Ruthe Jackson
File:Ruthe.png
Grand Prairie City Council Place 7
Assumed office
1993
Grand Prairie City Council Place 5
In office
1985–1991
Personal details
Born(1920-10-29)October 29, 1920
Fort Worth, Texas,
United States
Political partyIndependent
SpouseVernon A. Jackson
ChildrenXanna Jackson Young and Jorja Jackson Clemson
Parent(s)John Lyle Thompson and Florence Ector
OccupationAmbassador of Grand Prairie, Texas & Community Organizer

Personal

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Born 10-29-20 Ft. Worth, TX the oldest daughter of Florence Ector Thompson & John Lyle Thompson. Always living in the Metroplex (Oak Cliff, Irving, Grand Prairie), she settled in Grand Prairie in 1931. In 1944, while working at North American, Ruthe met and married Vernon Jackson. They have Daughters, Xanna Jackson Young (Brenham, TX), and Jorja Jackson Clemson (Grand Prairie, TX). They are the proud grandparents of 8 and great grandparents of 13.

Hobbies

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  • Grandchildren & Great Grandchildren
  • Parliamentary Law & Procedure
  • Historical research
  • Writing “terse verse” poetry
  • Genealogy research.

Television Shows

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  • Produce & Host two Cable TV community access shows and Specials: “It’s Happening in Grand Prairie” (talk show) 1980 -current as a community service.
  • “It Happened in Grand Prairie” (History interviews) 1985 - current;
  • Soroptimist project TV specials; Girls of the Month/Year” (since 1982),
  • Grand Prairie Rotary Club; “Boys of the Month/Year” (since Sept,’89
  • Specials; Field trip specials on History Day, Western Days, Parades,
  • “Women in History” documentaries.

Business Career

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  • Former co-owner of All-Quality Sign & Mfg.Co. - Became a Femme Sole to become business partner.
  • Former co-owner of Jackson Vending, Inc.(1947-l998) with husband Vernon, (sold business in Feb.1998)
  • Employee of Product Sales, Inc., - Marketing & PR Consultant;
  • Former member Board of Directors of 1st National Bank of DeSoto & 1st National Bank of Red Oak, Audit Committee Member (1982-93).

Elected Offices

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City of Grand Prairie

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City Council 1985 - 1991, 1st woman Mayor Pro Tern 1986, 87, 88, 90,99, 2002;. Re-Elected 1993 - current, Place 7 (at large). Safety Health & Environment Committee; Trinity Trails representative for Council. Presenter Chair for 90th Birthday Celebration of the Grand Prairie News 11-17-98; Master of Ceremonies Annual City Xmas Lighting Ceremonies;GP Arbor Day Chair for 1984 State of Texas Arbor Day Event in G.P.; State of Texas Arbor Day Committee 1999 in UP.; Master of Ceremonies 4-28-2000 G.P. Arbor Day Ceremonies (3 sites);

  • 5-1-99 re-elected to Place 7 with 87.3% of votes with an opponent;
  • 5-5-01 re¬elected to Place 7 with 75% of votes with an opponent.
  • Arbor Day Master of Ceremonies 2002;

Dallas County

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Dallas County School Board member, Comm. Dist. #4, 1975-1992 (18 years)

  • served as Vice President, delegate to TASP meetings for 15 years
  • Celebrating the 145th Anniversary of the Board, the Board & Administration renamed the K. Leberg Educational Training facility the DAY-JACKSON Educational Facility (honoring Ruthe Jackson & Dr. Robert Day, both long-time board members) reception and unveiling of building held March 12, 1992.

State Board of Education

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Elected in 1984. Did not get to serve as the Legislature canceled the elected board and appointed the entire State Board. Ruthe was considered for the appointment, but the U.S. Govt. decision gave it to a minority person.(Dist.24).

