Ruth “Stonie” Sutton and her husband, Charles I. “Buzz” Sutton, exemplify the meaning of Delta Sigma Pi.

Buzz and Stonie met in Indianapolis in May 1942. Buzz joined the Army almost immediately to serve during WWII. When he was discharged in 1945, they made the move to Arizona for the warmer climate. Stonie was a graduate nurse from the Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, and she began work at the Veterans Hospital in Phoenix. Buzz then enrolled in classes at Arizona State University through Public Law 16 for disabled veterans, and the couple quickly got involved in Gamma Omega Chapter as soon as Buzz was initiated in 1955.

Many of Gamma Omega Chapter were returning veterans who were also non-traditional students with families, so Stonie and Buzz seamlessly integrated into the Fraternity. In the 2007 Centennial issue of The Deltasig magazine, Stonie said, “The spouses even attended some of the chapter meetings, especially if there was an upcoming potluck to plan. Many activities allowed the chapter members to bring their families. The women each received a ‘PhT’ from their husbands – ‘Pushing Husband Through,’ and we loved it.”

Ove the years, Stonie had a successful professional career as an operating room registered nurse. During her 40 years of nursing, she also served with distinction as Secretary of the Arizona State Nurses Association. Buzz took a job with the Arizona Department of Economic Security, and eventually he retired as the area director, after completing over 25 years of service.

Since those early chapter evenings, the Suttons have always been an integral part in Delta Sigma Pi and the Leadership Foundation. At the 1963 Congress in Pennsylvania, Stonie was initiated into the Pink Poodles. The Pink Poodles was an organization of wives of Fraternity men who held their own meetings and initiations at each Grand Chapter Congress (learn more about the Pink Poodles).

“The Pink Poodles offered a lasting bond for the wives of Delta Sigma Pi members. It was fun, and the brothers treated us like queens at the banquet. We felt as if it were fitting recognition for standing by our husbands at so many Congresses and other events.”

In 1998, Gamma Omega Chapter initiated Stonie Sutton as an honorary brother of the Fraternity. In our Deltasig history, there have been a few major turning points, including allowing women to be initiated into the previously all-male Fraternity. Specifically, Buzz recalled from this time that, “The change was for the better. We wouldn’t be nearly as strong without welcoming women in. The national leaders advised us that we needed to be leaders, instead of being dragged kicking and screaming to the wall. Over the years, the Fraternity has grown. Attitudes and cultures have changed.”

Donating to the Leadership Foundation has always been important to Buzz and Stonie. About the time of Buzz’s initiation, Fraternity members began collecting donations to be used as scholarships for deserving brothers. The Suttons began giving back to Fraternity because of the lifelong friendships they gained from the brotherhood. When asked why they give to the Foundation, Buzz said, “We choose to give money to the Leadership Foundation because we can accomplish something with it,” and Stonie said, “I plan to support Delta Sigma Pi as long as I am able.” Their generous gifts helped increase scholarships and leadership training for Deltasigs, so brothers can develop leadership skills that are vital for success after graduation. Buzz and Stonie are recognized at the Centurion Giving Level.

In August 2000, to honor the Suttons, the Delta Sigma Pi Fraternity and Leadership Foundation passed a joint resolution, designating the Archives Room at the Central Office as the Buzz and Stonie Sutton Archives Room.

The Buzz and Stonie Sutton Archives Room. located adjacent to the Founders’ Room and contains many items of historical interest. A complete set of The DELTASIG magazines is contained here along with samples of Fraternity jewelry, ritual books, pledge manuals, and installation programs. In addition, mementoes and clippings portray 100 years of Fraternity growth and evolution. 

“We have been fortunate in our investments and are happy to share so the brothers of Delta Sigma Pi will continue to have a positive impact on the business world, and we encourage other Deltasig alumni to do the same,” said Buzz and Stonie.

Ruth “Stonie” Sutton and her husband, Charles I. “Buzz” Sutton passed away in 2003, and 2005 respectively. The impact they’ve made on Delta Sigma Pi holds true now and forever. People who visit the Central Office for years to come will be able to learn our fraternal history in the beautiful Buzz and Stonie Sutton Archives Room.

To honor this monumental anniversary, Delta Sigma Pi is providing informational and historical profiles about some of the dedicated Deltasigs of our organization— all throughout the year. Stay up to date for new updates every week!  Check back next week to hear about more amazing women in Delta Sigma Pi as we celebrate 50 years of women being initiated into Delta Sigma Pi.

Purchase the 50 years of women pin for only $15 with FREE shipping! Limit quantity. Visit dsp.org/shop

One of Charles I. “Buzz” and Ruth “Stonie” Sutton's favorite Fraternity events is Grand Chapter Congress. They are shown here at the 1969 Mackinac Congress.

The Buzz and Stonie Sutton Archives Room showcases the history of Delta Sigma Pi since its inception. Come visit the archives at the Central Office in Oxford, Ohio!

View the plaque dedicated to the Suttons in the archives room!

Stonie's Pink Poodle Membership Card.