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Trailblazing Ranger Betty Reid Soskin Dies at 104

12/22/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Betty Reid Soskin, the National Park Service's oldest active ranger, died at age 104 in Richmond, California.
Her death was confirmed by family on social media.
She helped establish Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park to honor women who worked in defense jobs during World War II.
She faced racial discrimination in 1942 when she sought work at a segregated union and was relegated to sorting index cards.

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Story summary

Betty Reid Soskin, the National Park Service's oldest active ranger, died at age 104 in Richmond, California.
Her death was confirmed by family on social media.
She helped establish Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park to honor women who worked in defense jobs during World War II.
She faced racial discrimination in 1942 when she sought work at a segregated union and was relegated to sorting index cards.