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Ruth Brownell Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Ruth Brownell
James jason o'neil
December 28, 2025
Ruth o'neil brownell was our beloved aunt & thoroughly enjoyed her family.
Jason O'Neil
May 4, 2020
Rithi O'Neil- we will always miss the family time we spent together during the holidays.
Me (Katie), Burt, and Gramma at your favorite place - Mission Beach.
Katie Brownell
January 2, 2008
Mom,
I love you so much and I hope you are watching over me everyday from Heaven. I miss you more than words can even imagine to describe. Please have a safe new year in Heaven. I love you! Tell Gramma Ruth hello and that I love her too. We made it through the holidays (if were my opinion, I would of skipped it all) however you gave me the strength to put up the tree and put a smile on my face even if it was a pretend one. I know you saw me do the reading at the Thompsons on Christmas Eve in yours and Richard's honor. I am a great speaker just like you Mom. But for me it is only when I want to be. When it means something, I speak up. We love you so much and I still can't comprehend you being gone. But maybe someday I will. Love you! Your nieces nephews in CO. are thinking about you and say Merry Christmas and love you very much. Brian O'Neil told me to be strong and positive because that is what you have wanted. I love you.
Your loving daughter,
Katie
Mary Miner
December 31, 2007
It's Holiday time and a time that I know Ruthie enjoyed very much. I can also believe that she is watching down on her family and making sure they are enjoying the holidays. Even though she has gone on to another place in her life, I missed having her around this year but she was with us all this Holiday is sprit and we thought of her lots. Ruthie your sprit will live on and on in our lives.
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Corinne Mercier
December 30, 2007
I just learned of Ruthi's death and needless to say, am shocked. I'm so so sorry for your loss. I worked with Ruthi at O'Connor Cavanagh and then at Streich Lang and she was not only a co-worker but a friend. We went through the trials and tribulations of raising teenage daughters (my daughter Sharon was in Katie's class at Shadow Mountain - Sharon passed away in November 2005) and how we sighed with relief when they both turned out alright. So I know what you're going through...when someone you loved so much was taken from you without warning, you have no defense. Ruthi was a very special lady and I'm proud to have known her and to have called her my friend. Ruthi...if you can hear me, please keep an eye on Sharon - you know how much I worry about her. Love you - Corinne
Donna Moody
June 12, 2007
Oh Ruthi, what will we all do without you. You were that one-in-a-million that people talk about but usually are not lucky enough to know in their lifetime. How did you ever find time to be a friend and confidant to so many others? You were always there no matter what. Who could I ever find that will call me 3 or 4 times a day just to chat, and always have something interesting to chat about? You are just such a special person and God had His own plans for you. Nancy, Chuck and I went to our luncheon that you had set up for all of us and reminisced about things we have each shared with you, good and bad, over the past 20 some years. I plan on taking up our friendship again some day right where we left off. Burt, Courtney, Katie, and Carolyn, I am heartbroken over Ruthi's death, and I don't even pretend to know the depth of the loss which all of you and your entire family are going through right now. I wish there was something I could do or say to make it better, but there is not. Just know that there are so many people who care about you and are praying for you, for strength to get you through this time. God bless you all.
Michael Petitti
June 6, 2007
I worked with Ruthi in the 80s and stayed in touch ever since. She will truly be missed and Burt and her family are in our prayers. She would simply light up whenever she talked about them. Ruthi was always willing to help no matter what the issue. She was a wonderful lady.
Jan Johnson
May 24, 2007
I got to know Ruthi when I worked for her at Streich Lang, then continued when we worked together at Littler. She quickly became not only my "boss," but a friend. She was as excited as I was when my son and daughter-in-law announced they were expecting and I would become a grandmother. She immediately had her neighbor at that time knit a beautiful blanket, and when visiting Courtney, made a trip to Disneyland to have a set of ears made!! Items that will always be treasured, not only by my granddaughter, but by me. This was typical Ruthi. I am so saddened by her death - much, much too early. You will all remain in my prayers and thoughts. And, Katie, no one can make lemon bars like your mom. She will be missed.
Charlice Arnold
May 21, 2007
Burt, Courtney, Katie & Carolyn-
I was saddened to hear about Ruthi. You all are in my thoughts and prayers for continued strength and healing. She was a special woman whom I'll always remember for her quick wit and great enchiladas and brisket. With Burt, the greatest Dad I've ever met, she helped to raise 3 amazing women. My love and best wishes for the future to you all.
