Comments on: In memory of Ruth Sowards - one of the greatest http://www.clintrogersonline.com/blog/2008/04/16/in-memory-of-ruth-sowards-one-of-the-greatest-women-i-have-ever-met/ Blog of P. Clint Rogers, PhD: Culture, Training, and Technology Specialist Thu, 09 Sep 2010 18:08:02 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.1.3 By: Toffer http://www.clintrogersonline.com/blog/2008/04/16/in-memory-of-ruth-sowards-one-of-the-greatest-women-i-have-ever-met/#comment-1884 Toffer Thu, 17 Apr 2008 15:03:08 +0000 http://www.clintrogersonline.com/blog/2008/04/16/in-memory-of-ruth-sowards-one-of-the-greatest-women-i-have-ever-met/#comment-1884 I am constantly amazed at the people you know. Sorry for your loss Clint. I Hope you have a good day today. Toff I am constantly amazed at the people you know. Sorry for your loss Clint. I Hope you have a good day today. Toff

]]> By: Clint http://www.clintrogersonline.com/blog/2008/04/16/in-memory-of-ruth-sowards-one-of-the-greatest-women-i-have-ever-met/#comment-1885 Clint Thu, 17 Apr 2008 20:31:34 +0000 http://www.clintrogersonline.com/blog/2008/04/16/in-memory-of-ruth-sowards-one-of-the-greatest-women-i-have-ever-met/#comment-1885 Hi Toffer - to be honest, I am also amazed by so many of the people that I know. It is easy to be inspired with friends like Colonel Butler, Ruth Sowards, you, and so many of my friends here and around the world. I think those friendships are my greatest treasure. Hi Toffer - to be honest, I am also amazed by so many of the people that I know. It is easy to be inspired with friends like Colonel Butler, Ruth Sowards, you, and so many of my friends here and around the world. I think those friendships are my greatest treasure.

]]> By: Melissa http://www.clintrogersonline.com/blog/2008/04/16/in-memory-of-ruth-sowards-one-of-the-greatest-women-i-have-ever-met/#comment-1887 Melissa Fri, 18 Apr 2008 00:34:47 +0000 http://www.clintrogersonline.com/blog/2008/04/16/in-memory-of-ruth-sowards-one-of-the-greatest-women-i-have-ever-met/#comment-1887 It sounds like Ruth truly exemplifies what it means to not just endure to the end, but to "endure well"- maintaining a joy-filled attitude and outward focus on others. As Paul, she "fought a good fight, finished the course, kept the faith." It sounds like Ruth truly exemplifies what it means to not just endure to the end, but to “endure well”- maintaining a joy-filled attitude and outward focus on others. As Paul, she “fought a good fight, finished the course, kept the faith.”

]]> By: Kasey Butler http://www.clintrogersonline.com/blog/2008/04/16/in-memory-of-ruth-sowards-one-of-the-greatest-women-i-have-ever-met/#comment-1889 Kasey Butler Fri, 18 Apr 2008 03:45:07 +0000 http://www.clintrogersonline.com/blog/2008/04/16/in-memory-of-ruth-sowards-one-of-the-greatest-women-i-have-ever-met/#comment-1889 I went with the Colonel (my grandpa) to see Ruth just before Thanksgiving this last year. He asked her how to make stuffing, and she told him. Then, she turned to me and my friend Megan, and told us how to make candied apples. They sounded delicious, and we told her so... to which she told us that if we made candied apples.. "the boys would come flocking" and then she winked and smiled. I felt very honored when she came to my grandpa's funeral. She was his best friend, and he loved her very much. I am going to miss Ruth, but I am a better person because I knew her. I went with the Colonel (my grandpa) to see Ruth just before Thanksgiving this last year. He asked her how to make stuffing, and she told him. Then, she turned to me and my friend Megan, and told us how to make candied apples. They sounded delicious, and we told her so… to which she told us that if we made candied apples.. “the boys would come flocking” and then she winked and smiled.
I felt very honored when she came to my grandpa’s funeral. She was his best friend, and he loved her very much. I am going to miss Ruth, but I am a better person because I knew her.

