Ruth Carter Stevenson

1923 - 2013

BORN

1923

DIED

2013

Ruth Stevenson Obituary

Ruth Carter Stevenson, who stepped out of the shadow of her legendary Fort Worth father, Amon Carter Sr., to become a national figure in the American art world, died Sunday night at her home.

She was 89.

Under Mrs. Stevenson's long leadership, the Amon Carter Museum went through major expansions and acquired a collection of American art considered one of the finest anywhere.

Mrs. Stevenson, the youngest of Amon Carter's Sr.'s two children, was born on October 19, 1923, the same year her father took over as publisher of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Carter was also an oilman, philanthropist, friend to American presidents and national celebrities, and a voracious collector of Western paintings and sculptures, mostly by Charles Russell and Frederic Remington.

By the time of Carter's death in 1955, his collection had grown to about 400 pieces. It was left to Mrs. Stevenson by her older brother to carry out a key provision of her father's will, building a Fort Worth art museum to house the collection. Collaborating with famed architect Philip Johnson, Mrs. Stevenson presided over the opening of the Amon Carter Museum in 1961.

In the years that followed, Mrs. Stevenson, as president of the museum's board, demonstrated her father's fierce will and insistence on quality. She also discovered and refined her own eye for great art. Within a few years of the museum's opening, Stevenson and the Fort Worth museum had pushed far beyond Amon Carter Sr.'s Western aesthetic, buying paintings and art objects across a broad spectrum.

In the process, Mrs. Stevenson herself became a fixture on the American art scene. She was a close friend of Georgia O'Keeffe's until the artist's death in 1986. In 1979, she became the first female board member of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., and later the first woman to become the board's chairman.

"It's a great institution because of her," said Earl A. Powell III, director of the National Gallery and a longtime friend, said of the Amon Carter Museum. "Over its history the Carter has put together one of the great collections of American art.... It's a great, great place she has created for Fort Worth and the nation."

Michael Conforti, director of the Clark Art Institute in Williamstown, Mass., was among high-profile museum leaders whom Stevenson recruited to serve on the Carter museum board.

"She has so many people who admire her so deeply, so that when she calls on them for something, they'll do it," said Conforti, a former president of the American Association of Art Museum Directors. "She has taken her father's legacy and given it a vision that he would only applaud, though she moved it in a different direction.

"The Amon Carter now has one of the great collections of American painting, to the degree that the Kimbell [Museum of Fort Worth] has one of the great collections of European paintings."

Published by Star-Telegram on Jan. 7, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Ruth Stevenson

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56 Entries

My aunt Ruth was GRACE IN MOTION ! Amon III

January 21, 2015

Ruth was such a wonderful person that gave alot to this city. She will be remembered as a truely a great woman of Texas. I met her many times in the past and she was sweet and kind to all.

Dianne Darter

January 18, 2013

She was a stalwart of a vanishing generation. It was a pleasure to speak with her always, but on too few occasions.

Zach

January 18, 2013

A real lady. She often sent me cards regarding various subjects. My prayers are with family. I always appreciated her gracious kindness.

Cecil Johnson

January 14, 2013

Your mom was such a special lady to so many people; people who worked for her, people who worked with her, people who considered her a friend and people who never knew her, but were touched by her generosity. She was a special friend to my mother. Ruth sent me a birthday card EVERYyear, no matter where I was living. I loved seeing her and her garden in Roaring Gap.She would call to tell me Kate was coming to the Gap and to " catch up." It will be a little sadder knowing that I will not see her this summer! Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. The world is a better place having had Ruth Johnson Stevenson in it! Paula Myers Steele

Paula Myers Syeele

January 13, 2013

My time of knowing Ruth was short, but very valuable to me. I learned much about gardening from her, and greatly enjoyed working for her in her beautiful garden here in Roaring Gap, NC! My heart goes out to all her dear family and many friends...coping with losing this wonderful woman will take much strength. I will always cherish the time I was privileged to spend with her amongst her 'treasures'...as she so lovingly called her flowers!

Kathryn Smith

January 11, 2013

Thousands of past, present and future children have, are and will receive the blessings of your love at Trinity Valley School. You have been there at the school's inception, you nurtured it, you are one of its founders. I loved every minute we have strugged together to make it what it has become - a great institution, worthy of your dream and memory. Rest in peace my dear friend, until we meet again...
Stephen Seleny

January 11, 2013

Dear Mark, Please accept my sincere sympathy. My heart goes out to you and your family in your great loss. May God give you grace and comfort at this time. Sincerely, Pat "Kinsey" Maschino

Pat Maschino

January 10, 2013

Your spirit of sharing great American art with simple human love has inspired us. Thank you for your legacy to the world.

