Ruth Malnik

Edna Ruth Ellis Malnik Ruth died peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, October 1, 2010. Ruth was born on December 5, 1921 in Stockton, California where she spent her formative years. She graduated from Stockton High School as the valedictorian of her class. She then attended the University of California, Berkeley where she graduated with a degree in English. Ruth had a long and rewarding career in education starting as an English teacher and ending her career as a high school counselor. Ruth spent the majority of her career in the Acalanes Union High School District and she retired from her position as high school counselor from Las Lomas High School in Walnut Creek. After her retirement, Ruth enjoyed a full life that included involvement with the Silver Wings Repertory in Pleasant Hill, the Senior Centers of Concord and Pleasant Hill, travel and constant involvement in her grandchildren's lives. Ruth is preceded in death by her parents, William Fred Ellis and Edna Craig Ellis, her brother, Everett Ellis, her sister, Clare Ellis Linn and her husband of 40 years, Conrad Joseph Malnik. Ruth is survived by her daughter, Clare Malnik Enseat, her son, Steve Malnik, her grandchildren, Armando and Celina Enseat and Mario Malnik, many loving nieces and nephews and her devoted companion in her later years, Don Orton. Ruth will be remembered by her extended family and friends for her kind heart, wonderful sense of humor, love of music, prose and anything theatrical as well as her great spirit for life. Those who were fortunate to know Ruth were touched by her warm affection, love and genuine regard for others. Arrangements are by the Neptune Society of Castro Valley. Celebration of her life will take place on October 16. The family suggests donations be made to American Diabetes Association to the Ruth Ellis Malnik Memorial, P. O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312.