Ruth Christensen Winton

RUTH CHRISTENSEN WINTON

A lifetime resident of Fresno passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2004, at the age of 93. She was born on March 9, 1910, near Selma, CA, the daughter of Julius and Anna Christensen. She graduated from Selma High School in 1927. Ruth attended Fresno State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music with a special secondary credential in piano and Public School Music. Ruth had extensive music and vocal study with local teachers and studied opera in Oakland and New York. She sang with the Cecelian Singers of Fresno from 1946 through 1952, and appeared as soloist with their annual spring concert. She was soloist in several productions of Handel's Messiah given in the Fresno Memorial Auditorium. She sang with the Fresno Municipal Band Summer Concert Series held at Roeding Park, Lincoln Park and the Fairgrounds. She was a member of the Community Chorus and appeared with the Fresno Philharmonic Orchestra in their presentation of "Sea Symphony" in 1959. She was soloist at the First Church of Christ Scientist for 20 years. She was also a soloist for several funeral homes in Fresno and Selma from 1942 to 1970, and a vocalist for many weddings in the local Fresno area. She joined the Fresno Musical Club in 1945, and served on the Executive Board for many years. She was a yearly soloist for the musical club's monthly meetings for 25 years. For many years, Ruth and Martin were summertime residents of Huntington Lake arriving in May and leaving in September. Ruth was Huntington Lake Volunteer of the Year in the late 80's, trying to make Huntington a clean and beautiful place to visit. Ruth and Martin were very active within the local comnunity, Martin "Mr. Duck" with Ducks Unlimited and his many community activities, and Ruth, with her many musical programs and events. Ruth was preceded in death by J. Martin Winton "Mr. Duck" in June of 1991, founder of Winton's Vista Pharmacy in 1932, and William J. Winton her youngest son in 1974. She is survived by her son, James T. Winton and his wife Jonolyn Deluca Winton; her grandson, J. Michael Winton and his wife Georgette; and her granddaughter, Nicole Winton Hodgson and husband Jamie, and four great-grand children. The family wishes to thank the Community Alzheimer Living Center for the care and attention given to Ruth the past 10 years. A private Graveside Service was held at the Fowler Cemetery on Thursday, January 22, 2004. Remembrances may be made to Community Alzheimer Living Center, 668 East Bullard, Fresno, CA 93710 WHITEHURSTSullivan, Burns & Blair Chapel1525 E. Saginaw 227-4048