Ruth is the co-founder and co-owner of a general independent bookstore in Eastern West Virginia that has been a successful business for 27 years. Ruth has been engaged in every aspect of the business including writing and publishing book reviews and articles for local newspapers and the web, ordering, book selection, customer service, advertising, purchasing supplies, hiring and major decision-making.

In addition, Ruth and her husband operate a small 3 acre farm along sustainable principles, raising much of their own food and selling excess produce. They also designed and supervised the building of their home including passive solar features, geothermal heat, and solar voltaic panels. Ruth is certified in Permaculture Design, a method of small scale sustainable land and home integration.

Ruth also has a degree in music education and has taught piano and other instruments for over 30 years including group classes, choral directing and music theory. She is certified in therapeutic music and completed a 45 hour internship in 2015 at a local VA Hospital and a Hospice care facility.

Ruth has had past experience as an administrative assistant for a dental office and a religious denominational office as well as a variety of temporary office positions.