• This is so sad. She really was a sweet caring and proactive person. I was able to talk with her and express my concerns during Covid while working in the lab. Not only did she listen, but she also walked with me around the lab to see exactly what I was speaking of, she changed things to ensure our safety promptly. I'm grateful for that because at that time no one would speak up.  Jataun J., Cancer Center

• I was very hesitant about switching jobs and starting all over at a new hospital but when I was first hired here at Silver Cross, on my very first orientation day, the one thing that really stood out to me was Ruth. She personally came up to me and took the time to have a genuine conversation with me and ensured that I did not need to be nervous because Silver Cross is happy to have me. All I could think was, "Wow, she probably has 1,000 other things to do but she took that time to get to know who I was." What an incredible woman. We will all miss you! Silver Cross Strong.  Cait N., 5-3

• There was never a time that I walked passed Ruth and she didn’t smile and make conversation. Always so friendly and personable. Ruth did amazing things for Silver Cross and the Community, she will be missed dearly.  Kelly D., Cancer Center

• I have only been a SCH employee for a few months. In Orientation, I noticed Ruth was on the agenda to talk to the group. My first thought was, "oh, it's probably a recorded message they will show us". To my surprise, Ruth showed up, in person, and addressed the new employees. I thought for sure she would be too busy to welcome new employees several times a month. She was kind, intelligent, funny and welcoming. I knew immediately she would be someone who would invite you to come to her office and chat about whatever was on your mind. Also, Ruth made a special effort to visit our office several times, always looking at our name badges to personalize her greeting and conversation. Ruth truly cared about her staff and listened to their suggestions and concerns. She will be greatly missed.  Christine B., UCM Radiation Oncology 

• One day I was in cafeteria eating lunch and she said hi knowing who I was, and just sat down with me to eat lunch. She asked me how everything was down here at the Cancer Center and we just talked as normal people. I will always remember the employees faces sitting around me looking at me like oh boy what did she do meaning me LOL. Or who was I that she sat with me.... I will miss her greatly. A very smart professional personable sweet lady. Always stopping no matter what she was doing to say hi with a smile. 
  Maria A., Cancer Center

• Ruth was truly amazing in every regard: warm, friendly, caring and brilliant beyond belief. She touched so many lives and had more energy than anyone I've ever met. She trusted her team, and challenged them to venture outside their comfort zones. Her wisdom was absolutely infinite. I think what will always stand out to me is that, despite her many accomplishments and accolades, she was relatable to every one she encountered. She will be missed!  Deb R., Marketing & Communications

• I was hired at Silver Cross on 12/12/22. In the short time that I have been employed, I can honestly say that Ruth was always a positive presence. She made it a point to always stop by to say hello if she was in the Homer Glen location. I was impressed by her honest demeanor and positive smile. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. While I knew her for a brief time, she will be missed. I will pray for comfort for the family during this time of grief.  Giannella S., Outpatient Physical Therapy

• I've known Ruth for just under 3 years and she was a remarkable leader, mentor, and friend. I will miss her greatly. Ruth always asked how I am personally at every meeting, no matter how many other things were on her plate. She was truly a kind person. 
  Brendan K., Oncology

• When I worked at Silver Cross and reported to Ruth, she pushed me to do things I was not comfortable with - a great lesson! I can still hear her say "Theresa, you need to get smart on this" hence her lifelong learner mentality that she instilled in others. She also advised keeping important messages to 3 topics. She gave great advice, pushed hard because she saw your potential, and always recognized those who did good work. I credit my progressive leadership roles to Ruth and I often thanked her. If not for her, I would not be where I am today. Ruth valued the partnership with UChicago Medicine and I will miss our monthly calls and her sound advice, but I take with me her drive for excellence and ability to connect with people at all levels. She was fierce.  Theresa Q., UChicago Medicine

• About 7 years ago I was invited to a Thanksgiving lunch at Dr. Hindo's office. When I arrived there was one seat left and it was next to Ruth. She saw me hesitate as to whether I should take it and she said, "Sit next to me Joanne I don't bite". I was instantly at ease and we ended up having yearly Thanksgiving luncheon conversations about England (my home), the time that she spent there and the Royal Family. She was one of a kind and will be missed.  Joanne, H., Physical Therapy West Joliet

• Ruth actually helped recruit me to my current position, so I am incredibly grateful to her for helping me through that journey and shepherding me through my career at Silver Cross. She has always been an advocate for cancer services in the community and extending our reach to help as many patients as possible. It is clear she cared about this community. Her leadership will be missed as she was always inclusive of all input. Her untimely passing is a loss for this hospital and the community at large. 
  Shayan R., UC Comprehensive Cancer Center

