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Elizabeth “Beth” Ruyle-Hullinger was born in Atlanta, Georgia. She was adopted at birth by Daniel and Mae Coley Smith of Covington, Georgia, then raised in St. Petersburg and Sarasota, Florida. She attended St. Petersburg Junior College and then the University of Florida, graduating in 1968.
She married Richard Ruyle and moved to Atlanta. Her daughter Leigh Ann was born and they divorced soon after. Beth trained as a teacher, then worked for the Center for Disease Control and the Atlanta Regional Commission, where she helped plan programs that substantially improved the metropolitan region. In 1975, she proudly earned her Masters in Public Administration at the University of Georgia, making her a pioneer of the feminist movement. She is also a Georgia Dawg, a Florida Gator, and a scorpion by birthdate.
Moving to Chicagoland in 1978, Beth took the job as Executive Director of the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association (SSMMA), an organization of forty municipalities south of Chicago. She conceived and implemented numerous plans and strategies that improved the south suburbs as well as the Chicago metropolitan region. Her numerous projects included flood control, transportation improvements, drug enforcement, purchase programs, insuring emergency services, and the proposed third Chicago metropolitan airport. She worked over twenty-two years for SSMMA and made it a leading governmental organization. She was honored with a Congressional Resolution, as State of Illinois Resolution, and resolutions by her suburban governments. She was chosen one of Chicago's 100 most influential women in Crain's Chicago Business.
During this time, she met and married her husband, Craig Hullinger, a city planner who shared her goals of good governance, city improvement and love of international travel. Craig brought two sons, Clint and Bret, to the family.
Beth then became a Financial Advisor for Ehlers Incorporated. She participated in numerous urban redevelopment efforts, providing municipalities with tax increment financing.
Moving to Peoria, Illinois, Beth and Craig formed Ruyle-Hullinger and Associates, a consulting practice specializing in city planning, urban redevelopment and tax increment financing to a number of Illinois municipalities.
Beth and Craig retired to Sarasota, Florida. Beth was elected as President of the Sarasota Sister Cities Association, serving several terms, and led exchanges with sister cities Vladimir, Russia; Perpignon, France; Tel Mond, Israel; Merida, Mexico; Rapperswil-Jona, Switzerland; Busseto, Italy; Dunfermline, Scotland; and Xiamen, China. She also served on the Board of the Sarasota Chapter of Military Officers.
Beth is survived by her husband Craig Hullinger, daughter Leigh Ann Masen, son Bret Hullinger, sisters Serena Windham and Gordenia Murdoch, sisters-in-law Anne Hullinger and Barbara Hullinger, brother-in-law Scott Hullinger, nephews and nieces Derek, Amber, Christy, Eric, Maddie, Krystina, Alex, and Shane.
Services are private. She will be buried at the Sarasota National Cemetery, https://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/sarasota.asp.
If you wish you can donate to your favorite charity in her name.
I wish you strength and courage in this sad time.
Dear SCAS family, It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the passing of our former Sister Cities Association president, Beth Ruyle Hullinger, on September 30, 2024. Beth was a devoted leader and an integral part of our organization, helping to strengthen the bonds between our community and our Sister Cities around the world. Her legacy will continue to inspire us all. The family has requested that her funeral service be private. We ask that you keep Beth’s loved ones in your thoughts during this difficult time. For those wishing to learn more about Beth’s life and contributions, please visit https://bethruylehullinger. Additionally, the family has suggested donations can be made to your favorite organization in her name. With sincere condolences, Diana Friedman |
Sister Cities Association of Sarasota
PO Box 674, Sarasota
United States of America
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We're sorry for your loss Craig. May Beth rest in peace
Clarence Harper
_____________
I am so sorry to hear this! She was a beautiful lady. May you be
comforted by your wonderful memories of the many years you shared together.
Anita
____________
I’m really sorry for your loss. She seemed like one of the best!
Best,
Ray Sanford
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God bless you and Beth
Frank Johnson
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Craig,
I am so sorry to hear the passing of your beautiful Beth.
