SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Barton Health has welcomed the first baby of the new year. The baby girl, Murphy Vera Ross, is the daughter of Ashley Brier Ross and Barret Ross of South Lake Tahoe.
She was born on January 6, 2026, at 2:36 p.m. and weighed 7 pounds, 11 ounces, and measured 20 inches long.
Dr. Megan Jewell, board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist, led the care team during the delivery at Barton Memorial Hospital’s Family Birthing Center.
Both parents shared how meaningful it was to welcome their daughter at Barton Health, a place that is not just their workplace but also feels like an extension of their family.
“Welcoming our daughter at Barton means more than just a place of birth; it means beginning her life surrounded by a team that feels like family. We are deeply grateful for the care and support that made this experience so special,” the couple said.
Ashley is a registered nurse on Barton’s surgical services team, and Barret works as a nurse practitioner in the Barton Community Health Center. They have a 3-year-old daughter, Baldwin, who was also born at Barton Memorial Hospital.
The family was presented with a wagon filled with gift items donated by local businesses and organizations valued at more than $2,100. This ongoing tradition unites the community in celebrating the first baby of the New Year.
Barton extends a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to the many local merchants who contributed to the family’s gift: Bert’s Cafe, El Dorado Savings Bank, South Tahoe Now, Tahoe Knight Monsters Hockey, Toy Maniacs, and Thran’s Flowers. Additional donations from Barton Health teams include Barton OB/GYN, Family Birthing Center, Pediatrics, Education, Performance, Plastic Surgery, Public Relations, Human Resources and the Barton Auxiliary.
