Ruth Tunstall-Grant

1945 - 2017

Ruth Tunstall-Grant
Jan. 23, 1945 - Jun. 5, 2017
San Jose
Ruth Tunstall-Grant, long-time resident of San Jose, CA, passed away peacefully in the company of her son on June 5, 2017 after a protracted battle with pulmonary hypertension at the age of 72. She will be remembered by most as abundantly giving and eager to lift up the youth through art.
Ruth was born January 23, 1945, daughter of William Neal Brown and Lucille Tunstall. Raised in Detroit, she fondly recounted summers in the company of her grandparents, Harry "Grampy" and Ruth Hawkins, who were inspirational influences in her life and ambitions. She received both her B.F.A. and M.F.A in Painting from University of Dallas.
An acclaimed artist, her vivid paintings grace homes and businesses throughout the Valley and beyond. She was one of a select group of artists chosen to create a heart sculpture for the 2005 "Hearts in San Francisco" project. Her imposing sculpture was titled "A Heart's Map to Hope," very much in her own spirit. She will be remembered for: creating art programs for children at the San Jose Museum of Art and Santa Clara Children's Shelter, as an advocate for the arts, serving on the San Jose Public Arts commission, and establishing Genesis: A Sanctuary for the Arts where she brought together local artists to showcase creative works for the larger community, and provide a space to experiment and create.
Ruth is survived by her son, Sheehan Grant, daughter-in-law, Indira Chakrabarti and granddaughter, Luxmi Grant Chakrabarti.
As per her wishes, a celebration of her life, "not a funeral," will be held September 3rd, 2017 at MACLA (510 South 1st Street, San José, CA) from 4-7pm. Please see the online memorial that has been established in her honor for more information and to contribute memories of her at: ruth-neale-tunstall-grant.forevermissed.com


View the online memorial for Ruth Tunstall-Grant