BARNESVILLE — Barnesville Hospital’s North Nurses Wing was rededicated in memory of John Sawvel and his grandmother, Clara Groves, earlier this month.

Sawvel was employed at Barnesville Hospital for nearly 55 years and many of those years as chief financial officer and as controller. In his retirement Sawvel also served on the hospital’s board of trustees.

“John devoted his life to his family, to his community and to Barnesville Hospital,” said David Phillips, CEO, Barnesville Hospital. “John had a tremendous work ethic and was always a wonderful resource for the hospital. He knew everyone. After his retirement he stayed involved with the accounting department and also assisted the foundation with the capital campaign for the new emergency department. He is missed.”

Groves was also a force at Barnesville Hospital. She organized the hospital auxiliary twigs in the late 1940s and early 1950s. By 1954 her dynamic leadership had helped to establish 45 twigs comprised of 1,000 local women who all worked to successfully raise funds for the hospital expansion. She served as president of the Barnesville Hospital Auxiliary from 1946-1953 and joined the Barnesville Hospital Board of Trustees in 1940, serving in various capacities including president and vice president. In addition to her community service, Groves raised Sawvel and his sister, Jane Sawvel Daley, after the death of their mother.

Through the influence of his grandmother, Sawvel’s life was intertwined with Barnesville Hospital. He remembered as a teenager helping his grandfather, Willard Groves, unload equipment for the “new” hospital. He was nominated twice for the Ohio Hospital Association Albert E. Dyckes health care worker of the year and served twice as Barnesville Hospital Employee of the Year.

A tour of the renovated patient rooms will take place following the dedication from 4-5 p.m. These renovations were made possible due to the generous support of our community. Everyone is welcome to stop out and view the rooms. Refreshments will be provided.

“The renovated patient rooms are brighter and more comfortable for patients and their family members,” said Cynthia Touvelle, chief nursing officer. “Due to our wonderful community support we were able to upgrade furnishings, fixtures and the overall appearance of the patient rooms.”