Grulkowski was born on December 9, 1930, in Waumandee, Wisconsin.[2] She moved to Chicago, Illinois, attended the University of Chicago. and married Robert Hatyina. She had three daughters (Cindy, Lisa, & Linda), and three grandchildren (Melissa, Bobby, & Carrie). Ruth died on June 24, 2012, due to medical complications.
Gymnastics
Grulkowski was part of the 1952 Women's Gymnastics Team. She later won the Amateur Athletic Union Women's National Championship Title in 1953 and 1954. She was a member of the Lincoln Turners, the Chicago Acro Theater, and the Adagio Gymnastics Group.