]]> By: Leslie Williamson http://www.clintrogersonline.com/blog/2008/04/16/in-memory-of-ruth-sowards-one-of-the-greatest-women-i-have-ever-met/#comment-1890 Leslie Williamson Fri, 18 Apr 2008 03:56:54 +0000 http://www.clintrogersonline.com/blog/2008/04/16/in-memory-of-ruth-sowards-one-of-the-greatest-women-i-have-ever-met/#comment-1890 Clint, thank you for the insight into Ruth's earlier life and some of her character-building experiences. She has been and still is such a great friend to our Dad (the Colonel), and I have wanted to learn more about her life and personality. As you know, Ruth and Dad each have a delightful sense of humor, something they both really enjoy about each other as friends. Thank you for sharing some tender moments from Ruth's last few days here on earth. Her happy loving spirit lives on, and it has been our privilege to know such an amazing lady! We will truly miss her and will always be grateful for the true friendship Ruth and Dad share that definitely enriched the latter part of their lives. Clint, thank you for the insight into Ruth’s earlier life and some of her character-building experiences. She has been and still is such a great friend to our Dad (the Colonel), and I have wanted to learn more about her life and personality. As you know, Ruth and Dad each have a delightful sense of humor, something they both really enjoy about each other as friends. Thank you for sharing some tender moments from Ruth’s last few days here on earth. Her happy loving spirit lives on, and it has been our privilege to know such an amazing lady! We will truly miss her and will always be grateful for the true friendship Ruth and Dad share that definitely enriched the latter part of their lives.

]]> By: Brad Fairchild http://www.clintrogersonline.com/blog/2008/04/16/in-memory-of-ruth-sowards-one-of-the-greatest-women-i-have-ever-met/#comment-1894 Brad Fairchild Fri, 18 Apr 2008 13:50:11 +0000 http://www.clintrogersonline.com/blog/2008/04/16/in-memory-of-ruth-sowards-one-of-the-greatest-women-i-have-ever-met/#comment-1894 Clint, thanks for writing this in honor of Ruth. She was indeed special. I’m glad I knew her. She always made me feel like I was special too. Clint, thanks for writing this in honor of Ruth. She was indeed special. I’m glad I knew her. She always made me feel like I was special too.

]]> By: Becky http://www.clintrogersonline.com/blog/2008/04/16/in-memory-of-ruth-sowards-one-of-the-greatest-women-i-have-ever-met/#comment-1895 Becky Fri, 18 Apr 2008 15:42:21 +0000 http://www.clintrogersonline.com/blog/2008/04/16/in-memory-of-ruth-sowards-one-of-the-greatest-women-i-have-ever-met/#comment-1895 Wow, what a woman! I hope I can live life so fully and so loved-filled. Wow, what a woman! I hope I can live life so fully and so loved-filled.

]]> By: Alyssa Dobson http://www.clintrogersonline.com/blog/2008/04/16/in-memory-of-ruth-sowards-one-of-the-greatest-women-i-have-ever-met/#comment-1899 Alyssa Dobson Fri, 18 Apr 2008 19:23:42 +0000 http://www.clintrogersonline.com/blog/2008/04/16/in-memory-of-ruth-sowards-one-of-the-greatest-women-i-have-ever-met/#comment-1899 One of my favorite things about Ruth is that she adored my (now) 3-yr-old son, Lincoln. Both she and the Colonel came to visit me right after Lincoln was born, bearing gifts, cracking jokes, and telling stories. The Colonel would always refer to Lincoln as "Mr. Lincoln" and Ruth got a kick out of it. Ruth would go on and on about what a great kid Lincoln was, especially as he started growing up and toddling around her house. He knew exactly where to find the treats, as well as the toy closet. Some of my favorite memories are sitting on the floor at the foot of her chair in the living room, listening to funny stories and great words of advice. She would always stop in the middle of the story and randomly comment about how handsome or well-behaved Lincoln was and then she would continue forward with the story. I think it's appropriate that she and the Colonel would leave this life within weeks of each other. My husband and I had Ruth and the Colonel over for dinner occasionally and we can honestly say that we would spend almost the entire time laughing. I wish I would have recorded them. I do have a couple pictures that I will send you, Clint. It is true that the biggest problem of having older friends is that you lose them too soon. But I can't imagine life without friends like these. Clint, I envy your last few moments with Ruth. I haven't seen her since we moved to Philadelphia last spring and I miss those sparkling, mischievous eyes. We sent letters and talked on the phone but what I would give to have one last hug! I'll have to wait until it's my turn to leave this mortal life and then I can only imagine my joy as we embrace on the other side and continue our friendship into the eternities. One of my favorite things about Ruth is that she adored my (now) 3-yr-old son, Lincoln. Both she and the Colonel came to visit me right after Lincoln was born, bearing gifts, cracking jokes, and telling stories. The Colonel would always refer to Lincoln as “Mr. Lincoln” and Ruth got a kick out of it. Ruth would go on and on about what a great kid Lincoln was, especially as he started growing up and toddling around her house. He knew exactly where to find the treats, as well as the toy closet. Some of my favorite memories are sitting on the floor at the foot of her chair in the living room, listening to funny stories and great words of advice. She would always stop in the middle of the story and randomly comment about how handsome or well-behaved Lincoln was and then she would continue forward with the story.

