mother of Rose, was a society empress from one of the most socially prominent families in Philadelphia. After the death of her husband, her family fell on hard times, but she was determined to achieve financial salvation through
her daughter's marriage to Caledon Hockley. A woman who ruled her household with an iron will, she was intolerant of Rose's rebellious nature, and found in Cal an ally in her efforts to control Rose. Ruth was very prejudice against the third class and was appauled when she saw her daughter was taking a liking to third-class Jack Dawson and did in everything in her power to keep them apart.
