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February 13, 2008
Passing of an era
Both Portland newspapers headlined this week the sad passing of Dr. Ralph Simonton, a retired doctor who started his practice in Portland in 1949 and took over the practice of his father. He died in a house fire on Monday.
In a hallway of Portland Medical Center there are portraits of three doctors: Dr. Albert Dittes, Dr. Ralph Simonton and Dr. James Ladd. Dittes passed away in 2006 and Simonton died this week. Ladd lives in a retirement home in Hendersonville. These three doctors delivered many babies, saved many lives and provided incredible Christian service to the community. They didn't just leave work at 5 p.m. and spend the rest of the evening relaxing at home. They responded to house calls at all hours of the night and often would bring patients into the hospital in their personal vehicles. They could have made a lot more money and had a much easier life had they gone to work in a larger city. These men instead chose to serve the Portland, Tenn. area and went way beyond the call of duty in that service.
Posted by B. Ruckle at February 13, 2008 09:19 PM
Comments
I had the honor and the priviledge to care for Dr Simonton in 2006&2007. He was so very caring understanding and loving to my family and I.I was there to care for him,but it always seemed that he was always trying to take care of me.He never made me feel like an employee,but more like his daughter.I was so sad when I had to Leave him,but always keeping in contact with him meant ever thing to him and me.He and his family was and still are a big part of my life. He was such a blessing to me,and always will be.All I know is he's with the LORD, golfing,riding,and running with his best friend,his dog socks.I LOVE YOU DOC!!!! Irene Fields
Posted by: irene fields at March 20, 2008 06:58 PM
Thanks Mack. He is a pretty good father also.
Posted by: Brian R. Ruckle at February 24, 2008 05:45 PM
I also think highly of your father, Brian. Dr. Ruckle has always went way beyond the call of duty to care for his patients, and to have a personal relationship with them. He would often call us at home and check on us during or after an illness. He is a blessing to many of us in this community.I don't know what we would do without him.
Posted by: Mack at February 24, 2008 02:19 AM
I did not know Dr. Simonton, or Dr. Dittes personally. Only in passing. Very caring individuals. Now, I know Dr. Ladd. What a wonderful person!!! He truly went above and beyond the call of any person. Maybe some of these new doctors should take a look at how these 3 men sacrificed so much to be the best care-givers they could be. Hats off to them.
Posted by: hello at February 14, 2008 09:06 AM