• Ruth was such a brilliant and kind soul. She was a crusader for our past, present and future in healthcare and what a difference she made to our patients, our community and our staff. I am still in shock and disbelief, and it deeply saddens me that life will go on without her present. She is gone way too soon. As I reflect back on my career, Ruth supported me without doubt and she was on my side, my advocate and I felt secure in my role. I will truly miss her reassurance and encouragement. I want to dedicate the rest of my medical career to Ruth and I hope I make her as proud as she made me feel being a part of the Silver Cross and PSMG family. From the bottom of my heart, thank you Ruth. It humbles me knowing you are listening. You will never be forgotten and you are in my prayers.
  Maria C., PSMG Internal Medicine

• Every time I would see Ruth, she would always ask me, "How are the kiddos?" How unusual is it that someone gets to see their CEO and cares about you on a personal level. Back in 2019, at one of our leadership meetings, Ruth shared an article that was very life changing for me. I recently re-read the article titled, "How Will You Measure Your Life?" The article ends with this statement, "Don’t worry about the level of individual prominence you have achieved; worry about the individuals you have helped become better people." I live by this motto. Ruth made me a better person and created an environment that fostered achievement. I will forever be grateful.  Jackie B., 4:4

• Although I have only been here for five months, I had the pleasure of seeing Ruth for each HR Orientation. She would come in with such a vibrant smile and get to know each new hire, which was truly beautiful to see. I really appreciated that she had a warmth about her, where although she was the President, she made me feel like I was equal to her. She will truly be missed in the halls, in the office and at Silver Cross Hospital.
  Abbey V., Human Resources

• The moment you met Ruth, you felt like you were meeting a friend. Her warmth and welcoming personality made you feel as if you had known her your whole life. She stopped by Patient Accounts one day last year and noticed we had a basket of books to "share" in our department – take one, leave one, pass one on – and she loved that idea. She said, "Oh! I have a few I can add." I never held her to that, after all, she had millions of things much more pressing and important to do than remember to bring a book to Patient Accounts. BUT… of course, she remembered. She returned about a week later with a number of books for our basket – and I was just thrilled that she remembered! She was excited, too, to pass them on to us. Fellow coworkers joked that I was Ruth's BFF, now that we had a common love of reading. And while I didn't see her often – she never forgot who I was and always stopped to talk a minute or two when I saw her. She was an exemplary leader and I feel so blessed to work at Silver Cross under her guidance. May we all follow her example and carry on as she lived – with honor, respect and kindness to all.
  Leanne W., Patient Accounts

• Ruth was always such a ray of sunshine, all the times she would just stop in the hallway to say hi or personally come around to say hi. She was always so sweet and so compassionate; what a sad loss for our organization. Ruth, you will be missed!
  Samantha C., OPTC Cardiology

• Ruth was a close friend and a great mentor. She left a big void. I will miss her immensely.
  Samer D., Pathology

• Ruth was a whirlwind with a smile! I admired her approach to leadership from my first day at Silver Cross. She truly cared about our employees and patients, and never wasted an opportunity to let you know she appreciated your hard work. She was truly special and will be sorely missed.  Michelle F., Laboratory

• Ruth was not just a leader, she was a friend and constant source of light and warmth in our lives, a force of nature, a boundless energy and spirit and capacity to inspire. Ruth was always there, a beacon of light when we were adrift, our compass when we lost our way. Her kindness was a gift, one that we unwrapped again and again and again. Overcome with extreme sadness and deep void, my only comfort is this overwhelming show of unity, flamed by the love and the profound sense of loss we all feel for our lady. As I bid farewell to Ruth, I am not going to say goodbye. Instead, I am saying thank you. Thank you for your leadership and your friendship. Thank you for being Ruth. We shall honor your memory by carrying on, on the road you envisioned and the promises you pledged. So long, my dear leader.  Husam M., OB/Gyn

• I remember the first time I met Ruth; what a powerhouse of a female leader. Ruth was kind, compassionate and radiated positivity. Over the two years I have worked here, it became very clear that Ruth embodied the very characteristics many would hope to have as a leader. I looked up to her as she was a force to be reckoned with but also an amazing trailblazer. A role model for myself and others. What could she not do? Ruth may have been the CEO, but she was also a friend to all. She always took the time to remind us how much she loved Homer Glen and would stop by and check in. The staff always appreciated her presence. One year I was given an award from the ANA and to my surprise, Ruth wrote me a handwritten letter congratulating me and expressing her pride in my accomplishment. I appreciated how she not only acknowledged the hospital, but the individuals within Silver Cross. I still have that letter today because it meant a lot to be seen by our leader. That is who Ruth was though, an incredible person full of love and grace towards all. Her dedication to her work in healthcare is unmatched. She will be greatly missed.  Celia R., Homer Glen FEC

