Ruth Marie Gustavson

Ruth Marie Gustavson
Jan. 4, 1939 - July 21, 2013
Resident of Dublin
Ruth was born to Luther and Ruth Knock in the city of Rockford, Illinois, on January 4, 1939. She lived in Ishpeming, MI, Temple City, CA, and then San Lorenzo where her father became the pastor at Christ Lutheran Church. Ruth married Randolph Gustavson on January 30, 1965. In 1967 Ruth and Randy moved to their present home in Dublin and joined the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection where Ruth joined the church choir and followed her love of music. She played flute for the Chicago Folk Service, guitar with Randy and others at church campouts and joined the Hand Bell Choir. In her more recent years, both Randy and Ruth attended Las Positas College and sang in the Concert Choir and with other community choirs.
Ruth enjoyed raising her 3 children and playing a key role in caring for her 3 grandchildren and many other children who she took care of, some up through high school years. Ruth had a deep love and nurturing caring spirit towards all children. Some of her most precious and joyous times were when she was with babies and children.
Ruth loved gardening and especially raising plants that attracted birds and butterflies. She easily developed a bond with cats and dogs as she did with babies and others. She was always a quiet person of much patience who listened intently to those around her. She loved people and liked the excitement in the air when people were near.
Ruth's first battle with cancer was in April 2002 after which she became more vigilant in observing good eating habits and maintaining physical activity in her life and her family's. Her last illness troubled her for several months as doctors responded to various symptoms and finally, in early May, her new cancer was detected (the mass in her abdomen was a foot wide, was fast-growing and aggressive). A major high-risk surgery removed the tumor at the end of May. She was able to return home for a month before it was found that the cancer had returned and was more aggressive than before.
Alert and caring to the end, Ruth peacefully went to her heavenly home on July 21, 2013. She is survived by her husband, Randy, daughters, Lynette Matallana and Lori Pullen, son, Brian Gustavson, grandchildren, Nicole Pullen, Christian and Elizabeth Matallana. She also leaves her sisters Lois Knock and Marilyn Hillesland, and her brothers, L. David and Ron Knock.
A memorial service open to all family and friends to celebrate the life of Ruth Marie Gustavson, will be held on Saturday, August 17, at 2:00 pm, at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Dublin, 7557 Amador Valley Blvd. The family requests memorial donations be given to American Institute for Cancer Research, PO Box 91493, Washington DC 20090-1493.