Ruth Estelle Crist was born in Salem on this date in 1887. She was the daughter of Harvey S. and Christina Jones Crist, and she was descended from some of the early Moravian settlers in the Winston-Salem area.
Ruth was a graduate of Salem College, and she married Thomas W. Blackwell in 1911. Thomas Blackwell worked for R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company as head of the Leaf Department, and he was a member of the Board of Directors. He also served as an Alderman and Mayor Pro Tem for the city.
Ruth was active in many organizations, holding leadership positions in the YWCA, the Spade and Trowel Garden Club, and the Philocalian Book Club. She was a member of First Baptist Church, taught Sunday School, and was active in the missions society.
She and her husband had two sons. Ruth passed away in 1977.
Photo courtesy of Forsyth County Public Library Photograph Collection.
