Never Stop Learning
Ruth Smith Honors Her Grandmother, Selma Endsley
Episode Overview
Ruth Smith joins Steve Young to honor her maternal grandmother, Selma Endsley—a woman whose life reflected the values of hard work, education, perseverance, and personal responsibility.
Raised in Michigan by Norwegian immigrant parents, Selma grew up in a family that believed opportunities were created through effort and learning. Those values would become the foundation of her life and the legacy she passed to future generations.
Ruth remembers her grandmother as strong, practical, and fiercely independent. Education mattered deeply to her. So did self-reliance, discipline, and making the most of every opportunity life provided.
Throughout the conversation, Ruth shares stories that reveal both Selma's toughness and her quiet determination. Whether guiding her family, overcoming challenges, or pursuing knowledge throughout her life, Selma consistently demonstrated a belief that obstacles could be met with effort and resolve.
At its heart, this is a story about a woman who never stopped learning and never stopped moving forward.
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Legacy Stories - Related Info
The Our American Family public television docuseries is the inspiration for Legacy Stories. As a thank-you during the launch of Legacy Stories, all eight Our American Family documentaries are available here for free viewing.
Karlijn Langendijk's composition, Atlas, has been chosen as the theme music for Legacy Stories.





