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Ruth Buell Obituary
A talented and award-winning children's music composer, performer, and poet, Ruthie, known to many as "Uncle Ruthie" of KPFK-FM Pacifica Radio, produced and hosted the children's program "Halfway Down The Stairs" which ran for over 50 years.
A career Special Education teacher and member of United Teachers Los Angeles, as well as the National Writers Union (UAW Local 1986), Ruthie used word and song to support her students, numerous social justice causes, and was a dedicated and outspoken advocate for inclusivity in all walks of life.
Ruthie's legendary energy, intelligence, and creativity never faltered. She is survived by her sons Daniel Prince (Yuki), Anthony Prince (Mayra), daughter Irene Prince, step-daughter Pamela Buell, step-son Byron Buell, granddaughters Sarah, Janelle, Mickey, Simone, Ama, Katharina and great-grandsons Collin and Lennin.
Contributions in her honor may be made to the Blind Children's Center of Los Angeles.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ruth Buell
3 Entries
MIKE O SCOTTO
March 22, 2025
uncle ruthie was truly a gift to our world and is and always will be missed by me and many others. I meat her the first time about 50 years ago and have listened to her show on the once great KPFK radio station until her retirement (a very sad day) . KPFK has not been the same since her retirement and the removing off the air John & Deanne Davis's show. RIP Uncle Ruthie!
Nancy Barr
October 5, 2023
I first met Ruthie in 1975 when I was the music therapist for the Child Development program at Pacific State Hospital (now Laterman) in Pomona, CA. She was so generous sharing her songs with me. We kept in touch through the years. She and Marcia Beeman visited our family in Davenport, WA in the early `80´s and gave a concert for the elementary/middle school where I was the special Ed. Preschool teacher. Ruthie visited us again 20+ years later when we lived in Kennewick, WA and sang at the Folklife Festival and at our church. I´ve used her songs throughout my career working in the public schools. Her "Family" song is our family anthem..."Living in a house that´s made of Love"! Love you, Ruthie . Nancy (& Roger) Barr
Sura Weiss
May 26, 2023
May her memory be for a Blessing. Baruch Dayan Emet.
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