Education

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  1. Sunset High School, Dallas, 1938 Graduate. Served on Committee for 60th Reunion celebration 9-19 & 20,1998;
  2. Grand Prairie High School 1938-39 (Sciences & worked for Supt. L.A. Roberts & Vocational Education Mr.Young
  3. Fort Worth Christian College & Christian College of the Southwest,12 hours; N.A.A. Business course; Steno-type Graduate,

Parliamentary Law

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  • LaSalle Extension College,Chicago, IL; NA. Parliamentarians 100+ hours in Study - Practical Course in Parliamentary Law and Procedure Graduate, Certificate #888 issued in 1972; Continuing education programs qualifying as Registered Professional Parliamentarian, 1998 reached Retired Registered Profession Parliamentarian status;

Groups and Organizations

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Parliamentarian

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  • Texas State Association of Parliamentarians: Member 1967 to current, Past State President (1974-1975), many other offices and chairmanships held, State parliamentarian 1982-1983. Institute instructor, Convention program participant.
  • Dallas Parliamentarians: Member 1967-1997, Past President (1971-1972), Held many offices and chairmanships, Guest instructor for many years.
  • Fort Worth Unit of NAP,: Past member, Instructor, Life Member.
  • National Association of Parliamentarians: Member 1967 to current. Registered Professional Parliamentarians #888, 1972; Papers and articles written for NAP. Bulletin. Served on National Board as President of Texas 1971-1972 and NAP as P.R. and Marketing Chairman 1987-1989. In January 1998, received “Retired Registered Professional Parliamentarian” status from the National Association of Parliamentarians.
  • Instructor and Judge in Law & Procedure - Practice for youth groups, i.e., school VOE, VICA, FBLA, OSA, FFA classes, judging local, district, regional, state and national competition. UT Arlington Student Congress and Fraternities and Sororities as guest instructor since 1988. Guest speaker, presider and instructor for many organizations and several School Boards.
  • North Texas Registered Parliamentarians of NAP.: Charter member 1979 to present. Past President 1988-1989, held several offices. Produced 2 parliamentary videos for the unit using current members in 1989 & 1999, special spotlight video in March 1991 of Parliamentary Symposium at Turnpike Church in Grand Prairie;
  • 2000 State Convention program committee member (Lady Bird Johnson skit); Named “Parliamentarian of the Year” 1-30-03;
  • Parliamentarian to Texas Association of State School Boards 1992-1995.
  • Member since 1948, Texas PTA Life Member, National PTA Life Member, State PTA member since 1948, past Regional State Vice President, Past State Cultural Arts Chairman, served on many state committees. Texas PTA member of the Past District Presidents group, served as their Parliamentarian for the year Oct.2001-November 2002.
  • District 2 PTA (12 Counties): Past President (1974-1976), Vice President, Secretary, other offices and chairmanships, Youth Protection, etc. District 2 has been renumbered to District 10.
  • Grand Prairie ISD Council PTA: Member 1956-1992 and 1994 to 1999.. Past President, Vice President, many offices and chairmanships. Honors: Yearbook dedications, Extended Service Award in 1988. Served on Superintendent’s Advisory Board for many years until 1992. Council adviser 1994 to current.
  • Post-School PTA of Grand Prairie: Member 1968 to current, Founder, Past President, many offices and chairmanships. Yearbook dedication, Currently , member, Parliamentarian; Award of Excellence ‘93-’94; V.P. Program for’02-03; Parliamentarian ‘04=’05.
  • Grand Prairie Preschool PTA: Member for many years until it was dissolved.
  • Fannin Elementary PTA: Member since 1949 (Idlewild, Mt. Creek former names of school). Attended this school 1931-1934.

Past President, many offices and chairmanships. Honors: Yearbook dedications, “Ruthe Jackson Day” and planting of Ruthe’s Liveoak on campus. Participated in dedication of new Fannin School building on N.E. 28th Member of Principal’s Advisory Committee. Jackson Vending adopted Fannin School as corporate friend (1991); JVS and Ruthe Jackson hosted the 70th Birthday Celebration of the PTA during open-house March 1992. Provided historical data to school for l00th birthday of G.P.I.S.D., 2002.

