[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 177 (Friday, November 18, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7825-S7826]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO MS. RUTH SMITH

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I stand today to congratulate an 
extraordinary Kentucky woman and a dear friend of mine, Ms. Ruth Smith. 
Ruth was recently one of nine to receive this year's distinguished UK 
Sanders-Brown Center on Aging Foundation's Senior Star Award, an award 
given each year to those who exemplify graceful aging by remaining 
engaged in an active lifestyle. Ruth, now 86, was recognized for her 
great character and outstanding service to her community during this 
year's Senior Star Award luncheon, which took place on October 13, 
2011, in Lexington, KY.
  Ruth, a longtime resident of Wayne County, KY, is an active member of 
the Lake Cumberland Area Development District, a quasi-governmental 
agency comprised of local city and county governments, and special 
districts in south-central Kentucky to improve life for the region's 
citizens. Ruth has served as a member of the LCADD's board of directors 
since 1993 and has served as a member of the executive committee since 
2003. In 2008, Ruth was named LCADD Citizen Board Member of the Year 
for her exceptional work.
  Currently, the LCADD serves the counties of Adair, Casey, Clinton, 
Cumberland, Green, McCreary, Pulaski, Russell, Taylor and Wayne by 
providing a regional forum to local governments to help identify issues 
and opportunities and then provide leadership in planning and 
implementing programs that will help improve the quality of life of the 
region's citizens.
  Over the years, Ruth's strength of character, adventurous spirit, and 
care for her fellow man have been a constant echo throughout the many 
successes she has enjoyed in her life. During World War II, Ruth 
traveled from her home in Pennsylvania to California to work in a 
factory--her personal contribution to the war effort. Some years

[[Page S7826]]

later, after marrying her husband Randolph and relocating to Kentucky, 
Ruth immediately immersed herself in the local community. She spent her 
time working side by side with her husband helping to run both a dry 
goods store and a small-town retail store to support their young family 
while simultaneously volunteering and supporting many community 
organizations. She has been chosen for many leadership roles, including 
president of the local chamber of commerce and delegate to the 
Republican National Convention.
  About 15 years ago, Ruth was widowed when Randolph passed 
unexpectedly. Ruth was burdened with the task of liquidating the family 
business and finding a job. Not long after, Ruth began a new career 
which lasted for over 17 years when the Lake Cumberland District Health 
Department hired Ruth to work with teen mothers through the Clinton, 
McCreary and Cumberland County Health Departments in the HANDS Program. 
Ruth mentored countless young women into becoming responsible mothers, 
employees and citizens while loving and nurturing their children into 
feeling special at the same time.
  Throughout this unintended second career, Ruth continuously found 
herself in situations where the needs were clear but the means to 
achieve them were not always so. Yet, with her determination as her 
guide, she always found a way to meet these daily demands, oftentimes 
reaching into her own pockets when resources were not available, and 
never complaining.
  Last summer, Ruth took a road trip to Pennsylvania with her daughter-
in-law to visit her family and friends. A day or so later, news spread 
back in Kentucky that she had fallen ill, and at her age some feared 
the worst. But it turned out it was not Ruth that had fallen ill but 
her daughter-in-law--and the ever-resourceful Ruth Smith quite possibly 
saved the younger woman's life by calling an ambulance and 
administering CPR until help arrived.
  Ruth truly loves people, especially those of her community, and they 
respond in kind. For example, when she decided to retire in July of 
last year at the age of 85, people from all over came to her retirement 
celebration to honor her--the impact that she had on those who were 
fortunate enough to know and work with her over the years was evident 
and immeasurable.
  My dear friend, Ms. Ruth Smith, is an honorable Kentuckian whose 
selflessness and service to her fellow citizens deserves the utmost 
respect. She dedicated her life to helping her community and improving 
the lives of her fellow Kentuckians. She leaves behind her a legacy of 
inspiration and hope to all those she touched, and her achievements 
will not soon be forgotten.
  I would ask that my Senate colleagues join me in congratulating Ms. 
Ruth Smith in receiving the UK Sanders-Brown Center on Aging 
Foundation's Senior Star Award. She is most deserving of this honor, 
and I commend her for all that she has done for our great Commonwealth.

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