AARP Montana Announces Winner of its most Prestigious Volunteer Award

Ruth Pomeroy selected as recipient of 2017 Andrus Award for Community Service

Joel_Menssen

AARP Montana announced that Ruth Pomeroy of Kalispell was selected to receive the 2017 Andrus Award for Community Service, the Association’s most prestigious volunteer award. Each year AARP honors the legacy of AARP founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, with the AARP Andrus Award for Community Service. This award is a symbol of the power of individuals to make a difference in the lives of others. The award was formally presented to Pomeroy at a recent ceremony in Helena.

In congratulating Ruth, Montana State Director Tim Summers said “Ruth Pomeroy has always recognized the important role volunteers play in making things better for society. It’s a pleasure to present this honor to Ruth, a person who has given of herself to make an important difference in the lives of others. Her spirit of service has left an indelible mark on communities all around Montana.”

“Ruth Pomeroy has made a difference for so many, not only in Kalispell, but throughout Flathead County and Montana, said Outreach Director and Volunteer Program Manager, Nancy Andersen.” She inspires others by her generosity, her spirit, and her energy. I wish her warmest congratulations and thanks on behalf of AARP Montana.”

Ruth Pomeroy has volunteered for the Flathead County Area IX Agency on Aging (AOA) for the past seven years, working tirelessly to help clients understand Medicare and avoid costly scams. At the age of 90, she typically logs more than 100 volunteer hours a month serving as a State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) Medicare Counselor and a Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) presenter.

Ruth was born in Montana, raised four boys on a ranch in Fortine, northwest Montana, moved her family to Missoula when her husband became too ill to run the farm and she went to work at Saint Patrick's hospital to help with the household expenses. Her courage was evident early in life when she persevered through hard times and has developed over the years as an example to others for encouragement and faith.

"Ruth Pomeroy is a proven advocate and leader with an impressive record of achievement that has impacted not just older Montanans, but residents of all ages," said Summers. "I am thrilled that Ruth was selected to receive this prestigious award – she serves as a fitting tribute to the legacy of Ethel Percy Andrus’ motto – ‘to serve and not to be served’.”

Ruth was nominated by Christine Neater of the Flathead County Agency on Aging.

The following eleven Montanans also received awards during the volunteer recognition event:

Steve Shapero
2017 Outstanding Driver Safety Volunteer
Nominated by Thom Ainsworth, AARP Drivers Safety State Coordinator

Bruceen Fleenor
2017 Caregiver Advocate Award
Nominated by Bernard Huff, Friend of Peanut

Mary Montgomery (not present at event)
2017 Community Service Award for Outstanding Service to Seniors
Nominated by Laura Degele, Missoula Senior Companion Program

Al Olson
2017 Community Service Award for Outstanding Service to Veterans
Nominated by Betty Vail, Miles City RSVP Program Director

 

 

 

 

Jonna Rhein
2017 Community Service Award for Intergenerational Service
Nominated by Adrienne Hopkins, Missoula Aging Services Foster Grandparent Program

 

 

 

 

Amelia Funk
2017 Community Service Award for Outstanding Service to Seniors
Nominated by Fran Viereck, Friend of Amelia’s

 

 

 

 

Felicia Saunders
2017 Community Service Award for Outstanding Service to Seniors
Nominated by Renee Valley, Friend & Fellow Missoula Aging Services Volunteer

 

 

 

 

Dorie Balko and Sue Stanton
2017 Outstanding Retired Educators
Nominated by the Montana Retired Educators Association

 

 

 

 

Del Lonnquist (Award accepted by Del's son, Roger Lonnquist)
2017 Disrupt Aging Award
Nominated by Tim Summers, AARP Montana State Director

 

 

 

 

Charles (Chuck) Geller (Award accepted by Galen Hronek)
2017 Outstanding Tax Aide Volunteer
Nominated by Galen Hronek, AARP MT Tax Aide State Coordinator

 

 

 

 

Betty Nile
2017 Lifetime Achievement Award
Nominated by Patricia McKeever-Miller