Religious Affiliations

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  • Member of Turnpike Church of Christ; attend and guest speaker at other religious congregations.
  • Co-host an interdenominational “Saturday Morning Prayer Breakfast” (organized in 1985) at local restaurant; Co-host the National Day of Prayer Observance each first Thursday in May at the Liberty Bell (with the G.P.Minister’s Association.
  • Delegate from Congressional District 24 to attend the President’s National Prayer Breakfast (1-31-91) in Washington, D.C. (invited by Congressman Martin Frost representing his district).

City of Grand Prairie Recognition

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  • Outdoor Learning Center in Turner Park renamed the Ruthe & Vernon Jackson Outdoor Learning Center in August, 1992.
  • State of the City Awards May 27, 1997, the Grand Prairie City Council named the new G. P.Center The Ruthe Jackson Center in her honor, (located at S.Carrier & Warrior Trail) dedicated 12-16-02 with 500+ attending; with many honors given including a US Flag from Congressman Martin Frost; a Texas Flag by State Representative Ray Allen, a Dallas County Court resolution by Commissioner Ken Mayfield and a crystal “Doorknob Award” (opening doors for others) from G.P. Mayor Charles England and a tribute from former Dallas County Commissioner Roy Orr and a certificate from the City of DeSoto.

(The 10-25-77 Resolution #1898 re the recreation building in Bowles Park be named the Ruthe Jackson Building, signed by Mayor Weldon Parkhill and City Secretary Melba Flagg, .. building never constructed in the 70’s.!!!.)

Grand Prairie I.S.D.

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  • The ABCD Red Apple Award presented to Ruthe 12-10-92 for outstanding service to Children, Schools and Teachers, for many hours of volunteer time as guest speaker for History of Grand Prairie, Parliamentary and Social & Political Science (City Official) presentations and Safeside City contributions.
  • Grand Prairie History Workshops for Teacher-in-Service, 1998-2001.

Grand Prairie Rotary Club (Friday Noon)

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  • Rotary Ann and made a “Paul Harris Fellow” in 1990; Produce & host Rotary’s “Boy’s of the Month” TV program honoring Sr. High School recipients & Rotary President and also present Boys of the Year TV spotlight program 1989 to current.
  • Named Honorary Chairman of the Friday & Tuesday Rotaries “Veteran’s Memorial Garden” co-project honoring the 100th Birthday of Rotary.

State of Texas

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  • Vernon & Ruthe Jackson Day March 5, 1991, Texas Legislature Session, House Resolution #270, by State Representative Bill Arnold, and a public reading and presentation of the Jackson’s to the members of the House.
  • Vernon & Ruthe Jackson “House Concurrent Resolution No 126, February 21, 2001 adopted by the House and Senate bodies commending same for outstanding community service by the 77th Legislature of the State of Texas, sponsored by State Representatives Ray Allen and Toby Goodman and State Senator Jane Nelson. Ruthe was presented to the House and the Senate. Signed by Bill Ratliff Pres. of the Senate, Speaker of the House Pete Laney and Governor Rick Perry.
  • Senator Royce West: State of Texas Senate Proclamation #1294 for community service and a special Certificate of Appreciation and cover letter of 11-18-02 presented at the Grand Prairie SER luncheon 11-21-02 for Ruthe’s service to that organization.

Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce

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G.P.CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Member 1963 - current. Currently on Government & Public Affairs Committee; was Safeside City Project Co-chairman. First woman President 1981-1982, Citizen of the Year 1969 (1st woman); President’s Award October, 1990, 1st Small Business Award to Jackson Vending, Inc. in 1991; Chairman’s Award for Safeside City work in 1993. Member of many committees and held other offices. Televised New Teacher Luncheon 1982- 1998; ATHENA AWARD in 1993; Honorary Lifetime Membership presented 2-28-99 at annual awards; 2002 received the 2001 year Public Service Award; Honorary member of the Branding Irons committee,

  • Women’s Division of the Chamber of Commerce: Charter member, 1960; Honorary Life Member; Past President 1966-1967;

Founded Yard of the Month/Year project; held many offices and chairmanships, Woman of the Year 1967-68; “Ruthe Award-’92” 1992 nominee Texas Woman’s Hall of Fame; 8-1-98 Western Days Parade “Women Heroes” honoree (Ruthe played by D. Corley);Yard of the Month judging committee thru 2003-04;

KEEP TEXAS BEAUTIFUL, INC.

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  • Member since 1967.
  • Offices: Bylaws adviser; Parliamentary adviser, and Dallas County Chairman for KTB 1975 - current; Past State President 1976-1978, 1967 Charter Member; Past State Chairman of Governor’s Community Achievement Awards for 11 years; Founder of Youth Awards and Senior Citizen Beautification Awards; Founder of Youth Patch and Youth Awards Trust 1977 - current; Dallas County Chairman 1975 - current.
  • Honors: State KTB “Bluebonnet” Award (outstanding volunteer) 1978 & 1988; State County Chairman Award 1991 (of the 254 County Chairs); KTB renamed the Youth Awards “The Ruthe Jackson Youth Awards” and the “Ruthe Jackson Award of Excellence” for the most outstanding youth program in the state (given annually at the Ruthe Jackson Awards Celebration); 1985 KTB “O.P. Schnable” Outstanding Senior Citizen Award, Arbor Day Chair 1977, Arbor Day President 1976 Celebrated 1976 as BTC President & gave 254 Live Oak seedlings from the LBJ Ranch to all 254 County Judges to replant in their counties and “extra” trees for celebrators in Austin, plus the transplanting of a giant Live Oak tree from the LBJ Ranch to the LBJ Library grounds. 1998 President’s Award of Excellence. Help fund the SRG “Education Awards” annually at Youth Awards program.
  • Certificate of commendation from Pres.Dennis Hobbs 3-28-00 at Dallas County Commissioner’s Court Youth Day.

Keep America Beautiful

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  • Currently Member; 1977 National “Lady Bird Johnson” Award (1st woman in Texas to receive this award); Beautification workshops in Atlanta, GA and Nashville, TN; Regional speaker and panelist. Attended 1999 Awards in Washington 12-11-99.
  • Chairman of State Arbor Day celebration in 1984; planted a White Oak tree honoring Governor Mark White; Grand Prairie became the 3td city in Texas to become a Tree City USA, with John Sellers & Ruthe Jackson as Co-Chairmen applying for Tree City status.
  • 1998 Outstanding Community Volunteer Award, 11-9-1998 at awards banquet. Gave KTB ornaments to Keep Grand Prairie Beautiful for awards.
  • Texas A & M Extension & Forest Service; Plaque for outstanding service for Arbor Day Celebrations and Tree City USA participation (1978), plaque presented at the State Beautify Texas Council Annual Awards, Waco Convention Center.
  • Plaque Texas Community Forestry Award of Merit 9-21-2000 in Waco by Texas Forest Service, Texas Urban Forestry Council & Texas Chapter of the International Society of Arborculture.

Keep Grand Prairie Beautiful

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  • Formerly CHIC (Community and Home Improvement Commission) Committee 1965-1967 and CHIC Commission 1967-1984, served as Chairman and Member; Chaired the committee that won the 1971 “Trigg” trophy as outstanding city in the nation in this area of work. The trophy was presented by former First Lady Mrs. Richard M. Nixon at the National Clean-Up Congress in Washington, D.C.. Won 3 of the 5 awards in city population category.

Historical & Genealogy

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Dallas County Historical Sesquicentennial Committee Co chair of 1996 & Youth Celebration at Old Red Courthouse, appointed by Dallas County Commissioner’s Court. Received a replica of the “Old Red” Courthouse plaque from John Cram (Co-Chair) @ luncheon honoring Lindalyn Adams, Betty Svohoda & Ruthe, 5-12-99 for efforts during the Dallas County Sesquicentennial.

