A commission vote in Scott County could be the next step to re-opening that area's only hospital.
It closed in May. County leaders have been trying to hash out contract with a new operator since July.
But for former emergency room nurse Sharon Dexter, the vote comes too late.
Dexter died Saturday at the age of 61.
Sunday her former coworkers came together at the hospital to pray for their friend and the community's future.
"I think this hospital and her job was her life. It's what defined Sharon Dexter," says former Emergency Room Director Jan Robbins.
Robbins, who worked with Dexter for about 16 years before she retired, says his friend had a quick wit, which she readily shared.
"She always told it just like she saw it, which was usually how it was," says Robbins.
It was a tough night for the group. They unexpectedly lost a friend. And the closure of the hospital took their once tight-knit group further apart.
"She like everybody else was very sad about the hospital closing, she knows how important it is to this community," says Robbins.
"We need a place to go for our people when they get sick or injured," says former co-worker Clark Posey. "We're certainly hoping and praying that we're going to get it back open."
A nurse with a knack for seeking out the sickest, and aggressively advocating for their care, Dexter knew very well her community's needs.
"I think she'd say 'do whatever if takes to get the hospital back open.'" says Posey.
"When are we going to open the doors? I know that's what she would say," says Robbins.
An E.R. visit in Scott County used to be just around the corner. Now, it can take more than 45 minutes to get there.
And with a heartbreaking reminder of the preciousness of time, Dexter's co-workers hope the community will soon get the services they need.
County Mayor Jeff Tibbals says the county and service provider out of Texas have worked out a six year deal.
If commission approves it, Tibbals says the hospital could reopen by mid-December.
The vote is expected Monday at 5 p.m.