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Ruth Ziolkowski Obituary
Ruth Ziolkowski, long-time inspirational leader of Crazy Horse Memorial, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 21, 2014 with members of her family at her side.
Ruth Ross was born on June 26, 1926, in Hartford, Connecticut. She grew up in West Hartford, Connecticut, which is where she first met the sculptor, Korczak Ziolkowski. She came to the Black Hills of South Dakota in June of 1947 to help Korczak create a memorial to honor the North American Indian.
Ruth and Korczak married on Thanksgiving Day of 1950. Together they had 10 children, many of whom have made the Crazy Horse dream their life's work. Ruth served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation since her husband's passing on October 20, 1982. Ruth was preceded in death by Korczak and their daughter Anne, who passed away on May 6, 2011.
With foresight and vision, Ruth had worked with the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation Board of Directors in preparing for succession of leadership. A 3-member Executive Management Team is in place to lead the continued growth and development of the non-profit Foundation.
A celebration of Ruth's life and legacy will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 27, at Crazy Horse Memorial.
Public Viewing will be from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Monday, May 26, at Crazy Horse Memorial.
Private Interment will be at Crazy Horse Cemetery.
A memorial has been established in Ruth's memory for the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation.
Friends may sign the online guestbook and offer condolences at www.osheimschmidt.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ruth Ziolkowski
5 Entries
Scott Chamberland
May 24, 2014
Rest in Peace
Margaret Wehling
May 23, 2014
My heart goes out to the family I got to meet her back in the late 70's She was a very sweet lady . May she rest in peace.
Judy and Loren Tullberg
May 23, 2014
So very sorry for your loss.... Mrs. Z was an amazing lady.
Kathy Moulton
May 23, 2014
Had the extreme honor of meeting Ruth personally during a ceremonial for the campus. Helped our Kola Paha Ska get to the ceremony by pushing him in his wheelchair due to him breaking his leg. Couldn't have met a more polite, down to earth, inspirational person in the world. We live in eastern South Dakota and the Black Hills is the most favorite place we travel to for vacations. This particular trip was one of the best trips we had made to the Black Hills ever!! We will always remember this trip because we got to see and talk to her personally. South Dakota will miss you my dear lady!!!
One of our many climbs to the top!
Kristin Collins and Family
May 23, 2014
We are so sorry to hear of Ruth's passing. Crazy Horse has always been one of our favorite places to visit-every summer. May GOD comfort you all.
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