Ruth Spector Weil

March 6, 1929 - April 30, 2022 Ruth Weil, an accomplished artist, seamstress, baker, businesswoman, and philanthropist, embodied a spirit of possibility to see beyond limitations. Upon meeting Ruth for the first time, you noticed two things: her bright nail polish and her radiating warmth.

Born March 6, 1929, in the coal-mining town of Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, Ruth learned early the value of generosity in times of struggle. Even at that young age, she was able to share any abundance she had with those in greater need. This inspired her to a life of generous philanthropy.

She graduated from Penn State University in 1950 and then moved to Los Angeles where she married her beloved husband, Marty Weil, the next year. The couple had two daughters, Randy and Sharon.

Ruth developed herself to be a savvy businesswoman. She directed the business management department at the earlier iterations of the CPA firm, Weil & Company. Marty co-founded the real estate investment company, Laskey-Weil Co, and Ruth took his place as a general partner after he passed.

Ruth was an amazing hostess. Known by the nickname "Lady Cake" for her baking prowess; anyone who knew Ruth delighted in her desserts. Everyone felt right at home in Ruth's inviting presence.

Marty and Randy both died far too young from cancer. In her grief, Ruth dedicated herself to cancer research and treatment and became one of its leading benefactors. She was an active board member of the John Wayne Cancer Institute (now Saint John's Cancer Institute) as both an auxiliary past president, an active board member, and a volunteer in the clinic. She established the Ruth and Martin H. Weil fund, which funds the Ruth and Martin H. Weil Laboratory for Cancer Research, and sponsored the Ruth and Martin H. Weil Fellow in the Surgical Oncology Fellowship Program.

She was honored with the first Donald L Morton Legend Award and the Duke Award from the JWCI, the Angel Award from the JWCI Auxiliary, and the Integrity Award from Saint John's Health Center for her over 12,000 hours of volunteer work with cancer patients awaiting consultations with their doctors. Ruth was an honorary board member of Cancer Support Community LA (CSC). She was awarded their Tribute to the Human Spirit Award and the Pillars of Strength Award. In 2016, The Weil Family Room was named. Ruth also served on the Board of Advocates at Providence Saint John's Health Center, and the Board of Directors of Cancer Oncology Research Institute (CORI). Ruth provided a bridge between all these organizations, bringing forward the recognition that curing cancer is a whole body, whole person, whole community effort that integrates science and compassionate care.

She was an inspiration to all. Her family remembers her as a loving, creative, and supportive mother, aunt, and grandmother. She is survived by her daughter, Sharon Weil, her grandchildren Sophie Aaron, Jenny Aaron, Melissa and Janosch Prinz, and Clarissa Karunaratne, and all the dear family and friends who love her.

In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to Saint John's Health Center Foundation in care of the Ruth and Martin H. Weil Fund.