ULV remembers first lady, Ruth Fasnacht

by Gloria Diaz
Managing Editor

The first lady of La Verne College and wife of Harold D. Fasnacht, former president of La Verne College from 1948-1968, who died in 1994, Ruth G. Ellenberger Fasnacht, died May 1 at the age of 93.

Mrs. Fasnacht was a member of the University of La Verne community since the 1940s. In 1998, she was awarded the Sixth Annual Christian Leadership Award by the ULV Summer Service Program.

Mrs. Fasnacht was the widow of Harold D. Fasnacht,

Mrs. Fasnacht and Harold Fasnacht met in high school in Wiley, Col. They married on Nov. 28, 1930 in McPherson, Kan.

During her time as the first lady of LVC, she served as president of the Pomona Valley YWCA, Church Women United, Hillcrest Homes Activities Council, and was a member of the La Verne Church of the Brethren.

"She was a president's wife who embodied the spirit of ULV," said Don Flora, head coach of the women's volleyball team. "She was very involved in all facets of the La Verne community. She supported students in class, in her faith and their family."

Mrs. Fasnacht was said to be very active during Harold Fasnacht's presidency, during which LVC's student enrollment rose above 300 in 1950 and was accredited by the Western College Association in 1955. It was also during Fasnacht's rule when the number of campus buildings quadrupled from three in 1948 to 12 in 1968, with 11 adjacent properties purchased for expansion.

"She was an active participant in the life of the College and was ever present at college activities from athletic events to musical performances," said ULV President Stephen Morgan. "She was gracious and caring and served as a mother away from home for hundreds of La Verne students."

Mrs. Fasnacht was born in Clay County, Miss. on June 25, 1909. She had five brothers and one sister.

She is survived by her daughters and son-in-law: Glenda Jimmink of Richmond, Calif. and Elaine and Jerry Miles of Bella Vista, Ark., and her two grandsons: Erik Jimmink and Craig Miles.

"She was truly a partner in the enormously successful presidency of Harold Fasnacht," Morgan said. "Those of us who were privileged to know Ruth will miss her."

A public memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m., June 17 at the La Verne Church of the Brethren.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial gift may be made to the Hillcrest Homes Benevolent Fund, at 2705 Mountain View Dr., La Verne, CA 91750.