Built in 1976, by the Scully Brothers Boat Builders of Stephensville, Louisiana (hull #40) as the Gladys R. for the Scully Brothers Boat Builders of Stephensport, Louisiana.

In 1975, the tug was leased to Systems Fuels Incorporated of New Orleans, Louisiana. Where the tug retained her name.

In 1989, she was leased to the Ingram Barge Company of Nashville, Tennessee. Where she was renamed as the Willard Chandler.

In 1994, the tug was leased to Coastal Towing Incorporated of Houston, Texas. Where she was renamed as the Red Griffin.

In 2002, she was acquired by the Kirby Corporation of Channelview, Texas. Where the tug was renamed as the Jimmy Sauls.

In 2017, the tug was acquired by Three Rivers Marine Services of Ledbetter, Kentucky. Where she was renamed as the Ada Ruth.

Repowered in 1990, the tug is driven by two GM 8-645E5 diesel engines. With Reintjes reduction gears, at a ratio of 3.5:1. She is a twin screw, towboat, rated at 1,990 horsepower.