Ruth was born in Toronto on February 28, 1939. She moved with her family to Saskatchewan in 1946 and to Saskatoon in 1954. She attended the University of Saskatchewan and received her Education Degree.

Her first teaching position was in Swift Current where she met her husband Sam. They moved several times in subsequent years. The family now counting four children settled in Saskatoon in 1975. It was here that Ruth developed her intensive volunteer career, now that the children were older. Her interest ranged from consumer rights, mental health, women's equality and education, poverty and homelessness, architectural heritage as well as church activities.

Throughout her many years in Saskatoon, Ruth Robinson was committed to supporting the ongoing work of the preservation of the city’s history and architectural heritage. She was a founding member of the Saskatoon Heritage Society, serving as the Society’s first Treasurer in 1976. She subsequently served on the Board in many official capacities. When no longer on the Board, she remained a member and loyal supporter until her untimely death in 2021. She had demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the heritage community for over 44 years! For her work in this field, she was the worthy recipient of the City of Saskatoon Heritage Award for Volunteer Public Service in 1998.

During her term of office as President, 1994-1997, Ruth had a significant influence in Saskatoon’s wider cultural community. She was involved in the successful campaign to save the Superintendent’s Residence at the Forestry Farm Park, specifically helping to stay its proposed demolition, while a path forward was sought. She was a catalyst behind the re-opening of the Little Stone School House to the public.