About Ruth R. Benerito
Ruth Mary Rogan Benerito (January 12, 1916 – October 5, 2013) was an American physical chemist and inventor known for her impactful work related to the textile industry. She notably contributed to the development of wash-and-wear cotton fabrics using a technique called cross-linking, which strengthens the hydrogen bonds between cellulose molecules of cotton fibers. She held 55 patents. == Personal life == Ruth Mary Rogan Benerito was born and raised in New Orleans in 1916. Her father, John Edward Rogan, was a civil engineer and railroad official and was described by his daughter as a pioneer in women's liberation movement. Her mother, Bernadette Elizardi Rogan, was an artist and considered a "truly liberated woman" by her daughter. Both parents were college graduates and imposed their values regarding a strong sense of education and women's rights onto Ruth. The Great Depression era surrounded Ruth Benerito's early years and when she eventually received her B.S. in chemistry, one in five Americans was unemployed. Benerito's original interest preceding chemistry was math; however, she did not want to foster a career as an actuary simply estimating probabilities for insurance companies, which led her to study chemistry. Benerito married Frank Penchot Benerito, who had served in World War II. Frank worked in the car business and fully supported his wife's research and hard work.
Biography source: Wikipedia. The profile adds birthday-specific historical context from the Celebs Birthday Today editorial database.