Culver’s co-founder dies at 84Culver’s co-founder dies at 84

PRAIRIE DU SAC Wis. Ruth Culver, a co-founder of the Culver's frozen custard chain, died Thursday at age 84, according to a company statement.

Ruth Culver and her husband, George, operated several restaurants before founding Culver's in 1984 with their son, Craig, who now leads the chain as chief executive of Culver Franchising System Inc. According to Culver's, Ruth and George Culver worked side by side during the early years of the company, which today has 386 restaurants.

Culver's credits her for setting the company's hospitality standards and created the “Ruth Award” a few years ago in her honor. That award recognizes franchisees who exceed the company's hospitality expectations.

“Everyone in the Culver’s family of restaurants feels a very deep sense of loss,” said Phil Keiser, the company's president and chief operating officer. “Ruth’s commitment to hospitality is something that will live on throughout our organization forever.

Ruth Culver is survived by her husband, George, and her son, Craig.