Optimist
  • News
  • Sports
  • Opinion
    • Columns
    • Editorials
    • Letters to the Editor
  • Features
    • Book Review
  • Multimedia
    • Photo Galleries
    • Videos
  • Podcasts
    • Optimist Overtime
    • Top of the Key
  • Police Log
  • Print Edition
  • Projects
  • About
    • Advertise
    • Policies
    • Staff Contacts
    • Jobs
You are here: Home / News / Former ACU first lady Ruth Stevens dies at age 80

Former ACU first lady Ruth Stevens dies at age 80

February 20, 2006 by Mallory Sherwood Schlabach

By Mallory Sherwood, Managing Editor

Ruth Stevens, wife of past-president and chancellor emeritus, Dr. John Stevens, died Saturday afternoon in her home at the age of 80.

Ruth had been in Hospice care at her home at Christian Village.

The former first lady of the university spent most of her adult life dedicated to the school, said Dr. Royce Money, president of the university.

“It’s a sad day when a person like Ruth dies,” he said. “She gave her life to the university from the time she was a student until now, a period that spans six decades. She was utterly devoted to ACU – just a remarkable woman.”

Ruth continued her family tradition when she began attending Abilene Christian College in 1941. Both of her parents graduated from ACC, and her father served on the board of trustees for several years. In 1945 she graduated with a degree in business administration, and in 1956 she graduated with a master’s degree in education.

She taught business administration at the university in 1946-48 and worked part time after her marriage to John Stevens in 1948.

They married after a three-month courtship and were lifelong partners.

Glenda Knight, director of University Events, said Ruth was the perfect mate for him.

“He loved her a lot, and they had a special love story,” Knight said. “They were a close family.”

Money and his wife, Pam, agreed.

“She was devoted to the university, but she was devoted to John and her family first,” Royce Money said.

Pam Money said John often joked that he couldn’t teach without Ruth or else he would be “ruthless” – an attribution to her character.

Pam Money said Ruth spent a lot of time helping John grade papers, write papers, and that she even attended classes with him sometime.

“Many ACU students will remember her as much as they remember John,” she said.

The Stevens raised two children, John Clark Stevens of Colleyville and Joyce Stevens Cole of Abilene, who survive. They also have five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Pam Money said Ruth was a role model for her.

“She was herself all the way until the end,” Pam Money said. “She was always honest, always appropriate and loyal. She is the person that I aspire to grow up to be.”

When John became president in 1969, Ruth retired from teaching but didn’t stop giving to the university. She archived much of the university’s history in the library, including past editions of the Optimist.

Knight said she spent a lot of time with Ruth while the two helped John write his book, No Ordinary University.

“She spent so much time researching and organizing history for his book,” she said. “They knew so much history about the school. They wanted to tell a story, but they wanted to tell it accurately.

“I enjoyed the time I spent with her so much, she was so precious and giving and determined.”

The Moneys also enjoyed the time spent with the Stevens, as John was Royce Money’s mentor before he became an administrator on campus.

“Our relationship began in the ’60s, and he mentored me while he was still a vice president,” Royce Money said. “He and Ruth also were wonderful mentors to us in the early part of our marriage.”

Royce Money said John was doing “remarkably well,” although her death was obviously a blow.

“She will be missed by us all,” he said.

Elliot-Hamil Funeral Home is handling funeral arrangements. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at University Church of Christ. Money said John Stevens insisted her funeral and memorial not interfere with Lectureship, which runs through Wednesday.

He said Joe Baisden, Eddie Sharp, associate professor of Bible and himself, would preside over her funeral.

Filed Under: News

Other News:

  • Gallery: Spring commencement honors 2021-22 graduates

  • New IM Fields location confirmed

  • At $250 million, Higher Ground aims to make impacts across campus

About Mallory Sherwood Schlabach

You are here: Home / News / Former ACU first lady Ruth Stevens dies at age 80

Other News:

  • Gallery: Spring commencement honors 2021-22 graduates

  • New IM Fields location confirmed

  • At $250 million, Higher Ground aims to make impacts across campus

Follow us online

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Optimist on Twitter

acuoptimist The Optimist @acuoptimist ·
4 May

"Maybe we just don’t care enough. But if we do start caring, and if we become the loudest fans in the WAC, let’s stick to supportive cheering." Read more from Guest Columnist Londyn Gray:
https://acuoptimist.com/2022/04/not-so-friendly-competition/

Reply on Twitter 1521918832738144257 Retweet on Twitter 1521918832738144257 1 Like on Twitter 1521918832738144257 8 Twitter 1521918832738144257
acuoptimist The Optimist @acuoptimist ·
3 May

Royce Clough and Jael Morel have been named as Mr. and Miss ACU for the class of 2022, a traditional honor voted on by the student body and awarded to two members of each graduating class.

Reply on Twitter 1521607087553458178 Retweet on Twitter 1521607087553458178 Like on Twitter 1521607087553458178 18 Twitter 1521607087553458178

Optimist on Facebook

The Optimist

3 months ago

The Optimist
"Maybe we just don’t care enough. But if we do start caring, and if we become the loudest fans in the WAC, let’s stick to supportive cheering." Read more from Guest Columnist Londyn Gray: ... See MoreSee Less

Not-so-friendly competition - Optimist

acuoptimist.com

BY: LONDYN GRAY “Number 18, you look like you don’t shower!” I chuckled and shrugged it off. “Londyn!” They had looked up the roster. “Do you even brush your teeth?” I laughed again, rol...
View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

The Optimist

3 months ago

The Optimist
Cullen Auditorium is expected to be handed over to the university in June 2022, alongside a name change that coupled with the renovation will create new future for the Cornerstone class, Chapel and the Department of Theatre. ... See MoreSee Less

Cullen Auditorium still set for a name change alongside renovations - Optimist

acuoptimist.com

Cullen Auditorium is expected to be handed over to the university in June 2022, alongside a name change that coupled with the renovation will create new future for the Cornerstone class, Chapel and th...
View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Videos

Women’s tournament run ended by first-round exit against UTRGV

The Wildcats’ Western Athletic Conference tournament run and season came to a ... [Read More…]

  • Optimist Newscast Feb. 22. 2022
  • Optimist Newscast 2.16.2022
  • Optimist Newscast 2.9.2022

Latest Photos

  • Home
  • Weekly Ads
  • Classifieds

© 2022 ACU Optimist · All Rights Reserved