Jo Dobson
May 15, 2007
It's taken me some time to grasp the passing of this great friend, and yet I am still at a loss. The love and deep empathy we all received from this beautiful person is not easily replaced. Ruth, be at peace, and know that you will never be far from our hearts and our minds. My deepest sympathy to her family and all the friends she has acquired through the years.
Pam Tidd
May 15, 2007
I met Ruthi when we worked together at Shimmel Hill Bishop & Gruender. She became a fast friend. She always had a smile and a laugh and was such a generous person. I have so many happy memories of her! My deepest sympathy to her family.
Pam Tidd
Clara Santa Maria
May 14, 2007
20 years ago, I worked with Ruth at a law firm as her secretary. I enjoyed working with her so much and we became friends. She was so fun, and so very qualified at her job. When I spoke to Ruth a few years ago, she told me how proud she was of her girls. When she smiled, the room lit up. I'm gonna miss Ruth and hope to see her again some day. My deepest sympathy to her beloved family.
Charlie Herf
May 14, 2007
Burt, Courtney, Katie and Carolyn
It was pure shock and disbelief when I saw Ruthie's name in Friday's paper. Much too young and too soon-but not in control by mankind . Patti and I extend our sympathies and thoughts to you at this very diffcult time.
Years ago-many different experiences laughs and memomories. I vividly recall Ruthie at Smitty's with Carolyn in her arms having just arrived at the Brownell house getting the essentials that had already been in place when Courtney and Katie arrived in a slightly more planned sequence. She did it all with a smile and sense of humor that was her trademark.
She will be missed but her smile , humor and love for her children never forgotten. I spoke with her only once in the past several months . When I asked she proudly expounded on what each of her treasured daughters was doing. If there is anything we can do for your family please let us know. We know she will be missed and our prayers are with you and your entire family.
Charlie
Mary Miner
May 14, 2007
Burt,Courtney,Katie and Carolyn,
You know that you family are in our prayers at all times. Please Remember that you Mother/Wife will be with you in sprit at all times. My family and myself are here for you at all times. Ruthie was a special person and a very loving person. She was always there for everyone else. Her friendship and love showed on with the turn out on her service. Ruthies legecy will grow and move on through her children and the love she spread all over. We have all lost a great person and we will miss her deeply. It was great to celebrate her life yesterday on Mothers Day. We love you all....
Mary
jason o'neil
May 14, 2007
to: the Brownells, Kelly's, Hughes, O'neils, Corbets, and Kilbanes- ( hope no one is left out ) Ruthi was one of those very special people who prepared the world's best carrot cakes and constantly shared it with everyone she loved. everyone has his or her own way of showing their love for others, i suppose this was one of ruthi's ways. we will miss her deeply. jason o'neil- 5/13/07
Katie Brownell
May 13, 2007
I love my mom so much! She is the light of my world and will always be with me forever. I will remember all the happy times and everything she shared with me for the past 28 years. All her great cooking. Oh her wonderful cooking...I am sure you all agree with me and I am sure everyone has their individual favorites!!
Thank you so much for participating on my mom's day of rememberance. I never thought this day would ever come. Ever. But since it is here now I will cope and get through this with her wonderful family or "our" wonderful family. My dear Aunts, Uncles, cousins, and friends. We are all so far, but so close. We love each other very much and we all will miss her a lot. I can talk for many of us but she knows that we will always miss her a lot and think of her all the time.
She will be with her twins and family members forever to come. When you go to Mission Beach we will remember her where she wished to be spread in the ocean. Please think of my mother and say hello...
Her loving daughter,
Katie :)
Jackie Guzman
May 11, 2007
Mary, I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your sister. My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family and Ruth's family.
Jerry Leavitt
May 11, 2007
Dear Burt and Family - I was saddened to hear of the loss of your dear wife and mother. You and I spent a good deal of time together many years ago at Hughes-Calihan and I remember hearing stories about Ruthie. Through your descriptions of her, I knew she was a very special person, wife, mother, sister and friend. May the memories and blessings that you hold near be always with you.
Lisa Grabarec
May 11, 2007
I only knew Ruthie a short time but was blessed with her kind heart and giving soul. The few great memories I have of her will always be with me and she won't be forgotten. May Peace and Love shower you and your family during this difficult time.
Dixie Price
May 11, 2007
To Bert and the O'Neil family.
