
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, July 31, 1990                   TAG: 9007310390
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: A4   EDITION: EVENING 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: LOW MOOR                                LENGTH: Short

PATIENT GETS MARRIED DURING HOSPITAL STAY

After waiting eight years to get married, James Monroe Beard decided the hospital where he was to have surgery was as good a place and time as any.

"I got to be here for the operation so I figured, `Heck, I might as well get married, too,' " Beard said.

Since he couldn't leave Alleghany Regional Hospital, Beard exchanged his hospital garb for his Sunday finery and married Mary Lou Pritt in the hospital chapel on Saturday.

"We both decided to get married in the hospital," the new Mrs. Beard said.

The Beards live in Marlinton, W.Va.

Volunteer staff at the hospital decorated the chapel with candles and flowers. Volunteers also provided a wedding cake, champagne and a wedding gift.

Sam Ballou, nursing supervisor, said the wedding was a pleasant change of pace.

by CNB