Ruth Kellogg's Last Diary, 1990

It's hard to find pictures of Ruth late in her life.  This one was in 1979 when she was only 73.  She is surrounded by husband John (80), Lynn, Cindy, Kate and, behind the girls, their father, Dan Pellettiere.

I found a diary covered in a pattern of blue, peach and white.  This was Ruth's final journal and in it was a card that said, "Dear Ruth - Happy Birthday - Love, Amparo."

Ruth had  turned 84 on her birthday, July 5.  However, her slow-moving Alzheimer's had reached a point where she wouldn't have known the date or the year, so maybe Amparo had given it to her later...Ruth's first entry was on Sept. 8.  She said that was "the date of receiving."  There were only
perhaps a dozen entries scattered through the next 2 or 3 months.

Ruth also mentions that Amparo Lancaster, daughter-in-law Nellie's mother, "here to keep me company from time to time."  She didn't realize that Amparo was functioning as her caregiver and was with her about half of every week.  Amparo drove Ruth to the store, hairdresser, restaurants, and on any other appointments or errands.  Amparo was 7 years younger and doing well for her age.  In fact, she is still alive at 103.

November 4, 1990  -  "Early A.M. Diane phoned & we had about 10 or 12 minutes.  She's a busy gal!  I was glad to hear from her & she is a busy girl!  It's a shame we are so far from each other, but they are a busy family so I was surprised to hear her voice on phone & glad!

Outside there are 2 ends of a rainbow.  The rain must be far out - no see at all!  It is 6:30.  

A big crowd watching golfers (on TV).  It is raining here!  6:40 PM"

Ruth had never played golf, but enjoyed watching it because of the pretty scenery and activity.  At that point Ruth was still at Horizon House in Clearwater, FL where she and John had bought a large condo over 20 years earlier.  She was soon to go to a retirement home and then on to a facility for dementia patients where she spent the last few years of her life.

The picture and diary entries were not in Pieces of a Life.

Ruth and Baby #2

The picture shows Ruth, Diane (7 weeks) and Kenny (4 1/2) in 1936 in the backyard at Iowa St. where the Kelloggs lived upstairs above Ruth's parents, the Merediths, for a few years.

Ruth's diary entries are months earlier when she had just begun to tell people about her pregnancy.

Friday, October 11, 1935  -  "This was club meeting night at Jeanette's.   Had to take Kenny as he was too wide awake.  John went to show and came for us afterward, in time for eats.  

I told my news during course of evening.  Surprised them."

Sunday, Oct. 13, 1935 - "Wonderful weather.  Went to S.S. & was asked to take charge of nursery as a pair of twins were there.  I asked Martha to help me.  After S.S., as Herb Allen had to work, John asked Martha to ride with us to Lake Geneva.  

Before dinner we drove down to Jefferson Park hospital to look around.  I didn't like it, but he did.  Had malted milk, etc. in Lake Geneva & back home at 8.  Some ride - 4 of us in front seat."

 I think that Ruth and John went to Jefferson Park Hospital right after church.  Then they ate dinner in the early afternoon and later drove up to Lake Geneva WI to take advantage of a beautiful autumn day.