Ruth Sarah Rogers in the Robe of Achievement, 2006

Born in West Virginia Ruth Sarah Davis was a lifelong resident of Salem. She joined the Salem SDB Church as a young age in 1924. After graduating from Salem High School, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Music at Salem College. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Music degree in Voice and a Masters in Music Education. She was a voice instructor at Salem College until retiring in 1980. During that time she served as head of the Music Department as well as an advisor to the Music Educators National Conference.  She married her college sweetheart and together they raised five children.

In service to her church Ruth sang in and directed church choirs and served on the Music Committee. She was a member of the Women’s Society and was the treasurer for many years. She also served as the church clerk for 13 years. For 50 she offered her home for refreshments and fellowship following the annual church Christmas caroling.

She drove or provided cars for many who needed transportation, and opened her home to SCSC workers, Conference attendees, denominational representatives, and other church guests. She was active in assisting with church lunches and bereavement dinners, helping with fundraising activities, and participated in many a church work bee at the time of this award. She even found time during her summer vacation to teach at Vacation Bible School, cook for camp, and attend Association meetings.

Ruth was honored but the Salem community as ‘Woman of the Year’ by the Salem BPW. She served on the Randolph Terrace Department Board of Directors and delivered Meals on Wheels. She was also named Professor Emeritus bu the Salem International University and was honored with the Salem Alumni Distinguished Achievement Award.

She was also an active member of the Friends of the Fort, a group dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of the founders of the Salem area, serving as its corresponding secretary for many years. She researched and wrote many articles relating to the Fort and its history, along with the settlement of the area.

At the denominational level Ruth served Seventh Day Baptists on the Christian Social Action Committee and on the Women’s Board. For many years, Salem College, with its SDB heritage attracted students from across the denomination. On many Sabbaths, she and her family provided a meal and a home-away-from-home for these students.

She was also a supported of denominational programs and it follows that the Memorial Board, foreign missions, and camps have been an important part of her life. She even established a memorial fund in her husband’s name to promote the Christian camping experience.

Ruth represented her church at many Conferences, served on Conference committees, was a Conference choir director, and worked on several Conference Host Committees to ensure a comfortable atmosphere in which to conduct denominational business.

She gave much of her life so others could have a better life. As a wife, she worked a couple more years so her husband could travel as Conference President, and as he served as Memorial Board President. As a mother she gave her patience, and energy to see that family needs were always met. As a teacher, she shared her education and knowledge to teach others. She sacrificed her own desired and ambitions so that others could achieve theirs. As a Christian, she followed Christ’s example and gave to others.