A tribute to Ruth Gulson

She was the 10th Lilac Queen (in 1961) as well as a carer, keen sportsperson and

"She was a kind, gentle soul who found pleasure in helping others. She cared for her family and gave to her community, always helping those in need when she could. She always saw the good in people and did the right thing," the Gulson family said.

Ruth enjoyed many sports with her friends in those early years in Goulburn hockey, basketball team and tennis.

Ruth and Geoff were married at the Methodist (now Uniting) Church in Goldsmith St on February 22, 1964. They had 55 years of marriage.

She worked as the Gulson Brickworks company secretary from the end of 1965 for 30 years and in that time she had four children.

Ruth was a supporter of her petrol head husband in his speedway racing endeavours, regardless of her concerns. These concerns well known as one of Geoff's cars were named "Ruth's worry".

She was also a constant supporter of Geoff during his Apex years, especially busy in the time Geoff was Zone President. He was responsible for 95 clubs in the area from South Sydney, out to Hay and down to the Victorian border. This position lead to many trips around eastern Australia.

She was also a P&C helper at North Goulburn Primary School, St Patrick's College and Marian College. Always willing to help out in the canteen and wherever needed. She was a taxi driver to endless extra-curricular activities of music lessons, youth group, cubs, brownies, scouts and girl guides, sporting supporter of hockey, soccer, rugby, judo and swimming. She was on the committee of cubs, scouts, brownies and guides and the swimming club. At one point she had four children at four different schools but took it all in her stride.

She was a taxi driver to endless extra-curricular activities of music lessons, youth group, cubs, brownies, scouts girl guides, a sporting supporter of hockey, soccer, rugby, judo; swimming.

She was on the committee of cubs, scouts, brownies girl guides and swimming club. At one point she had four children at four different schools but took it all in her stride.

Ruth and Geoff were part of the committee to bring the Life Education van to Goulburn. She was an active member of the Uniting Church, taking part in working bees, morning teas and helping as required. The vans visit primary schools to educate children through interactive activities on the human body, food and nutrition, drugs and alcohol, physical activity and personal safety.

She was an active Member of the Uniting Church, taking part in working bees, morning teas and helping as required.

Ruth gave over 100 blood donations. She would regularly donate, often fortnightly to donate plasma.

Through Geoff's involvement in Rotary, Ruth also helped at the annual swap meet and book fair to raise funds for local beneficiaries. She always took part where Rotarians wives were involved. In 2012 the Goulburn- Mulwaree Rotary Club presented Ruth with the Paul Harris Fellowship Award. She was the second female recipient in the club to receive the award for contributions made to Rotary the Goulburn community.

Ruth joined Quota in December, 1998. She proved to be a most valuable member and while she served as President and Treasurer these were not her favourite roles. Ruth was happier being a worker. She was always relied upon to be there and in the midst of any jobs that needed doing. She became the Secretary/ Treasurer of Region 31, she proved to be a most thoughtful off-sider to the District Governor Jean Lloyd and forged a wonderful friendship at this time and this was a role she really enjoyed. Being in Quota was just for Ruth but we were very aware that Sundays were not often available as this day was set aside for church and family.

Ruth enjoyed time in her veggie garden and orchard. Summer was a time for stewing and preserving fruit and making jam. She was a baker and cooker of desserts which was just as well with a husband with such a sweet tooth. She was a hard worker who didn't shy away from hard physical work, often found carting bricks or on the end of a shovel. When building their house in Long St she didn't like Geoff's blend of bricks so carted and re-blended 45,000 bricks.

Ruth joined Quota in December 1998. She proved to be a most valuable member and while she served as President and Treasurer. Ruth's world revolved around family. Her family of six, her own family and then those who became her family. She was always welcoming to friends and feeding them or giving them a place to sleep. There were often extras around her table and it didn't ever appear that it was ever too much trouble to feed them.

Ruth preferred to be in the background and would choose to be away from the limelight if given a choice. She would work tirelessly in the background, organising and preparing for events she was involved with.

Ruth and Geoff had many travelling adventures, exploring New Zealand, Canada and Alaska, Europe and it appeared they tried to see every part of Australia. At times catching them at home was a challenge.

Even though they enjoyed their exploits, Ruth was a home body. She loved her bush surroundings at home and at their holiday house at Tabourie. She would enjoy walking on the beach any time of the year. She would sit for hours patiently while Geoff fished. Ruth was a nature lover and in particular, a bird watcher. She knew the names and calls of so many birds.

Ruth was a born carer. She cared for her Mum who had Alzheimer's Disease, and supported her Dad during those very difficult years. He was a man of the land who then needed to adjust to become the carer of his wife and Ruth helped him to do this. She cared for her mother in law to the point that Ruth Geoff moved into her house in her final months so she did not have to go into care. She was a carer for Geoff for so many years with his never ending list of ailments and then the time came for the roles to be reversed with her dementia diagnosis.

As often happens with dementia, Ruth became childlike in many ways and her family enjoyed seeing her relaxed and her playful side. When her mind no longer gave her the ability to answer questions or know what to say, she laughed. This was a blessing that the most recent memories will be of her this way.

Ruth didn't care for material things but cared about people. If everyone lived a life more like Ruth's, the world will be a better place.

As a dedicated Wife, Mum, Nan and friend, she will be remembered fondly as a strong willed country girl with a kind heart who helped others.

Geoff Gulson sent a very special thanks to Rev Julie Furner who spent many hours , day and night, with Ruth and the family.

Contributed by Geoff Gulson, Michael Gulson, Joanne Gulson, Ian Gulson and Karen Thompson (nee Gulson).