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Ruth Jessen Obituary

Ruth Jessen, thirty-year veteran of the LPGA Tour, passed away in Phoenix, AZ, on Friday, September 21, 2007 at the age of 70. In her later years, Ruth was a teaching professional at Camelback Golf Club and White Mountain Country Club, who possessed the passion of a true competitor and the patience of a gifted instructor. She was a native of Seattle, Washington, where she began her golf career as a youngster. Her countless accomplishments include: medallist in the 1953 U.S. Girls' Junior Championship, winner of the 1954 Washington Women's Amateur and Pacific Northwest Women's Amateur, which she won again in 1955. When Ruth turned professional in 1955, she quickly won the hearts and admiration of tour fans and players. Ruth achieved 11 LPGA tournament wins, five of them in 1964, and was runner-up twice in the U.S. Women's Open. Her last tournament victory came in 1971, at the Sears Classic in Port St. Lucie, Florida. That same year, Ruth was awarded the Ben Hogan Award by the Golf Writers Association of America for her incredible comeback after a series of injury and health related setbacks. Ruth's final year on the LPGA Tour was 1985 and until her death, continued passing on her enthusiasm for golf and life to countless students, friends, and fans. Ruth's grace, competitiveness, and humor are legendary; it was this zest for life that is her legacy. She is survived by sister Marilyn, (husband Everett) of Snohomish, WA, sister Sharon Ivester (husband Floyd) of Lake Forest Park, WA, and brother J. Wayne Jessen of Kirkland, WA. A public memorial celebration of Ruth's life will be held at Camelback Golf Club on Friday, September 28, 2007 at 2:00 p.m., 7847 North Mockingbird Lane, Scottsdale, AZ. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ruth's honor may be made to the ASU Women's Golf Team, by checks payable to "Sun Angel Foundation" and sent to ASU Women's Golf, Ruth Jessen Memorial, P.O. Box 872505, Tempe, AZ 85287-2505.

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Published by The Arizona Republic from Sep. 26 to Sep. 27, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Ruth Jessen

31 Entries

Mary Dwyer

October 17, 2007

My dear departed Ruthie
It seems not long ago
You were winning tournaments
And I had just turned pro

I remember when you putted
You had the widest stance
And your seams were reinforced
So you wouldn't split your pants

I remember my frustrations
Would make me want to quit
You helped me pull it together
With your honesty and wit

Now that you're in heaven
You may play with any style
I know you're making awesome shots
I see your infectious smile

Pat Lange

October 15, 2007

Ruthie was such a great gal - we'll miss her.

Steven Jessen

October 13, 2007

While I was growing up, my cousin Rothie was the most famous person I knew. I watched as she emerged from "a face in the crowd" when she and Sports Illustrated were both very young. It was always an occasion for excitement in our house when Ruthie made it a point to stop for a visit on her way from the Tour to her parents' home in Seattle. She was the only person I knew who drove a Cadillac. And each time she stopped by (timing her visit so that I'd be home from school) she was driving a new one!
Watching Ruthie, I learned to play golf. She even gave me a free lesson. As I grew up and moved away from home, I scanned the fine print of Monday's newspaper to find her name. It was always near the top of the standings.
Ruthie competed in the days when fame, not money was the motivating factor for the players. In retrospect she played for the love of the game. And she loved the game until the day she died.
From Ruthie's life we can learn about love (of the game and of people, as the preceding entires in this book testify) about dedication, and about incredible courage to take all that life hands us head-on.
I will always remember Ruthie as a winner who did not let fame change her. She lost her final round in the game of life (as we all will) but even then she was a real competitor.
God speed, Ruthie. Friend, Sportsman, and Teacher. Your legacy was more than silver trophies. It touched the hearts of all who knew you.

Patricia Myers

October 9, 2007

What a privilege to attend your memorial and meet your lovely family. I did not know you well, Ruth, while on tour, but you were always kind and positive to the rookies. Thank you for giving the next generation "The Act to follow"
and the incredible humerous positive gift of life's lessons. Indeed, you came to Phoenix for a job and palce to be but created a home for youself and all who knew you. Rest gently in the palm of God's hand.

Patty Sheehan

October 3, 2007

I will always remember Ruth as being happy, gracious and always ready with positive input to a young player like myself. I enjoyed knowing her and playing with her. Say hi to my dad up there and give him a good golf tip. Love you, Patty Sheehan

Millie Meyerson Zimring

October 1, 2007

i remember Ruthie all the way back to junior golf days. we had so much fun at the tournaments and even at 15 you knew she was a great golfer. the golf world along with her family and friends will miss her.

Sally Dodge, LPGA

October 1, 2007

I had the pleasure of meeting Ruth Jessen at White Mountain C.C. in Arizona where she taught in the Summer. I am thankful I had that short time with her at the golf clinic there.

Gloria Ehret

October 1, 2007

In 1963 I met Ruthie through a mutual friend. After spending time with her I knew I wanted to join the LPGA. With all her illnesses on tour she never complained and ALWAYS had a smile on her face.
The tour was a better place because of you Ruthie and I only wish the youngsters out there today could have known you. They defintely missed out on "The Lady of Golf"

Ray Volpe

October 1, 2007

While I had met Ruth on a few occasions, her status and presence preceded her by virtue of her myriad of accomplishments and gifts to the world of golf. I had been told of Ruth's competitiveness as a player, her comeback determination, her winning attitude, and the oh so many contributions to the game itself. But what impressed me most upon first meeting Ruth was her big smile and winning sense of humor. While the world of golf will remember her as a "tour player" or "teacher" or "U.S.Open Medalist", I will remember her as a lovely woman with a big smile and wonderful sense of humor.

