolve as it has over the last 100, but I hope that the mission and values never change.”

For 27 years, Michael Thomas has worked St. Mary’s Medical Center. He was the first supervisor of the Pre-Service Center, which includes pre-registration, scheduling and pre-authorization. Now as Manager of the Patient Accounts Department, Michael is responsible for 40+ employees and also works alongside colleagues as a member of the hospital’s Diversity Committee.

“I would like to think that I have positively impacted St. Mary's with my heart and soul. I came here fresh out of the United States Air Force. I have been part of major changes in our facility, and our compassion for our patients is what has always stood out to me. In the next 100 years, I hope we continue to grow, but always be St. Mary's.

As Executive Director of the St. Mary’s Regional Heart Institute, Melissa Mielcarek said her team is dedicated to maintaining the hospital's reputation of providing excellent cardiac care to those in the Tri-state.

“Thanks to the work of the Pallottine Sisters, St. Mary's is built on long-standing employees who are committed to the community they serve. Our team has been focused on continuing that legacy through not only providing high-quality cardiac care, but also through their community outreach efforts to raise awareness around the importance of preventative screenings, eating heart-healthy and moving daily. ”

As a Guest Services employee at St. Mary’s Medical Center, Jerry Lewis has impacted the #StMarysLegacy through his work ethic and the compassionate care he provides to all who walk through the doors of the hospital.

His supervisor said, “Jerry has helped serve the patients and families of St. Mary’s for the past 10 years. He does anything that is asked of him all while maintaining a positive attitude and putting the patients first. Whether it is escorting visitors, updating families, or retrieving needed items for staff, Jerry is always ready to help.”

Jerry said his favorite part of working at St. Mary’s is the caring people who continue to uphold the mission and values of the Sisters.

Ginger Walker has worked in the St. Mary’s Accounting Department for eight years. She said it’s the people and the mission of St. Mary’s that makes it such a special place to work.

“The Sisters have had such a presence in the hospital and that makes it a special place to work because of all the good they have done. I feel this hospital is a bright light in our community because of all the good things we have done for the community. Those values started by the Sisters are what keeps this hospital growing.”

As Executive Director of the St. Mary’s Regional Heart Institute, Melissa Mielcarek said her team is dedicated to maintaining a long history of providing excellent cardiac care to those in the Tri-state.

“St. Mary's is built on long-standing employees who are dedicated to the community they serve. Our team has been focused on continuing that legacy through not only high-quality medical care, but also through their community outreach efforts to raise awareness around the importance of preventative screenings, eating heart-healthy and moving daily.”

Anyone who knows Greg knows that he treats every person he meets with the same level of care and respect. He is 100% genuine is everything he does. And truly, the year-long St. Mary’s Centennial Celebration would not be what it is without his leadership. His wife Robin believes Greg’s favorite part of organizing the Centennial Celebration has been getting to dive into the history of St. Mary’s through old archive photos and videos.

We are forever grateful that Greg joined the St. Mary’s family in 2016, and he certainly gives us reason to be proud. It is his belief that while St. Mary’s has certainly changed over the past 100 years, the mission has not. He believes the mission of the Pallottine Missionary Sisters is ours to continue.

Greg, thank you for ALL you have done to honor the legacy of the Sisters and St. Mary’s Medical Center.

For more than 20 years, Rita Elkins has been a part of the St. Mary’s family, first through her work in the Respiratory Department and now as a member of the Spiritual Care team. As a firm believer in the power of prayer, Rita said her impact on St. Mary’s can be seen through her commitment to upholding the Pallottine Sisters' mission and values.

“Knowing that God blessed St. Mary’s Medical Center from the very beginning, even in its planning has given me reason enough to tell others how blessed we are to be a part of this mission. I believe in our mission and values, and knowing the importance of each overflows from my being and allows me to impact others. St. Mary's is a wonderful place to work – it’s a place I am proud to call home."

Rita said she believes the caring people are one of many reasons why St. Mary’s is so special.

“There is a sweet spirit that walks these corridors. It shows in the "good mornings,” and the smiles of generous staff who care for the patients and their families. I hope and pray that the #StMarysLegacy will continue and grow stronger than it ever was.”

Nathan Smith has seen many changes during his 23 years of service at St. Mary’s Medical Center. As Network Administrator within the hospital’s Information Systems Department, he has helped staff and patients stay connected.

