Ruth was a founder of the National Society of Colonial Dames in New York in 1893 and belonged to several historical societies: the Daughters of Cincinnati, Daughters of Founders and Patriots and Lords of the Manor. For many years Miss Lawrence was an editorial supervisor for books on Colonial families, published by National Americana Publications, Inc.

She christened the USS Lawrence in 1920 (above), was one of only five non-family members to inherit from Hetty Green, and, because of her fluency in several languages, served as a World War I censor. She died in the house purchased by her ancestor Major Thomas Lawrence in 1656.