• Ruth was so amazing. She loves smiling; always walking with her high heels on. She always comes up to a person to ask, “Are you okay?” I used to always clean her office. I will always remember Ruth. She was so beautiful and a smart woman. She put smile on people’s faces when they were having a bad day. Silver Cross will always be your family too.
  Sheree H., Environmental Services

• Ruth was always smiling and positive. She was very nice, educated and a respectful woman. I will never forget her smile when coming to the nurses station. I will always remember when she announced my Daisy award. Overall, she was a friend that you could talk to.  Maria F., 6:1

• Ruth was an amazing leader and genuine person. I remember attending an in-service about the future of healthcare several years ago where Ruth presented. I was in awe as she explained financial data in a way that was understandable to a bedside RN. Ruth was so knowledgeable; her kind and thoughtful approach to all interactions is irreplaceable. Her town hall events were engaging, and her messages addressed all the hard questions facing hospitals. I admire her ability to remember the names and faces of Silver Cross employees. I will always remember her support and leadership through the COVID 19 pandemic. The videos she created delivered a uniform message to the entire team and the community.  She rounded in the ICU and asked how we were doing amongst the stress and chaos. My deepest condolences to her family and friends. I will never forget her.  Cherie D., Nursing Administration

• I spent a lot of time recording videos about COVID in Ruth's office during the summer of 2020. She had a way of calming anyone who was nervous about filming, often joking that she always messed up. At the end of every video, Ruth was constantly left in awe by the talented individuals who chose to work at Silver Cross. She said to me on more than one occasion, "Can you believe the kind of people who work here? It's amazing!" She never rushed anyone out of her office after we were done filming and always had the time to listen to them intently. Even if she had a meeting to get to right after we were done, she wouldn't leave until all their questions were answered. I will miss her greatly.
  Shaun Z., Marketing

• Ruth Colby was a very friendly person who always had a smile on her face. She always stopped to ask you how you are doing. She will truly be missed.
  Sharon S., Central Transport

• Ruth was an amazing leader, colleague and friend who I will miss tremendously. She was a visionary leader, a partner in our community, and kind to everyone she met. Thank you, Ruth, you will forever be in my heart.  Judy M.

• Ruth Colby didn't just have a career; she established a legacy. Her examples of servant leadership, and her passion for what is right and good in this world, are lessons she gifted all of us. What an incredible human. Wishing all the Silver Cross Hospital family, and her personal family, peace and love as you navigate the days ahead.  Julie W.

• Never had the honor to meet Ruth but felt Silver Cross was being ran by an extremely competent, kind professional who had a strong understanding of healthcare. Often saw her walking around the hospital, always stopping to speak with people. Managed by not sitting behind her desk. My condolences to her family, friends and the Silver Cross Team.  Colleen W.

• Would see Ruth at all the golf outings, and at the galas, always so kind and gracious, always with a warm smile?. She will be missed.  Laura Z.

• I served as the SC Interim CIO and had the opportunity to know and work for Ruth. I will always cherish our monthly dinner and other meetings which were super intense but always enjoyable. I am still shocked from this news - she was way too young but there is plenty to celebrate from a life well-lived. Sending positive thoughts and prayers for Ruth’s family, friends, and co-workers.  Kirk M.

• She will be missed. The hallways seem empty without her presence💔  Sheree M.

• Rest in Peace doesn’t Seem appropriate for Such a young vibrant Knowledgeable woman.  Sharon N.

• Very sorry and prayers for the entire Colby family. May God provide them strength.  Vladimir R.

• God willing Ruth's teachings and legacy will live on. We have been truly blessed by her dedication to and love for all. Sincere condolences.  Neil J.

• Ruth was a wonderful community leader and a personal mentor. She will be missed by all. Our family extends our condolences to her loved ones--thank you for sharing Ruth with us.  Suzanne A.

• My condolences to your family, Silver Cross Hospital, and all who had the privilege of knowing you, Ruth. I am a former employee of over 35 years and a neighbor who loves the vision that has been passed on through the ages. Ruth’s attitude with gratitude permeates the doors as you enter. Sleep well in your heavenly home!!  Kay E.