I lost my lady also to multiple myeloma also 10 years ago the
15th of this month after almost 57 years of marriage, so I know
exactly how you are feeling right now.
Pls. always remember her, don’t let her memory fade, and
always reflect on the many happy years you spent together.
My prayers are with you. Take any time you need to grieve and
know it will hurt for a while, but in time the pain will lessen. May
Beth watch over your and you children.
My best,
Bud Manazir
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We are so very sorry and our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Frank Gagliardi
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Craig - we're so sorry. our thoughts are with you.
Jack & Eileen Barber
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Words escape me…we are so sorry for your loss…you guys were a great match…you traveled the world together and Beth will be missed by the many friends and acquaintances you have made!
Byron & Janet Hill
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I am truly sorry for your loss. I'm sure she was a wonderful lady. I pray for you peace in your time of sorrow.
Again Soo Sorry and You will be in my prayers.
Randy Robinson
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May God bless both of you.
______________ I’m so sorry about the passing of your wife, Craig. I will be praying for the repose of Beth’s soul. May our loving God welcome her into Paradise and may He watch over you too. Roger _____________ Craig: I am very sorry to read of the loss of your beloved wife, Beth. It has been obvious from all the notes of your travels that you were a close and loving couple. Some few of us are lucky enough to have found such a woman to share our lives with us, and you have been one of those. With great sympathy, I say the words I was taught long ago: May she rest in peace, O Lord, and let Your perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul, and the souls of all Your faithful departed, O Lord, rest in peace. Sincerely, Dennis Mroczkowski ___________ I am so very sorry to hear that. You two had some great years together and some very good times so remember and cherish them as I know you will. I hope the best for you in this time of grief. Terry Hammontree ______________ So sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers. Semper Fi Arthur O Reilly Snr _____________ Our prayers and condolences to you, family and friends! May she rest in heavenly peace! Amen Jesus Curiel ____________ What a wonderful woman Beth was  How lucky you were to have her in your life, Craig. You were greatly blessed with each other. With deepest sympathy,   Jan Madsen Alton ____________ It is with deep sorrow to receive your email about Beth, and we are very sorry for your loss. Gary and I extend to you and your families our heartfelt sympathies and deepest condolences at this sad and difficult time. Beth left an indelible mark with her service on the Board at SCAS, and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. If there is anything we can do to support you at this time, please do not hesitate to reach out. With deepest sympathy, Isabelle Eidet _____________ Craig, I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep Beth and the entire Hullinger family in my prayers. May she rest in peace! Bob Raclaw _____________ Craig, we offer our sincerest condolences to you and your family. Thank you for sharing your beautiful tribute to a truly remarkable lady. Jerry and Ellen Farmer ___________ A life well lived encompassing deep love for Craig, friends and family, integrity, and service to her communities. We will miss her, Christa Friedlander _____________ Craig- our thoughts and prayers are with you. Amazing and accomplished woman and thanks for sharing her inspirational life. SF ARnold Arnold Punaro _____________ Craig I am sorry to hear of the passing of your wife Beth. I experienced the passing of my wife 6 years ago. I t is a difficult time. Jim Bailey ____________ My sincerest sorrow and condolences to you and your family. Beth was always the bright spot in the room. She is truly missed. Pete and Claudette Dering ____________ ving lost my wife last year, who was the light in my life, I know something of your pain and sense of loss. I wish there were some way to take that burden from your shoulders. Though we’ve only met once, and briefly at the 2018 reunion, please know I’d be glad to talk if you so desire. Semper Fi Paul Kahle ____________ I am very sorry to hear this, Craig. You are very brave. John Meeks ___________ I know words don't mean much at a time like this but I am sorry Beth's light was extinguished, at least in this world but it will remain shining in your heart for years to come. I'm glad I had a chance to get to know Beth. You were lucky you were able to share a big part of your life with her and she was lucky to have you to share a big part of her life. Sue Wiggins ____________ Craig so