Ruth Atkins, our President Emeritus, and 2022 Woman of the Year, passed away in the early morning hours of Friday, December 2, 2022.
After moving to Lake Elsinore in the late 1980’s Ruth quickly became involved with building up the city. Active in the Lake Elsinore Historical Society, she fought to preserve our history and worked with Donna Morin and others to build the local history museum. She took on numerous projects such as advocating for the improvements to the city’s historic lamp posts along Lakeshore Avenue and overseeing the refurbishing of the historic fire truck which has led the city’s Winterfest parades. She served as treasurer for the Downtown Merchants Association and was named to the County’s Historic Commission.
Ruth was not one for a lot of fuss but she was a powerful force in our town. Her passion for Lake Elsinore and the surrounding region was well known and her commitment to the history of the area was unmatched. She was the keeper of all things Lake Elsinore in more ways than one. As a researcher, historian, political activist and mentor to many, she was a valuable resource. Her activities were endless and her impact on the people who knew her was significant. Well loved and well-respected by everyone, she remained a humble woman with a passion to serve. She leaves us with a greater awareness of our past on which to build our future.
We will miss you, Ruth.