• Teammates at Apria Healthcare extend our condolences to Ruth’s family and her team at Silver Cross. We are deeply saddened by this loss.  Joni C.

• Silver Cross will forever be in my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with Ruth's family and all Silver Cross Employees, Executives and Board members as you manage through this tough time.  Tracy A.

• So sorry to hear this news. Although I did not have the pleasure of working with Ruth, I’m inspired by her leadership and send heartfelt condolences to her work family and her own family. The legacy she created lives on.  Shawn O.

• An unusual combination of vision, compassion, personability, and care. A huge loss for the Silver Cross community. Deepest condolences to the Colby family. Rest in Peace Ruth Colby 🙏🏻  Mohit A.

• I'm saddened to hear this news. She made me feel like I mattered, and I wasn't an employee of Silver Cross hospital but a contract worker. She will truly be missed. My heart goes out to her family, both at Silver Cross and home.  Dennise M.

• Ruth was an amazing woman with a kind heart. This is very sad. Rest in paradise Ruth. Prayers to her family, friends, and her Silver Cross family. 🙏🏻🙏🏻   Daniela V.

• Such shock and sadness on this tragic news! Ruth brought me in to work with Silver Cross leadership. Her level of dedication, excellence, quality, and empathy are legendary, and she inspired me to higher levels of dedication, excellence, quality, and empathy. She had a glow and a lifeforce that was a gift, and she will be dearly missed. She and I most certainly would have had deep dialogue about the current crisis in Israel. I pray for peace in the Middle East for many reasons, but also for Ruth... may she Rest in Peace! My condolences and love to her family and the entire Silver Cross Hospital family.  Troy Cicero

• Our most sincere condolences to Ruth’s family and the entire Silver Cross community. She was indeed a dynamic leader and visionary who was highly respected throughout the health care industry. Ruth was a true friend to Morris Hospital and will be greatly missed.  Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers

• Our hearts are broken over the loss of a true leader who served on the Will County Children's Advocacy Center Board of Directors. Ruth was a brilliant and kind, quiet giant who worked hard and deeply loved her community, Silver Cross Hospital, and her family.  Will County Children’s Advocacy Center

• I’m so, so sorry to hear this. She was such a motivational leader and will be missed. My heart goes out to the whole Silver Cross Family💕  Kim D.

• We are so saddened by this deep loss. Ruth was a wonderful, amazing and brilliant person and we will miss her dearly.  Courtney H.

• Godspeed Ruth, it was an honor to know you. The Silver Cross community will miss you.  LeRoy W.

• My deepest condolences to Ruth's family, friends, and colleagues. While working at Silver Cross Hospital I had the pleasure of getting to know her through her many visits down to the UChicago Cancer Center. She always greeted and thanked us for our service. She is someone I thought very highly of, and she will be missed.  Jill W.

• Heartbroken! Ruth was an amazing leader, and her loss will be felt by all of us. Silver Cross Strong! We honor her by keeping up the great tradition of excellence in our care.  Laura A.

• This is a tragic loss. Deepest condolences to Ruth's family and her Silver Cross family We will miss her.  Marilyn K.

• A truly devastating loss for her family and the Silver Cross family. She was a brilliant as well as devoted caretaker of the Silver Cross values. She will be missed. Rest in Peace. 🙏💔🙏💔🙏💔🙏💔🙏💔  Terry B.

• So sorry to hear this news. My sympathy to her family and the Silver Cross Hospital family. She will be missed.  Debbie L.

• Our condolences to her family and the Silver Cross Hospital family. We were honored to call her a friend. She will be greatly missed.  Rosie C.

• RIP Ruth, just a super kind person and so genuine. I am deeply saddened by this. I will miss her trips up to Rehab. My condolences and deepest sympathy to her family and close friends. GOD BLESS.  Cheryl T.

• Our hearts are heavy as we remember Ruth’s vibrant spirit and dynamic leadership. We are holding our Silver Cross family in our thoughts during this challenging time.  Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

• So sad, such a nice lady. Miss our little chit-chats when I would come in to clean her office. My condolences to her family.  Betsy G.

• Sending condolences, and prayers for peace to her family, friends, and the entire Silver Cross Family. Her presence and dedication to Silver Cross and the community will be greatly missed.  Verna P.

• So sad and shocking. She was truly such a kind woman. So compassionate about her job and SCH family. She will definitely be missed. Condolences and prayers to her loved ones.  Maryanne H.

