Marion School Foundation receives $3.3 million, its largest scholarship donation in its history

MARION — The Marion School Foundation has received the largest scholarship donation in its history — a “transformative” gift of more than $3.3 million from the estate of Marion High School alumna Ruth Drips.

The first scholarships will be distributed in May to the Class of 2024 from the fund, named The George, Gladys and Ruth Drips Endowed Scholarship Fund, according to a news release from the foundation.

“We are humbled by this incredible gift and look forward to honoring Ruth and her family annually when awarding scholarships to generations of Marion High School students,” said Elisabeth Kissling, executive director of the Marion School Foundation. “I never had an opportunity to meet Ruth, but a note in the 1953 Marion High School Quill described her as having ‘the mildest manner and the gentlest heart.’ She obviously had a very generous heart as well.”

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Ruth Elaine Drips, 87, of Marion, died Feb. 5, at Summit Pointe Assisted Living Facility. Ruth was born on April 22, 1935, in Cedar Rapids to George and Gladys (Howland) Drips. She lived on a farm outside of Mount Vernon and through the third grade went to a one-room schoolhouse.

Ruth graduated from Marion High School in 1953, Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, in 1955, and the University of Iowa with a bachelor’s degree in commerce in 1957. She worked in the office of Armstrong’s Department Store in Cedar Rapids for 33 years.

Ruth enjoyed reading, knitting, traveling, cooking and being with her relatives and friends. Her passion was showing American Saddlebred horses and attending the World’s Championship Horse Show in Louisville, Kentucky, for several years.

Ruth was inducted into the Iowa Horsemen’s Hall of Fame. She was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

The George, Gladys and Ruth Drips Endowed Scholarship Fund is one of several generous scholarship and school enhancement funds administered by the Marion School Foundation. The scholarships provide meaningful assistance for Marion High School graduates as they continue their education.

The school enhancement funds support education programs and projects for the benefit of Marion Independent School District students, schools and the greater community.

Comments: (319) 398-8411; grace.king@thegazette.com