Ruthe Jackson celebrates birthday
It was standing room only in the Ruthe Jackson Center Sunday afternoon as dignitaries, friends, family, and well wishers came to celebrate Grand Prairie’s Mayor Pro Tem Ruthe Jackson’s 90th birthday.
State Representative Kirk England, County Commissioner Ken Mayfield , and Matt Jack from the office U. S. Congressman Kenny Marchant, all read proclamations honoring Jackson who has been a City Council member for the past 23 years.
Jackson, who recalled about forty years ago being called “a civic minded busy body” by a city staff member, was named Grand Prairie Citizen of the Century in a proclamation read by Mayor Charles England.
A founding member of some 20 non-profit organizations, Jackson has beautified the city through various environmental initiatives, organized the National Day of Prayer, and has worked diligently to preserve the city’s history.
A few of Jackson’s accomplishments and accolades include:
- 1977 Keep America Beautiful Lady Bird Johnson Award
- Keep Texas Beautiful – Ruthe Jackson Youth Awards
- Ruthe Jackson Center opened in December 2002
- National Recreation and Parks – 2005 Robert Artz Award for volunteerism
- Threw the first pitch at Texas Ranger game and AirHogs game
- Dallas County Commissioners Court – Ruthe Jackson Beautification Awards
- Arlington 4th of July Parade Grand Marshal and main judge for many years
