Ruth Pruyn Field (1908-1994)

Ruth Pruyn Field, philanthropist, United Nations advocate and children's activist, was born in New York City where she attended the Brearley School. In 1936, she married department store magnate and newspaper publisher Marshall Field III, who would become one of ER's closest political allies and whose foundation's support ER often sought for civil rights, United Nations, and refugee projects. An activist and philanthropist in her own right, Ruth Field used the Field Family Foundation to support organizations committed to child welfare and racial justice. She worked closely with ER as chair of the Citizens Committee for Children of New York City and as a director of the United Nations Association U.S.A. She also served as a honorary trustee of Sarah Lawrence College. Ruth Field, who also had homes in Connecticut and Maine, died at her home in Beaufort, South Carolina, January 28, 1994.

Source: Kenan Heise, "Ruth Field, Benefactor and Civic Leader," The Chicago Tribune, 28 January 1994.