Temple College staff members Ruth Bridges, right, and Emma Canul, left, welcome students to the f... Temple College staff members Ruth Bridges, right, and Emma Canul, left, welcome students to the first day of the fall 2023 semester. Bridges, who served as director of student life, passed away May 16, 2024. (Steve Lemmons, Temple College)

Temple College faculty, staff and students are mourning the loss of Ruth Bridges, Director of Student Life, who passed away Thursday, May 16.

Bridges, known as “Miss Ruth” to thousands of students, served Temple College for more than 40 years. As Director of Student Life, among her many responsibilities, she was the point person for all student organizations and hosted dozens of student activities each year, including the annual Fall Fest, which drew more than a thousand community members to campus in October.

Ruth Bridges, Temple College Director of Student Life (Steve Lemmons, Temple College) Ruth Bridges, Temple College Director of Student Life (Steve Lemmons, Temple College)

“Miss Ruth was the heart of the Temple College campus,” said Dr. Christy Ponce, President of Temple College. “She was loved by everyone who met her. She served each student with a huge smile and her infectious laugh was heard everywhere she went. After COVID, she was so eager to see the students. She treated everyone like her own children and did anything for them. She was loved by all.”

Miss Ruth was famous on campus for setting up pop-up food tables – handing out free nachos, hot dogs, snow cones and popcorn to students, faculty and staff. She was a staple at all events, sharing the Temple College spirit and always encouraging students to succeed.

During her time at Temple College, Miss Ruth served as an admissions clerk, records coordinator, associate director of admissions. In September 2006, she accepted the position of Director of Student Life and Community Outreach.

Her service to Temple College was often a family affair. Her husband of 47 years, Selman Bridges Jr., was often on campus, helping his wife set up for events. During the Fall Festival, her children and grandchildren were on hand to help staff the event and then help in the clean-up. During a recent Board of Trustees meeting during which Miss Ruth was honored for her many years of service, the audience was full of family members, supporting their mother and grandmother.

“I miss her. We all miss her,” Ponce said. “Her absence is felt across campus and throughout the community, but her legacy for all that she did at Temple College and how she made people feel will go on forever.”

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Don D. Summers Funeral Chapel in Temple. Her official obituary is posted online.