November 11, 2023 this is the day of the passing of Ruth Evelyn (Peters) Ainsworth. She was the daughter of the late William and Flora (Blake) Peters. Ruth was born near the Springhill Community, Decatur County, Indiana on August 30, 1925. Her start in education was at the one room school house of Mechanicsburg on Base Road. Her next 11 years were at New Point where she graduated in the 1943 class of 17 students. She was the last survivor.
In 1943, WWII was raging. Ruth has set her goal of becoming a Nurse when she was 13. She had called a Nursing School at St. Mary's in Huntington, West Virginia in 1941 to ask about the curriculum. The next fall the Principal James Clements arranged for her to have 2 classes that she needed. She took them on a one on one basis. In July 1943 the Bolton Act was passed. It covered tuition, uniforms, room and board for recruits into the Nursing programs that had been depleted by nurses leaving to enter the Military. Ruth was the first person from Decatur County who was called to enter that program, CADET NURSE CORP. which began September 1943. This was a 3 year Diploma Program for Registered Nurses. Their obligation was to finish and stay in Nursing for 5 years or go into the Military if needed. The War was over in August 1945. Ruth was not ready for graduation so she stayed on. When asked if she went to war, her answer was always, "I didn't go, the Japanese heard that I was coming and they surrendered."
She held positions in Florida for 3 years and returned to Indiana where she married Franklin David Ainsworth in 1950. She was the first Industrial Nurse for Bohn Aluminum and Brass during their transition from Detroit to Greensburg. She also worked at the Decatur County Memorial Hospital.
In 1959, Ruth and her family which now included a son and daughter moved to Gainesville, Florida and resided there for the next 43 years. Ruth held a number of positions in nursing but most notable was 15 1/2 years with UPJOHN Healthcare Services. She was administrator of the Home Health Agency and is credited under the Auspices of the UPJOHN Co. as bringing Home Care to a 16 county area of North Central Florida. She retired when the company was sold.
She was active in community organizations and an active member of the Wesley United Methodist Church. She was a charter member of the Gainesville Federated Republican Women’s Club. She was a Past President and delegate to a National Convention.
In the year of 2002 she resided in Colorado Springs, Co with her son Jon and his family. In 2003, she moved to Greensburg and lived at September Place for 15 years. While there, she initiated a Chapter of the Red Hats Society and was Queen for 10 years. She’s been a member of the Greensburg Republican Women’s Club since her residence here. She also has been a member of the National Federation of Republican Women for 43 years.
In September, 2015 Ruth was included along with daughter Jo Ellen Janvrin, on the first ALL female Honor Flight from Cincinnati to Washington for a day trip. Only recently has the Cadet Nurse Corp. been included with the Military as no long term benefits were included in the Bolton Act in 1943.
Ruth has always been interested in History, Politics and local government. Ruth has written her personal history including from the depression as a child to her retirement. She has lived at Aspen Place since March 2018.
Survivors include: Son, Major (Retired) Jon (Elaine) Ainsworth of Colorado Springs, Co.; Daughter, Jo Ellen (Steven) Janvrin of Hampton, NH; Granddaughters, Faye Ainsworth, Lindsay (Jesse) Hatfield, Dr. Rachael Ainsworth and Hillary Janvrin; Great Grandsons, Alexander Good, Logan Hatfield and Bryson Hatfield; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her Parents; Siblings, Katherine Hazelrigg, Thelma Overholser, Mary Margaret Maynard, Norma Lee, Dale Peters, William Peters, John Peters and Donald Peters.
A visitation for family and friends will be held at the Gilliland-Howe Funeral Home on Friday, November 17, 2023 from 10:00 am until the time of the Funeral at 11:00 am. Pastor Chris Stephens will be officiating. Burial will be at Forest Meadows Memorial Park East Cemetery in Gainesville, Florida. Memorial contributions can be made to the Tri-State Honor Flight. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.gilliland-howe.com