• Ruth was a true compassionate leader. Ruth was instrumental in forming the Silver Cross Healthy Community Commission. She will be missed. 😢  Betty W.

• Heartbreaking. She was such a driven leader who truly cared about all her employees and patients. Estevan C.

• I am so very sorry to hear this. I’ll never forget her and her son coming to Silver on Thanksgiving Day a few years ago. They passed out coffee cards and cafeteria cards to the employees working the holiday. They visited every unit that day. As the CEO, she didn’t have to take time out of her holiday to come to work but she did. She was a wonderful leader. Prayers to her family and loved ones. ❤️  Lynn M.

• It’s a sad day indeed. Ruth Colby was a dynamic force and she led Silver Cross with wisdom and grace. My prayers are for her family and for her Silver Cross family who mourn her untimely death.  Sharon F.

• Such devastating news. Ruth was a fantastic leader of Silver Cross and a great friend to our family. May she rest in peace.  Craig C.

• So sad to hear of Ruth’s passing she was a Great person and cared deeply! She will be so missed. I will keep her family, dear friends and co-workers in my prayers.  Diana B.

• Her work is done. She always treated the staff with the utmost respect and dignity. Condolences to her family. Shalimar A.

• This is sad news! I always loved that she would visit Homer Glen and not forget about us. Her smile was genuine, and she wanted to greet everyone! The true loss of a lovely soul.  Paulette B.

• Ruth was so amazing. She loves smiling; always walking with her high heels on. She always comes up to a person to ask, “Are you okay?” I used to always clean her office. I will always remember Ruth. She was so beautiful and a smart woman. She put smiles on people’s faces when they were having a bad day. Silver Cross will always be your family too.
  Sheree H., Environmental Services

• Ruth was always smiling and positive. She was very nice, educated and a respectful woman. I will never forget her smile when coming to the nurse's station. I will always remember when she announced my Daisy Award. Overall, she was a friend that you could talk to. Maria F., 6:1

• Ruth Colby was a very friendly person who always had a smile on her face. She always stopped to ask you how you are doing. She will truly be missed.
  Sharon S., Central Transport

• A few years ago, I had major surgery. Ruth was at the nurse's station passing out cards for free coffee. I was walking in the hall and she remembered me from getting the Daisy award and stopped and talked with me for a few minutes, and came to visit several times during my hospitalization. She was so caring and warm. She really made an impact on my recovery. Mary Ann A., Retired Home Health 

• Ruth was kind and caring – very genuine in her concern for the Silver Cross family and the wider community. She was a role model for the Silver Cross behaviors. She was forward thinking and in her role as VP of Strategy and then CEO formulated plans for Homer Glen, the hospital move, the expansion of the campus, the Cancer Center, Ambulatory Surgery, Silver Oaks and Urgent Care. Ruth embraced technology and wanted to improve access to services. She attended Daily Safety Huddle most mornings because she enjoyed having her finger on the pulse of the organization and was committed to improving safety. Ruth was so proud of the awards – 5 Star, Leapfrog and Top 100. I'm so glad all three came through this year! Ruth has left an indelible mark on Silver Cross. We need to Stay the Course and Keep the Culture. Mary S., Nursing Administration

• I talked with Ruth on many occasions. She had a way to make you feel welcome. Once we were chatting in the cafeteria waiting to pay for our lumch and she paid for mine. I personally had never had anyone do an act of kindness like that for me, especially my CEO, so I was very humbled. I am thankful to have known such an incredible woman. She was a true leader. Krystal N., OB

• I remember Ruth coming to the hospital on holidays to thank the volunteers for being there. She was very personable and friendly. I always admired her leadership, especially during Covid.

I appreciate all she has done for Silver Cross and the community.
Marilyn Kintz., Volunteer

• More than three years ago, I said yes. Yes to Ruth Colby. At the time, I worked for an incredible organization and absolutely loved my team, but in meeting Ruth, I knew there was something magnetic about her. Something I had to take the leap of faith and explore. I took a demotion. I moved my family an hour west. I had faith in what one of my first bosses told me… “work for people and not places”.
  
  These past few years working alongside Ruth have been some of the best years of my life. She was a boss. She pushed hard. Her bar was high. There was no rock unturned. She was always many steps ahead. And you better be ready. But she never judged. Never made you feel stupid. She lifted you up in your growth.
  
  Ruth was a friend. She saw me through heart ache and health scares. She watched me find love. She saw me walk down the aisle. Deal with my past. Plan for my future. Ruth shared all the life titles we do not always care to admit, and those titles that we do. Mom. Wife. Executive.
  
