In Memoriam: Ruth’s Fly

I was driving on I-80 thru Nebraska when I received the unfortunate and unexpected news that a good friend and neighbor of mine, Ruth Resop, had lost her battle with cancer.

Ruth was a simple and kind hearted lady. A modest woman who was not concerned by way of fancy dress or expensive jewels. She was a mother of 2, grandmother of 4 and played a grandmother role in my own life. She loved fish fries on a Friday night, bird watching, out-fishing her husband, and most of all; Alaska. She was often the receptionist of my weekly phone calls to her husband, Dave, summoning him with a hearty, “DAVID! PHONE!”  

I am lucky to have known Ruth for nearly my entire life and she has undoubtedly played a role in shaping me into the man I am today. She had always been an avid supporter of my sisters’ and I’s creative endeavors, including this blog. 

Like any good conversationalist, she took interest in others’ interests. For me, it was my fly fishing. She would often tell me, “Sam you need to make a name for yourself by inventing your own fly and call it The Sam Fly.” I never did tie a fly after my own name, but her passing inspired to tie the following pattern which I simply named, Ruth’s Fly.

The pink is representative of her favorite color and her fight with cancer. The elk hair is a homage to her favorite destination,  Alaska.

Ruth’s passing was fast and unexpected, I never did get the chance to say a proper goodbye. Her spirit and memory will live on every time I tie on this fly. Although she left us far too early, it’s comforting to know she’s in a better place; resting, enjoying a fish fry, and planning her next Alaskan adventure.

Rest In Peace, Ruth Resop.