Ruth Marie Emerson, 83, retired Librarian, American Institute of Baking, passed away September 28, 2002, at the First Health Moore Hospital in Pinehurst, NC.   Ruth retired from her position as head librarian at AIB on January 31, 1984, after 37 years of service.  During the time Ruth was in charge of the library, the Institute moved from Chicago to Manhattan, KS.   Shortly after her retirement, the library was renamed the Ruth M. Emerson Library, at a presentation held at the spring board of governor's meeting of  the American Bakers Association. 

Ruth was born in Oak Park, Illinois to Einer T. and Madge Heft Emerson. She received a bachelor's degree in Home Economics from Purdue University and a master's degree in library science from the University of Chicago. Surviving are one nephew, Hugh Carr and his wife Nancy of Sanford, NC and one sister-in-law, Lucille Emerson of Belle Meade, Southern Pines, NC  and many friends. Before joining AIB in 1947, Ruth was librarian in the scientific library of the Institute of Gas Technology, affliated with the Illinois Institute of Technology.