[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 204 (Thursday, December 14, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1707]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF RUTH BANCROFT

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                          HON. MARK DeSAULNIER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 14, 2017

  Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and 
service of Ruth Bancroft, renowned expert on drought-tolerant plants, 
founder of the Ruth Bancroft Garden, and resident of Walnut Creek.
  Ruth had a keen intellect and an insatiable curiosity about plants 
and nature. She collected and categorized seashells and planted flower 
gardens around the home she shared with her husband and three children 
on the Bancroft property.
  With the help of the New York-based Garden Conservancy, the Bancroft 
family formed the nonprofit Ruth Bancroft Garden on Bancroft Road which 
is protected by a conservation easement. It opened to the public in the 
early 1990s. In August, the garden broke ground on a visitor and 
education center with space for events and classes as well as offices 
for staff. Ruth worked in the garden every day until she was 97 years 
old.
  Ruth was an inspiration and a friend. She was a stalwart in the 
Contra Costa community and we shared a passion for conservation and the 
environment. She passed away on November 26, 2017 at the age of 109. 
She is survived by her children Peter Bancroft, Nina Dickerson and 
Kathy Hidalgo and four grandchildren. Her friend, family, and our 
community will miss her dearly.

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