Ruth was a very dedicated leader for her local Anderson Women’s Bowling Association, Anderson Y.B.A. and the South Carolina Women’s Bowling Association for many years. Beginning in 1959 when the Anderson WBA was chartered. Ruth served as Anderson WBA President for 12 years, 1st Vice President, 6 years, 2nd Vice President, 2 years and Director for 4 years. Ruth was also honored by her fellow AWBA members being elected Life Member of the Anderson WBA. She always worked hard to insure high participation in both the AWBA and South Carolina WBA Championship Tournaments. Ruth was always ready and willing to serve on any and all committees requested of her on the local and state levels.
Ruth’s highest career average was 183. High scratch series was 672 and high scratch game was 277. She was named to the Anderson WBA All City Team in 1993. Ruth participated in numerous local and state championship tournaments, also many local and state senior tournaments.
Daughter, Sandra Lowe, remembers her mother to be an involved person all during her life. Sandra relates how she was active in PTA, Boy and Girl Scouts and the organizer of the “Good Neighborhood Club.”” Sandra says, “There were times when Mama and sister Reba would clog till they were exhausted on her newly waxed hardwood floors.”” Sandra states, “Mama always tried to take care of the needy people that came her way. Our home was always open and frequently visited by friends, just dropping by to chat. All friends that visited at our home were treated like family. Saying that my Mama was a loving mother, dedicated wife, proud Nana, and very compassionate friend can only barely touch the surface of her life. To those of you who knew her, loved her, and prayed for her, I thank you.”
Sister, Reba Head, states “All the beautiful qualities, attributes and characteristics of a sister and friend were represented in Ruth. She was my sister and friend, God surely blessed me when he put us in the same family.”
Brother, Bolt Martin, rembers Ruth as wanting a big family. She only had on sister, two brothers, and two children. Bolt states “Ruth really acquired her big family when she and her husband, Howard, took up the game of bowling. This is what scores of bowling friends turned into in a real way. She referred to them with affection and really came alive when one of them called and visited or when she addressed the pins on the bowling lane. Ruth loved bowling and those she bowled with. Her bowling friends became a part of her family, as she became a part of theirs. For that I personally and sincerely thank all of them.”
Ruth Whitfield is a great addition to the SCWBA Hall of Fame, Pioneer Category, posthumous. We, of the SCWBA, who loved her, know she is so well deserving of this honor.
Inducted posthumously.