Mark Lombard

January 10, 2013

Dearest Sheila,
I have thought of you so much over the last year as my own dear Momma died in January 2012. She and you had such a special bond. While going through her papers, I found and loved reading the notes and cards you sent her. After reading your Momma's obit, it's evident that Ruth and Barbara would have gotten on like a house afire! Well, now they can .... Please know how very much I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers as y'all travel this hard road.
With deep affection,

Darrin Ellis-May

January 10, 2013

Ruth and the Carter family's support of the Museum of Science and History chronicles over 60 years.

When we broke ground for the new facility Ruth was present with shovel in hand (the same one her father had used to break ground for the original museum in the early 50's.) Ruth Carter Stevenson was not just a supporter but a friend and a coach. She advised me when I first arrived in Fort Worth about the ins and outs of the city and made me feel welcome.

Today the museum also pays homage to its beginnings with the Heritage Oak, one of the magnificent live oak trees that Ruth and her father planted shortly after the museum opened on Montgomery Street in 1954. As the focal point of the Atrium courtyard within the new museum building, the Heritage Oak connects back to the sapling planted long ago and is a testimony to Ruth's vision.

I will miss Ruth - her willingness to tell it like it is and her compassion for this place that she called a "place to learn!"

Van Romans, President
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History

Van Romans

January 10, 2013

Mark and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss and Fort Worth's loss. She meant so much to this city, bur oh so much more to you. I remember the first time I went thru your Mom's home back in the 70's and seeing all the family photo's and how proudly they were displayed. Cherish that love and let it help you.

Wayne Thompson

January 10, 2013

She was a special lady and wijj be greatly miss. She taught me many things about flowers as I worked at her home in Roaring Gap.

Rev. Brad Wooten

January 10, 2013

My sympathy to the family, I never knew her or her father personally, but being a native Fort Worth resident, I have many memories of them and all they did for the City of Fort Worth and the Arts, She will be missed but never forgotten...same for her father.
God Bless the Family-
Revelations 14:13
And I heard a voice from Heaven saying, "Write this down: Blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, they are blessed indeed, for they will rest from their hard work; for their good deeds follow them!"

Joy Parker

January 10, 2013

Not only Fort Worth, but also the nation has lost a great patron of the arts. Ms. Stevenson, you certainly carried your father's legacy forward into the 21st century. You will be missed.

Brian & Stacey Cervantez

January 10, 2013

Deepest regards and regrets for Ruth's family. She was "well-loved" in our country church, St. Frances of Rome, in Sparta, NC. Her flowers were amazing. We will miss Ruth. As for myself, she was a pleasure to talk to, she never failed to acknowledge me.

Judy Simon

January 9, 2013

Fort Worth has lost a treasure. Her legacy will live on. Her contribution to the art world will long be remembered. Tappy Thompson Scanlan

Camilla "Tappy" Scanlan

January 9, 2013

Thank you for giving of your time to our community. Blessings to you all. Praying for comfort.

Tanya murphy

January 9, 2013

Mrs. Stevenson
Thank you for helping my family and me, we will miss you. You will be in our hearts and prayers; we will never forget you.

Sincerely, Moises Hernandez & Family

Moises Hernandez

January 9, 2013

Fort Worth and the world were extraordinarily lucky. Somehow she managed to bring into the world both a family and the Amon Carter Museum. I didn't know her but certainly she must be up there in heaven with Phillip Johnson saying, "well they don't have a beautiful museum up here, let's build one." And all the great artists she knew and loved and her father and mother will be there to cheer her on.

Kevin H

January 9, 2013

It is always hard to lose your mother, I am thinking of you all and hope that happy memories will comfort you.

Anne Skipper

January 9, 2013

Dear Sheila, Your Mom was certainly larger than life and touched so many lives. My mother considered her to be one of her best friends and Ruth even through Edna Gladney made it posible for us to have our daughter Anna D. Kirk. While Dick served on the ACM board we were able to experience art at it's finest all over the country. Ruth picked us up at the airport once and about ran off the road when Dick asked "Ruth, What minority do I represent on the board? Poor, Young or Ignorant!!!" We love you all and you will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Love and Blessings, Beau and Gail (McMichael) Lane

Gail McMichael Lane

January 8, 2013

Kate, The spirit lives on 'cause she taught us all so much. I failed her in that I did not become a first class gardner! There is still time and I know she is watching. Have peace.
I will sure miss your Mom.

