We lost touch.  However, I do remember your birthday. We talked about the day in 1963.  So many other things.  It may be a bit crazy, but Happy Birthday.  I am passing on what you taught me about reading and students and more.

"Cry the Beloved Country" were among some of the books that you suggested I read.  Everyone of those gave me trmendous joy.  You were a great friend, an unequaled teacher and a wonderful writer. 
Dear Ruthie,  "Go Well, Stay Well."

Gloria, I have a message on Facebook asking anyone to give me your address.  I lost your letter so I couldn't respond.
Charlene wrobel mkslthegreats@yahoo.com

Just wanted you to know that I made it! Editor of my own newspaper these last 11 years; working my butt off in the process. I never produce an edition without your face in my mind. Thank you.
Gloria Mandera Longo  Ridgecrest, CA

Simply the best!  A gentle woman who has inspired me my whole life.  Thank you, Miss Franco, for being the greatest teacher ever.

Miss Franco... a teacher like no other. She was an inspiration to so many of us. Not only was she a great teacher, but a wonderful friend. I was blessed to have her in my life, not only at Grant, but in the years that followed. Her smile and quiet laugh will always be in my mind, and she will always be in my heart.

Daughter Of The Land Of Lincoln & Rhetorically Stylistic Melodious "Big Noise" From Winnetka… Alumna of Northwestern Univ.: MA-English/Journalism, Monmouth College: BA-English (Kappa Delta Sorority) & New Trier High School: Diplomate… English & Journalism Teacher Extraordinaire, Academic Mentor & Student Advisor From The Old School Of Teaching… Much Loved By All Who Had The Good Fortune To Have Been On The Receiving End Of One Of Her Smiles. 

The Sweet & Gentle Soul Of Miss Ruth Franco Is The Newest Of Heaven's Angels. Our Loss Is Heaven's Gain. – Joseph and Dolores Poliakon

Ah, Ms. Franco - a dear, sweet lady who touched the lives of her students in no ordinary way.  She inspired and encouraged us.  She appreciated our efforts to move forward and valued our individuality.   She was a great mentor in my life.    Lennie Churchwell   - College Station, TX

Ruth Franco inspired me to become more than I ever could have been because she beleived in and fostered her students potential.  She had a huge impact on my becoming an English Teacher!

Miss Franco taught me to look beneath the obvious and superficial.  She was a loving presence during a painful adolescence, a wise and gentle guide, full of the light she taught me to look for in others.

Miss Franco taught me to look deep inside myself to reach places I didn't even know existed.  She was the best thing that happened to me not only at Grant, but in my life.  A friend, a mentor, and so much more. . . . .

Ruth Franco was everything a good teacher can be.  She inspired you to think beyond your familiar boundaries, accepted you for who you were and was always there to help and guide you to do "your" best.  She was loved by many of us as a teacher and friend and will always be remembered for her loving warmth which she gave us in her smile.

I have more to say than there are words.  Yes, a great teacher, a mind opener, but more than that Ruth Franco was a great person, always true to herself and fair to everyone. She was the best example of a person that I ever knew or will know.                         Toby Gurewitz Fisher (Libertyville, IL) 







i

I was, and am, a major RUTH FRANCOphile!  She was a huge force in setting me on the path that's meant so much:  Reading, language, words...  Thanks Ms Franco.  You live in the hearts, & brains of your students.

Your passion for instilling the love of reading lives on in all of us who were so fortunate to have you as an educator, a mentor and a friend. You touched many lives and I am honored that you passed through my life.
"No one really dies....they just change worlds"

We called her teacher, but she was also mentor, example and friend.  The best teachers share their lives, and she was the best Grant had to offer.  I remember warm summer nights in the Loper's trailer where we gathered for the privilege of reading with her.  I can still see her smile and hear her laugh.  She prepared me for a career in journalism and taught me so much more.

OBITUARY

Ruth Franco

November 22, 1923 – January 22, 2013

Wm. H. Scott Funeral Home

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