About Ruth Bascom
Lived 1926 – 2010 (aged 84). Ruth Bascom was an American politician.
Ruth Ellen Bascom (; February 4, 1926 – August 26, 2010) was an American politician who served as the first female mayor of Eugene, Oregon, from 1993 until 1996.
Early life Bascom was born Ruth Ellen Fenton in Ames, Iowa, the daughter of two university professors. She was raised in Manhattan, Kansas.
Career As mayor, Bascom worked to revitalize downtown Eugene, removing a fountain that blocked traffic on Broadway and Willamette streets and creating bicycle and pedestrian paths. The Riverbank Trail System, which extends for twelve miles through the city along the Willamette River, is named for her.
On August 15, 2010, Bascom was the passenger of a car driven by her husband, John Bascom.
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Important facts
Family & relationships
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Ruth Bascom?
American mayor
When was Ruth Bascom born?
Ruth Bascom was born on 4 February 1926 in Ames.
When did Ruth Bascom die?
Ruth Bascom died on 26 August 2010 in Springfield.
What was Ruth Bascom's occupation?
Ruth Bascom was a politician.
What nationality was Ruth Bascom?
Ruth Bascom was American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Ruth Bascom. https://biography.guide/ruth-bascom/
MLA: "Ruth Bascom." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/ruth-bascom/.
Chicago: "Ruth Bascom." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/ruth-bascom/.
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