In the 1930s, when women were battling to have their voice heard, Ruth was at the forefront, leading by example. She worked as the women’s editor of the Chicago Tribune, hosted a broadcast radio series titled Women Worldwide, authored books about Wisconsin’s history and trailblazing women in the state, founded the Women’s Auxiliary of the Wisconsin Historical Society, and served as Chair of the Wisconsin Women’s Committee during the state’s centennial celebration. 

Ruth met her beloved husband Herbert, then-president of Kohler Co., at the 1937 Women’s Congress in Chicago, where she was a key speaker.