Crazy Horse Monument Sculptor’s Widow Continued Husband’s Legacy
The Crazy Horse Monument in South Dakota is one of the most impressive man-made displays in all of the United States. Thanks to the sculptor’s widow — who continued her husband’s legacy after his death — it became a national draw, but on Wednesday she passed away.
Ruth Ziolkowski was 87-years-old and had worked endlessly on the monument, carrying on her late husband’s dream of honoring Native Americans by carving the likeness of Crazy Horse in the South Dakota Black Hills.
The matriarch of Crazy Horse Memorial leaves a lasting impact on South Dakota leaders: http://t.co/ITFUjNp5yb pic.twitter.com/FAcp8mnKDn
— KELO News (@keloland) May 22, 2014
She was called the matriarch of the Crazy Horse monument and left a lasting impression on many South Dakota leaders for her dedication to making the memorial a national draw.
The Crazy Horse Monument website said in a statement:
“Ruth Ziolkowski, long-time inspirational leader of Crazy Horse Memorial, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 21, 2014 with members of her family at her side.”
“Ruth Ross was born on June 26, 1926, in Hartford, Connecticut. She grew up in West Hartford, Connecticut, which is where she first met the sculptor, Korczak Ziolkowski. She came to the Black Hills of South Dakota in June of 1947 to help Korczak create a memorial to honor the North American Indian.”
Former Governor Mike Rounds said about the Crazy Horse monument matriarch:
“I was honored to call her a friend, I think she was one of the most influential and important women that South Dakota has ever had the privilege of being home to.”
Ziolkowski is credited with bringing an increase in donations and international interest to the Crazy Horse monument after shifting the focus from the warrior’s horse to his 90-foot-tall face.
Ruth Ziolkowski, widow who led charge to finish Crazy Horse, dies http://t.co/8mkivELCjv pic.twitter.com/NLTnrDx04C
— CBC News (@CBCNews) May 22, 2014
People at the Crazy Horse Memorial mourn the death of its longtime leader Ruth Ziolkowski: http://t.co/D6iwxXQz0N pic.twitter.com/ulqZ7N8KXc
— KELO News (@keloland) May 22, 2014
The memorial was dedicated in 1998 on the Crazy Horse monument’s 50th anniversary. However, the project is slow going and organizers won’t take government money.
Senator John Thune said:
” Ruth was an inspiring and driven individual. She was a transformative leader for the Crazy Horse monument and did so much more than just keep the dream alive. Kimberley’s and my thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends as they celebrate the life of this remarkable woman.”
The Crazy Horse monument matriarch Ruth Ziolkowski will be buried at the base of the mountain in South Dakota, next to her husband.
[Image via Bing]
