Kerr was born in 1916 and her parents started the Border Cities Swimming Club in 1930.

She also participated in the qualifying heats of the 400-metre freestyle and 100-metre backstroke, but in both she was eliminated in the first round.

On September 21, 2013, Kerr was inducted into the Ontario Aquatic Hall of Fame as a Pioneer Swimmer.

Her oldest daughter, Kathy, made a brief presentation and accepted the award on behalf of the family.

[citation needed] Ruth's younger brother, Gordon Kerr competed in the 100 metre backstroke in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin[3]