Tributes to Chattanooga icon Ruth Sulzberger Holmberg

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) – Ruth Sulzberger Holmberg, longtime publisher of The Chattanooga Times and a member of the family that controls The New York Times, has died at her home in that Tennessee city. She was 96.

Holmberg was the granddaughter of Adolph S. Ochs, the patriarch of The Chattanooga Times who gained prominence as publisher of The New York Times early in the 20th century. The Chattanooga Times Free Press (http://nyti.ms/2o5oNYp ) said her family confirmed her death Wednesday.

The paper said Holmberg was born Ruth Rachel Sulzberger in New York City and that she worked as a reporter at The New York Times while in high school. It adds she graduated from Smith College, arrived in Chattanooga in 1946, and rose to become publisher of The Chattanooga Times from 1964 until 1992.

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You can also read the New York Times obituary here.

Sen. Bob Corker
“While the world knows Ruth Holmberg’s family for starting the New York Times, anyone who knew Ruth knew her heart was always in Chattanooga,” said Corker. “In her quiet way, she was one of the kindest and most generous champions for our city that I have ever known and her impact will be felt for many years to come. Her long-time leadership and stewardship of the Chattanooga Times informed generations of our citizens and her advocacy for the arts helped transform our community and establish it as a place with tremendous heart and soul. She was a friend to so many and will be greatly missed.”

My grandmother, a hero, died today. The lead says it all: "She challenged racial barriers and political skulduggery" https://t.co/vfSJMav8pV

— Sam Dolnick (@samdolnick) April 19, 2017

In memoriam: Ruth Sulzberger Holmberg, courageous publisher, formidable woman, model of integrity.

— Jon Meacham (@jmeacham) April 19, 2017

Thank you Ruth Holmberg for decades of service including your time on our #PEF Board supporting students & educators https://t.co/abGtVkSXwJ

— PEF Chattanooga (@pefchattanooga) April 19, 2017

HamCo was blessed to have Ruth Holmberg, philanthropist, civil rights advocate and fearless journalist. Prayers to her family. Mayor C pic.twitter.com/NprUH6UWIF

— Hamilton County Gov (@HamCoTN) April 20, 2017

A Hero: moved the 60s South, inspired liberal voices: "Ruth Sulzberger Holmberg, Newspaper Publisher, Dies at 96" https://t.co/VQDYHDkxRG

— Daniel F. Chambliss (@DanFChambliss) April 20, 2017

Today we lost one of the greats. Ruth Holmberg devoted her life to service and making the community a better… https://t.co/8gpsqbzTJ3

— Junior League (@JLChatt) April 20, 2017