Search MSO Worldwide

Obituary

Ruth McConnell

Of Columbia City IN, Ruth was ACBL's first woman president (1974), first woman board of directors chairman (1975), first woman president of the ACBL Charity Foundation (1975); and also the first woman elected, to WBF Executive Council (1985-93.)

Shortly after her election she was named WBF Treasurer and served until 1990. Ruth was npc of the US Women's Olympiad Team in 1976, 80 and Venice Cup team in 1974, 76, 78 and was instrumental in upgrading the Venice Cup to a WBF championship. It took five years but in 1978 it was designated a World Championship event.

She also established the first formal District Judicary Committee (1970) now required by all Districts. She founded the Midwest Monitor and served as its editor from 1963-67. Among her many acheivements were winning the Spring Continentwide Charity Game 1967, Dist 11 Mixed Pairs 1968, Missisippi Valley Women's Pairs 1970 & 81, Spring secondary Olympiad Fund Pairs 1980, Open Pairs, Swiss 1986, and Senior Swiss in 1987.

In 1993, the World Bridge Federation established the McConnell Cup, named in honor of Ruth, a knockout teams event for women to be played at the World Bridge Championships along side the competition for the Rosenblum Cup, an open event.

Ruth died in December 2000, aged 88.