FORT WORTH–– Ruth Ann Kearley, known to many in credit unions as the founder and namesake of the marketing firm Kearley and Co., has passed away.
Kearley, a life-long resident of Fort Worth, started her career at Fort Worth Tarrant Teachers Credit Union (now EECU), as the receptionist before being promoted to senior vice president-marketing and member services.
“It was there, under the leadership of her mentor Jerry Deering, that she learned about credit unions and pioneered new directions like planning and developing one of the first marketing departments for a credit union in the state of Texas,” the company said in a statement.
Kearley left EECU after 17 years to start her own credit union-focused marketing and branding firm, Kearley and Co., in 1981. She served as the founder, owner and president of the firm until 2009, when she passed the baton to the current owner and p[resident, Elisa Rode.
‘Champion’ of Credit Unions
In announcing Kearley’s passing, the company noted she was a champion of credit unions throughout her career, serving as director and president of the Fort Worth Chapter of Credit Unions, founder of Credit Union Night at Six Flags Over Texas, and member of the Credit Union Executive Society Financial Services Forum.
She was recognized with multiple awards over the years including the Outstanding Service to Credit Unions Award from the Fort Worth Chapter of Credit Unions, the American Advertising Federation's Silver Medal Award, and honored as a Great Women of Texas by Fort Worth, Texas Magazine.
Active Volunteer
In addition to Kearley’s many professional accomplishments, she dedicated much of her time and talents to volunteer efforts, serving on various boards for many years, including the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, the Tarrant County Lighthouse for the Blind, and Jubilee Theater. In retirement, she invested deeply in efforts for the Tarrant Area Food Bank.
Kearley was also a lifelong member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and the American Advertising Federation–Fort Worth.
“Ruthie believed honesty is always the right path, fairness paves the road to successful relationships, and maintaining a realistic sense of self and sense of humor keeps you sane. Her positive spirit, her kindness, and her wisdom will be greatly missed by all,” said Rode, President of Kearley and Co.