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Ruth Eleanor Mendenhall Hurtt
November 28, 1921 – August 19, 2017
Today, after over 95 years of life, Ruth Hurtt is dancing in heaven.
She died peacefully, surrounded by her children. We are thrilled that in her journey to heaven she has taken the trip of her lifetime.
To cherish her memories, she leaves behind her daughter and son-in-law, Tracy and Rev. Robert Gaestel (Pasadena, CA); daughter Dr. Kathy Hurtt (Waco, TX); and son and daughter-in-law, Dr. David and DeeAnn McWilliams Hurtt (Hewitt, TX); as well as her beloved grandchildren Robin Gaestel and Lindsey Kay Hurtt (California), Holly Allyn Gaestel (Nigeria), and Thomas Hurtt and his son, Kaden (Texas). Ruth is survived by her younger brother, Robert Mendenhall, his wife, Jenne Anne, and younger sister, Mary Carol Garske. She will be missed by many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.
Ruth was born November 28, 1921. The sixth of nine children, she grew up on Palomar Mountain and in nearby Escondido. Ruth graduated from Grossmont UHS (San Diego) in 1939, and met Ernie Hurtt (originally of Portsmouth, VA) when she was sixteen. They married on July 25, 1941. In 1953 they settled in Pico Rivera, CA, after Ernie accepted employment with LA County where he worked until his retirement in 1978. In 1972, after having three children, the family moved to Belmont Heights in Long Beach, where Ruth lived for the next 38 years, delighting in her wonderful neighbors and neighborhood.
A lover of God, family, and travel, Ruth was a fun, caring, vibrant woman who touched the lives of those around her with her ready smile, sweet personality, and generous hospitality. She loved to sing while she worked and always brought an easy laugh and cheery, practical optimism to life. While in Long Beach she was active in AFS, Wilson PTA, Meals on Wheels and Girl Scouts. She was a docent at the LA County Museum of Science and Industry, and served as a poll worker. Ruth was a member at Belmont Heights United Methodist church, serving as the UMW treasurer, and participated in Lamplighters and the quilting group. Even in her 80's, she never missed her weekly Senior Exercise class and as a breast cancer survivor, was particularly proud of her participation in the Race for a Cure – her last time, walking with the BHUMC group at the age of 90! She was honored to be a member of the PEO philanthropic organization and treasured her sisters from Chapter QC.
Ruth loved to explore through roaming and always held a childlike enchantment with seeing new things. She treasured family summers spent camping and visiting family. After Ernie's death in 1986, she traveled more widely, visiting Hawaii, Central America, Machu Picchu, the Holy Land, Great Britain, Europe, and the Arctic to see polar bears. In 2010, Ruth moved to Waco, Texas, to live near her children, although she returned home to Long Beach many, many times.
A celebration of Ruth's life will be held Saturday, September 2, 2017 at 10:00 am at Belmont Heights United Methodist Church. She will be laid to rest next to her husband at Rose Hills Cemetery in Whittier, CA in a private ceremony.
Memorial flowers or donations can be sent to Belmont Heights United Methodist Church (Memorial fund), 317 Termino Ave., Long Beach, CA 90814. Most, we ask that you hug a family member and love and serve God and others in her memory. Please sign the guestbook at www.presstelegram.com/obits
4 Entries
I am blessed to have been part of this amazing family of Mendenhalls and am so glad there is so much support through this time of transition. Going through pictures and memorabilia was so special with the loss of my mom and reminiscing with family and friends
my love and prayers go with you
Marsha Mendenhall
August 26, 2017
I give my condolences to the family knowing they are experiencing a time mixed with the loss and joy in the faithful ending. Love goes out to the family and my friends of the mid 1970s.
J Tittel
August 26, 2017
Kathy so sorry about your mother. My prayers are with your family. I remembered when we were the only 2 girl trumpet players in the Wilson High School Marching Band.
Laurie Kanin (Larsen)
August 25, 2017
Ruth was a great neighbor. Loved to see her going out in her square dancing outfit. She lived a big life!
Marie Corboy
August 25, 2017
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