Ruth Abernathy (1908-1987) was Professor of Health and Physical Education for Women at the University of Washington. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Oklahoma then went on to receive her Master of Arts (1931) and her PhD (1943) from Columbia University. She was president of the American Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation from 1954-1956 and was a recipient of their award, the Gulick Award, in 1965. She was also professor and chairman of the Department of Health and Physical Education for Women at the University of Washington, 1966-1972 and chair of the University of Washington Senate, 1971-1972. She was also a member of the National Education Association, and American Public Health Association.