Ruth Connor turns 105 this month. She lived in her own home until she was 100 and has since lived with her daughter.
By Ashley Wiehe
Director of Communications
As she sat in the chair of the home of her daughter and son-in-law in Akron, Ohio, the memories began to flow—her husband serving in World War II, sitting in the church pew as a child with her sister, and trying (unsuccessfully) to learn how to drive a car.
There were decades of memories that were coming to the surface just like they had happened yesterday.
At 104, Ruth Connor’s health is good. She spends her days at home, and she has been blessed with a long and healthy life.
“I’m very blessed,” she said. “I realize that I’ve got a wonderful, wonderful family and reasonably good health.”
The blessings in Connor’s life continue this month as she celebrates her 105th birthday on Sept. 20—a feat that not many around the world can share.
“I really don’t very often think about how old I am,” she said. “I don’t dwell on it because there’s nothing you can do if you’re fortunate to be able (to make it to this age). You are just thankful for it every day.”
Connor grew up in a small town in Wisconsin where her father was a pastor. He actually came from a long line of pastors who started in Germany and then immigrated to the United States.
Her father taught at two parishes. He would use a horse and buggy to travel between the two, which became more complicated in the winter months. Her mother played the pump organ, and Connor was responsible for watching her younger sister, Joyce, during the service.
“We sat together close to the pulpit,” Connor explained, adding that her father gave the sermon in traditional German. “She was a firecracker—up and down in the pews. And then I thought, ‘I can’t handle this anymore,’ but I didn’t have to because all of the sudden Daddy is teaching German. He stops. He says in English to me, ‘Ruthie, take Joyce out.’”
Connor laughed as she continued her story because her sister got what she wanted—not to have to sit still in church.
“She was delighted,” she said.
She smiled as she thought of her sister. She has since passed, but the memories were fresh in her mind.
She continued to share about friends and her husband, Roger—a true love story, according to her daughter, Alison.
They had grown up together from grade school on. Like many, when the War started, they wanted their love to last forever. Her soon-to-be husband was serving in the Navy so she went out to California where he was stationed, and they were married.
She taught high school English in her early years (before children), and both she and her husband were active in their church. Their love for God was evident throughout their lives.
“We both taught Sunday school. I taught confirmation classes. This is part of our lives. This is where we were, children and all,” she said, sharing her “Genuine Antique Lutheran: Been There, Done That, Still Prayin’” sweatshirt.
Over the years, she was blessed to have four children with her husband during their 50 years of marriage. Those children have now given her six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Her family still fondly remembers all of the baked goods that she would make them. The smells of chocolate chip cookies and sweet rolls filled the home as they shared the memories of receiving these treats before church and on special occasions.
“All our friends remember her chocolate chips cookies now,” Alison said.
Connor’s life is simpler now. She enjoys the company with her family and watching Worship Anew on her television each Sunday. For now, she is enjoying her time — knowing that this may not last much longer. But, she holds close the message from one of her dad’s favorite songs, “Till We Meet Again.”