Search by Name

Search by Name

Ruth Nyberg Obituary

Ruth Whitney Nyberg
Resident of Stockton and Corralitos
Ruth Whitney Nyberg passed away on August 13, 2013 in Capitola, California. She was a long-time resident of Stockton but spent considerable time in Corralitos and Aptos. Ruth lived a life filled with love for 92 years. She died of complications from dementia. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband Walter L. Nyberg, and her parents Rich and Calla Whitney of Syracuse, New York. She is survived by four children (Jane, Jim, Peter, Paul), six grandchildren (Wesley, Leah, Heather, Ashley, Sarah, James) and five great grandchildren (Marcus, Brandon, Isabella, Joshua, Isabelle). Ruth graduated from Syracuse University, received a masters degree from University of the Pacific, and was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta social fraternity.
Ruth shared her love of life with family, students, friends, members of the church and many others over the years. Her husband Walt was a Methodist minister and later a college professor. The two of them served congregations in Massachusetts, Oregon, Kansas, and New York, before arriving in Stockton in 1962 where Walt began teaching at University of the Pacific. Ruth started the Central Methodist nursery school in Stockton in 1963, which is still going strong fifty years later. She taught school for twenty-two exciting years in the Stockton Unified School District, and received the teacher of the year award in 1988 just before retiring. She organized "Mothers and Others for Peace", the Stockton chapter of "Another Mother for Peace", and chaired the group for five years. In between teaching, raising four children and enjoying her grandchildren she participated in a Stockton campaign to recall a mayor, organized the fundraiser that put the steeple back on St. Mary's Catholic church, built a geodesic dome in Corralitos, and did numerous other things to improve life in her communities.
In many large and small ways Ruth shared her loving spirit and sense of humor with the rest of us. With a smile, she would hand a hug coupon to a fellow human which stated "good for a minimum of one hug" and "redeemable from any cooperating human". She gave and received many hugs. We are most blessed to have had such a loving mother, teacher, grandmother, and friend who touched our hearts.
Please join us for a celebration of Ruth Nyberg's life on Saturday October 5 at 1 PM at Central Methodist Church in Stockton, 3700 Pacific Avenue.
If you have digital photos of Ruth or comments that you wish us to share at the celebration, please email them with your name to [email protected]. For more information email [email protected].

Published by Santa Cruz Sentinel on Sep. 22, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Ruth Nyberg

Not sure what to say?





2 Entries

So sorry to hear of Ruth's passing - I recall she/Walt when they lived at senior apts. with my parents in Stockton - a great pair. My heart goes out to Jane Nyberg, with whom I worked at UCSC sometime ago. Sincerely, ellen m. wood, santa cruz ca, [email protected].

Ellen Wood

September 22, 2013

I have fond memories of both Ruth and Walt from our times together at Dominican Oaks. The were wonderful people, and Heaven will joyfully receive them both..

Larry Collister

September 22, 2013

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results

Make a Donation
in Ruth Nyberg's name

Memorial Events
for Ruth Nyberg

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Ruth's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Ruth Nyberg's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more