Charlotte Hanes

January 8, 2013

Dear Kate, So sorry for the loss of your mother. What a wonderful special article when I just remember her as a "Mom". A very proud "Mom" who adorned her hallway with many of her children's photographs. A beautiful "Mom" who would send us rugrats out to play in the gardens with specifics of being careful of her blooming flowers. A gracious "Mom" always allowing you to join us in our riding gatherings and what fun we would have. Good times and life was good. I pray for healing, peace in heart, and gratefulness for the many years you and yours were fortunate to have with a very dear Mother. God Bless, Marylynn (Glatzel) Sliva

Marylynn (Glatzel) Sliva

January 8, 2013

Wishing condolences to all of Ruth Carter Stevenson's family.
She will be missed, and always remembered in the city of Fort Worth as an icon and champion the arts and of many, many other institutions in this great city.

Rhonda Hole

January 8, 2013

Mark,

You have lost a wonderful mother and Fort Worth has lost a great legend! Your mother's great works within the cultural arts arena and generosity through her philanthropic endeavors has touched the lives of millions - many who might not have even known her name!
My condolences for your loss --- I have had to say that way too many times to you in the last two years!

Cindy Bennett

January 8, 2013

We will miss our very special friend. Our prayers are with you and your family.

Patricia and J. Don Williamson

January 8, 2013

Dear Kate and family, your mother was a truly remarkable woman. The impact she has made on so many lives will last forever. May God bless you all and bring you strength during this difficult time. You will be in our prayers and thoughts, take care, God Bless you
Love to all,
Joanne (Allis) Onstott and family

Joanne Onstott

January 8, 2013

Ft. Worth has lost a pillar. God Bless the Carter, and Stevenson Families in their respective grief...Respectfully, Jon-David Wells

Jon-David Wells

January 8, 2013

Stevenson family: My condolences and prayers go to you at this time. Your Mother left a great legacy to the City of Fort Worth and all of it's residents. Thanks to her vision and dedication, we have one of the finest museums in the world. Every time I visit the museum, I will say a "thank you" to her and her memory.

Jo Ann Mitchell

January 8, 2013

I never had the privilege of knowing Mrs. Stevenson, but did know one of her sons, and he is a wonderful man. Rest in peace Ruth.
Uncle G. and Aunt H.

January 8, 2013

What a fabulous article about Ruth who has always been a part of my life...I am only sad that they didn't mention her guiding hand as we all began as Blue Birds and Camp Fire Girls!! To my dear friends Sheila, J. Lee, Karen and Kate...you were blessed as we all were by her presence.....Caro Thompson Jackson

Caro Jackson

January 8, 2013

Ruth was among the first individuals in Fort Worth to embrace my presence as the then new director of BRIT. Her no nonsense advice and friendship over the years were a great source of comfort and support for me. I became a supporter and frequent visitor to her museum and rarely missed an event there. I was saddened when she could no longer take an active part in such events and I will certainly miss her now as will everyone who knew her. I extend my condolences to Sheila, the rest of the family, and the board and staff of the Museum. As would be said in Hawaii, Ruth: Aloha Nui Loa! And thank you for the privilege of having known you.

Sy Sohmer

January 8, 2013

Though I never met this awesome woman, I remember as a child being awed by the museum - both architecturally, because of the art, and for the wonderful view from it's front steps. Fort Worth and the world lost a true visionary and charismatic individual today. My sympathies to the entire family. Lori G. Bailey, Arlington, TX

January 7, 2013

Dear Johnson family,
Your Mother was dear to us living at 620 park and Roaring Gap for
22 yrs.She shared her garden,stories,and old fashioned knowledge
about everything.We will miss her and we are very sorry for your
loss.Please accept our condolences,Maggie and Gordon Gray jr.

Maggie and Gordon Gray

January 7, 2013

For Sheila especially. Ruth was a kind of big sister for me when she and J Lee lived next door to me and my parents in South Bend. She continued this role for me during the rest of her life. This January 4th (my 80th birthday) was the first time in the last 68 years that I did not receive a birthday card from her. She has stayed with me and my family in Oberlin, Ohio, several times, and my husband, Dan, and I ,visited her about seven or eight years ago for several days on Broad Street. On the last day of her last Oberlin visit, she bought us an iron skillet and cooked us a wonderful roast--an incredible gift that we'll never forget. And just so you know how close we were when I was a teen, I not only babysat you when you were a baby, but sat on her bed when she was timing her contractions and painting her toenails in the process of giving birth to YOU!

