Ruth Shaheen Downs, wife of broadcaster, Hugh Downs, passed away on March 28, 2017 at the age of 95. During WWII, Ruth was decorated by Naval Intelligence for her work on an undercover assignment. When she graduated from college, she moved to Chicago and became a radio actress, as well as a director and producer. One of her employees was a young announcer by the name of Hugh Downs. Ruth and Hugh fell in love, married and had two children. Once married, Ruth gave up working outside the home until after the children were raised and grown. Hugh credits her for much of his success, and considered her his equal partner in Life. They were together for 75 years at the time of her passing. In the early 1970's Ruth opened the celebrated "Ruth Downs, Ltd" needlework shop in Carefree, AZ. She hired many local artists and trained all her employees in how to create high-end needlepoint canvases. In 1999 Hugh Downs was asked to lend his name to what became known as the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication at ASU. In 2013 he generously donated hundreds of his personal and professional items reflecting his renowned broadcasting career to the school. Ruth is survived by her husband Hugh, two children, two grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and four nephews. A private memorial service is planned. The family suggests that anyone who cares to honor Ruth's memory may make a donation to The Hugh Downs School of Human Communication at ASU. A check can be made out and mailed to: Hugh Downs School of Human Communication, ASU Foundation, P.O. Box 2260, Tempe, AZ 85280-2260. Or you can donate online at: https://humancommunication.clas.asu.edu/about/give-human-communication . Tell them Ruth sent you. She'd like that.