Ruby Planned Ahead

Ruby Strauss Thalheimer McCaskill Smith planned ahead, so she could give back. Throughout her life Ruby was active in the community. She relished spending time with her family and enjoyed the company of her wide circle of friends. She loved to play tennis, to travel and to dance. She was a dedicated volunteer in many civic organizations. Specifically, at UAMS she served on the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Auxiliary, the UAMS Medical Center Auxiliary and was a proud member of the Chancellor's Circle and the Society of the Double Helix.

Ruby was part of a renowned philanthropic family and she continued that tradition by supporting UAMS for more than 30 years. She and her beloved brother Sam Strauss Jr. made several gifts to the Cancer Institute, including a generous gift to establish the Strauss-McCaskill Learning Center. During the last months of her life, Ruby also gave generous contributions to the Cancer Institute at the same time she battled cancer herself. Always humble in her giving, her sons were unaware — but not surprised to learn — of her additional legacy gift.

In 1993, Ruby chose to fund a charitable gift annuity with UAMS that provided her steady annual income during her retirement years. She chose to receive quarterly payments from her gift annuity for her lifetime. As a result of her gift annuity she also was a member of the prestigious Legacy Society, for individuals who remember UAMS in their estates. At her passing, she designated the balance of her annuity to benefit the Cancer Institute to help others fight cancer. Her gift will make more life changing research possible. Her legacy of philanthropy lived on through her children and stepchildren, who also chose to support the mission of UAMS. Cory Leigh Taylor, the senior director of development for the Rockefeller Cancer Institute said, "This gift will help the scientists and physicians of the Cancer Institute ensure that the battle against cancer will be won." She also explained, "Your decision to include the Institute in your estate planning allows you to support this urgent work and leave a legacy for future generations."

If you would like to consider leaving a legacy through a gift annuity, please let us know. Cory Leigh Taylor, or Tim Dockery, Director of Planned Giving would be honored to help you plan your gift..