Faith & Family

When sons Bobby and David were still toddlers, Ruth and Ken decided to adopt internationally. Just before Christmas 1988, they brought home their daughter, Joy, from Chile. Years later, they gained full custody of Alex, a foster child abandoned by his mother that they’d heard about through their church. For about a year, the Samuelsons also had the teen son of a relative living with them and their four children.


Ruth’s faith permeated everything she did, but -- especially in the way that she parented her children -- she always held closely to the Word.


How did scripture guide Ruth to forge her own unique path as a mother?

Ruth's Children

Ruth was always at work, whether that meant working as a homeschool mom, a foster parent, a community leader or a politician. Hear Bobby, David & Joy Samuelson’s unique perspective on growing up with a remarkable mother.

Friends & Family

With a deep confidence in Scripture as her foundation, Ruth found the wisdom and strength to reach out to others in need of a mentor and a leader. Hear from Ruth’s friends about how she elevated the lives of those around her.

Elizabeth Stiff

Mentoring young women was especially important to Ruth. The daughter of Ruth's best friend -- who as an adult became Ruth's close friend too -- talks about the valuable lessons she learned from Ruth.

Mother’s Day, 2012

Ruth’s kids always knew she was a different kind of mom. As adults, they appreciated it.

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Speeches

Power of Prayer

Ruth shares her thoughts on why and how we are to pray and what prayer achieves.

Power of Prayer

Ruth shares her thoughts on why and how we are to pray and what prayer achieves.

Practical wisdom with money

Ruth was passionate about discussing Biblical models for financial stewardship. In this talk, she discusses God's role in our finances and how we should respond.

Practical wisdom with money

Ruth was passionate about discussing Biblical models for financial stewardship. In this talk, she discusses God's role in our finances and how we should respond.

How To Pray For Your Leaders

Ruth lays out a case for what and why we should pray for our civic leaders. She then shares what happens if we don't pray.

How To Pray For Your Leaders

Ruth lays out a case for what and why we should pray for our civic leaders. She then shares what happens if we don't pray.

Legislative Prayer Breakfast

Ruth shares her own experience of seeking a prayerful life as a politician.

Legislative Prayer Breakfast

Ruth shares her own experience of seeking a prayerful life as a politician.

Service Above Self

Ruth explains how her passion for service above self led her to leave politics at the height of her influence.

Service Above Self

Ruth explains how her passion for service above self led her to leave politics at the height of her influence.

Family, Faith, and Philanthropy

Ruth explains how these three areas of her background made her who she is today.

Family, Faith, and Philanthropy

Ruth explains how these three areas of her background made her who she is today.

Bookends for New Life Theological Seminary Graduates

Ruth encouraged the seminarians to bookend their education with prayer and the armor of God.

Bookends for New Life Theological Seminary Graduates

Ruth encouraged the seminarians to bookend their education with prayer and the armor of God.

The Under-Appreciated Power of Forgiveness

When we're hurt, justice demands retribution. But, forgiveness brings relief and power.

The Under-Appreciated Power of Forgiveness

When we're hurt, justice demands retribution. But, forgiveness brings relief and power.

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Articles

"So what is the role of steel magnolias in the 21st century? We bond together and support our families, our communities, and our leaders with wisdom, grace, forgiveness, beauty, humor and sometimes a kick in the ass!"

Ruth Samuelson

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"I think one of the most important days in my life was the day I understood the difference between gratification and gratitude. Gratification is having what you want. Gratitude is wanting what you have."

Ruth Samuelson

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"The world reveres the 'self made man or woman' but there is no such thing. Others have invested in us since the day we were conceived, parents, relatives, teachers, friends."

Ruth Samuelson

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"The world reveres the 'self made man or woman' but there is no such thing. Others have invested in us since the day we were conceived, parents, relatives, teachers, friends."

Ruth Samuelson

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CaringBridge Quotes

During Ruth’s struggle with cancer, hundreds of people shared messages of hope and support with Ruth & Ken on their CaringBridge site. Here are a few.

Mrs. Samuelson, though I've never had the privilege to meet you in person, I have come to know how remarkable you are as I work with your son, David and he just glows when he discusses his mother and because he is such a fine man, I know how wonderful a mother you are (& Mr. Samuelson, I give you kudos as well!). You broke through the glass ceiling and paved the way for more women to hold public office and with that accomplishment alone, you created a legacy! But, knowing David, you have also created a legacy of raising children with beautiful, caring souls and I, for one, am very grateful for all you've done.

