Industry figure Ruth Stricker has passed away, according to a statement made by integrative health facility The Marsh – A Center for Balance and Fitness, Minnesota, US.

In 1985, Stricker founded The Marsh which is based on the philosophy that ‘real fitness involves the mental, spiritual and emotional, as well as the physical aspects of an individual’s life’.

Stricker had degrees in physical education and philosophy and believed in the positive benefits of combining wellness and fitness to improve quality of life.

She was a strong advocate of blending western medical practices with allopathic philosophies, having spent time travelling through China where she studied ancient cultural healing arts. She also travelled through the former Soviet Union where she was asked by the Ministry of Health to advise and teach.

Stricker began her journey as an entrepreneur by introducing her studies of mind and body interactions associated with exercise and cognitive components. Soon after she was diagnosed with Lupus which inspired her to empower others living with illnesses.

Michael Tompkins, Hutchinson Consulting partner, told Spa Business: "Ruth was an industry luminary and trailblazer and was often referred to as the conscience of the spa industry. She played a crucial role in mentoring so many people, myself included, to spread the importance of conduct, intentions and character, together with the feeling of the obligation to do the right thing.

"Whenever we worked together she always made wellness resonate throughout and she was incredibly committed to finding the best people in the industry to teach us all the key tenets of wellbeing. She was truly a generous international humanitarian and I shall miss her greatly."

Stricker was honoured with multiple industry awards such as the Spa Hall of Fame award by the Washington Spa Alliance – alongside industry figures such as Deborah Szekeley – and received the Humanitarian of the Year Award by ISPA.

ISPA also has an award named after her – The Ruth Stricker Spa and Wellness Award – which offers financial assistance for the purpose of stimulating research and exploration into the various ways that spas can meet current healthcare needs, promote wellness, and enhance the quality of life.