Retired elementary school teacher Ruth Rowan works tirelessly as a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates. Photo credit: Vote Smart.

Many hardworking educators find second careers as politicians. One of these was Ruth Rowan, a retired elementary school teacher from Hampshire County, West Virginia, who also served in her state’s House of Delegates.

Ruth was born on September 12, 1948, in Pennsylvania. Her grandfather was a coal miner. Ruth’s ancestry runs deep in West Virginia. As a descendant of Frontier Ranger Doctor Llewellyn, her earliest forebears blazed a trail in the wilderness near the Forks of Cheat River in present-day Monongalia County, West Virginia.

As a young woman, she earned her Bachelor’s degree from California University of Pennsylvania and her Master’s degree in Education from West Virginia University.

One she earned her education, Ruth taught elementary school in Hampshire County Schools. She also joined the West Virginia Education Association and the National Education Association. In addition, Ruth is a member of the Board of Directors for the West Virginia Children’s Home Society and the Family Crisis Center.

In 2004, Ruth was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates on the Republican ticket. She defeated the embattled House Delegate Jerry Mezzatesta for his seat after he was embroiled in a political scandal in 2003 and 2004. The former teacher has represented the 57th District since December 1, 2004, and her term of office is due to expire in 2022. As a member of the WV House, Ruth works tirelessly on legislation to benefit children, education, seniors, veterans, health care, and infrastructure. She serves on the Education, Health and Human Resources, and the Senior Issues committees. She is the minority chair of Veteran’s Affairs, minority vice chair of women’s caucus, co-chair of Crimes against children and children and families.

To read more about Ruth Rowan, see this information provided by Vote Smart.