We will always have such wonderful memories of Ruthie with her infectious smile and laugh. How lucky we were to have such treasure in our lives.
Our prayers are with all the family at this difficulte time.
Dixie and Jeff Price
Herb & Mary Ann(O'Malley) Prechtl
May 11, 2007
It is with great sadness to say goodbye to funny girl Ruthie who I've known most of my life. Such a character with a quick sense of humor and love for life.
To Burt, Courtney, Katie, Carolyn, and all of Ruthies' siblings, you're all in our hearts & prayers.
She left this world way too soon, but is happily in heaven watching over all of you at this difficult time.
Diane and Bob Kawa
May 10, 2007
Dear Burt, Courtney, Katie and Carolyn, We are so sorry to hear about Ruthie. Although we have not seen you often over the years, you will always hold a special place in our hearts. We will always remember our time when we were all newlyweds and we spent a few days up north in the cabin. Ruthie was such a special person and we know how deeply she will be missed by all those whose lives she touched by her presence and devotion. Our deepest sympathies and prayers are with your entire family.
Gwynne and Jim Fijan
May 10, 2007
We met Ruthie many years ago through the Mercers. We will always remember her infectious smile and wonderful sense of fun and humor. She will be missed by so many.Our deepest sympathy to her family.
Kathy & Don Coles
May 10, 2007
We extend our deepest condolences to Burt and children. Family gatherings will never be the same without Ruthi's smile and great sense of humor. She will not be forgotten!
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Brownell and O'Neil families.
Reading Overstreet
May 10, 2007
"Ya'll" .... I picked that up after moving from the great state of Arizona to Texas (too many years ago)....and wouldn't you know it ... would be Ruthie Brownell that would say "Tuck where in the heck (nother word) did you pick up "dat accent" ... when I saw her a few years back. (Probably more than a few.)
There are not too many people in this world that I can honestly say, who had a heart of gold, loved her family, loved her friends, enjoyed what she did.....all with a tremendous sense of humor and quick wit. Oh, and loved the U of A.
This was not Ruthie's time, but it was God's time.....we won't completely understand that...for now...but, we know in the bottom of our hearts, she is "warming up our spots in heaven"....because that is the only place a dear soul like Ruthie will be.
God bless Burt and the girls, I am truely sorry for your loss.
With much love,
Reading "Tuck" Overstreet
Chelsea Corbet
May 10, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with the Brownell and O'neil families. I feel very fortunate to have been blessed with an aunt like Ruthi. You will be missed. I am sure the welcoming committee was GRAND!
Pat Long
May 10, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers will be with the entire O'Neil family.
Mary Lou Lyding
May 10, 2007
There is no way to describe Ruthi -- she was one of a kind. I still cannot believe she is gone. I have many, many memmories of her and will miss her. I want to express my deepest condolences to Burt, Courtney, Katie, Carolyn and all of her family.
Tom and Pat Stout
May 10, 2007
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Tony/Rachel Mona'
May 10, 2007
It is with a sincere sense of sadness that we will no longer see our neighbor, of so many years, drive by in her white Camry & wave hello.
We will miss you Ruthie. God's blessings to your devoted husband, Burt & children. May you each be comforted by His Love during this most difficult time.
Perhaps they are not stars in the sky . . . but rather small openings where our loved ones shine down to let us know that they are happy.
Lovingly-
Elaine Carr
May 10, 2007
To each of you, my deepest sympathy. I loved Ruthie. She helped me tremendously with business when I worked at Xerox; stood by me through divorce, sadness, and every joy or celebration life offered. She introduced me to individuals who would become lifelong friends. She was a generous friend. Her/your family invited me and my Mom to family gatherings--and allowed us to come in as "strays," even though we were "Protestants......" We celebrated many joyous occasions together. We grieved side by side, too. We discovered we were sorority sisters when she broke into song at a law firm Christmas party in 1974, I chimed in, and the friendship lasted a lifetime. I loved sharing parts of my life with parts of hers; she loved her family more than life itself.
Dan Remick
May 10, 2007
Ruthi was not only a friend but also a confidant to both Jill and me. She was an admirer of many and always asked about their well being. Her calls will be missed. Her wit, satire, intellect and friendship are irreplaceable. We are so very sorry for the loss Burt and his family have suffered.
Tim and Kathie Hughes
May 10, 2007
Our sincere and profound sympathy to you and your family. Ruthie was a really sweet person who will be greatly missed.
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