Ruth Ann Kroth
COLUMBIA — Ruth Ann Kroth, an MU professor for 28 years, was a dedicated nurse and professor, someone who believed in serving other people.
"She was a woman ahead of her time,” said her daughter, Shirley Sullivan.
Ruth Ann Kroth, of Columbia, died Tuesday, June 23, 2009. She was 86.
“I’m ready to rejoice in her life,” Sullivan said.
Mrs. Kroth was born April 7, 1923, in Pittsburgh, Penn. to James and Elizabeth (Leith) Brooks. She graduated from Sterling College in 1949 with a bachelor's degree in Biology and a minor in Sociology.
“I admire her so much. She did things women in her generation didn’t usually do," Sullivan said. "She set the bar high for me. She set such a great example by her life.”
Mrs. Kroth met her husband, Earl Kroth, in 1956 while working in a three-year program with the Presbyterian Mission in Assiut, Egypt. He was an agriculturist at the same mission. The two returned to Assiut in 1978 with Project Hope, an international health organization.
During her initial stay in Assiut, she taught young Egyptian students nursing and health care. She “helped to alleviate suffering and promote the welfare of the Egyptian people,” said Dorothy Beckett, a fellow faculty member.
In 1957 Mrs. Kroth and her husband settled in Columbia, where he had accepted a position at MU. Mrs. Kroth obtained a bachelor's degree in nursing and a master's degree in education. In order to teach, she also enrolled in the School of Nursing master's degree program when it was first offered in 1976.
“Ruth lived her life with open arms and hands ready to aid in whatever way necessary,” said Karen Metcalf, a close friend. “Personally assisting students to achieve their goals, she reached out to give them a hand to success.”
Mrs. Kroth taught nursing at the School of Nursing from 1957 until her retirement in 1985. Nursing afforded her the lifetime commitment to “making her life count,” Sullivan said.
She won the 2008 Humanitarian Award for the Nursing Alumni Organization of the MU Sinclair School of Nursing. She served on numerous committees for the Nursing department throughout her career.
“Her compassionate nature was evident in the classroom, in patient wards and in individual student conferences where she served as a role model,” said Dorothy Beckett, a fellow faculty member.
Mrs. Kroth was also a devoted member of Columbia's First Presbyterian Church, where she served on many levels.
“Ruth was an inspiration and an example to so many people in the church and the community. She was strong, courageous and humble about the accomplishments in her life,” said Kathy Jackson, associate pastor at First Presbyterian Church.
Mrs. Kroth is survived by a daughter, Shirley Sullivan of Nevada; a son, Richard Kroth of Texas; a brother, Don Brooks of New Mexico; three grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.
Her husband and two brothers, Jim Brooks and George Brooks, died earlier.
A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, June 28 at First Presbyterian Church at 16 Hitt Street. The family will hold private services on Friday, June 25 at Memorial Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to MU Sinclair School of Nursing, S-219 School of Nursing – Office of Development, Columbia, MO 65211. Please include a name and address so the family can express their thanks, and write “In memory of Ruth Ann Kroth” on the subject line.
