This week, we learned of the passing of one the pillars of the Troutman community- Ruth Starks. I first met Ruth when I was 16 and working as the grocery delivery boy for Neil’s Grocery in Troutman. Each week I’d bring the groceries she ordered in an old black Rambler station wagon. I learned a lot about people while doing that job, and always had good memories of Ruth. Imagine my surprise when I started working with the Citizens for a Troutman Library. For several years we’ve met each month to plan for how to make that dream a reality. Ruth was an early supporter of the Troutman Library, and came to most of these meetings, providing support with her enthusiasm and regular attendance. I saw her last at our most recent meeting a week and a half ago. At the end of the meeting, we had the opportunity to go over to the new J. Hoyt Hayes Memorial Troutman Library and get our first look inside. Ruth was there and clearly shared our excitement about getting to this point in the campaign to create a library for Troutman area residents, and a very nice one at that. I’m so thankful that Ruth got to watch the building go up and near completion.
If you want a lesson in how to contribute your talents to your church and community, take a look at Ruth Starks’ obituary HERE.
I was so happy to look at pix you took of the library tour after the meeting and to see that Ruth Starks had been there to see it. I hope to tour the inside myself in the near future.
I only met her after I started working with the Citizens for the Troutman Library in 2004. She was a lovely lady.