Ruth Ellis passes Away
by Karen Hawkins
Ruth Ellis, the world's oldest African American lesbian and an inspiration to GLBTs nationwide, died in her sleep on Oct. 5. She was 101.
Ellis was the subject of the award-winning documentary Living with Pride: Ruth Ellis at 100 by Chicago filmmaker Yvonne Welbon.
She was recently hospitalized with heart problems but wanted to be home for her last days, the Detroit Free Press reports. Friends said that she died the way she had always wanted: at home and surrounded by loved ones.
Ellis was born July 23, 1899, in Springfield, Ill., and lived what she considered to be an ordinary life with her partner, Babe, whom she lived with for 30 years in a house in Detroit. The couple ran a successful print shop, Ellis & Franklin Printing Company.
Ellis never hid her sexuality, and she and Babe's home became a mecca for Detroit's Black gay community. Babe died in the 1970s.
In her last 30 years, Ellis became a role model for younger Detroit lesbians.
"When we listened to Ruth's stories, we knew we should also be able to accomplish things and not have fear," close friend Kofi Adoma told the paper.
Ellis could be seen at gay pride events and concerts around the country, including the National Women's Music Festival and the Michigan Women's Music Festival. She is reported to routinely surprise people with her stamina and her love for dancing.
Robert C. Torri, 55, of 7019 North Wolcott, Chicago, died Sept. 18, in his home.
A Funeral Mass was said Sept. 22 at St. Gertrude's Catholic Church, Seatonville, Ill.; burial was at the Ladd Cemetery, Ladd, Ill.
A Memorial will be held in Chicago on Monday, Oct. 16, 2000 at 7 p.m. at St. Gertrude's Catholic Church, 1420 W. Granville, Chicago ( Granville and Glenwood ) .
Mr. Torri was born June 5, 1945 in Spring Valley, Ill., to Anthony J. and Mary ( Riva ) Torri. He attended St. Bede Academy and Junior College, Peru, IL; Webster College, St. Louis, MO; and the University of Denver, Denver, CO. He was in the theatre for his entire life. He taught set design and theatre production at Auburn University, Auburn, Ala.; Emory University, Atlanta, Ga.; Loretto Heights College, Denver, Co.; and Catholic University, Washington, D.C. Torri was a set and costume designer, a director and a producer of numerous stage plays. He performed on stage throughout the east and midwest. He was nominated for a Helen Hayes Award in Washington, D.C. Torri was a member of the St. Gertrude's Parish and was a lector at their liturgies. He was active in Actors' Equity, as an audition monitor and as a member of the Central Regional Board. He was a member of the Consumer Advisory Board at the Howard Brown Health Center.
Mr. Torri is survived by one sister, Mary Otten of Denver, CO; two brothers, James of Rockville, MD and John of Columbus, OH; and nieces and nephews. His parents preceded him in death.
Dan Neuwelt
A memorial service for Dan Neuwelt will be held this weekend at Ann Sather's. Call ( 773 ) 764-1204.
Jim Peters
A memorial service for Jim Peters will be held Sunday, Oct. 15, 4 p.m. at the 2nd Unitarian Church, 656 W. Barry. A reception will follow. Peters passed away Aug. 31 and he was buried near his family home in George Sept. 8.
She has been recognized as a role model by numerous organizations, including the city of Detroit, which has instituted Ruth Ellis Day every February. There is also a center for GLBT youth named after her in the Detroit area; she attended the opening of the facility on Sept. 9, the Advocate.com reports.
A memorial service for Ellis is planned for 1 p.m. Oct. 21 at Central United Methodist Church in downtown Detroit. Call ( 313 ) 964-4516.
