Ruth Sherman walks the walk.
Literally.
Every day for 50 years — in all kinds of weather* — Ruth has walked from Hillspoint Road to the top of Compo Hill.
She recently returned from Spain, where she completed the 100-mile El Camino spiritual trek.
For the 79-year-old longtime Westporter, it was no big deal.
Ruth Sherman
Yet Ruth’s walks are only part of her daily routine. Since the 1960s, she’s taught exercise and fitness at the Westport Weston Family Y. Right now she’s with the Arthritis Foundation Family aquatic program.
When the Senior Center opened, she began teaching there too.
Many class members are younger — often much younger — than Ruth. But they struggle to keep pace.
When she’s not walking or leading classes, Ruth bikes. Of course, her rides are for good causes.
Since last century, she’s raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, in the Pan-Mass Challenge. She was not always alone: Sometimes she was joined by her husband Larry, 4 children, in-laws and friends. Her group was called Ruthie’s Riding Rascals.
You’ve probably seen Ruth Sherman around town. The next time you see her, say hello — and congratulate her for being this week’s Unsung Hero.
But you’ll have to be in pretty good shape to catch up.
*And in Westport, you know what that means.
(Hat tip: Richard Fogel)
I’m in awe of the active life you lead, Ruth!
We should all be aiming to be the best that we can be physically.. you are an inspiration to me to try harder! Thank you, Eleanor
A living legend, and true hero. Thank you, Ruthie, for being you, and doing all you do.
Ruthie is my hero!! Keep going Ruthie,we are all trying to catch up! XO
You go girl!!!!
Congratulations Ruthie! You are a true inspiration to all!
Yay, Ruthie. Namaste.
Yay, Ruthie. Namaste!
Can’t think of a more deserving unsung hero!
You go Ruthie girl!! You’re an inspiration
Really enjoy your classes
Ruthie is the best!
I miss our fun times in the pool at Longshore every summer. Those sessions were always a great time and looked forward to. Miss you too! Linda Amos
Big Congratulations Ruth! You are a true inspiration. l walked the Camino with you, l am very unfit you are truly inspirational to all of us. You are lovely kind, funny person this acknowledgment is well deserved. Keep smiling lovely lady. 😁
Toni Van Den Broek
Melbourne, Australia
How lucky we are to have Ruth in our lives. She is unconditional in the art of friendship and a real inspiration to us all. Yeah, Ruth! A world-class hero.
What a gift is Ruth Sherman! Have known her since Hillspoint days! Keep on keeping on, Ruth! You are the best!!
Pat Porio
She is a treasure!!!!! Have been hoping to bump into her!!!!
Any chance of finding out classes that Ruth is teaching now?