Ruth K. Benedict

Benedict, Ruth K.
of Scottsdale, Arizona quietly passed away at home March 17 at the age of 91. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, she was actively involved in Girl Scouts there for 22 years. During this time, she was introduced to aviation, became a pilot, and began freelance writing for various national aviation magazines. In 1970, she moved to the Washington DC area to pursue a career with the Federal Aviation Administration and in 1973, she married Marshall Benedict with whom she shared a 25 year long love story until his death in 1997. In 1978 they purchased the Carefree Enterprise Magazine and moved to Scottsdale, Arizona. Ruth was an extraordinary woman of multiple interests and talents, many of which she passed on to her children. Obtaining her pilot's license in 1960, she remained an active pilot into her 70s, three times flying cross-country air races, and was a lifetime member of the 99s (International Women's Flying Organization). She was a talented artist in many mediums, and her pencil drawings were displayed and sold in local art galleries. As a lifetime baseball fan, she closely followed her hometown St. Louis Cardinals, and after moving to Arizona, became an equally fervent Phoenix Suns basketball fan. Having what she called "a lifelong love affair with words," her 12 year tenure as Editor of the Carefree Enterprise Magazine also included writing a monthly column "Ho Hum". Her career as a writer and editor also included 8 years as Associate Editor of the FAA General Aviation News, and in 2000, she edited a book on missionary flying. She is survived by her son, Steve (Candace) Taksel, daughters Sue Altman, Sharon (Rob) Lauer and Connie Arnold (David Lamey), stepson Marshall C. Benedict II, and stepdaughter Patricia Benedict (Lee Schafer). She was also a much loved grandmother, great-grandmother and cousin. Ruth contributed something to every life she touched, and although she will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her, she passes on a legacy of kindness and grace that will live on for generations. A memorial service in celebration of her life will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, April 16th at the Manors of Scottsdale, 9160 E. Desert Cove, Scottsdale, AZ 85260. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Wings of Hope, 18370 Wings of Hope Blvd., St. Louis, Missouri, 63005 (http://www.wings-of-hope.org/) or Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014 (http://www.hov.org/).