“My position as Network Administrator has afforded me the opportunity to be on the front lines of new buildings, projects and remodels. Not much can happen these days without connectivity back into the network. I have been lucky enough over the years to work directly with the Sisters at both the hospital and the convent houses. I have created a special bond with many of them and I look forward to seeing them each and every time. I hope that what we have started with Marshall Health Network will continue to grow and prosper for many more generations to come.”

For 40 years, Angie Martin has made a lasting impact on St. Mary’s Medical Center. As Director of the Surgical Services Department, she said she has seen many changes ranging from how care is delivered to advances in technology and the treatment of patients.

“Over the years, I have been blessed to care for patients that benefit from these changes and advancements. I was fortunate enough to become a leader at SMMC. As a leader, I have assisted with opening a new building to house patient's coming for ambulatory surgery in 1996. Procedures that were done as an inpatient stay are now being sent home after surgery. Healthcare changes daily. It is not possible to implement changes without dedicated, quality teams that I have been privileged to be a part of. Most importantly, I hope I am remembered for the compassionate care I provided for patients, their families, staff and physicians. The people that work at SMMC are what make St. Mary’s special. Without the culture the Sisters fostered, we would not be the CHRIST-centered organization we are today.”

She holds a master’s degree in nursing administration and leadership from Aspen University, a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Ohio University, and a bachelor’s degree in health care administration from Kennedy-Western University. Martin is also a graduate of the St. Mary’s School of Nursing.

As she looks to the next 100 years at St. Mary's, Martin said, “I hope SMMC continues to serve our community providing quality, compassionate care. I see them being a strong partner in Marshall Heatlh Network and becoming one of the top 100 systems in the country.”

Through her loyalty and dedication, Lorrie Bills has contributed to the #StMarysLegacy for more than 40 years. Lorrie is a respected employee in the Pathology/Cytology Laboratory, and she said she’s always had the goal to provide high-quality patient care in everything she does. As she looks to the future, it is her hope that St. Mary’s continues to uphold its mission and values and continue the legacy that has been established since the beginning. Lorrie, thank you for four decades of service!

Anne Hammack

For 20 years, Anne Hammack has made a difference in the lives of many women in our Tri-State area. As an employee of the St. Mary’s Breast Center, she said it’s a great honor to help educate patients and families about the impact of breast cancer while helping them navigate through a challenging time.

“It's so hard to put into words what St. Mary's means to me,” Anne said. “The Sisters have always been a source of comfort to me throughout my time at St. Mary's. The morning and evening prayers have always surrounded me with a peaceful feeling, and it's the best possible start for a morning. When family members have been hospitalized, the Sisters along with Pastoral Care have been such a vital part of care, and their presence and visits were always so appreciated. In particular, when my son was sick for almost 10 years and spent countless days in the hospital over that time period, Sister Rosella and Sister Angela were a constant presence and helped us in so many ways. They were truly angels here on earth.”

Anne said she hopes that St. Mary's will continue to honor the mission and passion of the Pallotine Sisters and that we can make all of them proud with the work that we do.

"I hope that we all can seek God's face in everyone we interact with here at St. Mary's and give honor to the Sisters in our everyday work."

Jeff Adkins, Assistant Director of Radiology at St. Mary’s Medical Center, said the culture at St. Mary’s is truly unique. He said during his 33 years as an employee, he hopes he has made a positive impact.

“I feel like I have made a difference in our patients’ lives through the care and healing they have received. I try to live out those values of Christ that have always been the focus of this hospital. I hope in those 33 years that I have impacted the many students that I have worked with and hopefully shaped them to be great rad techs.”

Jeff said he hopes to see St. Mary’s continue to grow in the next 100 years.

“As we see the Sisters become less involves and not as visible, we need to continue to have the love of Christ in all that we do here at St. Mary’s.”

Tom Jones served as CEO of St. Mary's Medical Center from 1990-2000. During his tenure, he led the hospital through its expansion of the outpatient building and the emergency room. Mr. Jones was recognized as one of the 50 Most Influential Leaders in West Virginia in 2008 by WV Executive Magazine and has served on the boards of the American Hospital Association and the West Virginia Hospital Association. He said he believes St. Mary's is so special because of our commitment to our mission and values, which we've carried throughout the past 100 years.

Barbara Stevens, RN, Ed.D.

