Gerry Ruschhaupt has quietly made a profound difference during the 57 years she has lived and worked in Collin County. She and her husband, the late Al Ruschhaupt, owned and operated McKinney Office Supply, Plano Office Supply and several other sister stores in the area. They provided jobs, mentoring and opportunities and even academic scholarships to many over the years, treating everyone, young and old, with the utmost respect and dignity. As a result, some of the employees at the McKinney and Plano stores, which the Ruschhaupt family still own, have been with them for more than two decades. The Ruschhaupts managed the family’s growing business and became active in the community, often working together on important community issues. Mrs. Ruschhaupt not only supported her husband’s tireless efforts in the family’s business, but also worked from home in addition to rearing their three children and
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volunteering with local schools and youth organizations. Her long record of service and involvement includes board memberships with McKinney Community Development Corp., McKinney Parks, the Heard-Craig Women’s Club, the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary and North Central Medical Center. In addition, she has served in numerous roles with the historic First United Methodist Church in downtown McKinney. An unofficial but enthusiastic ambassador for McKinney newcomers and visitors, Mrs. Ruschhaupt was named Outstanding McKinney Citizen in 1995. Three years later, she and her husband were proclaimed Sesquicentennial Citizens in recognition of their lifelong commitment to their community. For more than half a century, Gerry Ruschhaupt has demonstrated the work ethic, community values and dignified leadership that make her a Living Legend.
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