  • Dallas County Historical Commission’s “John Neely Bryan” Award to Ruthe, November 1996..
  • Dallas County Historical Commission, member 1975 thru 1982 (appointed by County Commissioner Roy Orr, District 4.
  • Grand Prairie, Historical Organization: Currently member; Founding President 1975; many offices and chairmanships, Founder Historical Trails Tour. Researched several Texas Markers for our city, began the OP. Significant Landmark program. Life Member, 1997

Dechman Award, 1992 & 1998; Goodwin Award in 1993 & 1998; Chaired the return of the Dechman family members party in 1988, 1993, and 1998 with television documentaries, Western Days Parades, and many other related activities including the acceptance of Dechman memorabilia: Dechman Diary, Dechman Family Bible and Silverplate demitasse spoons. TC Service Award #2 3-26-2000;

  • G.P. Historical Commission: Founding Chairman served on this commission until 1985 when elected to the City Council. Re-appointed to commission May 1992 to 1993 when Re-elected to City Council, as Vice Chairman; Historic Quilt Award 1-18-2001;
  • G.P. Bicentennial of the U.S.A.., Chairman, G.P. Sesquicentennial of Texas, Chairman.
  • G.P. Genealogical Society, member.
  • G.P. All America City Chairman and spokesman in San Diego 1974-1975, We became an All-America City. Delegate to All-America City to Washington DC in 2003 for Grand Prairie (we did not win!))
  • G.P. South Dalworth Park Historical Society, Co-founder 2-28-02, patron member.
  • Spearheaded with State Representative Bill Arnold the resolution (legislation) re etiquette in the salute to the Texas Flag and testified for the bill in Austin (House Bill 1576)
  • Speaker at Historical workshops at County and State meetings

Grand Prairie Federation of Women's Clubs

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G.P. Federation of Women’s Clubs (Disbanded 5-31-2000)

  • Member 1979 to 2000; 1998 - 2000 Treasurer & Parliamentarian, Past President 1990-92, Vice President (4 terms), other offices and chairmanships. Established the Girls of the Year Scholarship Trust. TV interviews monthly with Girls of the Month sponsored by Federation, and Girls of the Year spotlight. Help fund the Scholarships for these girls. 1998 to current, Treasurer.

Business & Professional Women’s Club (Disbanded May 1993)

  • Past President 1984-1985; Woman of the Year 1975, 1982 & 1991; GPISD “All A Awards” Chairman 4 years; Annual contributor to funding of A Awards Scholarship recognitions; 1992 G.P. Chapter and District Academy Award winner of B&PW “Best Picture”; Parliamentarian & Bylaws 1991-1993.

Soroptimist International of Grand Prairie

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  • Member since 1975; Women In History 1990-1999, President 1995-1996; Women Helping Women Award 1982-1983; 1985 Woman of Distinction Award of Soroptimist International of the Americas; International Day Luncheon Project Chairman; Parliamentary Law workshop session; District & regional Parliamentary Law workshops; Women Helping Women Award 1990-91; Women of Distinction Award, 1996 at Women in History Luncheon; Club Yearbook dedication, 1995; Beautification Project at Turner Park Gazebo dedicated to Ruthe in 1997, to be filly completed in Spring of 2003. The Women in History Award was named the Ruthe Jackson Women in History Award on March 20, 1998 at the W.I.H Awards Luncheon, Member of Safeside City committee and provided a “Girl of the Month/Year Wishing Well” in this Grand Prairie safety town for school children & in in 2003 the Federation House in Safe Side City was re-named “Soroptimist House”, Delegate 1998-2000.

First Soroptimist Chairman of Girls of the Month/Year Scholarships Committee Sept.2000-2004. 2003 W.I.History “President’s Award”, 2004-05 Chair of Women in History annual celebration.

