MARGARET FOSTER RUTH

1928 - 2016

Margaret Foster Ruth died in her home Monday, October 3, 2016, in the comfort of her loving family. Peg was known for her capacity to love and live well among her family and friends. Born June 28, 1928 in Denver, Colorado, Peg moved in the early 30's to Kansas City with her parents and brothers. She graduated from Indian Hills Elementary and the Barstow School. Her teen years were also shaped by her summer experiences at Camp Kamaji in Cass Lake, Minnesota. Peg earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Kansas University and during her college years she formed many of her most treasured lifelong friendships as a member of Pi Beta Phi. After college she completed her training in physical therapy and pursued a career in the field. Peg married William Edward Ruth in 1952. Together they were the parents of Rebecca Ann, John Foster, Margaret Elizabeth, Michael Burke and Alice Armstrong. Her son, Michael, died in 2005 and her daughter, Maggie, died in 2011. Peg's community involvement resulted in numerous volunteer leadership positions including Pi Beta Phi Alumni and the Junior League of Kansas City. Among her many volunteer activities, she served on the Board of Directors for Pembroke Country Day School and the St. Andrew's Episcopal Church Vestry. Later in life, she was elected to the Board Directors at Bishop Spencer Place. Her faith was central to her life. In addition to her involvement at Saint Andrew's, Peg attended seminary at St. Paul School of Theology and was then ordained in 1978 as one of the pioneering women deacons in the Episcopal Church. She was known throughout the community for her pastoral care especially with the aging and sick. Peg is survived by her children Becky, John and Alice, her two sons-in-law Robert Hart, and Ron Alvarez and her daughter- in- law Valerie Ruth. She leaves behind eleven grandchildren, Bess Hart, Martha Hart, Katie Roberts, Abigail Ruth, Katie Ruth, Shep Washburn, Gray Washburn, Lane Washburn, Dylan Alvarez, Derek Alvarez and Tessa Alvarez; and two great grandchildren, Talbot and Arden Hart. Services will be at Saint Andrew's on Saturday October 8, at 11 am. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contribution to St Andrew's Church The MS Society, and Bishop Spencer Place. McGilley Midtown Chapel, Dignity Memorial, Life Well Celebrated