A garden at Texas County Memorial Hospital has been dedicated in memory of Tyrone murder victim Julie Aldridge, board members heard at their monthly meeting.
Aldridge, her husband, members of their family and fellow neighbors were victims in a February 2015 shooting spree in the Tyrone community. Aldridge was a registered nurse at TCMH Home Health of the Ozarks at the time of her death.
A granite marker with Aldridge’s name was placed in the landscaped area at the end of the east wing.
“Julie had an interest in horticulture and was known for growing and enjoying all kinds of flowers and plants,” said Wes Murray, chief executive officer. “We and the Home Health of the Ozarks staff felt like a garden would be a great way to memorialize Julie.”
The Rev. David Barbee, a member of the TCMH volunteer chaplain’s association, officiated the dedication ceremony on Dec. 1. Members of Julie’s family, community members and hospital co-workers were in attendance.
“Mr. Barbee memorialized Julie very eloquently, and the service meant a lot to those that attended,” Murray said.
Murray noted that Aldridge would have been employed by TCMH for 10 years in 2015.
“Julie was a great nurse, and she was well liked by her patients and her co-workers,” Murray said. “This garden will be a place where we can remember Julie and her dedication to this hospital and to our community.”
A granite memorial stone has been placed in the garden area dedicated to the memory of TCMH employee, Julie Aldridge.