Ruth Marie Crawford, nee Fellinger, died Dec. 16, 2000 at her home in La Jolla, CA at the age of 89. Mrs. Crawford was born and raised in Chicago. Grew up in the Hyde Park neighborhood and lived there until she and her husband moved to La Jolla, CA in 1988. She graduated from Hyde Park High School and went on to University of Chicago and received her Bachelor’s Degree in 1933. She met her husband at the University of Chicago in 1929 and they were married at the University’s Bond Chapel in 1935. Ruth Crawford maintained contact with her alma mater and friends of her college days. Several years ago she established a scholarship fund at the University. Ruth Marie Fellinger married William Fowle Crawford, CEO and owner of the Crawford family business, Edward Valves, Inc. of East Chicago, IN and President of Republic Flow Meters Company of Chicago. When her husband became a director and executive with what became Rockwell International Corporation she traveled extensively with him on round-the-world business and vacation trips. She logged over 3,000 hours as his co-pilot in their various private aircraft. Mrs. Crawford enjoyed caring for her family, reading, needlepointing, attending jazz concerts, camping and horseback riding at a dude ranch in Patagonia, AZ in which the family had an interest. She was a longtime member of the Bryn Mawr Community Church in the South Shore community of Chicago and later the Congregational Church of La Jolla. For many years was a member of The Art Institute of Chicago, John G. Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum of Natural History, Woman’s Athletic Club of Chicago and the South Shore Country Club until it closed. Mrs. Crawford had a loving heart for underprivileged children and for many years was active with the Chicago Child Care Society (serving various terms on the board). Was also very interested and contributed regularly to Infant Welfare League of America, Home for Destitute Crippled Children, Children’s Hospital Medical Center and Osfam America. A close family friend described Mrs. Crawford as one of the most charming and lively conversationalists she ever met. Mr. Crawford credits the raising of their four children to Mrs. Crawford, as he was away on business much of the time the children were growing up. Mrs. Crawford and her husband lived in their residences in Chicago, IL, La Jolla, CA and Sun Valley, ID at various times during each year. Mrs. Crawford is survived by her loving family: her husband, William F. Crawford; three daughters, Judith C. Smith of La Jolla, CA, Constance C. Dry of Philadelphia, PA and Barbara C. Boger of Concord, MA; one son, William E. Crawford of Boston, MA; 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held in Chicago on Jan. 13 at the University of Chicago Bond Chapel.
