RUTH D. LOHR

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American University University of Maryland

RUTH LOHR Obituary

RUTH DAVIS LOHR
Passed away at her home in Silver Spring, MD on Wednesday, March 28, 2012. She was 83 years old. She survived her husband, Benjamin Lohr, her mother, Mary Anna Ackermann and her father, William George Davis. Ruth Davis was President and CEO of The Pymatuning Group, Inc., a small technology management company established in 1981. She obtained her B.A. in mathematics from American University and her M.A. and Ph.D in mathematics from the University of Maryland. She served as Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Advanced Technology and as Assistant Secretary of Energy. In addition, she set up the Center for Biomedical Communications at NIH as well as the Center for Computer Sciences and Technology at NIST. Dr. Davis served as Chairman of The Aerospace Corporation for seven years as well as serving on some seven other corporate boards. The National Academy of Engineering, the National Academy of Public Administration, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences had all elected her to membership. She served on the University of Maryland's Board of Visitors and on the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science Board of Overseers. She established the Ruth Davis Professorship in Mathematics at the University of Maryland. A viewing will be held at the Silver Spring Christian Reformed Church, 1501 Arcola Avenue, Silver Spring, MD on Wednesday, April 4, 2012 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. A memorial service will follow at 7:30 p.m. Interment at Arlington National Cemetery on Thursday, April 19 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Silver Spring Christian Reformed Church.

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Published by The Washington Post from Apr. 1 to Apr. 2, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for RUTH LOHR

6 Entries

Joyce Newland

April 19, 2012

I must first begin by thanking each of you here today for taking this time to pay your last respects to Dr. Ruth Davis. To most of you she is Dr. Davis, to some Ruth, very few know her as Ruth D. Lohr and to me she is my Ruthie, as I am her Joycee'. I became fond of Ruthie when I saw the way that she cared for and respected her mother. She was one of very few people of whom I knew that would take the time to visit their mother at least once a day while she was not traveling the world and have lunch and dinner with her mother every weekend.

When Pastor Bratt asked me to say something about Ruthie, I knew I couldn't but I also knew I must tell someone about my Ruthie. The Ruthie that I have had the pleasure of getting to know and love so dearly. She is one of the sweetest and smartest people that I have ever known. It's no surprise that she uses her maiden as her professional name so that her Daddy will never miss the son he never had. No surprise to me that she kept and framed a letter from her Grandpa whom she loved so dearly to this day sitting in her office. The Ruthie that I knew blew a kiss at her husband whenever we would drive pass the Arlington Cemetery and tell him how much she missed him whenever we would visit the graveside. My Ruthie was the one that would get out of her porche on her way to a meeting to remove the median barrier on the BW Parkway because she was not informed via radio to avoid it. And the Ruthie I knew enjoyed watching cartoons every morning before she headed out to her office. That's my Ruthie.

Ruthie, I stand her today and I thank you. I thank you for allowing me into your family and most of all taking the time to become a part of mines. Ruthie, there is no one on earth like you. Your love was boundless and your energy unmatched. You were and will always be a source of inspiration to more people than you will ever know. Since you've been gone it's been so hard to even do the simple things in life. I remember your morning cups of coffee, black no sugar or cream. I remember us going downstairs to feed the birds. I don't think I will ever forget us making up the bed every day, placing every bear in its right place addressing them each by their given names. I remember our afternoon lunches on the porch while looking at the birds and you would educate me on every species, what they ate, their seasons and where they come from. Birdies and bears were your pastime. The other day a little bird flew by me. I thought to myself, where did you come from? I wondered where the bird was going, what type of bird was it and because of Ruthie, I wondered if the bird had been fed. See, we don't realize the effect we have on people and how we touch the lives of others. That little birdie didn't know he would be on my mind today. We never realize the wonder and awe that we create around us and Ruthie oh what awe! As the bird flew away, its wings fluttered toward me as if it was waving goodbye. The bird seemed to be very happy and content as it flew by. Perhaps the little birdie was my Ruthie saying “Don't cry for me Joycee', don't worry I'll be okay”. Ruthie, it was so sad to see you go that morning. I wanted to wake you up, but you looked so peaceful, so calm and so ready. I knew this day would have to come, never knew it would be so soon. Ruthie, I thank you. You have left an imprint on my life and life of my family. I know each time I look at another bird, I would remember the moments when it was only you and I. I know I would be a better person all because God allowed you to enter my life and I will always blow you a kiss whenever I pass through the Arlington Cemetery. I love you Ruthie.

Your Joycee'

Gregory Lohr

April 7, 2012

Say hi to my father when you join him. May you nth rest on peace.

Dennis Branstad

April 5, 2012

Dr. Davis was the Director of ICST when I joined it to start a Computer Security Program. She was brilliant, an excellent speaker, and a great motivator. She was innovative in her program leadership and dynamic in her management abilities. She was a great asset to ICST, NBS, and the other organizations she founded or managed.

Peggy Martinez

April 4, 2012

I'd like to express my sympathy and condolences to all of Ruth's friends and family members. She was an amazing woman who had a rich and full life and will be missed by those who were touched by her life.

Jonathan Rosenberg

April 3, 2012

As the current holder of the Ruth Davis Professorship in Mathematics at the University of Maryland, I am particularly grateful to Ruth Davis for her generosity. She will remain an inspiration for women in mathematics and the physical sciences, and a model for her leadership and drive.

Psalms 83:18

April 1, 2012

Lean on the Most High God of all comfort during these difficult days. He will be your support as you struggle to cope with your loss.

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