Ruth Wheeler was born on November 19, 1901 in Austin, Texas to William and Maggie Wheeler. Ruth Wheeler Eastman Woody married for the third time on July 21, 1944 to Robert L. Harris. Just prior to her marriage to Harris she worked as a nurse caring for Governor James E. Ferguson.
Robert, a chef, and Ruth owned and operated the Harris' Wayside Inn at 1502 Barton Springs during the 1940s and 50s as well as the Harris Restaurant on Riverside Drive in the 1960s. Once she retired Ruth became active in the Heart of Texas Grandmothers' Club, holding several offices throughout the years of that organization. She was also an active member of the First Methodist Church in Austin.
Ruth Harris died on January 7, 2000 and was buried at the Oakwood Cemetery Annex in Austin.
Source: adapted from a biography provided from the donor.
From the guide to the Ruth Harris Papers AR. 2011. 001., 1912-1973, 1944, 1961-1973, (Austin History Center, Austin Public Library, )