sorry for your loss. Kay and I pray that she rest in peace. S/F Will Holohan ________________ I am so very sorry to read this. Beth was a lovely lady. I’m glad that I had the opportunity to meet her at Quantico. I pray for God’s peace and comfort. Your friend, Karen Griffin _______________ Will keep you and your Family in m’y prayers. Jay Kerney _____________ So sorry Craig. I'm sure it's been a hard time for you (I didn't see your previous email as Susan replied to it without mentioning it to me), but know that the reason it's difficult is because of all the good times that brought you two so close. Now wouldn't be so tough if it weren't for all the blessings of the past. So amidst the many current emotions , mix in a heavy dose of thanks for all the positives that were your relations with Beth, and all she added to your and her interactions with all of us who knew you two through all the good you have done and your many travels. It's been great as you have shared so much with us and enriched our lives vicariously. Please keep it up. Wish we could be there in person to support you and celebrate Beth. Lots of love and prayers, Allen Carlson ________________ Sorry to hear this Craig, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Sale Davies _______________ I’m so sorry. Will keep both of you in our prayers. Weslene and Tom Molon _______________ Marcia and I are deeply sorry for your loss. From.the photos, it seems you covered every corner of this planet together. God bless you both. John and Marcia Sevold ______________ We are saddened by your loss. You and yours are in our thoughts and prayers. We'll be reaching out to Leigh Ann to check in with her and offer support (and cat sitting) too. Love and hugs, -Steve, Jeanette, Mateo, and Malcolm _______________ Our deepest sympathies. John and Elisa Wetter ________________ I am very sorry for the loss of your wife. I have no words that will reduce your pain, but hope you find comfort in the fact that you were gifted a great relationship for many years. May the peace of our Lord be with you and Beth for eternity, Stanley Robb _____________ So sorry to hear of Beth’s passing. I consider myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet and get to know her at the MASS-3 Reunion in California. You and the rest of the family are in my prayers. Ray Pollard ______________ My condolences. I wish you the best. (I was in your The Basic School Class) Roger Gadley _____________ So sorry for your loss, just know that she is in a better place now, waiting for you when ever it is your time. Lynn Wardlow ___________ I am hoping for peace for you in the upcoming days and am very sad to hear this news. I am sure you’ve been on a truly exhausting rollercoaster. I would do something to help you if possible. I don’t know what that would be. If you need help, I’m at (571) 332-1191. With support and care, Miriam Kramer ___________ Craig, so sorry to hear this news. Stan Waslik __________ Craig, What can one say at a time like this? Just know that we are keeping you in our thoughts and hope you will be able to dwell on all the wonderful memories you have of your life together -- those amazing trips around the world, the many accomplishments of service to many communities, her style and charm, friends and associates who will miss all that she brought to their lives. You have been blessed, dear friend. The obituary in today's paper is outstanding, an example of a life well lived and enjoyed. Take care of you, Mary and Jon Gordon ___________ Craig, we will miss your Beth, she was one of the good ones, especially Barb, Beth included Barb the first time they met and included her in the Group of Ladies. We are in prayer for you and family members, for comfort and understanding at this time of loss. If there is anything you need please let us know. Joe and Barb Brooks _____________ God Bless, Craig, it's with a heavy heart I tell you how sad I was to hear about the lost of your beautiful bride, Beth. We had out-of-town guests this week and I just got a chance to check my emails and found your sad news. You and your family are & will remain on the top of our prayer list. We wish you the strength and peace to get through this most difficult time. May you remain secure in the warm arms of our Lord and remember all the joy & love you & Beth shared in your life together. God Bless & may our Lord give you peace, Ken & Susan Brown Semper Fidelis |
Monterey, CA July 2024
https://dodugaru.blogspot.com/
Beth was President of Sarasota Sister Cities and led
numerous exchanges to and from our Sister Cities
Dunfermline, Scotland
Saying Goodbye to Our Great Vladimir, Russia Hosts
Angkor Wat Sunrise
Our Gang at our 70th Birthday Party at the Bradenton, Florida Marine Corps Ball. Looking Good!
 |
| Nice lady surrounded by Giants |
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Beth and I were prepared for Hurricane Irma in 2017,
in the closet with our motorcycle helmets on.
