[1] Born Mary Pegau in 1944 in Fairfield, Iowa, Ruthsdotter lived many places in her youth as her father, a U.S. Marine Corps pilot, was assigned to bases in Arizona, California, Florida, North Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and Taiwan.
In 1980 she joined with Molly MacGregor, Bette Morgan, Paula Hammett, and Maria Cuevas to found the National Women’s History Project (NWHP).
Working as projects director for 20 years, Ruthsdotter raised money for materials for students, teachers and librarians.
She wrote press releases promoting women’s history through radio, television, magazines and newspapers.
By 1981 National Women’s History Week had been designated by the U.S. Senate and 24 governors and state legislatures, and President Jimmy Carter had issued a proclamation.