CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- AARP West Virginia presented its former president with the 2012 Andrus Award for Community Service, the highest volunteer recognition that the group awards.

Ruth Wagner of St. Marys has served as a volunteer with AARP for 15 years and was president from 2006 to 2011.

She was the first female mayor and city council member in St. Marys and the first woman to serve as director of the Pleasants County Development Authority, according to a news release.

Wagner was also instrumental in the creation of the Pleasants Christian Outreach Center, a nonprofit, faith-based organization providing assistance to low-income residents in the county, the release states.