Ruth Downs

For years & years I´ve heard of John Shaheen´s sister was married to Hugh Downs. And sadly, I just now this second , after all these years since your passing " see" your picture to place a face to your importance in my life. My father Roy Furmark worked for your brother John. Anyway, now I can put the real person to all the stories my dad told me about all of you: John Shaheen , you and Hugh. I´m sorry it took this long , all these years for me to put a face to a well known name in my home...

She must have been a wonderful person to know!!! As Hugh passed away today, I had to look up her picture. We have watched him for years and years. He was always a wonderful person, always polite, always the perfect gentleman. We will miss you both.

The epitome of a humble and loving marriage. Rest in peace Mrs. Downs. I used to watch20/20 and Concentration as a younger man.

Wonderful lady!

I want to express my sincere condolences. I'm a fan of Hugh's and am very sorry for the Downs' family's loss.

Ruth was such a wonderful, and sweet woman. We'll miss her

What a wonderful lady who lived a life of grace, class, wisdom, and dignity. Thank you Ruth for always exemplifying the very best. You will be missed by all who knew you.

My first memory is when I was in high school. Ruth and Hugh stopped in Erie to visit family. They came to our house. Hugh almost bumped his head on our low ceiling. My twin James met DiDi and H.R. when we were roofing the barn with tin.
I last saw Ruth and Hugh in Phoenix. We had supper together along with a couple from Hoople, Il. We talked about flying, railroads, farming, broadcasting.
James and I had a metal elephant bank from Hugh and Ruth. I had it until I moved to Texas in...

Ruth was a trooper! She had an indefatigable sense of adventure and a terrific life attitude. We were fortunate to have been able to spend a few weeks with Ruth and Hugh on a filming expedition to the North Pole and Ruth proved to be resourceful, resilient and an integral part of the production.

Ruth and Hugh define marriage and set a fantastic example of what a successful marriage looks like.

Her insights will live on in those of us lucky enough to share her air.