AZ AZ - Maria Ruthling, 49, Scottsdale, 23 Sept 1965

[slowpoke]

Hadn’t heard about Maria’s case, but read about her in an article about the current missing person, 84-year old Nancy Guthrie of Tucson, AZ.

From 1965 to 2026: Two families bound by missing mothers, missing answers

As the search for Nancy Guthrie hits its fourth week, her alleged abduction draws parallels to the 1965 disappearance of Maria Theresa Ruthling. While investigators now use DNA and surveillance, Ruthling’s family has sought closure for 60 years.

www.fox10phoenix.com

Interestingly, I found an eBay listing for a postcard of her shop! I think it looks like she is pictured in her shop helping a customer (red top, at left).

Description of the shop says:

“One of the oldest authentic Indian Arts and Crafts Shops in Scottsdale exhibiting handmade Navajo, Zuni, and Hopi jewelry, baskets, rugs,Kachina Dolls, and many other unique hand-crafted gifts.”

How very sad she has never been found, now 60 years later.

 

[slowpoke]

Some of the earlier posts had links that didn’t work for me.
Here’s some updated urls that did work:

Maria Theresa Ruthling – The Charley Project

Where is Maria Theresa Ruthling?

Maria Theresa Ruthling disappeared in 1965 and her children still don’t have answers. On September 23, 1965, she went to work at the Aztec Studio Shop in Scottsdale, Arizona. At 10 p.m., she …

crimesquid.wordpress.com

 

[slowpoke]

In 1969, with their mother still missing, the family declared her “incompetent to handle her affairs”, in order to be able to sell Maria’s Aztec Studio business. They sold the shop to a Rita Neal, who renamed the gallery Old Territorial Shop. Today the shop is called Territorial Indian Arts & Antiques, and is run by Rita’s son and his wife, and it seems to be well renowned worldwide.

It was satisfying for me to read that the shop Maria started is still operating, and with a similar focus on authentic Native American wares.

Native American art shop celebrates 50th anniversary

On Sept. 23, 1965, Maria Theresa Ruthling disappeared on her way to her store on Main Street, Maria’s Aztec Studio.

www.scottsdale.org

 

[AZ Native Cat]

Where was her ex husband that night? Were there places in the desert that he was familiar with? Since he was a herpetologist? It appears that she most likely got out of her car willingly or was there gas left in the car? Meaning that she left it running?