Ruth Louise Flanery

In Memoriam

Ruth Louise Craig Flanery passed away March 24, 2023, at the age of 91 years. The enduring theme of her life was to learn and to share that learning with all that might be even only a little bit curious. She was convinced that even if you were indifferent, after she told you what she had learned, you would want to know more. Who knew that wanting to know more could be so adventurous!

The three activities that dominated her life from the beginning were reading, educating, and traveling. Apparently, it was impossible to acquire enough shelving to put all the books, magazines, newspaper clippings, notes on what had been read and what needed to be read in the future. Reading material occupied all available surfaces, including the floor and all tables and desks. The words in those items were too valuable to ever throw away, but she would give or lend them to you. You knew she had read the book if the text had been underlined and meticulously written annotations were to be found in the margins. She had mastered the Palmer method of cursive writing resulting in undeniably distinctive notes.

Traveling to distant lands was another source of knowledge. In her life she traveled throughout the U.S. to visit family, traverse many National Parks, and sample the unique pleasures of southern Illinois, Kansas City, Los Angeles, the Southwest, to name only a few. Internationally, she visited Canada, repeatedly, as well as Denmark, Russia, Portugal, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. Some of these excursions were to visit family and friends, others were organized student excursions, and probably her favorite type of trip was with a teacher friend or two to their homeland. Each trip was well-documented with stories, pictures, and items of interest that captured the essence of the locale and culture. The walls of her home were adorned with artwork of the places she had visited. Furthermore, objects of ordinary use, such as calendars, note cards, and clothing were chosen as reminders of the physical surroundings and culture she had visited.

Reading, writing, and travel all came together in her classrooms: appealing aesthetics of other places, reading material of all types, and no student ever went without paper and writing elements. She spent more than two decades in the classroom, most often in high school. Many of us recall teachers that were very influential in our lives, but few of us ever thanked them. Teaching is one of those essential callings that goes largely unacknowledged. Like many teachers, she purchased many of the supplies she needed, especially pencils and notepads, and engaging items for the walls and tables. She was known to have an endless supply of pencils. Students knew that she would have a pencil for them even if they were no longer in one of her classes.

Few of you may know that her first teaching job was kindergarten in a small rural grade school outside Carbondale, Illinois. She personally acquired the building blocks, wooden puzzles, construction paper and crayons that are mandatory for teaching 5-year-olds.

Her time at Soldan International Studies High School in the City of St. Louis was probably her most satisfying assignment. Her passions and skills were well-matched with the demands of the job, which managed to be stressful, exhausting, and rewarding. She established lasting friendships with her colleagues at the school, and the appreciation of many students.

Ruth Louis Craig Flanery had three children; Randy, Kay, and Craig, who survive her. She has 12 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren and counting. Quite a heritage for the eldest daughter of a homesteading Illinois farmer.

There are many reminiscences to be shared. I might tell you how she wrapped Christmas presents as if they were to be hung at the St. Louis Art Museum, with a color photograph to document the occasion.

There are many who have memories to share. We hope you will join us:

May 27, 2023, 1:00PM at Queen of the Holy Rosary Academy,

393 W. Old Watson Road, Saint Louis, MO 63119

Let us enjoy a meal, companionship, and conversation together as we recall her long life fondly by sharing experiences and wonderful memories of her contributions to each of our lives!

Please contact Kay to confirm attendance.

Attire: Casual – its summer in St Louis and the location is Air Conditioned.

In lieu of Flowers: Family has donated to The Poor People's Campaign - https://www.poorpeoplescampaign.org/

This organization reflects her dedication to supporting all people with education, reading and literature.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kriegshausermortuary.com for the Flanery family.