In the early hours of February 13, Ruth Rudolph passed away with her valued care giver, Jamie Gartman, at bedside. Born Ruth Ann Casper in Champagne, Illinois on April 5 1924, Ruth graduated from the University of Illinois in 1943 and became one of the few women CPAs in the country at the time. She moved to Chicago where she worked for Arthur Anderson from 1944 to 1946 and met Ernest George Rudolph, a young Chicago attorney. They married on January 28, 1946 and soon moved to Laramie when George took a position with the newly formed University of Wyoming Law School. This job held particular appeal given proximity to good fly fishing and hiking. Ruth taught accounting at the University of Wyoming for a semester. The students, largely men returning from the War, took umbrage at having not only a woman instructor but one younger than most of them; undoubtedly, however, she soon brought them into line. Ruth gave birth to her first child in 1948; and never doing anything half way, she and George went on to have six more children. Ruth remained active in Laramie on many fronts including the League of Women Voters (eventually presiding over the Wyoming delegation) and as treasurer for Laramie Interfaith. She devoted long hours to the Albany County Democratic Party, to St. Laurence school (where she sent all of her children) Meals on Wheels, the Laramie Public Library and St Paul’s Newman Center Catholic Church. She was also an avid bridge player, and artist; she also became something of a legend for her early morning lap swimming in UW pools, making sure to “do her mile” well into her 80’s. Ruth and George alike cherished the mountains, particularly going to their cabin near Fox Park. Over the years, she hiked with all seven of her children and all seven of her grandchildren. Ruth’s profound appreciation of Laramie and the surrounding area as well as the Catholic Church sustained her in the face of various troubles and losses.
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband George, and by her children Peggy, Mary and Martin.
She is survived by daughters Terry Kanner, Jane Rudolph, and Sarah Rudolph (Brad Schmicker) and son Jack Rudolph. She is further survived by grandchildren Justin Rudolph Boevers (Corie Hancock), Rebecca Kanner, Aaron Kanner, Grady Rudolph (Katie), Luke Rudolph, Emily Grace and Jaxson Rudolph, great grandson Connor Boevers and a great granddaughter Evelyn Mary Rudolph. A second great grandson is expected in April).
Memorial contributions can be made to the University of Wyoming Foundation and directed to the E. George Rudolph Distinguished Visiting Chair in Law, the World Wildlife Foundation or to a charity of your choice.
Mass and a celebration of Ruth’s life will take place at St., Paul’s Newman Center at 1:00 PM on Saturday February 24, 2018. Family members welcome you to visit an hour prior to the service and a reception in the church following services.
Dear Rudolphs, What an exceptional lady in so many ways. She will be greatly missed as a focus of commitment to family, community and her faith . Deepest condolences on your loss. Dennis Stickley
I think of Ruth, and I can't help but smile. A bright soul who will be missed.
Ruth was something else. I knew her for more than 40 years, ever since I arrived in Laramie as an 18-year-old freshman in 1976. She was always kind and encouraging to me and to a host of young political activists in our community. Ruth cared and that shined through everything she did for this community. I will miss her and feel much richer for having known her. Ruth was active in our local and state Democratic parties and she was never shy about her opinions. One of the most endearing memories I have is from a day we ran into each other at a local restaurant. I was involved in my first campaign for the Wyoming House of Representatives at the time. After chatting for a bit, Ruth reached into her purse and handed me a $50 bill for my campaign. "Oh Ruth, I can't take this," I said. "You need this for yourself, not my campaign." "Charles," she quickly shot back, "I have more than enough. Money's not my problem, Republicans are my problem!" Ruth, I love you. Rest In Peace.
Dear Rudolph Family, I remember all of you from early on as we lived side by side on Canby st. I thought so much of your mom and dad. Jim and I bought your folks' cabin some time back and as my grandparents had a cabin at Gramm when you had your cabin there, it meant the world to me to have it. I remember playing up there with Peggy and Terry. Jim also knew your parents and thought so much of them. Fond memories forever. Love, Jim and Deanna Stickley Johnson
Sarah, Condolences on the loss of your mother. Margaret Wilson
I am very sorry for the loss of your very dear love one. May the family continue to receive comfort from the beautiful promise at John 11:25.
Ruth was a mentor whose example we tried to follow when establishing a LWV chapter in Teton County, helping us to become constructive and well-informed citizens. I am grateful for her work and citizen-modeling. My sympathy to all family members and friends who will miss her in their lives.
Ruth and George were very special friends for many years in Laramie. The times at thier cabin , many bridge games, and just being neighbors were fun, and often hilarious. She was very intelligent, kind and had a marvelous sense of humor. From. Betty Painter
What an exceptional woman. I was lucky enough to know this family through two daughters: Mary and Sarah--also extraoidinary women. Laramie was so rich to have the Rudolphs call the Gem City "home."
I met Ruth shortly after moving to Laramie 10 years ago, and she made me feel very welcome. I was associated with her mostly at the Eppson Center. I admired her very much.
I will forever remember Ruth and all those laps in the pool. She hummed as she swam and I loved that about her. I asked her if she knew we could hear her hum and she looked at me with a very quizzical look. She had no idea she hummed enough so we could hear her as she swam. I hope she is still humming.....
Jack, Our sympathies! Remembering old times!
Ruth and George were the only faculty couple to invite the Law School's first year students into their home. I admired her on that day in 1967, and ever since. She was a very special vibrant woman.
The staff of Wyoming Public Media send condolences to your family for the death of Ruth Rudolph. She was an extraordinary lady who contributed greatly to the community of Laramie and to the entire state of Wyoming. She will be greatly missed by many. We appreciate her long time support of Wyoming Public Radio. Cindy Elrod Broadcast Assistant
Love that our mothers were such good friends, as you will always be to me. You and your family are in my thoughts.