“I am a puzzle piece – and the puzzle isn’t done.”
That statement from Ruth Pruitt, resident at Good Samaritan – Fairlawn Village in Gresham, Oregon reflects her motivation to live life fully in service to God.
Ruth sees lots of opportunity to do that at Fairlawn Village. She enjoys working on puzzles, but even more than that, she cherishes the conversations with others who stop by the puzzle table to talk. Ruth explained that people often sit down and share what is on their heart. In turn, Ruth shares her experience with the Lord.
Life hasn’t always been easy. About five years ago, Ruth learned that she had cancer and that it would be necessary to amputate one of her legs. That’s how she came to be at Fairlawn Village. She needed a place that could help her after the amputation.
Ruth did receive the help she needed, and she pushed herself hard to make the most of her rehabilitation. While in the hospital she was given a prosthetic leg. If you ask her, Ruth will laugh and tell you, “I have two artificial legs and the one I like best is the one I bought on e-bay!”
All her life, Ruth has had a strong work ethic and a love of learning. And as a child her father taught her to work on cars, riding lawn mowers and more. She used those skills in her career in real estate and as a property manager and now she repairs motorized wheelchairs and scooters and either gives them to residents or sells them. Ruth is also frequently on the computer learning about companies seeking a cure for cancer. Ruth’s grandparents, parents and all of her siblings have had cancer, so she invests in companies seeking a cure for the disease.
Perhaps her greatest sense of purpose comes from making the lives of others better, through sharing her love of God and quietly helping others. From shuttling residents to doctor’s appointments, to setting up a computer lab to contributing funds for a Fairlawn Village bus, to buying meal tickets for other residents, Ruth finds ways big and small to make a difference for those around her.
Ruth’s friend, Fairlawn Village senior living manager and resource development director Pauline Shafer said “Ruth is a strong, sensitive woman and she has an amazing approach to life. When she sees a need, she tries to meet it. And it is all because of her passion for the Lord.”
Ruth’s puzzle isn’t done because her piece is busy living a life of service.
Like Ruth, you can help meet resident needs at Fairlawn Village.