Beth and I fly Space Available on military planes. This is a CH-47 helicopter inside of an Air Force C-17. The Helo was Coming Home From Afghanistan via Rota, Spain to South Carolina. Thanks to the Army and Air Force for bringing us home. Nice trip.
Our Photos and Blogs
2024 Alaska Cruise, Victoria, Vancouver, Washingon, Oregon July 1-Aug 6
Pacific Northwest Aug 2021, Covid-19!
Panana Canal 2019-20 panamacanal2020.blogspot.com
North Atlantic 2019 northatlantichullinger.blogspot.com
France 2019 perpignansarasota.blogspot.com
Around the world 2019 aroundtheworldruhu.blogspot.com
Ascension Island 2019 ascensionspacea.blogspot.com
Spain 2018 southofspain.blogspot.com
West Coast 2018 westcoast2018.blogspot.com
France 2017 perpignanfrance.blogspot.com
Africa 2016 africaislovely.blogspot.com
Scotland 2016 dunfermlinesarasota.blogspot.com
Corner to Corner 2016 floridatoseattle.blogspot.com
Around the World 2015 aroundtheworldspacea.blogspot.com
Israel 2014 telmondsarasota.blogspot.com
Turkey 2014 turkeyhullinger.blogspot.com
Russia 2013 vladimirsarasota.blogspot.com
China 2010 peoriachina.blogspot.com
Egypt 2007 amunegypt.blogspot.com
Sabbatical 2003 sabbaticalruhu.blogspot.com
photossarasotasistercities.blogspot.com
morganparkphotoblog.blogspot.com
June 2021 - Thanks for the photo, Betty
More about Beth at https://elizabethruyle.blogspot.com
and https://bethruyle.blogspot.com/
More photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/bfeUTxju6skDXojM6
Juneau, Alaska Aug 3, 2024
Beth found her sisters later in life
She found her sister Serena through the Georgia Adoption Agency
Click to read the story
https://serenabeth.blogspot.com/
She found her Sister Gordenia Through DNA
Click to read the story
https://gorserbet.blogspot.com/
State of Illinois
91_HR0502
LRB9109643CBcb
1 HOUSE RESOLUTION
2 WHEREAS, It has come to our attention that Beth Ruyle has
3 announced her resignation as Executive Director of the South
4 Suburban Mayors and Managers Association after 21 years of
5 service; and
6 WHEREAS, Her resignation is effective January 1, 2000;
7 and
8 WHEREAS, She has had many accomplishments as Executive
9 Director, including her dedication to fight for the third
10 regional airport in the South Suburbs; and
11 WHEREAS, Beth Ruyle is well respected throughout the
12 Metropolitan Chicago area; and
13 WHEREAS, She is affiliated with the Illinois City
14 Management Association, the Metro City Management
15 Association, the Metropolitan Planning Council, the Chiefs of
16 Police of the Southern Suburbs, the Urban Innovations Project
17 Advisory Council, the Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce,
18 and the Cook County Census Committee; and
19 WHEREAS, She has received numerous awards, including the
20 Urban Innovations Award for Employee Assistance Program, the
21 South Suburban Drug Enforcement Program, and Honorable
22 Mention in Urban Innovations by the Municipal Bond Bank; and
23 WHEREAS, Ms. Ruyle will be joining the firm of Ehlers and
24 Associates, a financial consulting firm; therefore, be it
25 RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
26 NINETY-FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
27 we congratulate Beth Ruyle on her numerous accomplishments
28 and achievements as Executive Director of the South Suburban
29 Mayors and Managers Association and extend our best wishes to
30 her in her future with Ehlers and Associates; and be it
-2- LRB9109643CBcb
1 further
2 RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
3 presented to Beth Ruyle as an expression of our esteem.https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/legisnet91/hrgroups/hr/910HR0502LV.html
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