Extra Innings Photography

Bitten by the shutterbug at age 12, Mary has been perfecting her craft for over 30 years. She has won numerous awards for her photographic works, and was published in the “Best In College Photography” in 1985. While enrolled in college, she worked for the public relations department as the head photographer for Culver-Stockton College. She helped produce a multitude of publications for the college. She has professionally photographing weddings, models, portraits, pets, sports since 1980.

Now affectionately called “Weid” by many, she has taught social studies and photography in the Sullivan School District since 1990. She holds a BS in Social Science and a Missouri Lifetime Teaching Certificate in Social Studies. She has been selected for Who’s Who Among American Teachers, Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year 2006, Sullivan High School Teacher of the Year 1993, and Who’s Who in American Education. She has also coached softball.

Mary’s hobbies include fishing, photography, movies, reading, and watching sports – specifically softball. When not engaged in work or these hobbies she can be found spending time with her family. A furry four-legged schnauzer named Oliver calls her “Mom”. She also enjoys spending as much time as possible with her nephew Derek Weidenhaft, of Overland Park, KS.

Although, teaching is her passion, sports photography runs a very close second. “I believe Robert Byrne was correct when he said, ‘The purpose of life is a life of purpose’, and I feel fulfilled in knowing that I am living that ideal every day. I am doing exactly what I was placed on earth to do… and loving every minute of it.”

Ruth was raised in St. Louis Missouri and entered the photography field in 1972, while attending Maryville University. She and her husband Fred have called Stanton home for the past 32 years. Their son Paul and his wife Dawn live in Kansas City, MO, and son Kurt lives in Nixa, MO. Her grandson, Paul and Dawn’s son, Zach, thinks her name is “Grandma Paprazzi” because he has become her photographic subject of choice since his birth in 2005.

She holds a BA in Art Education, and a MAT – Art. She has taught art, photography, and yearbook in the Sullivan School District since 1975. Ruth has been selected for Who’s Who Among American Teachers. In addition to her teaching career, Ruth coaches high school and middle school cross country and middle school track. As head coach she has produced a multitude of state qualifying athletes.

Her hobbies include photography, swimming, and gardening. As a premier athlete, she is active in the St. Louis Area Masters Swimming program, and has competed all over the state. She is still very much engaged in her own artwork, and has won many awards for excellence.