Ruth Padgett Memorial Scholarship

Ruth Padgett was born and raised in the South Long Lake area. One of eight children, Ruth left the family farm to attend high school in Brainerd. Because her parents did not think she needed to attend high school, Ruth worked as a maid to put herself through school. After graduation, Ruth wanted to become a nurse but could not afford to continue her studies. Ruth married her high school sweetheart, Frank Padgett, and had four children. She was active in her church, Saint Francis of Assisi, and was the first woman to serve as its parish council president. Ruth was a noted local cook and baker and eventually had her own show, “In the Kitchen with Ruth,” on local radio station KLIZ. She also was a talented seamstress. Ruth served as the children’s librarian for the Brainerd Public Library for many years. She enjoyed helping children learn to read and expand their worlds through books. Ruth was known for her passion to serve her community. The Ruth Padgett scholarship is given each year to a student who shares Ruth’s passion to serve others and is pursuing a career in a healthcare field.

Ruth was a 1938 Brainerd graduate.