Ruth, Claire

Claire Merritt was born September 11, 1897 in Athens, Georgia to Jim and Carrie Rylee Merritt. At 15, she married her first husband, Frank Hodgson, and by 16 she had given birth to their daughter Julia. After her husband's death, Claire moved to New York City and worked as a model and dancer. She met Babe Ruth in 1923 and they were married on April 17, 1929. Ruth died in 1948 and Claire continued to carry on his legacy by participating in stadium dedications and the organization of the Babe Ruth Leagues. She died of cancer on October 25, 1976, at the age of 79. Claire was the second wife of Babe Ruth.