Obituary of Ruth Ann White

Ruth Ann White, 60, passed away at her Ithaca, NY home on August 3, 2018 after a complicated battle with cancer that lasted over nine years. She was born January 6, 1958 in San Antonio, Texas, and lived in Virginia and New Mexico before moving to Bellaire, Texas. In 1990, she was the first to graduate in the field of Genetics from Texas A&M University. 

While employed doing biological research in Texas, Ruth joined the Brazos Bluebonnet Quilt Guild in Bryan/College Station. In 2000 she followed her work to Ithaca, NY to the USDA at Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research on the Cornell University campus. She loved her job and colleagues in research, and continued to pursue her love of quilting. This led to active memberships in the Tompkins County Quilters Guild, The Quilt Divas, Modern Quilt Guild, Studio Art Quilters Associates, and Finger Lakes Fiber Artists. These groups provided a wonderful support system that she valued greatly. Along with her quilting sisters, the "Lotsa Helping Hands" friends gave Ruth extraordinary time, energy and loving encouragement. During the most difficult and painful times Ruth showed unending optimism and always had a smile for everyone. She continued to be a mentor and willing volunteer until the end of her life.

Ruth was known for bringing together her two passions, science and art, into beautifully executed art quilts. With topics including cell development, cancer, astronomy, and archeology, she entered national and international quilt exhibits where she won awards for her exceptional design and creativity.

Ruth was predeceased by her parents, Charles Marion White and Mary Louise (Carroll) White, and is survived by her brother, William Charles (Cindy) White and niece, Zoe Bella White, of Sugar Land, Texas.

A Celebration of Ruth's Life will be held on Monday, August 20, 2018 at 5:30 pm at the Stewart Park large pavilion in Ithaca. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Ruth to the Cancer Resource Center in Ithaca or Schweinfurth Art Center, Auburn, NY.