The Cheerful Volunteer with the best decorated cane

Longtime MMC Volunteer Ruth Wilson with her trademark, decorated cane.

For more than a quarter of a million minutes, Ruth Wilson has taken her time to personally greet and care for others. Since 1991, when she joined Murphy Medical Center's Volunteer Auxiliary, Ruth Wilson has gone out of her way to make sure visitors and patients have been warmly welcomed to our hospital. Wednesdays were her volunteer days. You could count on her early arrival. Seated at the desk by the front door, Ruth would smilingly greet employees and visitor alike by name and with a kind word.

Steadied by her brightly decorated cane, Ruth would cheerfully guide visitors down the hall towards medical departments and patient rooms. By the time visitors reached their destinations, Ruth knew something special about them. You could be guaranteed she would remember to ask about their family the next visit. Now that she's no longer driving, Ruth had to retire from the auxiliary this past month -bmuch to the dismay of staff and long-time visitors.

Foundation Board member and auxiliary volunteer Jean Coleman knows Wilson well. For more than 35 years they both have attended Murphy Presbyterian Church and been fond acquaintances. "Ruth has always been a faithful worker at our church," Coleman said. "She's a very positive person, outspoken in a nice way. You always know what she's thinking." "She's been a bright spot in our Murphy Medical Center lobby for years," said CEO Mike Stevenson. "She will be sorely missed by everyone."

Ruth grew up in Gainesville, Georgia, married a military man, Harvey Wilson, who had served in World War II. In 1942 they settled in Murphy, North Carolina, raising two daughters. Ruth i m m e d i a t e l y plunged into the community; her career as a school teacher spanned 26 years. Former students still remain in contact with her; appreciating her firmness and fairness while teaching them. Her excellence in education inspired colleagues and students alike.

" W h a t e v e r Ruth does, she does 100 percent," said Coleman. "She celebrates life everyday. Even when she had a short stay in the nursing home after breaking her hip, Ruth was telling visitors how to get around. She's the kind of person you certainly can remember after you meet her."

Rather than hide the cane she relies upon, Ruth chose to decorate it for holidays and seasons. You could bet on green ribbons and shamrocks for St. Patrick's Day and Christmas decorations and silk flowers during the holiday season.

While she misses coming to the hospital, Ruth continues her mission of cheer and guiding while attending church. She's not someone to ever stop being exactly who she is; a cheerful treasure with the brightly decorated cane.

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