Dr. Michelle Smith

At first one might get the impression that Seaside resident Ruthie Watts--who initially took issue with being categorized as a senior citizen--might be vain when it comes to her age. Known for the stylish hats she wears, Ruthie acknowledges only that she is over 65. But a deeper probe into the life of this self-professed "sexy grandmother of one granddaughter" reveals a community activist with as much substance as any saint. For Ruthie, it's all about making a contribution.

After moving to the Monterey Peninsula in 1966, Watts became involved with the local branch of the NAACP in 1975, and served as both president and vice president. Thirty-two years later, now a Golden Heritage Member, she continues to donate her time to community boards and commissions, including the Monterey County Overall Economic Development Commission and the Central Coast Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice. She also served for 14 years on Monterey Peninsula College's Affirmative Action Committee.

Ruthie's most impassioned motivation, however, is tied to her work with youth and scholarship organizations. She served as president and vice president for the Monterey Bay Links, an international conglomerate of 224 community service organziations that focus on youth services. And in 1999 she helped establish the Coalition of Scholarship Organizations that she has chaired for the last nine years. The Coalition comprises 15 organizations and has awarded more than 300 scholarships based on academic achievement to high school seniors accepted into college. On October 27th the Coalition will hold its second annual high school forum at the Oldemeyer Center in Seaside.

"I've been very active during my stay here in California," Ruthie says. "And I've made a difference in so many people's lives."

Not withstanding all of her civic responsibilities, however, Ruthie considers herself a country girl. Raised on a farm in York, South Carolina, she first moved away from home after she "married the man of [her] life," William--a retired army supply sergeant whom she describes as her biggest behind-the-scenes supporter. Through her husband's military-related travel she was provided a "real eye-opening" opportunity to see the world and in 1956 traveled to Japan, where the couple lived for almost two years. Then, in 1961, they moved to Germany, where they resided for three-and-a-half years.

Not surprisingly, Ruthie also caught the entrepreneurial bug and in 1970 opened Parklane Beauty Salon in Monterey, which she managed for 35 years before retiring in 2005.

Ruthie encourages other seniors to get involved by becoming board members and attending meetings. "It keeps me young. It keeps me knowledgeable of what's going on, and ... it's [motivating] for me to be involved in different organizations. You learn a lot, and when you learn, you're able to give a lot. So that's why I keep going.

Having served on so many boards and committees, Ruthie was bound to receive a few accolades. "I've received numerous awards for civil rights nationally and locally," she says, including the Ralph B. Atkinson award bestowed in 1990 by the Monterey County Chapter of the ACLU--an honor recognizing a local advocate's contribution to civil liberties. In 2002 she received the Stephen E. Ross Award from the Monterey Peninsula Branch of the NAACP in recognition of her community service. And just last year she received both the Honoring Those Who Honor Youth Award from the Community Partnership for Youth and CSUMB's Distinguished Fellow honor for community and public service.

Ruthie Watts has come a long way in her travels, evolving from country girl to sexy grandmother to community activist--but her spirit is as youthful as ever. When the subject of age came up again, she made it clear that she embraces her seniority.

"[There's] nothing wrong with being a senior citizen, you know. If the Good Lord lets you live long enough to be a Senior Citizen, be proud that you are one. And," she adds with a chuckle, "Take advantage of all the senior citizen discounts."