Ruth, original co-founder of the JSEI Affiliates and Affiliates Chairperson from 1990 to 1995, is married to Dr. Bradley Straatsma, founding Director of the Jules Stein Eye Institute.

Born and raised in Plymouth, Michigan, Ruth attended the University of Michigan, where she received a four-year scholarship to the School of Music, and where she met her husband, Brad Straatsma, then a pre-med student. Brad went on to graduate from Yale Medical School and Ruth and Brad were married one week after each graduated in June from their respective universities. Ruth and her husband currently reside in Bel Air, California.

During her husband's years of creating a Department of Ophthalmology at UCLA and an Eye Institute, Ruth kept busy raising their three children and with volunteer work. Ruth has been involved with the Chancel Choir of the Bel Air Presbyterian Church since moving to California, where she still sings. She also directed the children's choir at church for over 15 years, and serves on their Friends of Music Board today.

Through the years she has served as President of the Westlake Mothers' Club, President of the UCLA Medical Faculty Wives Association, President of the Bel Air Homeowners' Association, and President of the L.A. Jr. Philharmonic Committee of which she is still a Board member, L.A. Philharmonic Gala Chairman, and current Board member of the L.A. Philharmonic Affiliates.