She was an incredible friend, big sister, and larger than life figure in my life. Marlene Merrill

January 7, 2013

Stevenson family: Thank you for doing so much to bring the 'culture' portion to the phrase, "Fort Worth - City of Culture & Cowboys". James & Micki McLaughlin, Fort Worth

James McLaughlin

January 7, 2013

Ruth Carter Stevenson was a wonderful person and a gracious person who cared about Fort Worth and the Arts. The Carter family have always put Fort Worth on the map and showed we have culture, and even the Exposition and Livestock Show! Take that Dallas! Ruth will always be remembered as a giving and caring person who put herself out there, and cared about others always. Fort Worth won't be the same without her. My deepest sympathy to the Carter family, in this terrific loss of a great humanitarian. God and Jesus have their angel back, wished we could have kept her a whole lot longer here in Cowtown!
Sincerely, Nancy K. Altaras

Nancy Altaras

January 7, 2013

Dearest Ruth, my moments as a Docent at the ACM were the best of my existence. Thank you for teaching me American History in colors. Your Spirit will continue to guide us.Love....

Dr. Bergson DeSousa

January 7, 2013

Ms. Stevenson , I work for you .
Im really sorry of the situation ,i hope your children have peace & you are in my prayers.

jose aguilar

January 7, 2013

I will always remember the times spent talking about flowers and how lovely the ones were that you would bring to my desk in the gallery... You always had a smile and I will miss that...

Tammy Richardson

January 7, 2013

Dear Ruth, You were such a good friend to GB and me. Thank you for donating to his library. Thank you also for the lasting legacy you have left for Fort Worth. You will be missed greatly. -- Sincerely,

Kenneth Polito

January 7, 2013

Sheila,Elizabeth,and Carter so sorry to hear of Ms.Stevenson's passing,what a fine lady,may you find peace during this time of loss... Jo Hicks

Jo Hicks

January 7, 2013

Due strictly to her efforts the scope of the Amon Carter grew from a great collection of Western Art into a premier American Art museum. She will be greatly missed but her influence endures.

Ronald Parrish

January 7, 2013

Ruth was a special person and a good friend to me and my family. She always sent me notes when I least expected them and often needed them the most. My life is already less because she is no longer in it except in memory. My deepest sympathies to the family. Dr. Richard and Deanna Wallace, and the research family at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler.

January 7, 2013

While I did not share Ruth's art world, I did share her love for gardening and will continue to enjoy the plants she gave me. I feel fortunate to have shared friendship with her in her garden in Roaring Gap, NC. and will miss her.

Cherie Holderness

January 7, 2013

We send our regards to the family of Ruth. She was a great friend for many years in Roaring Gap

Berny and Anne Gray

January 7, 2013

Such an amazing lady that gave so much to the community..hard to believe she's gone. R.I.P.
Sheila, you , Mark & your sisters are in my thoughts..

Lisa Piepiora

January 7, 2013

A beautiful picture of such a wonderful lady. She is one of the finest human beings we will ever know. God has another angel today. In sympathy for your loss, Love to the family and blessings.

Margo Wortham

January 7, 2013

We will miss you, you have made a positive impact on my life. We love you.

Alfred Walker

Alfred Walker

January 7, 2013

May the spirit and generosity continue to inspire and enrich many. With condolences to the family may we celebrate a life well-lived.

Kathy Goodale

January 7, 2013

You were a bright star in our city and will continue to shine on us. Your vision will be greatly missed.

Anne Robinson

January 7, 2013

Rest in Peace, Mrs. Stevenson.

Jane Gherardi

January 7, 2013

Dear Sheila and all the family of Ruth. Our love and sympathy and prayers are extended to you in the loss of your mother. What a privilege it has been to know her and share her love of fine art and the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. Fort Worth has been a great beneficiary from both your parents and I am truly grateful for all they did for our City. I consider myself very fortunate to have know your mother and benefited from her wisdom and knowledge and friendship. May God provide you and your family with strength in days ahead. Sincerely, Morris Matson

January 7, 2013

Cheryl Cunningham

January 7, 2013

RIP....I enjoyed the short time i got to spend with u.

Cheryl Cunningham

January 7, 2013

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