I think it’s appropriate that she and the Colonel would leave this life within weeks of each other. My husband and I had Ruth and the Colonel over for dinner occasionally and we can honestly say that we would spend almost the entire time laughing. I wish I would have recorded them. I do have a couple pictures that I will send you, Clint.

It is true that the biggest problem of having older friends is that you lose them too soon. But I can’t imagine life without friends like these. Clint, I envy your last few moments with Ruth. I haven’t seen her since we moved to Philadelphia last spring and I miss those sparkling, mischievous eyes. We sent letters and talked on the phone but what I would give to have one last hug! I’ll have to wait until it’s my turn to leave this mortal life and then I can only imagine my joy as we embrace on the other side and continue our friendship into the eternities.

]]> By: April Meservy http://www.clintrogersonline.com/blog/2008/04/16/in-memory-of-ruth-sowards-one-of-the-greatest-women-i-have-ever-met/#comment-1904 April Meservy Sat, 19 Apr 2008 17:12:39 +0000 http://www.clintrogersonline.com/blog/2008/04/16/in-memory-of-ruth-sowards-one-of-the-greatest-women-i-have-ever-met/#comment-1904 Ruth Sowards was one of those women who seemed to have not only a quick wit but a sensitivity for situations. She could make me laugh with her keen sense of humor, but at the same time seemed to sense what I was thinking about or feeling so as to be very perceptive to my needs. I truly admire that about her. Whenever I was around her, she never failed to help me feel loved and special - and taught me a little more about boy scouts! :) I know she had such great impact on all of us here - no doubt she will be blessing many on the other side. We will sure miss her here though. Ruth Sowards was one of those women who seemed to have not only a quick wit but a sensitivity for situations. She could make me laugh with her keen sense of humor, but at the same time seemed to sense what I was thinking about or feeling so as to be very perceptive to my needs. I truly admire that about her. Whenever I was around her, she never failed to help me feel loved and special - and taught me a little more about boy scouts! :)

I know she had such great impact on all of us here - no doubt she will be blessing many on the other side. We will sure miss her here though.

]]> By: VeNicia http://www.clintrogersonline.com/blog/2008/04/16/in-memory-of-ruth-sowards-one-of-the-greatest-women-i-have-ever-met/#comment-1905 VeNicia Sat, 19 Apr 2008 21:40:20 +0000 http://www.clintrogersonline.com/blog/2008/04/16/in-memory-of-ruth-sowards-one-of-the-greatest-women-i-have-ever-met/#comment-1905 My most heartfelt sympathy to all you family and friends who are mourning. What a sweet reunion she and her sister and Colonel are having in celebration of the successful completion of their lives here in such honorable ways--until the end! I'm not the Judge, but I can't imagine that it would be any other way, as is evident by all the people whose lives they have touched so sweetly and deeply. My most heartfelt sympathy to all you family and friends who are mourning. What a sweet reunion she and her sister and Colonel are having in celebration of the successful completion of their lives here in such honorable ways–until the end! I’m not the Judge, but I can’t imagine that it would be any other way, as is evident by all the people whose lives they have touched so sweetly and deeply.

]]> By: brooke http://www.clintrogersonline.com/blog/2008/04/16/in-memory-of-ruth-sowards-one-of-the-greatest-women-i-have-ever-met/#comment-1909 brooke Mon, 21 Apr 2008 03:20:16 +0000 http://www.clintrogersonline.com/blog/2008/04/16/in-memory-of-ruth-sowards-one-of-the-greatest-women-i-have-ever-met/#comment-1909 Oh my friend, I'm sorry you've lost another friend. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of her loved ones and those mourning her passing. Oh my friend, I’m sorry you’ve lost another friend. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of her loved ones and those mourning her passing.

