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1913 – 2012
Ruth Evelyn Bakken, born Ruth Evelyn Grim, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2012. She was 99 years old. Ruth was born and raised in Pennsylvania. She led an illustrious life filled with the excitement of a career in nursing and her marriage to Morrie whom she joined in Heaven with her sons, Bruce Kevin and Lee Alan Bakken.
Ruth and Morrie married in New Jersey in 1949 with Morrie's father the Reverend Irwin Morris Bakken presiding. They embarked on a three month honeymoon excursion from the East coast to the West. In Laguna Beach a bartender told them to go south to La Jolla where Morrie could possibly find work. That was all it took for them to discover and fall in love with La Jolla. They settled in and raise their three boys.
Morrie went to work at the Willis Allen Company and Ruth would manage the now Park La Jolla Apartments in Bird Rock where they lived. She and Morrie were featured in stunning photographic advertisements for the apartment's promotions. Ultimately she would work at Scripps Hospital on Prospect Street in La Jolla where their three boys were born.
In the meantime she continued to help her husband with his industrious career as a top salesman and manager as well as President of the La Jolla Real Estate Broker's Association. Ruth was busy in her community volunteering, running a Cub Scout Den and enjoying lazy days on the beach at La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club. Ruth was also an avid golfer; once beating, in a handicap match, PGA Professional Paul Runyan at the La Jolla Country Club. She loved and devoted herself to all kinds of animals. There was never an animal she couldn't attract! She was a strong-willed, heart driven and a caring person who will forever be missed.
Ruth is survived by her son, Kyle Bakken; daughter-in-law, Joby; grandchildren, Paige Bakken and Rory (Rachel)
Bakken; daughter-in-law, Jean Kester; and grandchildren, Shauna (Solo) Ahmed and Elizabeth (Derek) Clark; and great-grandchildren, Judah Bakken, Hailey and Torin Ahmed and Nathan Sleeper.
Rest peacefully, we love you mom.
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6 Entries
Kyle it's been 6 years since I spoke to you via the telephone when Ruth was in the nursing home I think about you folks although I've never met you Ruth would visit on the East Coast especially when my mother and her mother was living we we're all very close I find myself reminiscing and wishing I could speak to her and her mother and my mother it's been many years since they've passed away and I still miss them as much today as I did the day they passed away I hope you folks are doing well I'm sure I'll never meet you although I would certainly like to I hope you get this message it's been many years you may not receive it it's been sent with care and love Nedra
Nadra Nonemaker
February 19, 2018
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to your family at this most difficult time. Please be assured that God will help you cope with the heavy weight of your loss. “Blessed be Almighty God who daily carries the load for us.” Psalms 68:19
DS
March 14, 2013
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
February 25, 2013
I'm reminded of Lee and the Bakken family every time I'm on TP road by Calle Juela. Loved hanging out there. Ruth making us soup or something. Good memories.
Pat Kearney
February 23, 2013
My condolences, Kyle and Joby. Your mom certainly was an accomplished and beautiful woman.
Cletus Blum
February 22, 2013
I can't tell you how many days I would have lunch with Lee at the Calle Juela house. She was a wonderful woman and my thoughts prayers go out to Kyle and Joby
David Keeping
February 15, 2013
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