Allison Jessen-Raduziner

September 30, 2007

I know our whole family feels the same way, Ruthie was so special. She always took special time for each of us. Her sense of humor, how much fun she was, her incredible generosity. We are all so proud of her and honored to be a part of her family and a part of her life. She will be sorely missed by all of us - we all love you so much. I am sure she is up there competing with Dad for the long drive.

suzanne owens

September 28, 2007

Ruthie first taught me how to play golf 20 years ago. At Pinetop and in Phoenix. We had more fun and more laughs all through our friendship - She was patient and kind and always enthusiastic. She is always reminding me of my lessons when I play these days. So dear and sweet, I'll always remeber.

kathy james

September 28, 2007

I remember Ruthie's brilliant smile and her easy going approachable manner. She was always available to help a rookie with the ropes or anyone who needed her. I'll miss you ruthie but never your infectious smile.

Mary Lou Crocker

September 28, 2007

Ruthie
You took the lemons you were given and always made wonderful lemonade. Thank you for your warm healing smile and that twinkle in your eyes. I almost forgot- Thanks for my Players Card.

John Finkelstein

September 27, 2007

I knew Ruth Jessen,
she was a wonderful lady and Golf pro at the Camelback Golf Club for all of the Years I worked at the CamelBack Golf Club from 1983 of September until September of 2004

Lesley Holbert

September 27, 2007

Ruthie,
I truly miss you. You were a dear friend, a lovely lady with a great amount of flair, fun to be around and a terrific competitor as well! You taught me so much and cared for all of us "underlings." Thank you for touching my life!

susie berning

September 27, 2007

Ruth, my first year on tour you and Mickey were the top stars: How I remember how nice you were to me and soon I realized that was how the Ruthie we became to know and love was to all. As a new tour member I also recall your helping me with my golf swing. Kindness was Ruth Jessen middle name. Love you and know you will be missed dearly.

Susie McAllister Morton

September 27, 2007

Ruthie, you were so nice to us rookies on tour.I remember your pretty smile, your wide putting stance and your plaid shorts. You will be missed by so many.

Terri Lyn Carter

September 27, 2007

I was a student of Ruthie's when I first qualified for the 1984 LPGA Tour. The things she taught me about golf and life will always be a part of my life. Thank you Ruthie, you will be greatly missed.

Sandra Post McDermid

September 27, 2007

Ruthie, your elegant style, grace, wit,and those re-enforced bermuda shorts to accomodate that wide putting stance will always be a great memory for me. Thank you.
hugs,
Sandra Post

Pat Brock

September 26, 2007

Ruthie was a great teacher of the game. She told me just two things after my first lesson; and immediately my score improved. She'll be missed by many.

Mary Bea Porter-King

September 26, 2007

I consider myself one of the lucky ones to have had the opportunity to play a few LPGA tournaments with Ruthie, what a classy lady. I know she left a positive footprint in my life and I am sure all those lucky enough to spend some time with her feel the same.
ALOHA RUTHIE...

Sandra Haynie

September 26, 2007

You will be missed my Friend. You will still be the best putter there.

PAMELA BAILEY

September 26, 2007

I AM A TEACHING PRO FROM ARIZONA AND I KNOW MANY PEOPLE ON THE TOUR THAT KNEW HER. ALL OF THEM SPOKE SO HIGHLY OF HER I THOUGHT IT WAS APPROPRIATE TO SAY THAT ANY WOMEN PROFESSIONAL GOLFER SHOULD BE HONORED FOR THERE ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR WOMEN.
PAM BAILEY

MARGIE MASTERS

September 26, 2007

I CAME FROM AUSTRALIA TO THE UNITED STATES TO PLAY GOLF ON THE LPGA. MY FIRST PAIRING WAS WITH RUTH. SHE WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY MEMORIES AND MISSED.
MARGIE MASTERS.

Carol Mann

September 26, 2007

May all your putts fall, even with that wide stance; may all your shots be true; may your ever present smile light up the heavens; may that blonde hair dazzle; may your spirit and passion be shared by all who knew you. Thank you for always being there for me. Love and hugs to a real trooper.

Gail Graham

September 26, 2007

Ruth was a bright light in the history of the LPGA. Ever the ambassador for the LPGA and for golf, she will be sadly missed.

JOANN PRENTICE

September 26, 2007

RUTH AND I STARTED ON THE TOUR AT THE SAME TIME. WE HAD SOME GOOD TIMES TOGETHER. SHE WILL BE DEARLY MISSED.
JOANN PRENTICE

Penny Pulz

September 26, 2007

Ruth Jessen. I remember her broad shoulders, a twinkle in her eye and elegant swing. A mentor to many of us ol' tour players. Miss you Ruthie.
Penny

LeAnn Cassaday

September 26, 2007

Ruth Jessen was so inspirational and supportive of me in my rookie and early years on the LPGA. She was a wonderful person held in high esteem by all the players. I am sorry to hear of her passing.

Debbie AUSTIN

September 26, 2007

It was always a pleasure and honor to play with Ruth. She was a wonderful golfer and very enthusiastic about this great game. I am certain her enthusiasm was given to her students, The LPGA has lost a real legend.

Alice Ritzman

September 26, 2007

What a gracious lady. You will be missed.

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