]]> By: Clint http://www.clintrogersonline.com/blog/2008/04/16/in-memory-of-ruth-sowards-one-of-the-greatest-women-i-have-ever-met/#comment-1914 Clint Wed, 23 Apr 2008 03:22:07 +0000 http://www.clintrogersonline.com/blog/2008/04/16/in-memory-of-ruth-sowards-one-of-the-greatest-women-i-have-ever-met/#comment-1914 Thank you everyone - for your comments and sympathy. I have now added a few pictures from the day of the funeral. She lived quite an inspiring life (full of wit, warmth, and wisdom), and I thought the funeral speeches reflected that well. Thank you everyone - for your comments and sympathy. I have now added a few pictures from the day of the funeral. She lived quite an inspiring life (full of wit, warmth, and wisdom), and I thought the funeral speeches reflected that well.

]]> By: a family member http://www.clintrogersonline.com/blog/2008/04/16/in-memory-of-ruth-sowards-one-of-the-greatest-women-i-have-ever-met/#comment-1915 a family member Wed, 23 Apr 2008 22:31:52 +0000 http://www.clintrogersonline.com/blog/2008/04/16/in-memory-of-ruth-sowards-one-of-the-greatest-women-i-have-ever-met/#comment-1915 Clint, The link to your touching tribute here is being circulated among Ruth's family. I'm sure you have been approached by individual family members expressing their thanks, but on behalf of Ruth's family as a whole I would like to thank you for the loving attention and care you gave to our dear Ruth. You were very special to her. She looked forward to your visits and eating dinner with you and the Colonel so much, and she loved it when you called or wrote each time you were overseas. She often mentioned you to family members and spoke of you as "the kindest, most religious person" she had ever met. You gave her so much joy in the years you knew her. Our family has great admiration, respect, and gratitude for you. Thanks especially for lifting her spirits with your frequent visits in her last days. It was her wish that you be a pallbearer at her funeral alongside her grandsons. We are glad you were able to join us in celebrating her life that day. Thank you for all you have done. The best of wishes to you. Clint,
The link to your touching tribute here is being circulated among Ruth’s family. I’m sure you have been approached by individual family members expressing their thanks, but on behalf of Ruth’s family as a whole I would like to thank you for the loving attention and care you gave to our dear Ruth. You were very special to her. She looked forward to your visits and eating dinner with you and the Colonel so much, and she loved it when you called or wrote each time you were overseas. She often mentioned you to family members and spoke of you as “the kindest, most religious person” she had ever met. You gave her so much joy in the years you knew her. Our family has great admiration, respect, and gratitude for you. Thanks especially for lifting her spirits with your frequent visits in her last days. It was her wish that you be a pallbearer at her funeral alongside her grandsons. We are glad you were able to join us in celebrating her life that day. Thank you for all you have done. The best of wishes to you.

]]> By: a family member http://www.clintrogersonline.com/blog/2008/04/16/in-memory-of-ruth-sowards-one-of-the-greatest-women-i-have-ever-met/#comment-1916 a family member Wed, 23 Apr 2008 22:45:24 +0000 http://www.clintrogersonline.com/blog/2008/04/16/in-memory-of-ruth-sowards-one-of-the-greatest-women-i-have-ever-met/#comment-1916 I also express my condolences on the passing of your dear friend Colonel Butler. I also express my condolences on the passing of your dear friend Colonel Butler.

]]> By: Clint http://www.clintrogersonline.com/blog/2008/04/16/in-memory-of-ruth-sowards-one-of-the-greatest-women-i-have-ever-met/#comment-1956 Clint Thu, 08 May 2008 21:40:11 +0000 http://www.clintrogersonline.com/blog/2008/04/16/in-memory-of-ruth-sowards-one-of-the-greatest-women-i-have-ever-met/#comment-1956 Thank you - your words touch me. I miss her a lot. It has been an honor and blessing to be considered her friend. Thank you - your words touch me. I miss her a lot. It has been an honor and blessing to be considered her friend.

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