Ruth Allison Lilly

Ruth Allison Lilly (1891–1973) was an art collector and philanthropist from Indianapolis, Indiana. Married to industrialist and philanthropist Eli Lilly for 45 years, she is noted for her many contributions to the arts and culture landscape of Indiana, particularly Indianapolis.

Early life Ruth Helen Allison was born on October 14, 1891, in Indianapolis. Her father, William D. Allison, was a manufacturer of medical office furniture. Her sister Lila eventually married Eli Lilly's father, J.K. Lilly, Sr.

She joined Eli Lilly and Company in 1919 to work on the company's newsletter, The Lilly Balance. She was hired as secretary to the head of the personnel department in 1921 before becoming Eli Lilly's personal secretary shortly thereafter. Ruth Allison and Eli Lilly married in 1927.

Philanthropy Ruth and Eli Lilly were generous philanthropists, focusing their giving on organizations and causes in Indiana. Ruth was a member of the board of directors of the Lilly Endowment, the philanthropic foundation of the Lilly family. In addition to gifts given with her husband, Ruth made philanthropic contributions of her own, particularly to conservative and religious causes and to the Children's Museum of Indianapolis. She was honored in 1941 for her contributions to the United China Relief Fund, receiving a signed certificate from Madame Chiang Kai-shek.

Ruth Lilly was instrumental in the restoration and furnishing of the William Conner house and the creation of Conner Prairie, receiving the Conservation Award from the Garden Club of America for her work.

Ruth Lilly was a founding trustee of the Indianapolis Museum of Art. She was also an art collector, assembling fine collections of timepieces and silver. Her timepiece collection spanned five centuries and included watches owned by Marie Antionette, Sara Bernhardt, and J.P. Morgan, and her silver collection included several pieces made by Paul Revere.