“An extraordinary woman”
The Hon Ruby Hutchison died on 17 December 1974, aged 82 at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Shenton Park. She was buried at Karrakatta Cemetery, Western Australia. She was survived by two sons and three daughters of her first marriage. Ruby is buried with her daughter, Violet who died in 1943, aged 21 years. FJS Wise, former Premier described her “as rebellious and as having an overwhelming enthusiasm for her beliefs, she was a fiery speaker and a tenacious crusader for democratic reform, women's rights and social justice”. Judyth Watson, former MP wrote that:
“by today’s standards it is probably judged extraordinary that a woman would enter Parliament at the age of 62 to retire at 79; but then Ruby Hutchison was indeed an extraordinary woman who pioneered and clarified the functions of Labor women in public life”.
“Ruby’s 80th birthday”
Personal Collection: Mavis Pirola
Graylands Psychiatric Hospital: Hutchison Wing
In 1989, the Hutchison wing was opened at Graylands Psychiatric Hospital, Mount Claremont in tribute to her. The wing ensures that ill mothers can be accommodated with their babies, “a principle she always advocated”.
CHOICE: Ruby Hutchison Memorial Lecture
The Ruby Hutchison Memorial Lecture is held annually by CHOICE, the public face of the Australian Consumers’ Association. Every year on the eve of World Consumer Rights Day, 15 March, a speaker gives the Ruby Hutchison Memorial Lecture “to keep Ruby's spirit alive in Australian consumer affairs”. Notable speakers have included former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke, US consumer rights advocate Ralph Nader, political journalist Ross Gittins and former federal government minister Susan Ryan.
Epilepsy: Ruby Hutchison House
In 1965, an old house at 139 Coghlan Road, Subiaco was adapted as the headquarters of the Western Australian Epilepsy Association and named Ruby Hutchison House, in her honour.
WA Women’s Hall of Fame
In 2016, Ruby was inducted to the WA Women’s Hall of Fame which recognises and celebrates the achievements of Western Australian women. The WA Women’s Hall of Fame was established in 2011 for the Centenary of International Women’s Day which is held annually on 8 March.
“2016 Inductees Roll of Honour”. 2016 was the year that Ruby was inducted posthumously.
Collection: WA Women’s Hall of Fame