Ruth taught primary grades. She and George, were US-2, two-year home missionaries, for the United Methodist Church, serving at the McCurdy Missions in New Mexico. Returning to California, Ruth raised children and taught. The last eleven years of her career she was a Teacher Leader, teaching teachers how to teach reading. In 2011, Ruth and George moved to Colfax and joined the Colfax UMC. "It was the best decision of our lives."

Ruth keeps the Sharing Table stocked with goodies, including individual meals parishioners can purchase to support Heifer International. She directs the Hand Chimes, and in her spare time Ruth enjoys digging in the dirt.

In 2016 Ruth trained as a Certified Lay Pastor (CLM) and has been assigned to the Gold Country Community Parish and the Colfax UMC.