Elephant, camel, but never a Harley: City Ambassador, 90, receives royal birthday treatment

Oct 02, 2008 (The Paducah Sun - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- HOG | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- Ruth Walsh joked a few months ago she was going to ask for a ride on a Harley-Davidson as soon as she turned 90. Her dream came true on Wednesday when she traded her birthday tiara for a motorcycle helmet.

"You better be careful what you wish for," said fellow Paducah Ambassador Charles Myrick as a Harley-Davidson pulled up beside the gazebo in downtown Paducah.

Walsh, who has been one of the red-coated Paducah Ambassadors since the program began 20 years ago, started her birthday celebration with lunch at Whaler's Catch. Her fellow Ambassadors then surprised her with cake and punch in the gazebo. The motorcycle came roaring up shortly after.

Four Rivers Harley-Davidson owners Jerry Carter and Jack Fares brought the $42,000 bike for the birthday ride.

"We've never been requested to pick up a 90-year-old woman before," Carter said. "I think she enjoyed it."

Walsh pumped her fist in the air and put on a leather jacket before she climbed on the back.

"My heart burst with joy," Walsh said. "The Harley motorcycle has always impressed me. Harley bikers do a lot of charity work, and I've always thought a lot of them."

Fares took Walsh on a couple of rides around the block as the Ambassadors cheered her on.

"It was exhilarating," Walsh said. "They told me to hang on to the side, but I told (Fares), 'If you don't mind, I would rather hang onto you.' The second time I went around I didn't have to hang on."

Walsh joined the Ambassador program in 1988, shortly after then-Mayor Gerry Montgomery created it. Walsh has logged 35,000 volunteer hours since, said Ambassador Sondra Hill.

"We felt like she should be recognized," Hill said.

Walsh, who grew up in Metropolis, Ill., said she enjoys sharing Paducah's rich history with visitors. She worked at Sears for 39 years before her retirement.

"I've always been proud of Paducah," she said. "And I've always liked to help people."

Ambassador Jim Scott works with Walsh greeting riverboats to Paducah and at the annual quilt show.

"She's amazing," Scott said. "She's been to Egypt and other places. She said she rode an elephant, a camel and even rode a goat once, but she's never rode a Harley. She's the sweetest lady you could ever run across."

Ambassador treasurer Paul Cissell said Walsh is the oldest of the group.

"And the sharpest. She knows more history than any of us."

The ambassadors presented a Margie Smith painting to Walsh of her pet dachshund, Oscar Meyer. Smith is a Lower Town artist.

"What a day," said Walsh, after she had put the tiara back in its place. "That was fun."

Angie Kinsey can be contacted at 575-8657.

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