Remembering Betsy Ross Hooper

Former hospital VP left legacy in West Memphis

Longtime members of the West Memphis community might remember Betsy Ross Hooper. She was an executive vice-president at Crittenden Memorial Hospital for years and heavily involved in the community in the 1980s.

Hooper passed away on Jan. 28, at her home in Galveston, Texas at the age of 86. With March being Women’s History Month, it seems appropriate to recognize highlight the life of this local icon. From her obituary: “Ross was born in Tupelo, Mississippi on April 20, 1936 and was most definitely her father’s tomboy, riding her pony ‘Trigger’ on and around the Natchez Trace north of town, always looking for a new adventure and causing her parents ‘much worry.’ Despite her mother’s grave concerns, Ross survived to graduate high school and took off for Ole Miss in 1955. Finding Oxford a bit too familiar, Ross set off to see the world, working as an airline stewardess for Pan Am during its heyday in the late 1950’s and early 60’s. She eventually made her way back to Dallas and married Robert Irvin Hooper of Tupelo, who was fresh out of a stint in the Army. They returned to Mississippi, where Ross finished her course work at Ole Miss, taking a B.A. in English and a B.S. in Pharmacy in 1970. Ross worked at Methodist in Memphis for years, rising to director of Pharmacy for Methodist North in Raleigh before moving over to executive vice president at Crittenden Memorial Hospital in West Memphis in the early 1980s. She earned an M.B.A. from Memphis State and served as the chief executive officer of the hospital until retiring in 2004. Ross served on the Arkansas Hospital Board, the blood bank, various community college boards, and Zonta International. Ross was always keen to support a good cause with her time and good counsel.”

According to her family, Ross loved travel, good company, and reading. She doted on her pets, most lately “Bad Thing”, her indomitable cat who is now living by the sea causing “much worry!” She lovingly spoiled her son and her grandkids, loved her daughters-in-law, and was a kind and generous spirit who left the world a better place than she found it.

She was remembered fondly by former Evening Times publisher Alex Coulter.

“She was a godsend for us when running the hospital,”

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Former Crittenden Memorial Hospital executive vice-president Betsy Ross Hooper passed away recently.

Submitted photo HOOPER

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said Coulter, “and very involved in the community.”

“Ross and I spent many years working together at Methodist North and Crittenden Memorial Hospitals,” said Judy Boyd. “I shall never forget her and cherish my memories of her and her cats of that time W.C. and Sheaffer. She certainly made work an adventure and did some great things for West Memphis, Arkansas. I will miss her ever present wit and her flourish of toccatas.”

“A truly remarkable woman,” said Dr. Steve Schoettle. “Was honored to serve under her leadership as a surgeon at Crittenden Memorial Hospital in West Memphis. A true leader, an icon of medical administrators. A wonderful friend as well. Over her years of leadership, she influenced countless physicians, nurses, and other health care providers. She will be missed by all.”

“I’ve known Ross for 15 years or so, and enjoyed my every moment with her – laughing, gossiping, drinking, eating, strolling, and site-seeing,” said Tom Paradise. “We spent a week in Rome as well with many friends, and those memories of a great time together are treasured… you touched many lives and you will remain a big smile in our hearts and memories forever.”

A graveside memorial service is planned for 3 p.m., on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at Tupelo Memorial Park cemetery in Tupelo, Mississippi. Online condolences and memorials may be shared at www. peguesfuneralhome.com.