Cindy Bonilla

I don't recall the day we met, but I do recall the first thing I learned from you Ruth. You were giving a personal testimony about giving. How God had blessed your family as a result of trusting Him and giving beyond the tithe. You inspired me that day to have the same trust in God and consequently we've exceeded the tithe and seen His blessings. That wasn't the last of God’s blessings you shared. You taught us about adoption, you wisely counseled and mentored me to be a better parent and father. You made me a better teacher of God's word because I was scared that I wouldn't be able to answer one of your Sunday School questions. I have to admit I felt a bit of pride if I didn't get "Ruthed" by a question. I've seen too many interns and first timers have that experience. And while I smile about those moments you never asked a question to show off. You honestly wanted to learn and go deep into God’s Word. Your words to and about others were always honest and true, kind and compassionate. Even when you expressed frustration with a fellow legislator you did so with grace. Your words were always well chosen and wise. I love your ability to memorize scripture - amazing! Most of all I've watched your marriage. You and Ken are best friends and it shows in your words, glances at one another and in what you model. I am grateful to witness all of these things and to call you friend.

Jim Vaughn

You and Ken have been a Christian role model to so many. When our kids were babies and toddlers at church, your words of wisdom helped us shape our family life. Breakfast weeks one on one with our kids that started in preschool-- are now a continued ritual in middle school and high school. Financial discussions from the Crown studies put us on a unified path when Brad and I were newlyweds-- we are 20 years this spring. Personally, the memorization of scripture and being willing to share those verses openly in community outside of the church. Walking the Charlotte Greenway, always reminds us of your civic service. It is a reminder of God's creation. Thank you!

Lorraine and Brad Brantley

Dear Ruth, this is Courtney's Aunt Terri in Virginia writing to you. My husband, Peter and I were so proud and honored that our daughter, Michelle was able to be Courtney and David's flower girl in their wedding. At the time, in 2010, Michelle was only eight-years-old. I will always remember the beautiful words you spoke at the family rehearsal dinner; you made a lasting impression on me as a Mother, as you shared your beliefs about praying for your children's future. That evening you spoke passionately about how you prayed for your children when they were very little, to someday meet the companion that God intended for them to spend their lives with. You commented that as you said those prayers while David was still just a toddler, you believed God had already chosen his soul mate, Courtney. You spoke about how you believed their marriage was divinely ordained. And now we see in them a beautiful couple building their lives together in Christian faith, committed to each other, their family and their community. Of course, NOW we see the MOST miraculous manifestation of those prayers; our precious Margaret Ruth.

Terri Roux

Christian clergy are expected to lead and inspire. Yet, when the rare lay person can muster the discipline to study the Bible thoroughly, hold strong to their convictions in a world of disbelief, and lead with compassion and love, then families, communities, and nations are changed. Ruth, you are one of those rare people and we all are blessed to know you. We in Charlotte and North Carolina are yet to know the impact you have made as a Christian servant. You epitomize the title of Oswald Chambers' daily devotional "My Utmost for His Highest" . In that pursuit, I have seen you not as a stoic but as one with a tender heart that is convinced of and convicted by the love of our Savior and resolute in the need to share that love with others.

Tommy Fuller
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In this book, John R. Schneider reopens the debate over the proper Christian attitude toward money, arguing, ultimately, that Scripture does indeed provide support for the responsible possession of wealth.

The Treasure Principle: Unlocking the Secret of Joyful GivingThe Treasure Principle: Unlocking the Secret of Joyful Giving
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In The Treasure Principle, you'll unearth a radical teaching of Jesus--a secret wrapped up in giving. Joyful giving brings God maximum glory and His children maximum pleasure.

The Eternity PortfolioThe Eternity Portfolio
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ll too often, Christians give out of guilt or legalism instead of joy and purpose. Even those who have a biblical perspective on giving rarely have a strategic plan for carrying out their beliefs.

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readers are taught the ABCs of establishing a household budget, basic investment strategies, and charitable giving to help them customize their own financial strategy.

The Broken CordThe Broken Cord
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Ruth memorized over 650 Scripture verses. She found MemLok to be useful in her memorization.

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