A Scrabble memorial tournament hosted by the Australian Scrabble Players Association's Victorian branch will be held in March to honour Bendigo's Ruth Fewings.
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Ms Fewings passed away on August 3 last year, aged 91.
A regular competitor at Scrabble tournaments across Victoria, Ms Fewings is responsible for introducing countless locals to the board game by establishing the Bendigo Scrabble Club in 1981.
One of those people is Heather Long.
Ms Long discovered the Bendigo Scrabble Club in 1992, after Ms Fewings placed an advertisement in the Bendigo Advertiser.
"We wouldn't have the life that we have got if it wasn't for Ruth," Ms Long said.
That life has taken Ms Long and her partner Peter Bauer across the globe to compete in Scrabble tournaments.
"It's very big in Thailand and you get to march behind your country's flag and get presented to royalty at events there," Ms Long said.
Turning 70 this year, Ms Long's proudest Scrabble moment was being crowned the over 65 world champion at last year's three-day event on the Gold Coast.
"You need a lot of luck in Scrabble and I must have had luck that day. It's a highlight for me to be able to show that trophy and medal to my grandchildren," Ms Long said.
Her friendship with Ms Fewings was longstanding and transcended beyond the board and tiles.
"Ruth is one of the most important people in my life. We had a terrific friendship," Ms Long said.
A noted wordsmith, Ms Fewings once held the Australian record for the highest scoring world.
Her word 'eloquent' scored 284 points in 1986, beaten by 'craziest' for 302 points in 2012.
The Ruth Fewings Memorial Scrabble event takes place on Saturday, March 28 from noon and Sunday, March 29 from 9am at St Therese's Primary School, 27 Albion Street, Kennington.
All are welcome, and it is $21 for members, $31 for non members and $11 for juniors to play, with light refreshments provided.
To learn more, email Carol Johnsen caroljscrabble@gmail.com