From a very young age, Barbara Jo Bales Stevens knew she wanted to be a nurse. She did fulfill that dream and became a well-respected and well-loved caregiver. However, she also became an excellent teacher of nurses and her 39 years of nursing instruction at St. Mary’s School of Nursing allowed her to leave a major impact on not only St. Mary’s, but also health care across the region. She added to her legacy with her continued support of St. Mary’s Medical Center and the St. Mary’s Foundation.

Stevens was born October 12, 1938, at home in Beckley, W.Va. As a young girl, she would watch across the street as her friend’s aunt put on her nurse’s cap and cape and headed off to work at a tuberculosis sanitarium. Stevens admired the aunt so much for her bravery that she knew she never wanted to be anything else but a nurse. Because she liked Huntington and she knew several students already enrolled, Stevens chose to pursue her dream at St. Mary’s School of Nursing.

While working as a student nurse in orthopedics, Stevens met her husband, James, who was a patient. The school’s students — who were all female — were not allowed to get married and would be expelled if they did and were discovered. Barbara and James took the chance and married anyway in May 1958. Stevens graduated from St. Mary’s in September 1959. She went to work on the orthopedics floor as a nurse, but the floor supervisor needed someone to help with clinical instruction and Stevens was up to the challenge.

For 39 years, Stevens taught classes in fundamentals, medical-surgical, pharmacology and many other subjects. Because the educational requirements to be a clinical instructor kept changing, Stevens attended college either part time or full time for over 30 years — all while raising a family and working full time. Plus, Stevens rarely missed the activities of her two children, Greg and Mary Beth. She would later say the only thing she gave up was sleep.

Stevens earned two bachelor’s degrees and a master’s degree from Marshall University and a master’s degree from West Virginia University. She also earned a doctorate at WVU, making her the first nurse at St. Mary’s to receive one. In 1988, Stevens became the director of the St. Mary’s School of Nursing. Her tenure in the position was a time of significant transition for the school. She led the school through its change to a two-year program and she led the school’s process of affiliation with Marshall University.

Stevens also organized and chaired the first nursing research committee and was instrumental in the planning and implementation of the first St. Mary’s employee health clinic. In 2001, Stevens retired after 41 years at St. Mary’s, but her connection with the medical center did not end there. In 2003, Stevens accepted the invitation to serve on the board of the newly created St. Mary’s Medical Center Foundation. Stevens served as the vice chair of the Foundation’s Center For Education capital campaign, helping to raise money for a new School of Nursing, her first love. She also accepted an invitation from her mentor and idol, Sister Celeste Lynch, to join the board of Pallottine Health Services, Inc. — the first laywoman to serve.

Stevens would later say she was overwhelmed by the request and considered it a true privilege and honor. Stevens continues to help her beloved school by working to build the School of Nursing Alumni Association, serving on the alumni board for over 30 years. A member of the St. Mary’s Alumni and Faculty Circle, Stevens is unwavering in her support of the place she believes she owes so much.

Todd Campbell

For 21 years, Todd Campbell served as an administrator at St. Mary’s Medical Center where he was actively involved in many aspects of the growth and expansion during the early 2000s. A few projects included the development and implementation of the Ironton campus, creation and growth of employed physician practice (St. Mary's Medical Management), acquisition of HIMG and the partnership with Three Gables Surgery Center. He was also instrumental during the hospital transition to being a member of Mountain Health Network, now known as Marshall Health Network.

“I was always impressed with the longevity of the employees who work at St. Mary's and those who spent their entire career at this organization, with many starting in the St. Mary's School of Nursing. Additionally, the spiritual care provided by St. Mary's in conjunction with medical care is very special. One final item I think sets St. Mary's apart is how they treats their patients, from assisting them in the discharge process to how they treat them regardless of ability to pay.”

Todd said he hopes St. Mary’s continues to grow, innovate and provide world class care to those they serve, while maintaining the spiritual care and ministry established by the Pallottine Missionary Sisters.

“I hope St. Mary's honors those who brought them through the first 100 hundred years and is flexible and makes changes necessary to remain operational and serving our community for the next 100 years.”

