At 39 years old, Ruth Wester found herself a widow raising three teenage children. Her husband, Greg Wisdom, was just 35 when he was diagnosed with cancer. Greg worked as both a firefighter and a paramedic and faced nearly ten years of treatment—chemotherapy, radiation, and multiple surgeries. In the end, his body could no longer keep up the fight. After 20 years and 17 days of marriage, Greg passed away, leaving behind a loving family.

Eight years later, Ruth married Mel Saunders, who had been a close friend of Greg’s and had also lost his spouse five years earlier. Their friendship and shared life experiences brought them together. They blended their two families—each with three adult children—into one. Thankfully, the children were already friends, and the transition was a smooth one. But after 23 years of marriage to Mel, Ruth was widowed once again when he passed away.

Over the years, Ruth has worked in a variety of roles. She was the editor of a newspaper for an all-male fraternal organization for 17 years, published a small children’s magazine, and worked as a dental assistant and medical receptionist.

Today, Ruth is retired and lives in Florida with her small dog, Sophie. She enjoys spending time at the beach with her daughter and stays active in her community. Ruth coordinates a widows’ support group that meets monthly for lunch and conversation. She also runs a card ministry, sending handmade greeting cards to widows who could use a little encouragement.

Ruth’s life has included great loss, but she continues to find purpose in connection and care for others.

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