Ruth Carter Thomas passed away the 11th of January of this new year from complications of Pneumonia. Her life quality changed drastically after she suffered a stroke just before Thanksgiving 2019. Her right side was paralyzed and her speech severely limited causing Ruth to enter assisted living in January 2019. Her family is so grateful for the safe and loving care she received from the staff and facility at a time when residency in such places is ravaged by COVID-19.
Ruth was Colorado to the core. Born in Denver, Ruth’s parents, Thomas and Florence Carter, both educators, settled with their daughter in the small town of Rye, in Pueblo county, for Ruth’s early years, educating and administering to the town’s school children.
Some years later Ruth and her family returned to Denver where Ruth entered East High school graduating in 1948. In the Fall of that year she entered college at the University of Denver focusing on psychology, earning a Bachelor’s degree in her field of choice, and graduating in 1952.
Ruth caught the attention of the Delta Gamma sorority her freshman year. Although quiet and somewhat shy, Ruth’s intellect, leadership qualities and trustworthy character stood out. Ruth was invited to join the Beta Chi chapter on DU’s campus and proudly pledged the sorority in the Fall of 1948.
She was very active in the organization in her college years. A terrific “sorority girl”, Ruth helped introduce, promote and grow the membership of her local chapter; and she held leadership positions too. After graduation Ruth continued her close association with her sorority holding executive positions in the local chapter building corporation, enthusiastically promoting the values of “being a DG”; and holding leadership roles in the national organization.
Ruth’s proudest accomplishment as a DG is her intimate involvement in the formation and early operating years of the not-for-profit beneficent organization – Anchor Center for the Blind. Anchor Center, located in Denver, was started in 1982 by a librarian from the Colorado Library for the Blind and the local Delta Gamma alumnae chapter. Ruth was a founding board member and held leadership positions in the Center from its start into its formative years.
Ruth was still actively assuming leadership roles, dedicating time, raising money and committing resources to Anchor Center into her early eighties. She so enjoyed embracing the Greek qualities of developing and engaging in leadership, philanthropy and community service that results from the strong bonds like-minded women with purpose develop.
She is survived by her loving and adoring husband John (Jack), who was her “one and only” from the time they met in college back in 1948. They had 68 years of loving marriage. Daughter Julie and son Mark also survive their Mother.
Your greatest remembrance of Ruth is by donating, large or small, to Anchor Center for the Blind. Individual donations comprise the Center’s largest source of revenue. Your giving to this wonderful non-profit in remembrance of Ruth is all she could ever want in passing.
Graveside services will be at 2:00pm on Fri. Jan. 22nd at Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary and Cemetery with visitation one hour prior.
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