INDIANAPOLIS, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Indianapolis philanthropist Ruth Lilly, known for generous contributions to various causes, died at the age of 94, a family spokesman said Thursday.
The Indianapolis Star said Lilly inherited an estimated $800 million from her great-grandfather, pharmaceutical magnate Eli Lilly, and used the bulk of that estate on philanthropic ventures.
Among the causes that profited from Lilly's generosity were the National Easter Seals Society and the Poetry Foundation.
"Poetry has no greater friend than Ruth Lilly," said Poetry Foundation president John Barr, whose group $100 million grant from Lilly in 2002.
"Ruth's life became much more interesting and rewarding as her interests in philanthropy involved her with a wide variety of Indianapolis institutions," Lilly's niece, Irene L. McCutchen, said of her aunt's philanthropic efforts.
The Star said Lilly, who died Wednesday of unspecified causes, is survived by six nieces and nephews, McCutchen, Ruth Lilly Nicholas, Eli Lilly II, George Christian Lilly, Josiah Kirby Lilly IV and Kate Lilly Jarvey; 14 great nieces and nephews and 10 great-great nieces and nephews.
