Friends, family recall former King Coal Association president
Friends and family members are remembering Sara Ruth of Carmichaels, former president of the King Coal Association, as someone who loved Greene County and the people who live there. Ruth passed away Tuesday at the age of 82. Visitation will be held today from 10-11 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Carmichaels. Internment will follow in Greene County Memorial Park in Waynesburg.
“She was an integral part of my political and governmental career and my association with the King Coal Association since day one,” said state Rep. H. William DeWeese, D-Waynesburg. “Sarah had a work ethic that rivaled General Patton and a selflessness that approached the apostles. She was always doing things for other people. She was one of a kind.”
It was for those reasons that in 1980 Ruth received what she deemed to be her greatest honor, the Outstanding Women’s Service Award. She was presented with a citation at this time by DeWeese on behalf of state Sen. J. Barry Stout, D-Bentleyville.
“Every day of her life she was super charged in some civic manner that would enhance the community of Carmichaels and King Coal country in general,” DeWeese said. “Whether it was for the chamber of commerce or any of her other civic organizations that she was involved with, she had no peer that did a more outstanding job. I am sure that everybody that knew her will nod and smile in affirmation and remembrance.”
Friends noted that Ruth led a fascinating life holding down jobs that spoke to her tenacity and kutzpah. It was that motivated, inspired and never-quit spirit that placed her in the types of jobs over the years that were typically held by men. It was that respect that she garnered from those who got to know her that would serve her well in the coal industry where she worked for many years and became one of its staunches advocates.
Ruth was president of the King Coal Association for 27 years and the Carmichaels Chamber of Commerce for several years.
She also did volunteer work with the Carmichaels Lions Club, Greene County Fireman’s Association, Greene Academy of Art, Allegheny Trails Boy Scouts of America, and countless other groups.
She leaves a large void, according to Linda Rush of the King Coal Association.
“She was a rare, one of a kind woman who did things and managed to get them done the way she wanted. She liked to be challenged and Bryce (my husband) loved to egg her on,” Rush said. “He used to tease and say that it was to keep her heart pumping. They liked to get the best of each other.
“We loved her very much and she was always kind to us. It just leaves a gaping hole. She was very important to this area and respected and loved by people all over the country. No one can take her place.”