Sallie Ruth Ekern

Sallie Ruth Ekern of Mexico, Mo., passed away at 11:50 a.m. on Saturday, November 13, 2010, in Mexico, Mo. She was 83.

Sallie Ruth was born on February 21, 1927, in Brookfield, Mo., to Sallie Mays McCoy and Paul Chester Ekern. The Ekerns moved to Mexico in 1928 when her father was named District Manager of Missouri Power and Light.

Sallie Ruth graduated from Mexico High School in 1945 and was the class valedictorian. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minn., in 1949. She earned a Masters in Physical Education from the University of Iowa in 1952 and a Doctorate in Physical Education from the University of Wisconsin in 1969.

Her career in education spanned the globe. She served as program director at the Moline, Ill., YMCA, and taught elementary school in Madison, Wis., and at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa.

In September of 1965 she moved to Tehran, Iran, to teach at the Community School on a three year contract. After completing her doctoral work in the U.S., she returned to Iran in August of 1969 to teach and then serve as Dean of Students and Chair of the Physical Education Department at Iranzamin School. Sallie Ruth left Iran in 1980 after the deposition of the Shah and amidst the hostage crisis. She had plans to return, but was unable to because of the revolution. She taught at Mexico High School for one year and then moved to Moshi, Tanzania, to teach at the International School Moshi from 1981-1986. She retired to Danville, Calif., where she was involved with the Untouchables of India. Sallie Ruth returned to her hometown in 2000.

Sallie Ruth was active in the First Presbyterian Church as a Deacon, Elder and Stephen Minister. She served as Regent of the Daughters of the American Revolution and was a member of the Daughters of the American Colonists. The American Youth Foundation s Camp Miniwanca was an integral part of her life. She first attended as a camper in 1943 and returned annually as a camper and leader for nearly forty years.

She is survived by siblings Carolyn Ekern Peoples of Springfield, Mo., and Pete (Nancy) Ekern of Mexico, Mo.; sisters-in-law Nancy (Paul) Ekern of Honolulu, Hi., Corinne (Bill) Ekern of Fairfield, Calif., Frances (Carol) Ekern of East Lansing, Mich., Anita (George) Ekern of Darien, Conn., and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Paul, Bert (Frances Henri), Bill, Carol and George Ekern.

A memorial service is planned for 1:30 p.m. on Friday, November 19, 2010, at the First Presbyterian Church with a reception to follow. A private family burial will be held prior to the service. Pickering Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Those wishing to remember Sallie Ruth may consider The Robert Collins Scholarship at the First Presbyterian Church, 400 Lakeview Road, Mexico, Mo. 65265, the American Youth Foundation Advancement Office 6357 Clayton Road, St. Louis, Mo., 63117 or the Mexico Family YMCA Endowment, 1127 Adams Street, Mexico, Mo. 65265.