Stephen “Steve” Joseph Soltis served in the U.S. Army before he worked in hospital administration at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital for Cancer and Allied Diseases in New York City. He worked for the United Mine Workers in Washington, D. C., where he spent two years planning for the construction of eleven UMW hospitals in West Virginia, Kentucky and Virginia (now known as Appalachian Regional Healthcare). He served as administrator at Beckley Memorial Hospital in Beckley, WV from 1955-1964. Steve was approached by the Pallottine Sisters in 1964 to be the first lay administrator of St. Mary’s Hospital in Huntington, WV, where he served for 28 years. He was the Executive Director of all Pallottine Hospitals in WV, including St. Vincent Palloti in Morgantown, St. Joseph in Buckhannon, Sacred Heart in Richwood and St. Mary’s in Huntington. He is an honoree on the St. Mary’s Wall of Fame. He was the former President of West Virginia Hospital Association and Fellow of the American College of Hospital Executives. At age 94, Steve passed away Sunday December 23, 2012, at St. Mary’s Medical Center, where he spent so many years giving back to others.

Dr. Melville Homer Cummings, Jr.

Throughout his life, Dr. Melville Homer Cummings Jr. was a servant to others — to his faith, to his family, to his patients and to the community.

Dr. Cummings was born January 6, 1920, in Glen White, West Virginia, the oldest son of Melville Homer Cummings Sr., a Methodist minister, and Mary Kacmar, a missionary. His childhood followed the path of his parents’ ministry and service to congregations across West Virginia, in Ceredo, Fayetteville, Glen White and Williamstown. While in Williamstown, he met Marjorie Fenton, to whom he was married for nearly 60 years. Given his humble beginnings, Dr. Cummings put a premium on education, both in his own life and for others. In 1936, coal mogul William McKell unexpectedly gave Dr. Cummings $1,000 to pursue college. Dr. Cummings attended New River State College and receivedhis undergraduate degree in chemistry from Marshall College in 1940. He began his medical studies at West Virginia University and, in 1944, graduated from Northwestern University Medical School. Dr. Cummings also completed medical training at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio, and Laird Memorial Hospital in Montgomery, West Virginia.

As part of the “Greatest Generation,” Dr. Cummings had a fierce commitment to serving others, which included service to his country. In 1946, Dr. Cummings became the chief of surgery at the 62nd Field Hospital in Rheinau, Germany, and later at the 279th Station Hospital in Berlin. Dr. Cummings also provided medical services to World War II war criminals at Spandau Prison in Berlin.

Upon his return from his military service, Dr. Cummings set down roots with his family in Huntington in 1948. He completed his surgical residency at St. Mary’s Hospital and, in 1950, he formed a partnership with Dr. William Irons. Dr. Cummings served as a member of the St. Mary’s surgery department for more than 50 years. One of his many areas of expertise was the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. For Dr. Cummings, his service to his faith extended beyond the pews of First United Methodist Church. He prayed with his patients before each surgery. He was a good samaritan, which was often demonstrated in his willingness to help unwed mothers, patients or someone in need with housing, employment, education or finances. In 1975, Dr. Cummings and his wife, Marjorie, opened their home to a Vietnamese refugee who became their eighth child.

Dr. Cummings’ service to the community was often in support of education. He and Marjorie established scholarships at West Virginia Wesleyan College, Alderson-Broaddus College and Marshall University. Other scholarships were established through First United Methodist Church in Huntington. He was a member of the Cabell County Board of Education from 1953-1960 and was a trustee at West Virginia Wesleyan College from 1959-1992. In 1997, he received the West Virginia Wesleyan College Rhododendron Award, which honors West Virginians who have brought distinction and honor to their state or have given extraordinary service to the college. Dr. Cummings was also a professor of surgery at Marshall,where, in 2000, he received the Faculty Humanism in Medicine Award from the Marshall University School of Medicine. The award was later named in his honor.

Homer and Marjorie Cummings were the proud parents of eight children: Mel, John, Fenton, Norma, Lillian, Martha, Jim and Loan, as well as 30 grandchildren. Dr. Cummings died on July 5, 2001, after caring for patients earlier in the day.

As one of the Sisters attending his funeral observed, “He died with his boots on.” St. Mary’s Medical Center honored Dr. Melville Homer Cummings, Jr. for his many contributions and inducted Dr. Cummings into the St. Mary's Wall of Fame.

Sharon Ambrose

For 17 years, Sharon Ambrose served St. Mary’s in various roles, from director of nursing then COO and finally as the president of the St. Mary’s Foundation.

During her time as Director of Nursing, she supported and empowered nursing staff in the provision of highest quality of care. Sharon also collaborated with other departments to fully implement system of supply and delivery, centralized communication and monitoring to maximize coordination of services and efficiency.

