South KC News

Bev Wainwright, after two decades of committed volunteer work, is retiring from her position with the Bates County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. On April 22, 2025, she will be acknowledged at the Auxiliary Appreciation Banquet, where her contributions will be celebrated, and she will receive a gift in recognition of her service.

Wainwright became part of the BCMH Auxiliary in 2004 after retiring from her kitchen role at Butler Elementary School. Inspired by a volunteer's work during a visit to a Kansas City hospital, Bev remarked, “I saw someone like me—retired—giving their time for a worthy cause. It interested me right away.”

Over the years, Wainwright has been integral to BCMH, working in the Gift Shop and at the information desk. She has also contributed by serving on the Foundation Scholarship Committee, coordinating the Auxiliary’s call tree, and acting as the group’s historian.

Her knitting skills allowed her to donate handmade items to the Gift Shop and create gifts for other local organizations. Her contributions are remembered by the hospital community, as she noted, “The good Lord’s been with me, I know that. I really love this hospital; everyone is so nice here. They’ve been so good to me.”

A resident of Butler since moving from Freeman, Missouri, in 1995, Wainwright is also celebrated as a mother of three, grandmother to seven, and great-grandmother to nine, with one great-great-grandchild. She reminisces fondly about her travels with her late husband, particularly to the Twin Towers in New York City, Mexico, and Canada.

During her time at BCMH, she forged many friendships, stating, “I enjoyed it so much, I really did. I made a lot of friends.” Although she stepped away from volunteering in 2024 for health reasons, her legacy of service remains influential.

BCMH expresses deep gratitude for Bev Wainwright's dedication, which has left a significant impact on the hospital community, highlighting her compassion and commitment.