A Life of Giving: Ruth Hill

Written by Mark Tucker

Those among us who will be truly happy are the ones who have sought and found how to serve.    –Albert Schweitzer

I can’t think of a better statement that reflects the life of Ruth Hill, who passed away on October 10, 2011. Ruth was 94 years young. She volunteered at the Community Kitchen for at least 15 years, and was there for 4-5 hours every day.

When Ruth was in her early eighties, she was selected as the Volunteer of the Year for the City of Holland. During her award ceremony, I was stunned to discover that she was simultaneously volunteering at 35 different places! I couldn’t believe it. After the ceremony, I asked Ruth how she possibly had the time for such involvment. She replied, smiling, “Oh, that’s an exaggeration – I’m sure it’s not more than 25 places”. Ruth was always willing to help – and the more she helped, the more she lived.  

“Good for her”, I thought, when Ruth decided to take a vacation. When she returned I told her I was surprised that she took some time off. “It was one of the best vacations I ever had”, she replied. “I went and volunteered at a soup kitchen in Chicago... the people were so nice and I just loved the children”. She went on to say, “I just hope they’ll all be safe and live good lives”. I later learned that she had been volunteering in one of the rougher neighborhoods on the south side of Chicago.  

Ruthie, as she was called by friends, was described as dedicated, a saint, loving, big hearted, lots of smiles, friendly, caring, a joy to talk with, sweet, and a servant of God. As pastor Jean stated at her celebration of life, “Heaven has been blessed with the passing of such a dear woman, and earth is just a little sadder for her absence from it.” Two years ago Community Action House decided to name their volunteer award after Ruth (and Roseann Burns, another amazing individual); I believe we got that one right.

Goodbye, Ruth. You will be greatly missed.