As senior vice president and Chief Operating Officer (COO), she led product line organization to allow leadership to focus on specific specialties and increase collaboration with other reputable organizations, such as the Duke Cancer Center.

As Foundation President, she introduced the new St. Mary’s Foundation to the community, established the Board and set specific goals while meeting with potential donors and members of the Legislature. Additionally, she helped spearhead various fundraising activities, including the first two St. Mary’s galas.

“I have always been so proud to be affiliated with St. Mary's because of its very special mission and culture of caring begun by the Pallottine Sisters,” Sharon said. “It is evident throughout the organization by the staff who care for patients and each other. How wonderful to work in a place where the day starts and ends with prayers, and where both spiritual and physical needs are provided.”

We are so thankful for Sharon’s impact on the #StMarysLegacy.

Dr. Shelia Kyle

For 40 years, Dr. Shelia Kyle contributed to the #StMarysLegacy through her work with the St. Mary’s Center for Education. She began her employment as a Faculty Member in the School of Nursing, mostly working with first-year nursing students.

During her employment, Dr. Kyle said she was blessed to have worked with approximately 2,000 students; many of whom became employees of St. Mary’s Medical Center (SMMC). She was the first Vice President for Schools of Nursing and Health Professions, which included the School of Nursing, The School of Medical Imaging and the School of Respiratory Care. Dr. Kyle said she believes the values of SMMC are what makes it so special to this day.

“Compassion, hospitality, reverence, interdependence, stewardship and trust. I thought these values were exemplified daily. The morning and evening prayers were so comforting to employees and patients. Someone once told me that St. Mary's was ‘God's hospital,’ and they were so right.”

Dr. Kyle said she prays that the medical center will always exemplify the mission and values of the Pallottine Sisters.

“Patients often commented that they felt that they received care that reflected the current values and mission of the Pallottine Sisters; that to me is the greatest compliment the patients could say about the nursing care given to them at SMMC. I realize that healthcare is a business, but money should never be more important than compassionate care and treating those customers as individuals created in the image of God.”

Dr. Kyle retired in 2017. We are eternally grateful for her impact on the St. Mary’s legacy.

Gina Davis has been a member of the St. Mary’s Medical Center family for 37 years. As a nurse, she has worked in various units including vascular, non-invasive and cardiac rehabilitation. Gina said she chose nursing because she wanted to help people, and she chose St. Mary’s because of its reputation in the community.

“During my 37 years, I have been blessed to serve across different levels of responsibility and with each level, I know that I am helping to provide healthcare exactly the way our founders wanted me to. From the beginning, St. Mary's has put the needs of the patient first. We treat patients and their families with compassion, respect, and professionalism, no matter their age, race or religious belief. That belief filters out to our staff. My coworkers are like family to me. I know they would help me in my time of need, and I would certainly do the same.”

She said despite the Sisters' decreasing physical presence in our ministry, her hope is that their spiritual presence remains.

“I hope our traditions, such as morning and evening prayers continue to allow each staff member a moment to reflect on their own commitment in carrying out the mission statement the Sisters laid out before us. My hope is that the Sisters - past, present and future - would have peace of mind knowing their mission continues."

Tammy Nimmo

For 45 years, Tammy Nimmo worked at St. Mary’s Medical Center before retiring as Director of Surgical Services. As a long-time employee, Tammy was well-known for treating her patients and employees with dignity and respect. She said her favorite part of working at SMMC was the family atmosphere and the transparency from the top down. As she looks ahead to the future, she said she hopes the hospital will stay strong and committed to their core values. We are grateful for Tammy’s impact on the #StMarysLegacy.

Dr. Joey Trader

First as a student in 1995, followed by an Emergency Room RN and now, as Vice President for Schools of Nursing and Health Professions at the St. Mary’s Center for Education, Dr. Joey Trader has certainly left his mark on St. Mary’s.

“I do not feel that I have impacted St. Mary's alone. I am part of a team, an ever-changing team working to provide the best care possible to those in need. Beginning in the Emergency Department, I tried to meet the needs compassionately of those in crisis. Then when coming to teach at the St. Mary's School of Nursing, I dedicated myself to doing the best I could to both educate but to emphasize compassion in efforts to do the greatest good for each individual patient. Then, as the director of the School of Nursing and Vice-President for Schools of Nursing and Health Professions, I tried to increase the numbers of students thereby providing an opportunity for those who may not have been able to attend school to study nursing, medical imaging, or respiratory care.”

