Renée Montagne

NPR Morning Edition co-host and reporter

Ruth was one of those rare people whose mythical reputation preceded her. She mingled with Beat poets when young—and was beautiful enough to be a model! She was a South Bronx character who had become LA’s queen of radio! A savior of NPR! A one-of-a-kind who created public radio’s most dazzling station! A tough cookie with an unerring eye for talent!

All true, and much more, as I discovered when I moved to Santa Monica in 1992, just six blocks from Ruth. I came to know her as a most charming friend, with a wealth of stories about her rich and fascinating life, along with ambitious future plans for her great love: KCRW. She was fierce and also open, with a warmth all the more endearing for not always being on display. She had lived through the nearly unbearable loss of a child. She raised a wonderful daughter. She made a difference. I adored her.

Ruth, I will miss you much.