  Ruth was a mentor. The first week after her surgery was the hardest for me. I realized I knew what to do. She trained me well. I knew how to get to 95% on my own. But she was always that final blessing, that last vote of confidence that gave you the reassurance of the final 5%. The fairy godmother that winked you across the finish line. What I realized that first week she was out, is that she has been building me up this entire time. She has been preparing me to take the training wheels off. To do this without her.
  
  The problem is, I don’t want to. Ruth was remarkable. A force. One of the most incredible people that I have had the privilege of meeting. I am barely 1% of the circle of influence she touched. The number of people that share such intimate moments and deeply rooted inspiration because of her simple gestures is astounding. Ruth Colby was a force. Ruth filled people with light, with joy, with energy, and with hope.
  
  Today I finally mourn the loss of my dear boss, my colleague, my mentor, and my friend. But I also celebrate the force that she was, and the song she has deeply buried into all of our hearts and souls. Some people just move you in ways you never anticipated, in ways you never realized you needed.
  
  To Ruth- thank you for an incredible three years. Thank you for your tenacity, your exhausting drive for excellence, your compassion, and your humanness. You were ruthless and relentless in all you did, yet one of the most enjoyable people to be around. I will never forget you Ruth, and can only hope to help keep your legacy alive.
  Michelle B., Administration

• Deepest sympathies for all Ruth's family. Very hard worker she was! Mark C., Dietary

• Ruth was the Laverne to my Shirley. There was nothing she wouldn’t try. And she NEVER heard the word impossible! I met Ruth when she interviewed for the VP of Strategy & Business Development position in 2005.  Although, looking back I think she was really interviewing me! I didn’t know then how lucky I would be to have had the amazing opportunity to work for and alongside her for 18 years building the Silver Cross brand, promoting our partnerships, engaging the community, creating our own in-house marketing & PR agency, raising valuable dollars, and hosting more ground-breaking, ribbon-cutting and grand opening celebrations than I care to remember or repeat! She pushed me. She cheered me on. And she believed in me even when I didn’t always believe in myself. She was the Big Sis I always wanted and didn’t know I needed. We laughed. We cried. And when we were done, we rolled up our sleeves, put “scrunchies” in our hair and forged ahead. I didn’t always agree with her direction, but I learned to pick my battles for Ruth was (almost) always right. She really was my mentor as she was for many of us “girls.” There were days and weeks that I spent more time with her than my own family – especially during the “Replacement Hospital” years. She looked out for me. And when she promoted me to lead the Silver Cross Foundation, I thought she was crazy! Heck, I used to buy my kids candy bars, so I didn’t have to ask my friends and family for money. But she coached me, investing not only her valuable time but her wisdom as a fundraiser from her days at U of C. Just last month, she single-handedly acquired a massive collection of rare and valuable Beanie Babies from a 91-year-old patient who took a liking to her when she popped in to visit him while rounding. That was Ruth. Charming and relatable. A bundle of energy. You couldn’t help but want to be around her hoping that some of her magic would rub off. She made you want to be a better human being. She was the smartest woman I ever met. Her mind was always going even was she was physically exhausted. Shortly after Ruth was appointed CEO, we were sitting together at a Healthcare Advisory Board Meeting. She leaned over and said what do you think about “advancing healthcare” as a platform for moving forward? We then spent the rest of the morning whispering like schoolgirls and outlining what would eventually become “Ruth’s 3 Key Messages.”  Thank you, Ruth, for everything. I (already) miss you, my friend. Save me a seat and I will bring the frosting! Tracy S., Foundation

• Ruth surely let you know when she had admiration for your department and the work that you do. She was never shy to ask for more as at the end of the day, it was for her beloved Silver Cross Hospital. Her vision and ability to be so personable with all employees will be sorely missed. RIP Ruth. Gina S., Clinical Documentation

• Ruth will surely be missed in the halls of the hospital. Every time we passed in the hall, she would give a warm smile and act as if she knew your name. With all the volunteers that we have I’m not sure that she really knew who I was, but it did make me feel special. God bless her and her family as they journey through the grief process. Judith B., Volunteer

• Ruth was an incredible leader. She inspired so many of us to strive for greatness. She walked the hallways of Silver Cross acknowledging everyone she encountered. Ruth made it a point to get to know her employees. Regardless of how busy she may have been, she stopped to say hello, see how you were doing, and even inquired about your family. She was an amazing person. She will truly be missed. My sincere condolences for the Colby family. Gail M., Human Resources

• Whenever I saw Ruth she always made me feel like I was her best friend. This is how she treated everyone! I will miss her smiling face and extraordinary kindness. Sandy S., 6-4

• Ruth inspired me during my orientation in October of 2019, She was full of passion for making Silver Cross truly "the place where you should be treated." I was inspired by her to become a member that emanates our core values. Ruth was a woman full of life and compassion and that fire in her heart will live on through me. Marissa F., SCMG Joliet Lab

• Silver Cross will forever be on my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with Ruth's family and all Silver Cross Employees, Executives and Board members as you manage through this tough time. Tracy A. 

