Ranken Jordan opened its doors April 9, 1941 under the supervision of Mary Ranken Jordan and her husband Clay Jordan. Originally called The Ranken-Jordan Home for Convalescent Crippled Children, Clay and Mary with a small staff took in St. Louis area children suffering from polio, osteomyelitis and bone tuberculosis.

In the 1960's Ranken Jordan expanded to allow more children and a larger staff. However, by the early 2000's Ranken Jordan was outgrowing the 15,000 square-foot, 26-bed home in Ladue, Missouri and was taking in children with more complex conditions.

In 2002, Ranken Jordan became a pediatric hospital and was no longer a long-term care facility. Just 2 years later in 2004 Ranken Jordan moved to Maryland Heights, Missouri in a new 62,000 square-foot, 34-bed facility.

The current hospital building is a state-of-the-art facility that engages patients to get out of the patient room and socialize and engage in daily life activities. Learn more about Ranken Jordan's campus.

Mary Ranken-Jordan

Mary Ranken, born 1869 in Northern Ireland emigrated to the United States in 1885. At 36 she married Clay Jordan, a St. Louis merchant. Together they began their influence in the community through philanthropic work and establishing associations and charities, most notably what is now Ranken Jordan - A Pediatric Specialty Hospital. She was also the president of the St. Louis Women's Christian Association and the Memorial Home for the elderly. Childless herself, Mrs. Jordan spent many hours with the young patients, fulfilling her dream to help children with complex medical needs.

Mary died at 93 leaving support for the many charitable and cultural organizations including an endowment for Ranken Jordan through the Mary Ranken Jordan & Ettie Jordan A. Jordan Charitable Foundation.

To recognize her amazing heart and generosity the Mary Ranken Jordan Society was established to continue her philosophy of considering the children first. And in memory of her love of roses and gardening, therapeutic gardens and rose bushes decorate the Ranken Jordan property.