Ruth Samuelson

1959 - 2017

Ruth Samuelson, beloved colleague and friend, will forever be a part of the Excellence in Giving team. Ruth’s lifelong commitment to giving manifested itself in her generosity. Her passion for philanthropy defined her career in both the public and private sectors. In addition, Ruth’s steadfast determination to evaluate nonprofit groups and pursue excellence in charitable organizations helped define her legacy.  

Ruth Samuelson rose to leadership in the North Carolina House of Representatives where she served as Majority Conference Leader and chaired committees on Banking and Environment. Her many contributions to public service were recognized through numerous awards, most notably by the governor of North Carolina with the “Order of the Long Leaf Pine,” the state’s highest commendation. Before her political career, Ruth worked as a personal philanthropist, donor advisor, and board member for a variety of local and national organizations. A licensed real estate broker, adoptive parent and former securities and insurance agent, Ruth was featured in Laws of Lifetime Growth, a national best-selling book on leadership, by Dan Sullivan. Despite her many civic and political accomplishments, Ruth considered her commitment to be a loving wife to Ken and a caring mother of four adult children and two grandchildren to be her primary responsibility and greatest delight.  

Ruth Samuelson and Al Mueller were introduced through a mutual friend, Warren Smith.  In 2013, Ruth decided against running for a fifth term.  At the time, she felt a continued political career would take too much time from other passions, “philanthropy, faith and family.” Ruth joined the Excellence in Giving team as a Regional Philanthropy Advisor in 2014.  On the Excellence in Giving team, Ruth was known for encouraging diversity and for supporting female leaders within the organization. Ruth was passionate about scripture memorization and open about the positive influence of this routine in her life. Every Monday, the Excellence in Giving team continues to honor Ruth’s legacy by incorporating a passage of scripture into weekly staff meetings.  

Ruth passed away in January 2017 after a short battle with ovarian cancer. She left behind a legacy that was extraordinary in its breadth and depth. Years after her death, Ruth is still influencing the community she left behind. If you would like to learn more about her life, please visit: https://www.thetruthpro.com