Ruth Ann Beasley

Ruth Ann Beasley, a towering figure in sex research died on October 2, 2023 at her home in Bloomington. Ruth Ann Beasley (ne ‘Fisher) was born in Lafayette, IN and grew up on a farm in Brookston, IN. Her fondest childhood memories were working hard on the farm and raising prizewinning Herefords for the 4H and the County Fair. She attended Indiana University received her Bachelor of Library and Information Science and married Roger Beasley and moved to Syracuse, NY where Jenny, her daughter was born. (It was around this time that her brother Bobby died in the Vietnam war, which had a profound impact on Ruth (First Lt. Robert Leroy Fisher, March 20, 1946 – 09/19/1969, Quang Nam province south Vietnam rocket mortar attack) After Roger and Ruth divorced she moved back to Bloomington, IN and began working for the Indiana University Libraries, studying for her master’s degree and raising Jenny as a single parent. It was here that she found her large and active friend group. A graduate of Indiana University in Library Sciences, Ruth first served as the Kinsey Institute's Information Services Coordinator (1971-1975) and then Training Seminar Coordinator (1975-1978) under Executive Director Dr. Paul Gephard. In 1982, she became the Kinsey Institute's Assistant Director, working with Director Dr. June Reinisch to shape the Institute's mission and vision. She contributed to Dr. Reinisch’s outreach efforts with the publication of the internationally syndicated newspaper column, The Kinsey Report and co-wrote The Kinsey Institute New Report on Sex (1991), a bestseller designed as an encyclopedia of answers to common sex questions based on the latest sex research. Ruth's connection with the Kinsey Institute remained strong even beyond her years as the Assistant Director. She served as an Archival Consultant from 1996-1998 and as Collections volunteer in the early 2000s, lending her expertise to preserve and manage our invaluable collections. Her meticulous work and profound respect for the history of human sexuality enriched the Institute's archives in countless ways. In addition to her academic and writing pursuits Ruth was also a certified master gardener and kept extensive gardens at the home she shared with Rich Hall in the Near West Side neighborhood. Ruth grew ferns, decorative plants, and flowers as well as large beds of asparagus and garlic that were her pride and joy. She traveled extensively in Asia, spending time in Japan, Thailand and Laos and she attended and presented a paper at an international conference in India. Ruth enjoyed hosting parties, eating out with her large group of library friends and spending time with her daughter, Jenny, her grandkids, Marlon Beasley and Leroy Rieth and her nephew Scott Fisher. Ruth was cared for at home by her caregivers Leslie Sutherlin and Nikki Samaras. Appreciation for their loving care in Ruth’s final years cannot be put into words. Ruth is preceded in death by her daughter Jenny, her brothers Bobby and Bill and her parents Leroy and Janette. Allen Funeral Home and Crematory 4155 South Old State Road 37 is handling the arrangements and online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.com

Tributes

Ruth Ann Beasley

October 25, 1942 - October 2, 2023