Ruth Louise Lester

Ruth Louise Lester, 85, Greencastle, died Thursday, Jan. 1, 2015.

Ruth was born on July 31, 1929, in Myerstown, Pa., to Garland and Esther (Groh) Lester.

She was preceded in death by two sisters, Ann Lester and Hilda (William) Jeffries of Louisville.

Surviving are a niece, Ruth Ann (Jeffries) Marquess and husband, Rob, and their two sons, and two nephews, Rick Jeffries and wife Carol and three sons and Ronald L. Jeffries and wife Pat and two sons, all of Louisville.

Ruth Lester was a graduate of the University of Louisville and received an advanced degree from Temple University.

She was an educator with specific training in physical education and health. The early years of her career involved teaching in the Lebanon Valley (Pa.) School System and also working for the Girl Scouts of New York City.

In 1962 she began teaching at DePauw University from which she retired in 1992 at rank of professor. During this time she taught numerous academic and activity courses, was women's department chair, and coached DePauw's first women's tennis team.

She was recognized as an early pioneer in the evolution of today's athletic programs for women and served on the first board of the Indiana Women's Intercollegiate Sports Organization in the early 1970s.

Ruth was also instrumental in the development of emergency medical training at the university and taught emergency procedures to the early students of EMT and later served on the board of Putnam County Operation Life. She was also a volunteer with the local Habitat for Humanity.

Ruth loved the outdoors and enjoyed camping, hiking, fishing and traveling. She prided herself in having been to all 50 states.

She was also experienced as an early aviator during the war years. Always one for adventure she was also known to rappel off the side of buildings under the guidance of the university ROTC.

She was a lover of animals and thus any memorial donations should be sent to the Putnam County Humane Society c/o Putnam County Community Foundation, Greencastle, IN 46135.

Her funeral service will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6 at Joseph E. Ratterman and Son, 7366 Southside Dr., Louisville, Ky., with burial in Resthaven Memorial Park.

Visitation is set for 10 a.m. -- 1:30 p.m. at Ratterman's.