Ruth Evelyn Kyle died on 5 January 2011 after a brief illness. Born Ruth Landis on 4 January 1930, she moved to New York City after high school and worked as an analyst for a public opinion research firm, and as an electrocardiogram technician. She met her future husband—sf fan, author, and publisher David A. Kyle—at a science fiction convention.
Ruth was a fan and con-goer, and served as Secretary of the 14th World Science Fiction Convention (NyCon II, in New York City in 1956), and then honeymooned with David at Loncon I, the 1957 WorldCon in London, England.
The Kyles lived in England in the 1970s, and during that time, she was baptized in the Church of England, which became an important part of her life.
Dave wrote about first meeting Ruth in “Sex in Fandom”, which was published in the fanzine Mimosa #10:
“Ruth Kyle, my wife, entered fandom as Ruth Landis, a minister’s daughter from New Jersey. Months before the 1955 Clevention, she read about the WorldCon in Astounding Science Fiction. A genuine sf enthusiast, she decided she wanted to meet those who were bringing her such enjoyment. Knowing no one and not being familiar in any way with fandom, Ruth showed up alone at the Manger Hotel in Cleveland. I became aware of her presence when Ken Bulmer and his wife Pamela alerted me.…
“She was very attractive and I considered myself lucky. (Bless Ken and Pam!) For one brief moment I left Ruth unattended while I crossed the lobby to speak to a new arrival. “Excuse me, Ruth. Be right back.” My back was turned, the unexpected took place, and Isaac Asimov torpedoed me. He touches upon this in his autobiography. What happened next was a simple case of TDOM (The Dirty Old Man), the Good Doctor, spiriting off this pretty young thing for himself. He saw her, grabbed her arm, wondered what she was doing all alone and, commanding, “C’mon!” started to rush her toward the elevator. “We’re going to a party!” “I’m with someone,” she protested feebly. “Who?” he asked. “Dave Kyle,” she said. “Fine! Dave’s going to the party, too.” And without further discussion, whisked her away. I returned. She was gone. Obviously, I had struck out.…”
She is survived by her husband of 53 years, two children, and three grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that small donations may be made in her name to her beloved church of 50 years, Trinity Church (8 Maple Street, Potsdam, NY 13676-1181; trinitychurchpotsdam.org. A memorial service will be held in the spring.
Her nephew, Dave Knechel has a memory of her with some pictures here.