University Mourns the Passing of Prof. & Coach Ruth Lester

January 5, 2015

Ruth Louise Lester, professor emeritus of health, physical education and recreation at DePauw University and the Tigers' first women's tennis coach, died Thursday, January 1. She was 85 years old.

Born July 31, 1929, in Myerstown, Pennsylvania, Lester received her bachelor's degree from the University of Louisville, a master's from Temple University, and a doctorate from Indiana University. She began her teaching career in the Lebanon Valley (Pa.) school system and also worked for the Girl Scouts of New York City.

Lester joined the DePauw faculty in 1962 and coached the women's tennis team, which began competition in 1972. During that period she also served on the inaugural board of the Indiana Women's Intercollegiate Sports Organization. At the time of her retirement, she was chair of the department. (photo at left: Prof. Lester in 1964)

Lester also served as head coach of DePauw's women's basketball team when the program, which had stopped competing in 1964, was revived in 1975.

She was also instrumental in the creation of Putnam County Operation Life, through which DePauw students received emergency medical training, and served on the organization's board.

In the spring of 1992 Lester told The DePauw that she would miss "the unique students the most" as she neared retirement. (at right: Coach Lester with her 1973-74 women's tennis team)

Her funeral service will be conducted tomorrow, Tuesday, January 6, at 1:30 p.m. at Joseph E. Ratterman and Son, 7366 Southside Dr., Louisville, Kentucky, with burial in Resthaven Memorial Park. Visitation will take place before the service, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

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