G.P. Friends of the G.P. Memorial Library

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  • Member since 1953; President 1978-1981; Life Member; Sponsored Logo contest. Assisted in securing the Randy Souders oil painting of old airport site for the dedication of the GP Memorial Library expansion (Quality of Life).

G.P. Arts Council Member 1972 to current

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G.P. Community Theater Patron member since founding (Theater inactive 1994), re-activated January 1999 G.P. Visual Arts Association Family member since founding. G.P. Association of Grand Prairie Artists, current member. Freedom’s Foundation of Valley Forge : Dallas Chapter, member 1978-1998

Grand Prairie Garden Club

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  • Member 1968 to present; President 1979-1982 and 1987-1988; Woman of the Year 1977, 1986 and 1992, Many offices and chairmanships including Arbor Day, Outdoor Learning Center project 1988-1992; Wildflower Trail Co-chairman 1991 - current; 1993 Adopt a County of Texas project chairman, completed March 1998, and Master of Ceremonies for the planting of two
  • “Time Capsules” at the Learning Center & the Texas Sculpture 3-21-98 with video documentary.(Opening of Capsules to be
  • in March 20, 2059, the IS0~ anniversary of the Corporate City of Grand Prairie.

2000 to current, Parliamentarian and Trinity Trails chair. Wildflower Committee (Texas Bluebells); G.P. Woman’s Club

  • Founding member; Founding Trustee September, 1967; Life Member, many offices and chairmanships. Member of 25th anniversary committee, currently honorary member of the Board. Nominee for the Volunteer of the Year for Dallas County Outstanding Volunteer Celebration 4-13-98. Bylaws Committee l998-99; Hospitality Committee 1999-2000.

Teen Court, Inc.

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(inactive 2000 to current)

  • Member since 1985; Vice President, P.R. & Marketing, Fund Raising committee, 1988-98; Aug.1998, resigned as Publicity VP and accepted Advisory Board status.

G.P. Emergency Management

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  • Disaster Defense & Civil Defense, 1959-1990 Women’s Activities

CRIME WATCH Member NE Area #13- Speaker for overall Neighborhood Watch programs.

Grand Prairie High School Alumni Association

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  • Founding Committee member 1989, Publicity Chairman, Homecoming Program Insert Chairman, 1989 to current fund raising silent auction committee member; 1991-1993 Scholarship Chairman; Member of the Alumni Chorus; 1994 Historian, Alumni Gopher Quilt Chairman; Outstanding Alumni Member Award., 1996. Organized the 4O~~ Birthday celebration for the GOPHER BOWL Stadium in 1996 and made a video documentary for the occasion. Publish the “Homecoming Edition of Alumni News”;
  • 2000-03, Nominating Committee chair; Vending company gave 3 baby-giant gum vendors to raise scholarship funds;

Delta Kappa Gamma

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Lambda Theta Chapter

  • Nominee “Friend of Education Award” March, 1993; Dallas County Award 1993.

Dallas County Coordinating Council

  • Award “friend of Education Award” April, 1993 presentation.

Future Homemakers of America

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Honorary Member FHA/EIERO, Region III, Texas Conference, Awards in Nacogdoches at Stephen F. Austin State University January, 1994; Presentation at State Awards in March, 1994 in Dallas.

Boy Scouts

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Grand Prairie Parade Grand Marshall 1993, Mt. Creek Dist. Plaque; Circle 10 “friend of Scout lapel pin 8-24-04;

Girl Scouts

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Grand Prairie Presented $1,090.00 from Quality of Life Foundation to GS.Council spring 2004.

  • Tejas Council - Plaque April 26, 1997, Volunteer Award.
  • Grand Prairie Scouts Certificate May 5, 1997.

City of Arlington, TX 4th of July Parade

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Parade Judge since 1984, Parade Chairman of Judges 1993 to current.

