Publicado por:
Samuel Luther Chell, Professor Emeritus

Several years ago I struggled to find words to express the extraordinary teaching effectiveness of Carthage English professor, Dr. Don Michie, whose passing seemed sudden, shocking and much too soon, especially since he died "in action", while completing his grades for one class and preparing courses for a new semester less than one week away. Ruth Johnson, like Don, welcomed me when I joined the Carthage family in the fall of 1968. And like Don she spoke with rare economy and grace, communicating her thoughts directly, clearly, never a wasted word. Ruth always went straight to the heart of the matter, her soft-spoken voice acquiring authority from its steady, calm and unbroken progress toward a purposeful cadence. Yet, while Ruth exuded strength and inspired confidence with the quiet conviction in her voice, she brought fresh meaning to the overused, hackneyed expression: “Don't judge a person by what they say but by what they DO.” Not that she was a performer or a scene-stealer. But she always remained close to her co-workers, especially when sickness or ill-fortune befell someone in the Carthage community. I remember her friendship with and support of Margaret Roberts, Carthage's Dean of Women, during the latter’s final days. And of under-appreciated (but not by Ruth—or me) Librarian Ann Piehl, the long-time, knowledgeable and always helpful, associate of head-Librarian Jim Bishop. And at another time Ruth flew to be with a colleague in the political science department during a protracted, terminal illness. In such instances Ruth was not merely playing the role of a surrogate “parent": she was that close, supportive and non-judgmental “friend" some of us might wish to have in our corner at all times—dire or not. And since Ruth was also the Carthage Registrar, continually going through a list of 2000-plus students—and frequently coming back, even in retirement, "to serve” —she had a unique familiarity with students far in excess of the 60-70 students we as faculty saw each semester in our classes. When I made a trip to Carthage, Illinois in the early 1990s, I was at once surprised and reassured to see the old campus, set out in the traditional arrangement of a square instead of the linear configuration of buildings on Lake Michigan. Shortly after returning to Kenosha, I tried to convey my ambivalence over the experience to Ruth. The buildings symbolized so much more than the statistics might bear out—about the health of private liberal arts education; about the strength of the Lutheran Synod (ELCA) that supported such an education, about the difficult road ahead for such a high-minded enterprise in an increasingly jobs-oriented, materialistic, secular culture. Ruth responded to me with three words that would have sounded meaningless, even depressing, coming from anyone else: Sam, I know.” She said it with soft-spoken yet striking empathy. I had made a long and difficult journey to Southern Illinois and back, one that might have seemed a little vainglorious and futile to this son of an ELCA pastor (who once had 30 relatives working as Lutheran ministers throughout the Midwest and Canada. But coming from Ruth, the words “I know” seemed like a validation and a blessing, lifting my spirits if only because someone else knew the nature of my journey and its importance to me. If there was one thing Ruth couldn’t possibly know, it would be the impact she had so many others like me. Samuel Luther Chell, Professor Emeritus

Publicado por:
Gary Wee

It is with sadness that I pay tribute to Ruth and remember her at this time. I was privileged to work under her as a work study student during my four years at Carthage pursuing my degree in music 1970-74. My mother Lillian worked in the Registrars Office and they remained in touch until her passing in 2015. I enjoyed catching up with her at chance meetings at Kenosha Pops concerts and for breakfast at the Gateway Inn, last being summer of 2019. I was thrilled to be part of her retirement party and honor her for her dedication and commitment to the college which never waved beyond her working years. I extend my deep and sincere sympathy to her family and dear friends at this time and will always have fond memories of my days at Carthage and the wisdom she bestowed upon me. Rest In Peace dear Ruth.

We will miss Ruth as we considered her a family member. Her friendship with Arlene Morrison started the many memories including trips with Linda, birthday celebrations and sunny days at the lake (or tubing). She always cared about you and asked what was happening in your life. I am so grateful mom and I were able to see Ruth during the holidays to catch up. Say hello to everyone in heaven - Arlene, Leonard, Marcella, Jim, Dell, Delores, Ty, Bob. We think of you all often and watch for your signs to us. I know you are celebrating together!

Publicado por:
Roberta Odegaard

Remembering you fondly. Working with you and attending all those basketball games will always be a great memory. Rest In Peace Ruth!