GEORGE W. RINGLAND

Dr. George W. Ringland, 81, of 107 N. Sunset, died Saturday, Feb. 21, 1998, at his daughter's home in Albuquerque, N.M.

Born Jan. 20, 1917, in Watertown, N.Y., son of William and Stella Ringland.

On March 26, 1944, he married Jennie Lou Blackwell. She survives in St. Louis.

A physician since 1944, Ringland had practiced in Cape Girardeau since 1947. Prior to that, he practiced in Steele for three years and had completed his internship at the Mexico, Mo., General Hospital.

For the past 25 years he operated Ringland Clinic on Good Hope Street. One of the last doctors to make house calls, he retired in January.

In 1994, Ringland was honored for 50 years of service to the medical profession. He also received a certificate of appreciation from the Caring Foundation for Children for never failing to care for the sick or needy, regardless of financial status.

In 1959, he served as president of the Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons. He also served on the board of trustees.

Ringland attended Irving School for Boys, then studied pre-med at the Science College in Defiance, Ohio, where he also played football and basketball. He finished his medical degree at Kirksville College.

A former Sunday school teacher, Ringland was a member of Christ Episcopal Church in Cape Girardeau.

He was also a member of the Kiwanis Club and was an avid golfer and fisherman, and loved horse racing.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three daughters, Betsy Coffman of Albuquerque and Nancy Reilly and Georganne Davidson, both of St. Louis; a son, Robert Ringland of Cape Girardeau; and five grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother.

Funeral, under the direction of Bellerive Heritage Garden, will be private.

A memorial service will be held in Cape Girardeau at a later date.