Northeast Area Police Storefront

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  • Fund raising committee January, 1994 - current; Presented used Library books to help begin reading program.
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  • Closure Operation, currently CO- Chairman of the Restoration Advisory Board, (Formal appointment Feb.4, 1994 ).
  • “Honorary Commander” status January, 1994 - Capt. Rick Miller Commander NAS Dallas.

Gave History interview of NAS-Dallas site to Washington during so1’ Anniversary of the base. TV interviews with many Commanders & Officer personnel on two TV Public Access, Ruthe, host-producer. Two feature articles: Sky Ranger Feb.1991 & The Sentinel Aug.15, 1997 dedicated to Ruthe Thompson Jackson. Closure Ceremony, (disestablish), 26~’ Sept., 1998, 2:00 PM, presented a NAS Dallas Service placque at ceremony

  • Presented with the next-to-last US Flag flown at the station on the morning of the Closure Ceremony with a Flag
  • certificate of authentication, presented by the Commander of NAS Joint Reserve Base, Fort Worth, Texas, Captain Craig 0. McDonald (cited for Historical and other service to NAS Dallas -1931 - 1998)

U.S.ARMY 4th BRIGADE (CCS) 95th Division (IT)

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  • Participated in the Change of Command Ceremony 7-28-02 as Mayor Pro Tem, at 4th Brigade Headquarters, 8020 Army Drive, G.P., TX.

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CATHOLIC SCHOOL

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Made honorary member of their School Board 12-9-1999 and Grand Marshall of the I.C.C,School Day Celebration 2-2-2000; Grand Mrshall again Feb. 2001; September 13, 2001= Made an Honorary Member - I.C.C.C. School Advisory Council, re-appointed 11-5-03 by Father Man.

GPISD -DALLAS SER - Jobs for Progress, Inc. (Alternative Education Program

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  • Honored July 1, 1997, at the City Council Meeting, “For her continuous support to the success of the Dallas SER program”. Sondra Morton- Banks, director, and teens from the Dallas SER program presented a poster board sized card with 200 signatures, three dozen red roses, a plaque, and sa.ng For You I Will by Monica. Named “Mother Pro-Tem”
  • Honored Nov. 18th 1999 at annual dinner as “First Lady” of Grand Prairie with red roses. Honored at 2001 annual luncheon.
  • Honored 11-20-03 as Outstanding Supporter Award plaque, 2 dozen long stemmed red roses, and a new door nameplate with Terry & Ruthe Jackson nameplate on a room in the new SER building in Marshall Plaza;

Western Days Parade

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Grand Prairie & “SPIRIT OF THE WEST FESTIVAL PARADE”

  • Named Grand Marshall of 1997 parade. Have been TV Host Commentator of the Parade 1986-1998; And, assisted by Jorja and Allison Clemson since 1996. Parade activity downtown discontinued and May 1998 and moved to Lone Star Park site; Downtown Parade “Spirit of the West” reactivated April 2000, Parade successful! Member LONE STAR MARSHALS. No parade 2002.

Dallas County - Beautification:

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  • Keep Dallas County Beautiful Award by court order of the Dallas County Commissioners Court, August 5, 1997, named it the Ruthe Jackson Keep Dallas County Beautiful Award, ORDER No.97-1508, Aug.5, 1997. Year 2001 , 25~ year as the Dallas County Chairman for the Beautify Texas Council & the Keep Texas Beautiful, Inc. organizations, taking youth representing Dallas County from groups such as Boy & Girl Scouts, 4-H Clubs, Camp Fire groups, F.F.A., F.H.A., Teen Court, School Environmental Clubs; and many other youth groups to appear annually before the County Commissioner’s Court for the Keep America, Keep Texas & Keep Dallas County Beautiful’s MARCH & APRIL “Cleanup & Beautification Month KICKOFF! Turned ceremonies over to Commissioner Ken Mayfield in spring of 2004 but will continue to attend!

