Betty Reid Soskin, the nation’s oldest park ranger, passed away at 104 on the Winter Solstice, the family announced on Sunday morning. Her death occurred peacefully at her home in Richmond, California, and was confirmed by NBC Bay Area. The family’s brief statement highlighted the significance of this moment, noting that Soskin’s life spanned a century of change and service. Her passing marks the end of a remarkable career that began long before she was formally recognized by the National Park Service. The community that had watched her work for decades now mourns the loss of a trailblazer whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
In a heartfelt message to NBC Bay Area, her family wrote: “This morning on the Winter Solstice, our mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Betty Reid Soskin, passed away peacefully at her home in Richmond, CA at 104 years old. She was attended by family. She led a fully packed life and was ready to leave,”. The statement underscored the quiet dignity with which Soskin met the end of her life and reflected the deep sense of community that surrounded her final hours. It also highlighted the generational depth of her identity-mother, grandmother, great grandmother-emphasizing the breadth of her personal and public influence.
Soskin’s career with the National Park Service spanned more than a decade, but she is best known for being the nation’s oldest park ranger at the time of her death. She retired in 2022 after a long tenure that included service as a docent at the Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park museum. Her work there involved guiding visitors through exhibits that celebrated the contributions of women and minorities during the war, and she became a beloved figure among the park’s frequent visitors. Her retirement did not mark the end of her public engagement; she continued to share her knowledge and stories through speaking engagements and community events.
In 2011, Soskin became a permanent employee of the National Park Service, a milestone that formalized her long-standing commitment to preserving America’s natural and cultural heritage. Prior to that, she had already been involved in park service projects, but the 2011 appointment gave her a stable platform from which to pursue her passion for historical storytelling. During her tenure, she focused on projects that highlighted underrepresented narratives, ensuring that the stories of Black Americans who contributed to the war effort were not forgotten. Her work helped to broaden the interpretive scope of the park service’s educational programs.
Remarkably, Soskin’s dedication to the park service began in her eighties. At the age of 84, she was offered a temporary position that would allow her to share her firsthand experiences and knowledge with visitors. This opportunity was the catalyst that led her to pursue a permanent role, and it demonstrated her unwavering commitment to public service even in later life. Her willingness to step into this role at an advanced age inspired many, proving that age is no barrier to meaningful contribution.
During her career, Soskin worked on a park service grant designed to bring to light the untold stories of Black Americans who served during World War II. The grant’s objectives included collecting oral histories, archival research, and community outreach, all aimed at ensuring that these contributions were documented and shared with the public. Soskin’s involvement in this project reflected her broader mission to amplify marginalized voices and to preserve a more inclusive record of the nation’s history. The grant’s success helped to enrich the park service’s narrative offerings and to inspire new generations of historians and educators.
Soskin’s legacy extends beyond her work with the National Park Service; she also contributed to the production of the documentary film “Sign My Name to Freedom.” The film chronicles her life and the broader context of the civil rights movement, offering viewers an intimate look at her experiences and the obstacles she overcame. Her participation in the film provided a platform for her story to reach a wider audience, and it remains an important educational resource for those interested in the history of civil rights and public service.
In the wake of her passing, Soskin’s family has requested that those wishing to honor her memory make donations to two specific causes. First, contributions can be directed to the Betty Reid Soskin Middle School, an institution that carries her name and continues her commitment to education. Second, donors are encouraged to support the completion of the film “Sign My Name to Freedom,” which is still in post-production stages. These requests underscore the enduring impact of Soskin’s life and the desire to keep her story alive for future generations.
Betty Reid Soskin’s death marks the loss of a pioneering figure whose life bridged the worlds of natural preservation, civil rights, and public education. Her unwavering dedication to telling overlooked stories and her willingness to serve well into her centenarian years set a powerful example for all. As her family and community honor her legacy through donations and continued storytelling, Soskin’s impact will persist long after her passing, inspiring countless individuals to carry forward her mission of inclusivity and remembrance.
