Ruth Ziolkowski, Crazy Horse Memorial

Ruth Ziolkowski directs all work at Crazy Horse Memorial — on and off the world’s largest mountain carving in progress.

She assumed the leadership role following the Oct. 20, 1982, death of her husband, memorial sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski. Seven of her 10 children assist her with various operations at the Memorial.

Their accomplishments include:

• Developing accredited university-level classes and the opening the Native American Educational & Cultural Center in 1996.
• Completion and dedication of the carved face of Crazy Horse in 1998 for the mountain carving’s 50th anniversary. At nearly 90 feet high, the face alone is the world’s largest carved portrait.
• Building and dedication of the Welcome/Orientation Center in 2000. Its lower level, including the research library, classrooms and conference meeting areas, opened in 2002.

Her accolades include two family business awards from the University of South Dakota School of Business; an honorary degree from USD; a Ben Black Elk Award, the state’s top visitor industry honor; four commemorations and concurrent resolutions from the South Dakota Legislature; a $100,000 Free Spirit Award from The Freedom Forum; Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from South Dakota School of Mines & Technology; Reconciliation Award, presented on South Dakota’s first Native American Day; the first woman named to the Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce Diplomat Corps (which includes two U.S. presidents); and induction into the state Hall of Fame.

Her family now includes 23 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.