FUTURE BUSINESS LEADERS OF AMERICA

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Grand Prairie High School - 1983 Business Leader of the Year. AMERICA.

G.P. EVENING LIONS CLUB

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“1998 Prairie Breaker Award” 6-14-98, presented by President Tina Howard and Secretary at annual family picnic at Lynn Creek Park.

SUNSET HIGH SCHOOL

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Reunion Committee Co-Chair for 60th Anniversary of the 1938 Class, September l8th - 20th 1998. Presented a bronze “Bison” mascot sculpture to Sunset High School principal Daniel Menchaca on the front front steps of the school during the 6Oth gathering for a formal photo of the occasion. All reunions attended and the last two ,2001 and 2002, ‘03, & ‘04 at the Oak Cliff Country Club with classes 1933 — 1949.(My 64th class REUNION had at least ten members present.

SAFESIDE CITY

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1998 Chairman of the restoration and rehab committee of this safety town for schoolchildren. Chaired the sale of pads for new, additional buildings and improvements. Report made to Parks & Recreation, the Parks Board 5-29-98 , 8 new structures added with re-dedication held 2-25-99. More new structures & Sherwin Williams grant gave us a big paint-up day 4-24-99 with Teen Court saving the day by their participation.

WORKFORCE (Texas) DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

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NEUTRAL CHAIR, Chairman, Management/Union Committee for Northrup-Grumann-Lockheed for purpose during downsizing: Placement, Training, etc. for employees. 3-5-99, title: Neutral Chair, dissolved January 2000. Reconvened Nov.8th, 2001.

GRAND LODGE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS

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Special Certificate ordered by The Grand Master of the Masonic Lodge of Texas, signed and presented by Joseph W. Regian, March 22nd, 1997, at the Scottish Rite Hospital Complex in Dallas, Texas, for service in Community Affairs.

THOMAS B HUNTER MASONIC LODGE #1356 of G.Prairie

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Presented an honorary Lapel Pin at annual Xmas Dinner party, Bouquet of flowers, God Bless America art pillow, and a beautiful hand-made Bubble Gumball Machine. October I5~1~, 2002 — Masonic Grand Lodge of Texas “COMMUNITY BUILDER AWARD” ceremony at City Council.. The cornerstone at the Ruthe Jackson Center was sponsored by TBH Masonic Lodge and ceremony held.

HISTORY OF "WOMEN IN HISTORY" RECOGNITIONS in GRAND PRAIRIE

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Videotaped many segments beginning in 1990 to current time, including the annual WOMEN in HISTORY, luncheons sponsored by the Soroptimist club of G.P..

NORTHEAST EVENING OPTIMIST CLUB

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Member in 2000 - 2003. Resigned to work in other areas.

DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

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The National Society - Certificate of Award for Excellence in Community Service, nominated and presented by the NSDAR, Texas Bluebonnet Chapter, Grand Prairie, Texas, May 19, 2001. ATI-Career Training Center-Dallas County: Graduating Class Commencement Speaker October 25, 2002 at Potter’s House Center.

Foundations & Trusts Participation

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  • G.P. Quality of Life Foundation: Organizing Chairman in 1982, currently President and serving on Executive Committee Board, Charter Member, served on G.P. Chamber of Commerce Building Committee via this foundation, Finance Committee.
  • G,P. City Council of PTA’s Scholarship Trust Committee: Founding Member
  • Cultural Arts Scholarship named in honor of Vernon & Ruthe Jackson, 1985.
  • Founder of G.P. City Council Genera] Scholarship in 1960’s.
  • Founder of G.P. City Council Teacher Scholarship in 1985.
  • TV Scholarship: “It’s Happening in Grand Prairie” - Annual Scholarship Ruthe Jackson, founder; For advanced students in TV media, 1985 - current. Funding by Ruthe Jackson and friends.
  • Keep Texas Beautiful Youth Awards Trust: Founder 1977, awards given annually, Fund the annual Youth Awards & the S.R.G. Education Awards (1st place winners only).