2008 MERIT AWARD RECIPIENTS

RUTHIE KING ROTH - CLASS OF 1957

Ruthie King Roth, a Eureka native, is a 1957 graduate of Eureka College, where she participated in student government, musical activities, Delta Zeta social sorority and was co-chairwoman of the committee that planned the college’s 100th anniversary celebration in 1955.  She received a master’s degree in English education from Bradley University, Peoria.

Ruthie teaches English and is chairwoman of the English and Speech Department at Morton High School. She also co-directs the school’s dinner theater productions. She formerly taught in the Eureka school system.

Ruthie has been a volunteer at the Mennonite Relief Sale since its inception 50 years ago, serving as secretary since 1970. She is a member of First Mennonite Church of Morton, where she has been organist and pianist since 1957. She and her husband, Donald Roth, co-authored “Morton: A Pictorial History” in 1988, for which they were awarded a Certificate of Excellence from the Illinois Historical Society. Donald Roth was a member of the Morton Village Board for 14 years, serving as mayor from 1997-2005.

“Eureka College and the greater community both are much richer because of Ruthie Roth’s service and commitment. Eureka College is very proud of its long relationship with her,” Schmidgall said. Roth formerly served on the college’s Alumni Board.

Ruthie, in recognition of your professional achievement and your living example of how to use a liberal arts education, and for the difference you have made in countless lives, I am pleased on behalf of the alumni of Eureka College to present to you the 2008 Alumni Award of Merit.