Search by Name

Search by Name

Ruth Bennett Haggerty

1921 - 2017

Ruth Bennett Haggerty obituary, 1921-2017, Riverside, CA

BORN

1921

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Acheson & Graham Garden of Prayer Mortuary

7944 Magnolia Ave

Riverside, California

Ruth Haggerty Obituary

RUTH BENNETT HAGGERTY
10/22/1921 - 7/2/2017
It is with great sorrow, we announce the passing of Ruth Bennett Haggerty on July 2, 2017. At her bedside was her true champion and loving daughter, Holly and loving caregiver Melissa Allen.
She was born Ruth Elaine Bennett on October 22, 1921 to Dr. Calvin and Helen Bennett in Corry, Pa. Although raised during the Great Depression she and her older sister Norma enjoyed a comfortable childhood. Ruth helped her father with his veterinarian practice, rode horses, played the accordion, did beautiful oil paintings, loved sports and graduated Valedictorian from Campton High School. Next it was on to the University of Michigan where she met her future husband, Frank L. Haggerty, Jr. (on a blind date) and graduated with a degree in Romance Languages in 1943. She and Daddy were lifelong Wolverines. Following college she worked for the secret map department during World War II in Washington D.C. Mom and Dad were married Dec. 20, 1945 in Baltimore, Md. They celebrated 54 happy years together. Their first child, Karen, was born in Mississippi and soon afterwards, daddy was reactivated for the Korean War. Mom's parents insisted she join them in California. There they had a thriving veterinary practice and enjoyed beautiful weather. Following Korea and a short rainy stay in Oregon, California became their permanent home. In 1953 they welcomed their son Frank III, "Buzz" and then daughter, Holly.
Daddy worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs and retired from there in 1983. During that time, mom was a hard working wife and mother, cooking 3 meals a day and volunteering for all her kids' school activities, booster clubs, sports events and more. She did canning, made homemade root beer, and sewed many of her daughters' dresses as well as fancy shirts for Daddy and Buzz. She enjoyed learning and took classes in Russian, Judo and writing. Writing became her passion. She wrote screen plays, short stories and 2 novels.
In her 60's she became a successful real estate agent. Here she made many good friends as well as some good investments.
Ruth and Frank were always together working, socializing, hosting family gatherings, riding bikes, walking, volunteering, and enjoying cross country trips with their dear friends, Bob and Dorothy Pentz. Following complications from hip surgery, mom was daddy's loving caregiver until his death in 2001.
Mom was an intelligent, energetic, attractive, highly- principled, honest, hard-working, thrifty but generous person always. She felt a day without accomplishing something was a loss. Her family meant everything to her. She survived quadruple bypass surgery at 82 and never slowed down. At 91 she had returned to writing, continued to exercise, cultivate her garden, cook holiday meals, kept house and remembered birthdays and anniversaries. She enjoyed resale stores, current events, working jigsaw and crossword puzzles, adventure and western stories and always visits with her children and pets.
She was predeceased by her parents Dr. Calvin and Helen Bennett, sister Norma Hulet, Aunt Elsie Witzig, son-in-law Dwight, her loving husband Frank, along with her 3 precious dogs Angel, Lucky and Heather. Survivors include daughter Karen; son Frank III," Buzz" (Vicki); daughter Holly (Ken Breunig); granddaughters Adrienne and Frances; nephews Claude Hulet (Kathy) Roger Hulet (Zola), Bill Weese (Amanda), nieces Leslie Williamson (Dennis), Nancy Hendrickson and Fancy. Our family was blessed with loving care givers. Rachel Johnson, Melissa Allen and Rosa Orenday tended to mom and dad with great love and kindness. She will also be missed by her close knit neighborhood. Thanks also to the staff at Bethany Home Care.
A visitation is scheduled for 10 AM at Acheson & Graham, Garden of Prayer Mortuary, on Wed. July 19. Interment to follow at Riverside National Cemetery.

Published by The Press-Enterprise on Jul. 18, 2017.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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

Memories and Condolences
for Ruth Haggerty

Sponsored by Acheson & Graham Garden of Prayer Mortuary.

Not sure what to say?





3 Entries

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Cathy (Moore) Jenkins

July 21, 2017

Dear Holly,
So sorry to hear about your mom. She lived a full life and a half. I know you'll miss her.
You have all my sympathy.
Your friend, Rob Lennox

Rob Lennox

July 20, 2017

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you celebrate the life of your loved mother. Our love the Mitchell family Debbie,Wanda,Paula and Aravia

July 19, 2017

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results

Memorial Events
for Ruth Haggerty

Jul

19

Visitation

10:00 a.m.

Acheson & Graham Garden of Prayer Mortuary

7944 Magnolia Ave, Riverside, CA 92504

Jul

19

Interment

Riverside National Cemetery

CA

Funeral services provided by:

Acheson & Graham Garden of Prayer Mortuary

7944 Magnolia Ave, Riverside, CA 92504

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 Haggerty'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