Eleanor Ruth Crenshaw

July 24, 1943 - January 8, 2015

Eleanor Ruth Crenshaw of Vestavia Hills, AL passed away on January 8, 2015 at the age of 71 due to complications from cancer. Born Eleanor Ruth Robison on July 24, 1943 in Thomasville, GA, she graduated from Thomasville High School and Auburn University. She was a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority. A strong believer in learning and continuing education, she also received master's degrees in mathematics and education from Samford University and the University of Alabama-Birmingham, respectively. Ruth was passionate about mathematics and science education, serving in teaching positions in Buffalo, NY; Mobile, AL; Tuscaloosa, AL; Savannah, GA; and Birmingham, AL. In Birmingham, she taught at John Carroll Catholic High School before joining the faculty at Pelham High School, where she taught for 16 years before retiring in 2005. At Pelham, she was a sponsor of the math team and the Mu Alpha Theta honorary society. Ruth also served as a part-time math instructor at the University of Alabama-Birmingham and, following retirement, taught part-time at the Alabama School of Fine Arts. She was a fitness enthusiast, playing tennis, running multiple marathons, and participating actively in the programs of the Shades Valley YMCA. Ruth is survived by son Brian (Emily) of Alpharetta, GA; son Mark of Torrance, CA; and granddaughter Caroline. She is also survived by former spouse Edward Crenshaw of Vestavia Hills, AL; brother Robert Robison (Carol) of Valrico, FL; and sister Anne Robison (Vic) of Houston, TX. A memorial service celebrating Ruth's life will be held at 11:00 AM on January 17, 2015 at Mountain Chapel United Methodist Church (2541 Rocky Ridge Road; Vestavia Hills, AL). The family will receive visitors at the church at 10:00 AM. Memorial donations may be made to the Ruth Crenshaw Math Scholarship at Pelham High School (2500 Panther Circle; Pelham, AL 35124).