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Lackey -- Ina Ruth Hillis Lackey, 90, died Wednesday, March 31. She was a resident of Manzano Del Sol Good Samaritan Village. The youngest of three daughters, she was born in Ardmore, Oklahoma Territory, on March 18, 1909, to William Mark and Electra Richardson Hillis, who were missionaries and teachers. Ruth spent her early years in Oklahoma and Arkansas. After graduating with high honors from high school in Oklahoma, she earned her BA degree from Asbury College in Wilmore, Kentucky and her MA from Scarrit College in Nashville, Tennessee. In 1926, Ruth was posted to Brazil as a Methodist Missionary, a position she held until she joined the World YWCA in 1946. She served with the YWCA in Brazil until 1958. Returning to the United States, she then served as Executive Director of YWCAs in Corpus Christi, Texas, 1959-1964, Albuquerque, 1968-1971, and Racine, Wisconsin, 1971-1975. During her tenure as Executive Director of the Albuquerque YWCA, New Futures School was established, The YWCA Blue Triangle Camp in Tijeras Canyon was renovated and the program developed. The Lodge at the camp is named"Hillis Lodge" in recognition of her efforts. The YWCA World Fellowship Day became a major event in Albuquerque and resulted in the publication of the"Albuquerque YWCA World Fellowship Cookbook". Ruth returned to Brazil again in 1979-1980. She had many friends and admirers in Brazil for the more than 30 yeas of service there and corresponded with them in Portuguese until she became ill. Ruth chose Albuquerque as her home base when she retired in 1975 and always returned here. She was married to E. Dent Lackey, who served 12 years as the Mayor of Niagra Falls, NY. He preceded her in death. Again returning to Albuquerque, she served as the office manager for the law firm of Threet and King in 1981. Ruth also spent many hours volunteering at St. Martin's Hospitality Center, The Storehouse, and with the Council of Churches Intergenerational Program. She devoted many hours to helping frail seniors manage their affairs and sewing bibs for the children at Casa Angelica. Ruth had a great love and compassion for the troubled and those in need, especially women and girls, and spent her life in service to them. Ruth was a member of the Manzano Del Sol Singers, the Altrusa Club, and The Cathedral Church of St. John. She is survived by her nieces, Zee Allison of Illinois, Helen Semands of Florida, Linda Sotis of New York; and nephews, Joe and Billy Davis of NC and Linc Lackey of Florida; many great-nieces and nephews; and her friends, Martin and Laura Threet and family of Albuquerque. Cremation has taken place. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to Manzano Del Sol, 5201 Roma NE 87108; The Storehouse, 106 Broadway SE 87102; or St. Martin's Hospitality Center, 1201 3rd, 87102, all in Albuquerque. The Sunrise Society has assisted the Threet family with arrangements. A memorial service is planned for a later date.
        Published on: Sun April 18, 1999