Dr. Aron Burke, right, congratulates Kristie Hale, M.A., left, on her retirement after 52 years of service to the patients and families who visit Rock Port Family Medicine Clinic. (Community Hospital-Fairfax and Family Medicine Clinics photo)

On Wednesday, July 8, 2026, Community Hospital-Fairfax and Family Medicine Clinics celebrated Kristie Hale, M.A., on her retirement after 52 years of dedicated service to the patients and families who visit Rock Port Family Medicine Clinic in Rock Port, Missouri.

What started out as an annual doctor visit turned into something more when Kristie informed Dr. Wallace Carpenter that she would be going to medical assistant school following graduation and he told her to come see him when she was done. She has been there ever since and for more than five decades has been a caring and trusted presence, serving gen-erations of patients with compassion, professionalism, and unwavering dedication. Her impact on the clinic, its patients, and community is immeasurable.

More than a career, Kristie’s 52 years of service represent a remarkable legacy of caring for others. She has been a valued teammate, mentor, and friend whose influence will be felt for years to come.