• While celebrating my 25 great years at the Silver Cross Hospital employee service awards, I was taking a picture with Ruth and she says to me, " Just what you wanted, a picture of me in your family room!" She said it with a humor and a great smile. I will never forget that, and I do have that picture in my living room. Ruth's presence will be greatly missed.
  Judy K., Silver Cross Home Health

• My condolences to her family. She’ll be missed. Vielka M., EEG

• Ruth was an amazing woman with a kind heart. This is very sad. Rest in paradise Ruth. Prayers to her family, friends and her Silver Cross family. Daniella V., Dispatch

• I was stunned when I heard the news. So sorry for your organization and staff. She was instrumental in bringing Lurie Children's to your hospital, and I always enjoyed how well we worked together on stories.    Julie P.

• My prayers to her family.  Denise P.

• Sending heartfelt sympathy to Ruth's family, friends and colleagues. This is an incredible loss.  Marilyn W.

• I am so shocked to hear this sad news. My sincerest condolences for you all.  Denise N.

• This is such sad news - for the industry, and for her family and friends. Ruth was all class - smart, funny, kind. She will be missed.  Peggy K.

• What a loss for her family, SCH and the entire community. While I did not have the privilege to work with her directly as our paths crossed at Silver, I knew her and just last year she spoke about SCH’s amazing outcomes in my quality class at Loyola. My deepest sympathies.  Maggie R.

• I truly admired Ruth’s energy and passion.  Sheri G.

• I was so shocked and saddened to hear this news. I knew Ruth through SHSMD for years, and she was one of the very few colleagues who became a CEO. So very sorry for your loss.   Anne T.

• My thoughts are with you. I had the privilege to work with Ruth many years ago. This is a tremendous loss for our community, the healthcare industry, and all who knew and loved her.  Debbera H.

• She was beloved by many. Prayers and peace for family, friends and colleagues.  Phyllis M. 

• Truly one of the best leaders. So very sorry for your loss.  Lauren M.

• Truly one of the best leaders. So very sorry for your loss.  Katie L.

• She was a special person for sure and was very kind to me from the first day I began working with the team. May Ruth's memory be a blessing.  Glenn H.

• My deepest condolences.  Donella B.

• My deepest condolences to all her friends and family.  Robert B.

• I am so terribly sorry to hear of the passing of Ruth. My heart is broken for you, her family and all her friends, which were many. She was an incredible person and will be deeply missed. My sincere sympathies. 💔  Kathy D.

• The healthcare community lost one of our own recently and I wanted to take a moment this morning to remember Ruth Colby, CEO of Silver Cross Hospital and so much more. I have had the honor and privilege of working with Ruth over the last few years and experiencing her leadership. She was a huge supporter and motivator for the people she believes in and I was lucky enough to feel that from her. Recently, I have heard stories from nursing friends of mine of how she would be in the hospital on holidays talking with the staff and handing out coffee. Ruth was also a strong support of HFMA. Giving her time to speak at events like our Women in Leadership Event, and supporting her colleagues to do the same, some of which you will hear throughout the summit. I know Ruth would be very proud of the events we have planned over the next day and a half, as she always promoted and supported growth. Thank you, Ruth, for your visible and servant leadership in our healthcare community.  Katie White, CPA, FHFMA, Innovista Health

• I lead a vendor company that was exploring an innovation project with Ruth and her team. I was always so impressed by Ruth's open-mindedness, appetite for innovation and commitment to communicate openly and honestly. She was an ideal partner and will be very missed!  Seth Cohen

• I have only been a SCH employee for a short time but in that time, it was apparent that Ruth was and will continue to be loved and respected by everyone that knew her. Ruth's passing is a tremendous loss for Silver Cross Hospital. Ruth will forever be in our hearts. Continued prayers to her family, friends and colleagues.  Lauren M., Human Resources

