Reflecting back on the past 40 years, Gail Steele says she didn’t necessarily have plans to make a lifelong career at Morris Hospital when she started as a nurses’ aide in 1972. But after getting her BSN, working in the operating room, having five children, and accepting a position as Morris Hospital’s first infection prevention nurse, Steele developed so many strong bonds at Morris Hospital, she stayed.

Today, Steele is among 150 employees who were recently honored for achieving milestones in their years of service at Morris Hospital. All employees celebrating 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 years of service in 2012 were invited to bring a guest to the annual recognition dinner held Oct. 18 at Morris Country Club. Each employee received a long stem rose and Grundy County Chamber of Commerce gift certificate.