Holzer Nursing Class of 1966, Bobbie Holzer, and four of their instructors during nursing school are pictured during a luncheon for the group at Holzer in Gallipolis.
Members of the Holzer Nursing Class of 1966, Bobbie Holzer and “little sister” classmates of 1965 and 1967 gather during their reunion luncheon.
The Holzer nursing Class of 1966 gathered for a luncheon at Holzer Medical Center last Saturday.
An “Emptpy Table” was set at the luncheon for two classmates who have since passed away.
Bobbie Holzer was an honored guest at the luncheon.
The group had a picnic along the river Friday evening at Riverview in Syracuse.
Wild Horse Cafe was the location of the classmates’ Saturday evening dinner.
Carol Adams, a Syracuse resident, opened her guest house, Riverview, to several classmates during the weekend.
Riverview Guest House hosted several of the visiting nurses.
This painting is of Davis Hall in Gallipolis, former home and school of Holzer Hospital student nurses, including the Class of 1966.
OHIO VALLEY — When the Holzer Nursing Class of 1966 met for their reunion, it was to celebrate 60 years since graduation.
Holzer Hospital in Gallipolis had their own nursing program until joining with the University of Rio Grande to establish the URG Holzer School of Nursing.
Last weekend’s events began Friday evening when the group gathered in Syracuse at Riverview for a picnic along the river.
Members traveled from around Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Indiana and Texas to reconnect and share memories of their time in nursing school.
The next day, the nurses traveled to Holzer Medical Center in Gallipolis for a luncheon in their honor.
Classmate Carol Jean Sights Adams welcomed the Class of 1966 and guests.
“How could it be 50 years since graduation?” Adams asked her former classmates and instructors with a smile.
She introduced special guests Bobbie Holzer, after whom the hospital is named, and four of their nursing instructors — Betty Jo Barsotti, obstetrics; Elvan Davis, clinical; Nancy Blain Blevins, initial clinical; and Jan Thaler, who taught their professional nursing class.
“Ms. Blain was the one who showed us how do do everything the first time,” Adams said. “ And when we could do it correctly three times in her presence, we passed her test.”
Adams also recognized the Class of ‘66 “little sisters,” from the classes of ‘65 and ‘67.
Classmate Connie Cotrill Gilbert gave the innovation, then the group enjoyed lunch and cake.
A memorial service followed for the two nurses from the class who had passed away. Called the “Empty Table,” photographs of Rosemary Shaffer Bowman and Kathleen Richards LeMaster were placed on a table, along with two empty chairs in rememberance of their former classmates.
The group then enjoyed a program titled, “ Memories and Humor,” presented by Lynn Lish Daggett.
The question was posed, “Why did you become a nurse?” Anyone who wished was asked to share their reason and an experience they had as a nurse.
The group met up again that evening at the Wild Horse in Pomeroy for dinner.
Sunday was the day for “goodbyes” and “until we meet agains” at the next reunion.
Reach Lorna Hart at 740-992-2155, Ext. 2551