Dr. Trader said he’s always learning and growing to help bring positive change, which has been a fundamental part of the St. Mary’s mission and values.

“The care and compassion provided to patients, families and employees is admirable. The work they have continued since the Pallottine Sisters came to West Virginia has become an absolute necessity for this region. When you walk through the halls, everyone knows everyone, and you can sense the desire of everyone here to provide competent and compassionate care.”

Dr. Trader said his hope is that St. Mary's will maintain its mission of providing compassionate care to all of those in need in a way respecting the God-given dignity of each patient, each family member, each employee, and the community.

Dr. William Sol Sheils

For 32 years, the leadership of William Sol Sheils, MD, was strongly felt throughout St. Mary’s Hospital. But Sheils’ influence extended far beyond the hospital’s walls. Sheils helped shape the face of health care throughout the tri-state area, building a legacy of community service that continues to grow today, even after his passing.

Sheils was born June 17, 1935, in Huntington. From a young age, he knew he wanted to be a doctor. He received his bachelor of science degree from Marshall College in 1957 and his medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia in 1960. After an internship in Springfield, Ohio, and residencies in internal medicine at Cabell Huntington Hospital and Indiana University, he returned to his hometown to practice as a cardiologist. Sheils also served as a physician and lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army at Ft. Knox during the Vietnam War.

In 1965, Sheils was appointed to the medical staff of St. Mary’s Hospital. At St. Mary’s, he assisted in the development of the first Cardiac Intensive Care Unit and provided critical care training for nursing and others as the unit was developed. Sheils served on a number of committees and held several leadership positions at St. Mary’s during his 32 years of service. As the chair of the electrocardiography panel for decades, he administered tests that other physicians would have to pass.

In 1969, Sheils and Drs. Charles Turner, Russell Cook and Roland Burns formed a medical practice in Huntington. After several of the city’s physicians died in the 1970 Marshall University plane crash, their practice merged with four other doctors to form Huntington Internal Medicine Group, creating the first medical practice with primary, specialty and sub-specialty care in the state. Sheils served as the president of HIMG for several decades and was intimately involved in its growth over the years.

A major supporter of Marshall University athletics, Sheils and some of his partners provided the teams with physicals prior to the start of the school year and saw the athletes as needed during the year — long before Marshall established its own formal sports medicine program. Throughout his career, Sheils continued to perform physicals and cardiac exams for team members. For his efforts, he was inducted into the Marshall University Sports Medicine Hall of Fame in 2007.

Although his community service achievements were extensive, Sheils was most well-known for his compassion for his patients, always taking the time to listen to their concerns and needs. After his retirement in 1997, many of his former patients spoke to him and his family members about how much they missed his caring manner. Sheils was also known for being a man of strong faith, a trait he shared with his wife of 56 years, Barbara, and passed on to their five children William, Douglas, Geoffrey, Susan and David. Sheils passed away October 28, 2012.

Growing up in the Huntington community, Msgr. Dean Borgmeyer was involved with St. Mary’s Medical Center at a very young age. He first worked at St. Mary’s during his summer breaks in high school and eventually went on to work in the kitchen and as an orderly. Now, as a volunteer Chaplain, he brings joy to the staff and patients he meets.

“I believe in the motto of the Pallottine Sisters, ‘the Love of Christ Impels Us.’ There is a presence of Christ throughout the hospital. When I was being admitted for a heart attack in February this year, I was pleased to see the Crucifix on the wall near my bed. I derived much comfort in that. Medical technology will continue to change, but people caring for people does not.”

Sister M. Carole Jehle, S.A.C.

Sister M. Carola Jehle, S.A.C. (Theresia Jehle) was born in Hochsal, Baden, Germany on November 3, 1886. She was the oldest of eight children born to Franz Karl Jehle and Theresia Wassmer Jehle.

After completing her training as a nurse at St. Vincent Hospital in Cologne, Germany, Sr. Carola entered the Pallottine Missionary Society in Limburg/Lahn on April 11, 1911. In 1913, Sr. Carola made her First Profession of Vows as a Pallottine Sister, and inspired by founder St. Vincent Pallotti’s motto, “The Love of Christ Impels Us,” she arrived by steamer in America for her first posting, Richwood, West Virginia was her destination where she served as Administrator of Sacred Heart Hospital for the next 11 years.

