Ruth Kramer Porter

Ruth K. Porter of Signal Mountain, Tennessee died on October 8, 2014 at Alexian Brothers Health & Rehabilitation Center on Signal Mountain. Born in Frankfort, Germany on January 1, 1921, Ruth immigrated to the United States at the age of five with her parents, Margarete Augusta and Johann Ludwig Kramer. She grew up in New Jersey, graduated from nursing school, and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant into the U.S. Army Nursing Corp. During WWII, Ruth served aboard the U.S. Army hospital ship, Seminole, which transported wounded soldiers back to the United States. While in port in Naples, Italy, she met her future husband, Lt. Lewis (Lew) Porter. Following their military service, they were married in 1946 and, in 1953, moved to Signal Mountain, which would be her home for more than 60 years.

Ruth was a member of the Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church where she was active in many youth and women’s programs. She was also involved with her children’s varied school, scouting, and athletic activities for many years. Her community involvement included memberships in the Civic Council, the Welfare Council, the Garden Study Club, the Women’s Auxiliary at Alexian Village, and her sewing group. Ruth was instrumental in the establishment of James Park to honor Charles James, a man considered by many as the founder of Signal Mountain. In recognition of her many accomplishments, Ruth was named Signal Mountain Woman of the Year in 1989. Over the years, she continued her love for nursing through various part-time positions and volunteer opportunities. Ruth and Lew “retired” to Alexian Village in 1993 and enjoyed their remaining years together. Ruth was a kind and generous person, wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother, and a role model for her family and community. She will be dearly missed by the many people whose lives she so graciously touched.