For Immediate Release
Contact: Doug Bentz
(304) 927-6200
Monday, January 5th, 2026
Roane General Hospital Dedicates Historic Spencer Mansion in Honor of Robert “Bob” Ashley
Landmark Celebrates 100 Years and Begins New Chapter as Center for Education and Community Outreach
Spencer, W.Va. — Roane General Hospital (RGH) honored Robert ‘Bob’ Ashley and celebrated the centennial anniversary of a historic Spencer landmark during a dedication ceremony held late last week. The event marked a meaningful moment for the community as the century-old property begins a new chapter as a center for education, training and outreach.
A Spencer native, Ashley devoted more than three decades to serving West Virginians as a legislator and later in Governor Justice’s administration. His leadership, vision and commitment to progress left a lasting impact on the region’s economic development, civic organizations and quality of life. Ashley also served on the Roane General Hospital Board of Directors, where he helped guide the hospital’s mission and strengthen its engagement with the community.
“As we dedicate this historic space in Bob Ashley’s honor, we are celebrating a leader whose life’s work has shaped Roane County for the better,” said Doug Bentz, CEO of Roane General Hospital. “Bob believed deeply in service, opportunity and the power of community—a belief that aligns perfectly with what we envision for the Mansion’s future. This space will stand as a lasting tribute to his legacy and his unwavering commitment to the people of this region.”
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito attended the dedication ceremony and shared remarks honoring Ashley, his impact on the community and the significance of the Mansion’s next chapter.
Built in 1924, the Mansion has long been one of Spencer’s most recognizable and historic landmarks. Its stately architecture and century-old presence have made it a symbol of Roane County’s heritage—a place that has quietly witnessed generations of family stories, community connections and local history.
Roane General Hospital purchased the property in 2025 with the goal of preserving its historic character while expanding opportunities for community programming and staff development. With this dedication, the Mansion now enters a new era as part of the hospital’s broader commitment to education and community engagement. The restored space will serve as a hub for healthcare training and professional development, continuing education and community outreach programming.
As the Mansion enters its second century, Roane General Hospital is committed to ensuring it remains a vibrant, meaningful space for generations to come.
About Roane General Hospital
Based in Spencer, W.Va., Roane General Hospital (RGH) is a health system dedicated to the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective health care across its primary and secondary service areas of Roane, Calhoun, Jackson and Wirt counties. The RGH network includes a critical access hospital with a 25-bed inpatient, acute-care unit; a 35-bed Swing Bed rehabilitation unit; a Level IV Trauma Center; five rural health clinics; a Long-Term care facility; and the Center for Wellness complex. RGH offers a wide range of services that include primary care, acute walk-in care, cardiology, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, general surgery, imaging services, infusion services, interventional pain management, neurosurgery, oncology and more. In recent years, RGH has become increasingly focused on improving the health of its patient population through its innovative Prescription for Your Health (P4YH®) Program. For more information about RGH, visit roanegeneralhospital.org.