General | July 18, 2019
The Western Michigan Division of Intercollegiate Athletics and Director of Athletics Kathy Beauregard are sad to announce the passing of Dr. Ruth Ann Meyer.
Meyer served for three decades in the Western Michigan Physical Education Department and guided women's athletics during its formative years. Meyer was a trailblazer as the first female senior administrator, serving as Assistant Athletic Director from 1972-76. She also chaired the Women's Recreation Association from 1965-72.
"I have been honored to know Ruth Ann from my first day, forty years ago, at Western Michigan," said Beauregard. "Ruth Ann's passion for life was the love for teaching and coaching and it was rare you didn't see her at Bronco events supporting our student-athletes. I will cherish our conversations regarding administrative work, since she also served in that capacity during her treasured time as a Bronco.
Meyer was the second head volleyball coach in program history, taking over from Jean Friedel in 1965. She coached until 1975, leading teams to an overall record of 115-85, including undefeated season in 1965 and 1967.
Meyer was instrumental in fighting for better funding and resources for women's athletics at Western Michigan.
She stepped down from her post as Assistant AD in 1976 to take a sabbatical to finish doctoral studies and continued to teach within WMU's HPER Department until her retirement in 1998.
Meyer was inducted into the Western Michigan Athletics Hall of Fame in 1993 and the Northern Iowa Athletics Hall of Fame in 2000. She earned the WMU "W" Club's Woman of the Year honors in 2003.
A memorial service for Ruth will be Saturday, July 27th, doors open at 10:30 am, Reflection & Testimonials begin at 11:00 am, in the Family Life Center at Lakeland Reformed Church, 10442 S Sprinkle Rd, Vicksburg, MI 49097. Services are entrusted to Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 622 S Burdick St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. Burial will take place at Pleasant View Cemetery, Aplington, IA on Sunday, July 28th at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the church.
