By Tom Mackie
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE
Maris Grove Pioneer Ruth has seen it all. As an assistant to nine principals in the Concordville School District she’s seen kids grow up, have families, and send their kids to the same schools.
“When I started back in the day all the kids wore suits. Now they all wear jeans,” she says. “It doesn’t really bother me. It’s just interesting to see the changes. I just go with the flow.”
“I loved work and looked forward to new challenges everyday,” she says, “but now I look forward to a new beginning. It’s really very exciting and I’m thrilled to have found a great community where I can do whatever I want every day.”
The Pioneer Spirit
Now that she’s reserved a home at Maris Grove, Ruth is happy to be one of the Pioneers.
“I like the idea of being one of the first,” she says. “We’ll be Pioneers. We can create clubs and develop activities that we enjoy. I’ve already met my neighbors at a function at the Springfield Country Club. I found out that one of my neighbors goes to my church. What a small world.”
An avid golfer, Ruth is looking forward to the putting green. “That’ll be fun. I still like competition. I play Bridge too and when I relax I enjoy needlepoint. TV’s not my thing unless football is on—I’m a huge football fan.
A lifelong Eagles fan, Ruth also loves Penn State football. She’s got the autograph picture of Coach Joe Paterno to prove it. “An advisor from school who knew Joe got it for me. It’s one of my favorite things.” What about the Eagles? “I love Donovan McNabb, but Randall Cunningham is my all-time favorite. He could do it all.”
Independent and Staying that Way
Ruth continues to be as independent as ever. She prefers cooking over dining out and cuts her lawn every week. “It’s the real deal,” she says. “It’s a gas powered lawn mower and I start it myself. I just sent the blades out to be sharpened.”