Alma Lou Souders says her son Bill Ed was “born with a smile,” a fitting attribute considering his popularity with area newspapers and publications since his birth 50 years ago.

His mother says she always knew Bill Ed was special, but what makes him special in the eyes of many in our region is his distinction of being the first

“At that time, everyone was trying to be the first to deliver at the new hospital,” says Alma Lou. “Little did I know it would be me.”

Alma Lou says it was her mother who persuaded her to deliver her third child at the new hospital. “She told me to go to the new place,” says Alma Lou. “She explained to me that everything would be new there and that they would have the most advanced equipment and trained professionals on staff to care for my baby.”

Like many daughters, Alma Lou heeded her mother’s advice. Just hours after her arrival, she earned the distinction of having the “first baby born at Baptist,” a title that brought with it many gifts, well wishes, and media attention.

“Everyone was wonderful to us,” says Alma Lou. “We were showered with gifts, including a bassinet, scales, and disposable diapers—quite a treat considering we were accustomed to using cloth diapers.”

Her decision to deliver at Western Baptist that late October day set in motion a tradition of health care for the Souder family. Alma Lou and her husband, Joseph, went on to deliver two more children here. Bill Ed himself welcomed both of his children and all three of his grandchildren into the world at Western Baptist.

“You could say Western Baptist is just a part of me,” says Souders. “The expansion has been amazing to watch over the years. I’m honored to be a part of the hospital’s rich history.”

A Family Tradition…Both of Souders’ children and all of his grandchildren were born at Western Baptist Hospital.

Through the years, the face of Western Baptist has changed considerably. What began as the thoughts, prayers, and donations of individuals in our community has culminated into a thriving regional medical center that today serves more than 165,000 patients each year. In the midst of change, construction, and growth, however, one thing has remained the same—our commitment to care. It’s the foundation upon which we were established and it’s the guiding principle that leads us today.