Public health administrator Ruth Ann Flowers has been focused on promoting and providing the best health services to Greene County residents for the past 18 years.

“Being responsible for the department has been very rewarding,” Flowers told West Central Reporter. “We have a staff who work well together. I like the challenge that every day brings. No day is never boring.”

Flowers, a graduate of the Passavant School of Nursing and the University of St. Francis of Joliet, became the public health administrator of Greene County Health Department in 2001. She first started working for the department as a home health nurse in 1990.

“I loved the excitement that the client was always happy to see me,” she said. “I chose the health field because I always wanted to help people.”

Flowers was born in Pittsfield and raised on a farm southwest of White Hall. She currently lives in Carrolltown and is very active in her community. 

In addition to volunteering her time to assist with athletic activities of youth and high school football programs, she works with many community organizations including American Legion Clubs, Greene County Extension Unit, Greene County Family Violence Prevention Coalition, Hawk Pride, Lions Club and Local Emergency Planning Coalition.

“I thrive on helping the schools, the hospital and 4-H youth programs,” Flowers said. “I want the community to work together to make our community the best around.”

In her spare time, Flowers enjoys cooking, mowing, gardening and helping take care of farm animals.

“My grandson and I have 12 chickens that are pets, as well as productive egg layers,” she said. “I like to keep busy.”