Dr. Ruth Marilyn Krulfeld

Born in New York City in 1931, Dr. Ruth Marilyn Krulfeld was raised in Bossier City, Louisiana, where she cultivated a passion for learning, exploring and holding true to a strong, internal moral compass. Her curiosity fostered independence in herself and inspiration in others as she set off to travel the world, share her love of learning, and express herself through art, words and relationships. Propelled by intellectual curiosity, Ruth started field research in Singapore before earning a college degree. Ultimately, she received her BA with honors from Brandeis University. This was the beginning of a life of cultural research highlighted by two years (1960-1962) on the island of Lombok, Indonesia where she fully integrated as part of the Sasak community. In 1964, Ruth married Jacob Krulfeld in August, a joyous marriage of 48 years until Jake’s passing in 2013. Also in 1964, Dr. Ruth, as her students called her, joined the faculty at George Washington University as a Professor of Anthropology and taught for 37 years, becoming one of the first female full professors in any field at GWU. During her tenure, she served as chair of the department on multiple occasions, founded the specialization in International Development, presented at numerous national conferences, authored over three dozen publications and co-authored three books. Her later work focused on transnational migration, refugees (including over two decades working with Laotian refugees in the United States), gender, human rights, and ethics. In 2000, Dr. Ruth was awarded the GWU Award for Outstanding Contributions to the University. While teaching at GWU, Ruth continued pursuing her Ph.D. in Anthropology, awarded by Yale University in 1974. But the more important event for both Ruth and Jake was adopting their son Michael in 1973, at his birth. They loved him dearly, and he is their pride and joy. Ruth’s love of travel, learning and teaching did not subside in retirement. She served as faculty on Semester at Sea in 1997, 2003 and 2007, traveling around the world accompanied by Jake. After Jake passed, she continued to travel regularly with Michael, including a week before her death. Whatever challenges health and age presented, Ruth would not be deterred. Always intrigued by and gifted in art, crafts, and writing, Ruth channeled her intellectual curiosity and genuine interest in others by exploring various genres of artistic expression. Her work in polymer clay jewelry, watercolors, canvasses, drawing, pottery, playwriting and poetry, brought several local art awards and put a smile on the face of those around her as she graciously shared her work with others. Ruth leaves a lasting legacy as a loving mother, devoted wife, and woman of inspiration, resiliency, positive energy and intellectual curiosity. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions in Ruth’s name to the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center or The George Washington University Department of Anthropology.

Tributes

Dr. Ruth Marilyn Krulfeld

April 15, 1931 - July 7, 2025