Ruth Mavis Ralphs

1920 - 2010

Ruth Mavis Ralphs February 29, 1920 - December 30, 2010 Ruth celebrated 90 years of life with actually 22 "official" birthdays as a leap year baby. Ruth began her life in Townsville, Queensland, Australia. She came by ship to this country in the 1940s, arriving in San Francisco. Eventually she came to Gorman in 1950, where she has lived ever since. She wore many hats in her long career working with James L. Ralphs, Inc. family businesses, the Gorman Post Office, and The Golden Valley Municipal Water District. She was recently honored by Los Angeles County Supervisor, Michael Antonovich, when she retired from Gorman School Board after 33 years. Ruth is preceded in death by her first husband, Danny Sonder; her second husband, James Lloyd Ralphs II; and her daughter, Sandra Lynn Valdes. She is survived by her daughter, Jeannette Ruth Bircumshaw; her sons, Steven Coleman Sonder and James Lloyd Ralphs III; five granddaughters, Sydney Ralphs, Audrey Ralphs, Sophie Ralphs, Stacey and Kelly. She also has two brothers, Colin and Ronald Coleman and nieces and nephews in Australia. Memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 6, 2010, at 2:00 p.m. at Greenlawn Memorial Chapel, 3700 River Blvd. Visitation will be before the service starting at 10:00 a.m. Greenlawn Mortuary www.bakersfield.com/obits