Ruth Hunter, an incredible centenarian, prepares to mark her 100th birthday this month! Ruth’s journey began on August 8, 1923, during the enchanting era known as the “Horse’n’Buggy Days” in Valparaiso, Indiana. However, her entry into the world was bittersweet, as torrential rain and thunderstorms engulfed the day. Tragically Ruth’s father, an electrician responding to an emergency call, was struck by lightning while working and lost his life.
Amidst this heartbreaking loss, Ruth’s mother, a tenacious and hardworking woman, persevered. She dedicated over two decades of her life to the renowned Phil Smidt & Son, a restaurant celebrated for its delectable fish dinners. As Ruth grew older, she found solace and love in the arms of her stepfather, who became her beloved father figure and officially adopted her at the age of twelve.
With a bright future ahead, Ruth graduated from high school and immediately secured a position as a secretary at her very own high school. Fueled by her boundless energy and ambition, she later ventured into the banking world, then leaving that to embark on a remarkable journey serving in the United States Air Force as an aircraft instrument technician in Sacramento CA.
Life took an unexpected turn when Ruth received heartbreaking news of her stepfather’s battle with cancer. Ruth had to make the difficult decision to leave the Air Force to return to her hometown and be by his side during his final days. This experience prompted Ruth to explore new horizons. She briefly pursued a career as a stewardess for American Airlines, but her true passion for teaching beckoned her. Ruth enrolled in university, wholeheartedly dedicating herself to earning both Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees, foregoing the allure of a Ph.D. opportunity to immerse herself in the joy of the classroom.
At 32 years old, Ruth began her first teaching job as an English/Theater Instructor at a high school in Dearborn MI. Here, she encountered Sharon Ratliffe, who would later become her lifelong friend. Sharon, a fifteen-year-old junior, had long contemplated leaving school by the time she turned sixteen. Her family taught her hands-on crafts and skills that she enjoyed more than formal education. However, Ruth sensed the untapped potential within Sharon and felt compelled to guide and expand her horizons in scholastic education.
In a surprising move, Ruth appointed Sharon as her Stage Director right from the start of the school year. Despite Sharon’s initial claims of knowing nothing about theater, she discovered a world of hands-on activities that ignited a newfound passion for Stage Management. Sharon not only graduated high school but achieved an extraordinary feat by earning a Ph.D and by being elected to the presidency of the National Communication Association. Ruth’s influence extended to Sharon’s family, inspiring her mother to pursue higher education and obtain her high school diploma!
Ruth and Sharon embarked on fulfilling teaching careers, carving unique paths that spanned the nation. Despite the miles and years that separated their lives, their friendship was an unbreakable bond and remained steadfast.
Ruth’s most impactful teaching career move brought her to Golden West College in Huntington Beach, California, where she dedicated herself to shaping minds until her retirement in the mid-1980s. Serendipitously, Sharon’s journey led her to Pasadena, California and then to Golden West College, reuniting the two friends once again.
After enjoying many weekend trips to the desert area, Ruth and Sharon moved to Sun City in 1998. Since Sharon’s parents and a mutual friend relocated to Sun City soon after, Sun City became a natural choice for their retirement years and holds a special place in their hearts.
In the early 2000s, Ruth and Sharon became part of the Read With Me Program, assisting kindergartners at Oasis Elementary School in learning to read. They felt passionate about these young minds and started crafting jewelry to sell to fund a college scholarship program for Oasis kindergartners who completed high school.
To fund the program Ruth and Sharon joined the Sun City Jewelry Club and learned to make jewelry to sell, giving all the profits to the Desert Community Foundation which administers the Oasis Elementary School Scholarship Program. The first three students applied and will begin their second year of college this Fall.
Inevitably, we asked what the secret to being 100 is. Ruth smiled and proclaimed, “My faith in the Lord and my strong will to fulfill God’s earthly will.” Happy 100th Birthday Ruth!
