Ruth W. Tarbox, 89, a longtime advocate of literature and reading who had a passion for travel, died Friday, Feb. 9, in Wagner Health Care Center in Evanston. For nearly 30 years, Miss Tarbox worked in positions that allowed her to promote educational materials and delve into a world devoted to books. “She just had a love for literature and reading,” said her nephew John D. Tarbox. “She was always encouraging us to read.” A native of Mellen, Wis., Miss Tarbox graduated in 1932 with a degree in Latin from Northland College in Ashland, Wis. She then worked as a high school teacher for several years in her home state before she decided to pursue her education further. In 1941, Miss Tarbox received a library science degree from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Soon after, she moved to the Chicago area, where she worked as a school librarian until the mid-1940s. For nearly two decades after that, Miss Tarbox worked in school and library services at Field Enterprises Educational Corp., her family said. She traveled extensively to promote the World Book Encyclopedia, which was published by the company. Miss Tarbox then served as executive secretary of the American Library Association in Chicago until the early 1970s, her family said. Miss Tarbox also was active with UNICEF and her church, her family said. After she retired, she continued to travel and even took a trip to China. “She had never been there and she wanted to see it,” her nephew said. “Most people at that age wouldn’t venture off, but she did.” Miss Tarbox is also survived by a brother, John M. Tarbox; a sister, Jane Strandberg; and another nephew. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday in Donnellan Family Funeral Home, 1571 Maple Ave., Evanston.
