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Majors Ralph and Ruth Looker recently entered honored retirement after a total of 73 years service to God and the Army.
Ruth was born in Trinidad, Colo., and Ralph in Pueblo. At an early age they fell in love, and were married shortly after her high school graduation. While they worked in Pueblo they were active in the corps, with Ralph serving as YPSM and Ruth as the corps secretary, and both were involved in the band. When Ralph was in the service, they attended the Tacoma Corps, and under the leadership of Brigadier Olin Edwards they answered the call to officership. They were commissioned with the Heroes of the Faith Session in 1963 at the San Francisco Training College.
The following 15 years were spent in the Men’s Social Service Department. Shortly after their assignment to the Los Angeles MSSC, Rhonda June entered their lives and 28 months later, Richard Edward.
Ralph then served as assistant in the Supplies and Purchasing Department under the guidance of Brigadier James Watt and Major Ernest Clevett. During this time Ruth began her course of study at Long Beach City College, where she earned an Associate in Science degree in Business Administration.
Ralph for three years was territorial auditor, then financial secretary for the ARC Command. During this time, with the Property and ARC departments, Ruth became involved with officer tax preparation, in which she has been helpful to many active and retired officers.
The Lookers conclude their career as Trade Secretary and Director of the Army’s Overseas Children’s Sponsorship Program. Under Ruth’s leadership the program has nearly quadrupled.
The Lookers are now the proud grandparents of the three children of Rhonda and her husband, Alan Feldman. They look forward to their retirement home at 39553 Bonaire Way, Murrieta, CA 92563.
