Ruth Elaine Grogan, 81, passed from this life peacefully on August 10, 2021. Ms. Grogan was born to Thomas E. Lydon and Martha J. Russell in Boston, Massachusetts, on July 31, 1940. In 1961, Ruth married her lifelong companion and best friend, Anthony. Lt. Col Ruth Grogan, Civil Air Patrol, USAF Auxiliary (Retired) served over 50 years with her late husband, Anthony “Tony” Grogan as leaders and mentors for thousands of the organization’s youth and adult membership. Both she and Tony were recognized for their devotion to the Civil Air Patrol rescue mission. They participated and were personally responsible for the rescue and recovery of countless downed airmen and lost hikers from New England to Tennessee. Ruth travelled the country with her love, Tony, as part of multiple camping clubs, attending rallies with their club friends coast to coast. Her amazing cooking skills ensured their table was always filled with great food, laughter, and stories of recent camping or rescue mission adventures. On every journey, they brought her beautiful Shelties, who were her pride and joy. Campground always knew the Grogan’s had arrived when their four dogs eagerly watched them set up camp. Ruth had the biggest heart for animals and was renowned for devotion to animal shelters and rescues. Her greatest love besides Tony was aviation. Just a few days prior to her passing, Frank LaPierre, USAF, (ret.) one of her many “children” her and Tony inspired to be compassionate leaders for our military, accompanied her to a local airport to watch incoming and departing aircraft. Frank met Ruth and Tony when he was 14, and went on to serve in the USAF, proudly sharing his career and always letting them know how much their mentorship meant to this young Air Force Officer. It was a small put powerful moment to sit on the ramp watching all the activities. She proudly wore her Air Ob server Wings on her collar with her official CAP baseball cap. Most importantly, Frank carried Tony’s retirement flag to be part of the visit. One last time, she was with her dear family friend and her beloved Tony, doing what she enjoyed and had dedicated her life to. Along with all her other talents, Ruth was also a vivid storyteller and a gifted crafter. Ms. Grogan had many good friends were benefactors of her kindness throughout the years. Her caregiver’s fell in love with her contagious personality. Ruth’s zest for life will be a part of her legacy. Ms. Grogan is preceded in death by her loving husband and parent. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Civil Air Patrol, National Headquarters, Cadet Programs, 105 Hansell St. Bldg 714, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL 36112-6332 in memory of Lt. Col. Ruth Grogan.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday August 20, 2021 at 4pm at Hood Funeral Home. Visitation will be held on Friday from 2pm-4pm prior to the service at the funeral home.