After graduating high school, Ruth attended the University of Kansas City. While at the University, she participated in many theatrical productions and began to expand on her theatrical resume. At the age of 21, Ruth won the Kansas City contest for Miss Jubilesta. She spent six weeks traveling to various towns in Missouri and Kansas to promote Kansas City’s fall festival. The festival turned out to be a success with thousands in attendance. The fair committee asked Ruth to again represent Kansas City and travel to New York City to meet the city’s mayor. When the trip was over, Ruth did not return home, but decided to stay and pursue the career of her dreams. Within the first week she landed a job on a national radio show.