What a loss! Ruth did a mountain of persistent hard work for our language center group, but no one laughed more, tackling big jobs. Her inspired idea to get lab directors from across the US together for a national conference... what a legacy she leaves! Steve I am so sad. Hard to accept that I won't see Ruth again. She was the best.
Condolences to the whole family
Ruth and I shared so much during the revival of IALLT back in the late 80's. She was a brilliant light who was fun, smart, and dedicated and I loved her. My heartfelt condolences to Steve and her family. I wish I could be at her memorial in Merrill, but I will be in Phoenix. But I will be with you in spirit on the 24th.
Ruth was a mover and a shaker within our community of language technologists. And she was also-- as Sue mentions-- a fun, vibrant light personally and professionally. I love the picture displayed here- it shows that glow that Ruth shone on everything she did. My heart sinks today.
So many memories of good times with Ruth (and Steve): Holidays at Camp in the woods: banging pans with Jess and Alex out in the midnight cold air to celebrate the new year, Christmases with Ruth and her family and boating adventures; working on the PICA in Taunton, going to Canada to get the Ruhen and then back home through the Erie Canal; visiting Ruth and Steve in Bahama. On & on
When I think of Ruth, I remember her laugh. She had the warmest, most infectious laugh. Ruth was a was a wonderful person, and I am very sad that she is gone from us.
Like LeeAnn, I love this picture of Ruth; her smile and her laugh are what I remember best about our times together. Ruth was also so generous with her time and her expertise. She was a mentor to so many of us that her legacy will never be forgotten. It's hard to accept that she is gone, and that we won't be able to share stories and laugh together again.
I am so sad to learn of Ruth’s death. After welcoming this newbie to the language lab world in Boston, and generously sharing her knowledge (and for many years, even one of her MIT lab technicians!), we quickly became friends. I will always remember her as an indomitable leader in her profession, and a personal inspiration to me. And I will miss her down-to-earthness and easy laugh!
Oh what a sense of loss I feel. Ruth was such a good friend and professional colleague. We met in 1989 as she hosted the conference for IALLT, in essence reviving a moribund organization and giving countless language learning technology professional a place to call home.
Steve, our deepest condolences. We will always remember your (both of you) kindnesses and hospitality as we visited Boston.
Read Gilgen, St George, UT
Steve, please know how much this news grieves me. I will send a picture I have of Ruth, Mary Beth, Roger, and me at our last Boston reunion. We laughed all day while visiting the boat, walking around town, and meeting up with Ed in the evening for a great dinner. There will be many tributes to her immeasurable contributions to the profession, but I will treasure her grace and wisdom.
I have so many wonderful memories of Ruth and smile and often laugh again thinking of them. It seemed we were always laughing. Her sense of humor and delightful laugh were infectious and her generous spirit both personally and professionally were inspiring. I will never forgot how I knew no one and Ruth, busy as she was hosting IALLT, took time to make me feel so welcome. She was special.
