Ruth Golden Ingham April 5, 1931 - December 1, 2016

Ruth Golden Ingham was born in Lakewood, Ohio on April 5, 1931 and died on December 1, 2016.

She is survived by her three children: Linda Rummel (Len), Lee Ingham (Jacqueline) and Claudia Ingham (Conan Schleicher); five grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.

She was encouraged to pursue art by her parents, Gladys and Harold Golden, and also loved the summers she spent on the family farm in Butler, Kentucky. Ruth attended Carnegie Tech University, where she met her adoring husband, Leonard M. Ingham. They enjoyed 31 years of married life, and together built their dream home at Black Butte Ranch.

Ruth's professional life included fashion design, modeling, painting, art-to-wear and quilting. She was inspired by many people and cultures and inspired her students of all ages. Her 15 years in Saudi Arabia influenced her art and teaching and were the catalyst for travels to all the world's continents. After moving to Black Butte Ranch permanently in 1982, Ruth enjoyed the friendship of her sister and brother-in-law, Susan and Dr. Harry Sprang, who were her next-door neighbors.

She also taught classes for Central Oregon Community College, the Stitchin' Post and arts groups throughout Oregon, the U.S. and in Saudi Arabia. She was elected to the Oregon Watercolor Society, was featured quilter and inspirational quilter at the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show. She created a stunning collection of art quilts which have been included in traveling exhibits and are highly sought-after. She was also a quilt restorer and appraiser, which enabled her to connect many people to their own heritage as she evaluated family heirlooms.

Ruth was an active member of the Black Butte Ranch community, serving on the Architectural Review Committee, the Art Guild, BBR Quilters, and held those in Peggy's Pin Pals dear to her heart. Her ceaseless love of learning has inspired many and, to honor what she cherished, her family suggests that memorial gifts be made to support the Sisters High School art scholarship fund. Details will be available after the first of the New Year. Please contact Linda, Lee or Claudia at [email protected] for details.

A celebration of life will be held at Black Butte Ranch on April 5, 2017.