Ruth Talbert

2012. Ruth was born on July 24, 1921 to Williams Henry Dial and Lilliann

Jane (Blackwell) Dial in Cleveland, Ohio. Ruth graduated from Oberlin College

with a B.A. in Art History in 1942. Ruth liked to say that she was lucky to have

three careers and even luckier to have three careers that she truly loved. She

had intended to begin her career at museums in Florence, Italy but due to WWII

she worked for American Airlines in Washington, D.C. from 1942-1950. In 1950

Ruth and her husband moved to Denver, CO. where she worked for Mountain

Bell. Ruth and her family relocated to Colorado Springs in 1954.

She earned her teaching certificate from Colorado College in 1956 and an M.A.

in Elementary Education in 1966. Ruth taught second grade in the Manitou

Springs School District from 1957 to 1962 and third grade at Broadmoor

Elementary and Skyway Elementary in the Cheyenne Mountain School District

from 1962 to 1983. She adored her “Skyway Family.” She retired from teaching

in 1983.

During retirement Ruth volunteered with several organizations including The El

Paso County Pioneers Association, The Opera Guild of Colorado Springs and

The Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum. She was a member of the Rho Chapter

Delta Kappa Gamma Teacher’s Sorority for more than forty years. Ruth held

many leadership positions with these organizations. She traveled extensively

throughout Europe, the Far East, Russia, Australia, Indonesia, Mexico and

Canada. She offered sanctuary to nineteen precious animals in her beloved

Ivywild home where she lived for 50 years.

Ruth was preceded in death by daughters Jeanette Lynn and Suzanne, and her

brother Blackwell W. Dial. Ruth is survived by her daughter Rebecca Ann

Lovett, sons James David Talbert (Beverly) and Jon Bruce Talbert, a

granddaughter Christine Talbert, her nephew Mark Dial (Carole), grand nieces

Katie, Becky and Molly, grand nephew Michael and step grand-sons Mike, Chris

and Nick. A special thank you to Beverly, Chris and Mary for all your

unwavering care, devotion, and concern for Ruth. Those who knew her will miss

her sense of humor and witty repartee. Her memory and spirit continue on in the

life of her family, friends and the lives of her students that she inspired and

cherished, as well as in the organizations to which she devoted her time, energy

and resources.

At her request, burial will be private. A Celebration of Life reception will

be held on Tuesday September 18, 2012 at 11:00am at Swan-Law Funeral

Director’s. In lieu of flowers please make donations in Ruth's memory to

The Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region.