One story Sr. Carola would tell of her years in Richwood involved the tremendous prejudice of some town’s folk against the Catholic Church. A rumor was spread that the sisters imprisoned young girls in the dungeon under the hospital and forced them to become nuns. One night, the KKK gathered at the bottom of the hill leading to the hospital. Screaming “Down with the Germans! Down with the Germans!” they threatened to burn the hospital. Fortunately, Sr. Carola and the other Sisters were able to convince them to spare the hospital.

In 1924, Sr. Carola was appointed as the Administrator of St. Mary’s Hospital, the new work that was beginning in Huntington. Sister Carola served as the “Superintendent of Works” and her joy included overseeing the renovations to the building and paying the bills with little or no money.

In addition to serving at the first Administrator of St. Mary’s, Sr. Carola was in charge of the operating room. Sr. Damiana, who spoke no English, was her assistant, meaning Sr. Carola would have to translate all of the doctor’s orders for each operation. She also would update all the patient charts late into the evenings. Sister Carola worked tirelessly during her days in Huntington, seeing the first expansion of the hospital, the creation of the St. Mary’s School of Nursing in 1926, the creation of the first intern program and overseeing the increase of patient and the number of physicians at the hospital.

Sr. Carola was forced to retire in 1959 due to failing health but is was impossible to keep a strong woman down. Even when confined to a wheelchair, she continued to visit patients daily until her 90’s. Her death on April 8, 1980, was a peaceful one as the Lord she had served for more than 65 years called her home.

In the early years, Sister Amalia Bauer was noted to have demonstrated skill in painting (along with Sr. Laurentia). When they weren’t painting, they were tasked with carpentry, and for recreation, they would take care of the grounds. At that time, St. Mary's Hospital was overrun with wild grass so they set themselves to cut it down in the evenings after the day’s work was done. The sight of both Sisters with scythe and sickle (borrowed tools) attracted such a crowd of onlookers that the Sisters changed the time of their recreation from evening to 4 a.m.

In 1939, Sr. Amalia was named administrator and continued in that capacity until 1945 when Sr. Carola returned.

Sr. Celeste Lynch

Sister Celeste Lynch served as director of the St. Mary’s School of Nursing and president of Pallottine Health Services.

Sr. Lynch was a 1950 graduate of the School of Nursing before moving on to serve as its director. During her tenure, she was known for her ability to implement critical decisions that served to keep the nursing program current and resulted in the only hospital-based program in West Virginia at that time, which is still in operation today.

She was well-known for her jokes and her wonderful sense of humor. She helped many healthcare professionals over the years, serving as a mentor to hundreds of students and clinical staff.

Sr. Lynch passed away in 2012, leaving a lasting impact on the #StMarysLegacy.

Sister Monica was the oldest daughter of eight children of her parents who came from Yugoslavia and settled in West Virginia’s McDowell County. She entered the Pallottine Sisters in 1942.

She served in Catechetical Ministry, Nursing, and in Hospital Administration in Morgantown, Richwood, West Virginia, and finally, St. Mary’s Hospital, in Huntington, WV. Sr. Monica also began the Pastoral Care Department at St. Mary’s in Huntington.

Sr. Monica was known for dedicating many hours to the hospital’s annual bazaar with her special hot dog sauce.

She was well loved by physicians, employees, patients, and their families, by the sisters, and her family. Sister Monica was seen as gentle, gracious, firm, loving, and hospitable. She followed the footsteps of our founding sisters, witnessing joyful and generous service, leaving in her wake a legacy of seeing Christ in every person that she met.

Sister Monica Crnkovich was appointed administrator and served in that capacity until 1966.

Sr. Clarita

Sr. Clarita Ferrell served both at St. Mary’s Hospital as department director/supervisor, as well as an instructor at St. Mary’s School of Nursing, teaching classes in OB/GYN to our Nursing students. Sister assisted students during their clinical rotation on that specialty unit. In some instances, while ministering on that unit, she became a friend of the new parents, remaining in contact with them and learning of the growth and development of the child, whose delivery she assisted with.

After leaving the school, sister worked as Director of Urology for many years.Sr. Clarita retired in the 1970’s, eventually becoming a resident in the Sisters Infirmary. Her love of nursing was evident as she instructed her students, assisting them in their clinicals, and sharing with them the mission and values of the early sisters, and impressing on them the importance of treating each patient, their families, and all they meet with dignity and respect.