• Ruth and I shared the honor of the Athena Award. Following the September Chamber Athena event, past recipients present gathered for a group photo. After this special moment, Ruth and I walked arm and arm to our cars to continue the busy day. As the Chief Strategist for Silver Cross and then the President/CEO, Ruth provided the leadership that orchestrated the vision that has become a reality – an incredible legacy!
  Debra Condotti, Easter Seals

• I will miss seeing Ruth’s smile as she passed by and her kind words if she stopped for a chat. She was a special leader that kept us all moving forward. May her wonderful legacy live on in the hospital and the community for years to come.
  Sue B., Marketing & Communications

• Ruth was an exemplary leader, always looking to set you on a path towards success. She was the best person to have in your corner! Whether you knew her personally or not, you can feel her presence in the way that Silver Cross lives and breathes. I'll miss her laugh and her wide-eyed excitement as she spoke so proudly of not just the four walls of Silver Cross, but the people who worked here. She was so proud to be our leader and you could feel it. Her legacy will live on. My heartfelt sympathies to her family, friends and all whose lives she touched.  Neecie J., Marketing & Communications

• Ruth was always a positive person with a palpable energy. She looked you in the eye, shook your hand, and spoke to you honestly and directly. She had always welcomed the partnership with Lurie Children’s Hospital, and we are grateful for how she gave us an opportunity at Silver Cross. She treated us just like all the other excellent physicians at Silver Cross, and we are always grateful to her for our relationship.
  Dr. Doug Johnston, Lurie Children’s at Silver Cross

• So very sad by the loss of our great leader. Ruth was such a caring, kind-hearted person that touched so many of our lives in different ways. We all will miss her dearly. May she rest in peace.  Diane P., Medical Records

• I met Ruth 3 years ago when PSMG was being created. I was lucky enough to meet her in her office and talk about our vision for our department. She always knew me by name after that meeting and made it a point to address me that way. I was amazed watching her at the hospital: how many people she knew by name and how genuine she was in all of her encounters with everyone at the hospital. After I shared with her that I was going back to school to get a Master's in Healthcare Administration, she always made sure to ask me how my classes were going and suggested that we meet to discuss the classes as I completed them. She always agreed to meet with me and talk about what I was learning and how that knowledge applied to my current job. She was a mentor to me and was the most positive and encouraging person who offered the best advice. I will cherish what I have learned from her in the last 3 years. Meagan Turner, MS, PAC, Premier Suburban Medical Group

• Ruth was so very kind-I have a small job here at Silver Cross but I do it with great love and Ruth never made me feel small or less than… she would greet me and say kind words every time… Ruth was a great lady and will be missed immensely.
   Antoinette D., Nutrition Services

• Ruth was an outstanding leader and mentor that looked to build you up and give you the confidence that you were on the right path towards success. I was always grateful for her support of the clinical pharmacy program and the work the pharmacy does. However, during the turbulent times of COVID-19 is when I really got to know Ruth and understand firsthand what a strong leader she was. I recall a comment I made to her after one of our command center meetings. I said, “I think we need to do more to get people in the community vaccinated, but I am not sure how.” She quickly said, come to my office. I just remember a fury of phone calls to community leaders and in about 30 minutes we had a plan. I walked away in awe thinking to myself, what just happened? 33,000 vaccinations later, the rest is history. Silver Cross will miss her, the community will miss her, I will miss her…. but her legacy will continue to live and breathe. My heartfelt sympathies to her family during this difficult time.  Frank B., Pharmacy Services

• I started with SCH last December and during the brief time I had the privilege of talking to Ruth a few times. The warmth of her personality and her down to earth persona makes it so much easier to communicate freely. It felt like you are talking to a friend rather than a CEO and President. We miss seeing her in hallways walking and talking to anyone. She will be missed dearly and whoever takes her place will have big shoes to fill! 
   Zohra R., IT-Informatics and Physician Support

• Before the new hospital opened, there was a big event with a wheel you could spin to win 1,000's. A huge storm blew up just as it was starting, and Ruth said "Get in my car. I'll take you to your cars." So with our muddy shoes, we jumped in her beautiful blue Mercedes (I think). So kind of her! To the family and friends of Ruth Colby, she is gone but not forgotten. Ruth will always be in our hearts. I hope she knew how proud we were that she was our CEO. I hope she felt our support. Ruth's shoes will be huge to fill. 
   Mary T., Center for Women's Health

• Rather than 3 messages I can think of 3 words that describe Ruth: Wise, Driven, and Kind. Thank you for being such a great role model for so many.  Dave S., IT