URGENT UPDATE: Betty Reid Soskin, the nation’s oldest active park ranger, has died at the age of 104. She passed away at her home in Richmond, California, on Sunday, according to her son, Bob Reid. Soskin’s remarkable journey included a career with the National Park Service that began when she was 85 and lasted until her retirement at 100 in June 2022.
Soskin was more than just a park ranger; she was a multi-talented individual who embraced life fully. Described as a mother, musician, author, political activist, and more, she led tours at the Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park, sharing stories of resilience and history.
Born Betty Charbonnet in 1921 in Detroit, she faced numerous challenges throughout her life, including surviving the devastating Great Mississippi Flood of 1927. Her family later relocated to Oakland, California, where she co-founded one of the area’s first Black-owned record stores in 1945.
Soskin’s legacy also includes her significant contributions to civil rights. Her activism led to her involvement in developing the management plan for the Home Front park. In recognition of her impact, she was named California Woman of the Year in 1995 and received a presidential coin from Barack Obama in 2015 after lighting the National Christmas tree at the White House.
In June 2016, Soskin faced a harrowing incident when she was attacked in her home. Despite being severely injured, she recovered and returned to work just weeks later, showing her indomitable spirit. The stolen presidential coin was eventually replaced, underscoring her resilience.
Soskin was also honored by Glamour Magazine as woman of the year in 2018, further solidifying her status as a pioneering figure. Her contributions have been recognized in the Congressional Record, ensuring her legacy will endure.
This news marks the end of an era for the National Park Service and the many lives she touched through her work and activism. Soskin’s inspiring life is a reminder of the profound impact one individual can have on their community and beyond.
As tributes pour in, many will remember her not just as a park ranger, but as a trailblazer who broke barriers and inspired future generations. Stay tuned for more updates on her extraordinary life and the legacy she leaves behind.