Sisters’ interaction with staff and physicians was invaluable, as they were not “just staff” to sister but colleagues, who shared the same ideals and goals of doing all they could to help with the healing process of each patient. She was an example to all she served with, of how, besides being healthcare professionals, they should view all with the heart and compassion of Christ.

Sr. Roberta Frohnapfel was the Business Manager at St. Mary’s Hospital for several years, after attending both Catholic University and St. Louis University. Sr. Roberta was very active in her ministry, working side by side with the Business Office staff and with the Hospital Comptroller, Sr. Madeleine.

It is said her gentle demeaner was a wonderful example of how the Lord worked with and dealt with all He met. Sr. Roberta was understanding and sympathetic with all patients and their families, doing all she could, especially to assist those underserved or having financial difficulties.

In 1968, Sr. Roberta was elected the first American Provincial of the Missionary Sisters of the Catholic Apostolate (Pallottines), living at the Provincialate in Florissant, MO. She served in that position until 1977. We are forever grateful for her impact on the #StMarysLegacy.

Little did one think that Sr. Madeleine would become religious, as she was a lively young lady by temperament and enjoyed the pleasures of youth. Her mother’s reaction to her daughter becoming a religious was “not my daughter - she loves dancing too much for such a life." Even her Jesuit spiritual director doubted, but she allowed herself to be open to the Holy Spirit. In 1911, she left British Honduras and entered the American Pallottine Sisters in Huntington at the age of 20.

With Sr. Madeleine’s talent, she was asked to go to St. Mary’s business office. She had an amazing gift for business. With further education, she became certified as a hospital administrator and financier. She then became the Comptroller of St. Mary’s and treasurer for the US. Province until she retired at the age of 93. The early years of St. Mary’s were difficult, and with the Great Depression, money was short and expenses many. St. Mary’s was running in the red, but Sr. Madeleine slowly paid off each debt a little at a time until they were in the black. She knew how to stretch every dollar! Sr. Madeleine was also the Director of Volunteer Services. No matter where she served, she has been respected and loved by doctors, employees, volunteers, and her sisters.

Sr. Madeline was also a poet or writer of short stories, as was appropriate for the occasion. One such poem on the Feast of our Founder, St. Vincent Pallotti goes like this: “May they follow your footsteps, O Vincent, great soul. May the lessons you’ve taught them, e’er come to fore. May their boats find you waiting at the heavenly shore. To escort them to God, where they’ll live ever more”.

In 2011, Sr. Lopez passed away at 100 years old. In 2016, St. Mary's renamed its gift shop to Madeleine's Boutique and Unique Gifts in honor of her contributions.

Seated (L to R): Sisters Damiana, Carola, and Anastasia. Back Row: Sisters Amalia, Laurentia, Valeria and Pia. Not pictured: Sister Gerharda

In 1924, Bishop John Swint invited the Pallottine Missionary Sisters to come to Huntington to begin a hospital. The Sisters took ownership of the St. Edward’s Preparatory School for Boys and began to make the necessary modifications for a hospital. Working with very little money, the Sisters did much of the work themselves, along with volunteer laborers from St. Joseph’s Church.

Sisters Kostka Hansen and Ludwiga Adler were the first to arrive in Huntington in the summer of 1924. They were teachers from the school in Richwood and spent their summer break cleaning and repairing the rundown building.

There were eight sisters who came to open the St. Mary’s. Sisters Carola Jehle, Amalia Bauer, Laurentia Kuhn, Gerharda Mueller, Pia Polke, Valeria Frengel, Damiana Quack and Anastasia Raker all left to begin their work together to open the Huntington’s newest hospital. After working to refurbish the larger of two buildings on the five-acre plot for the hospital, the second building, a gymnasium, was fit to become the Convent.

On November 6, 1924, St. Mary’s was open with room to receive 35 patients. The next day, the first patient was admitted to the hospital. She stayed for 10 days under the care of the Sisters. She was not able to pay her bill, thus beginning the long-standing tradition of caring for the poor in our community.

Vincent Pallotti

As most know, St. Vincent was the founder of the Pallottine Missionary Sisters, which founded St. Mary’s Hospital nearly 100 years ago. His life’s motto “The Love of Christ Impels Us,” inspired the Mission and Values of not only this hospital but the Pallottine Sisters through the years.

Learn more about our history