Many of
LOCAL COUPLE SPENDS PERSONAL, PROFESSIONAL LIVES SERVING OTHERS
BY DWAIN HEBDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES MOORE D
r. Stephen and Betty Coats cracked the code on life’s meaning long ago, spending their adult lives serving oth-
ers both professionally and personally. Both came from small towns where the
ethos of hard work and looking out for one’s neighbor were instilled early. Both went into healthcare — he as a physician, she as a nurse — in the belief the highest calling was to ease another’s suffering. And both were tireless in their community service in support of their adopted hometown and those less fortunate than themselves. Neither of them likes to take much credit
for all of that, preferring instead to be the other’s best and most steadfast cheerleader. “My wife wears many hats,” Stephen said.
“She’s an excellent cook. She’s a great moth- er. She’s raised our children, and I can’t take much credit for that. I can’t say too many good things about my wife.” “I want to add that he was a terrific fa-
ther and took care of his responsibilities,” Betty countered. “We had six children to raise and educate. I was only able to juggle family and a career because God gave me a lot of patience, and I had a lot of support from my husband.” Stephen arrived in Missouri from his
native Ohio and attended medical school at Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. Betty, who grew up in Troy, Missouri, com- pleted her nurses training at Kirksville State Teachers College, now Truman University. The two were married, and after Stephen finished his residency, they made a beeline for West Plains, setting down roots that have held them resolute in good times and bad. “When I came here, there were only
about six physicians that were pretty much standard in the hospital,” Stephen said. “Now, I don’t know what the number is today, but it’s much, much greater. Maybe closer to 100.
22 | OZARKS HEALTHCARE | SUMMER 2022
Coats Colos
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