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There have been many changes at Andalusia Health since it was established in 1966, but one constant at the hospital was employee Patty Ashworth who retired this week.

She completed a 32-year career and was recognized during a retirement party on her last day: Thursday, Sept. 5.

“It was time for me to retire after working for 32 years with my husband Ruck beside me. He has been a wonderful soul, and I don’t know what I would do without him. He is my rock. I loved working with our physicians and my co-workers. I had the privilege of working under some great CEOs,” Ashworth said.

Although Ashworth held many positions and titles over the years, she said her favorite role was recruiting doctors and other physicians to the area.

“I loved the sense of belonging and the people I worked with. I have always enjoyed caring for others and helping when I saw the need. Throughout my career, it has been a pleasure to find new doctors who specialize in many areas and bring them to our community,” she said.

Ashworth worked for 17 different CEOs including Tom Pemberton who hired her for a public relations position in 1992. Other notable CEOs during her tenure include Mark Dooley, John Yanes, Barry Keel, and Vickie Demers.

“I have witnessed many changes since I first started. I really enjoyed working for Tom who will always be my favorite. He was great and super kind and gave me the courage to pursue physician recruitment. I absolutely loved every part of that aspect of my job. While I worked with many CEOs, Mark was here the longest, and our families have remained close. I have also enjoyed working with Vickie. The hospital is in great hands under her leadership,” Ashworth said.

Ashworth became a senior director during Yanes’ tenure as CEO. Later, she took on a director role with growth and outreach, where she met with providers and physicians and was an administrator on call. In addition, she managed the hospital’s volunteer program and worked with area chaplains.

She named her fellow colleagues as to the part of her job she would miss the most.

“I will definitely miss my closest friends and the connections we have had over the years. We have been through many ups and downs. I am grateful to those who always had my back and supported me with my decision to retire. The group I have worked with is truly like a family. We have laughed and cried together,” Ashworth said.

Ashworth received LifePoint Health’s prestigious Mercy Award in 2009, an annual award given to employees who embody the company’s values and go above and beyond to serve patients and their community.

Her retirement plans include taking time to catch up with loved ones and spending time with them.

“I will probably relax and enjoy things more. When you work so much, you miss a lot of things. I am looking forward to catching up with my family and cousins. Retirement will be an adjustment, but I am excited about a change of pace in my life,” she said.

Ashworth said she chose healthcare for a career because it was the first one that came to mind.

“I really couldn’t think of what else I would do. I have always been a person who works well with others and finds ways to grow,” she said.

Having the support of her family, friends, and colleagues has meant a lot to her.

“I am grateful for the support when I had cancer. I am very thankful for my family. My sister Jenny has always been there for me. There were five of us girls: Joan Darby, Martha Tipton, Debra Sharpe, me, and Jenny, who was the youngest. I am blessed with cousins that I love and enjoy. We have some dirt roads to travel and some fish to catch. My friends were amazing and made it feel like we were family, too,” Ashworth said.

A Red Level High School alumna, Ashworth graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg. While at USM, she was in the marching band and served as a homecoming queen.

She and her husband Ruck Ashworth of 44 years have one son, David, who resides in Chicago. Bre Wiggins will assume Ashworth’s roles and responsibilities at the hospital.

“Patty has a way of making everyone feel like family and knowing this community. There are many physicians and providers in our community and region due to her. She knows who will be a good fit and brings them to Andalusia and the area. We thank her for her years of service to our hospital, and she will be truly missed but never forgotten,” Andalusia Health CEO Vickie Demers said.