Ruth Esther Josephine Dane Sheffield

Ruth Sheffield Obituary

Ruth Esther Josephine Dane Sheffield

June 28, 1917 - December 7, 2013

"Little Miss Nobody"

Ruth Esther Josephine Dane Sheffield (96) passed away on Saturday, December 7, 2013. As an infant she was found on the beach in a basket and adopted by a single woman Sarah Dane. Ms. Dane and Ms. Dane's father raised Ruth together. With an unconventional origin and family for the era, she was dubbed by the Long Beach press "Little Miss Nobody". But she had a very conventional upbringing in Long Beach where her talents in music performance and appreciation were fostered, laying the foundation for her to become "somebody" to the many people she touched in her life. Ruth attended Freemont Elementary, Jefferson Junior High, Wilson High and Long Beach City College. She married her childhood sweetheart Arthur William Sheffield in 1936. They had a wonderful life together, raising two daughters and residing in Park Estates for many years in a home she loved. As an administrative professional, Ruth spent much of her career as a secretary in the Music Department at CSULB, where she was able to apply her skills in the musical environment. She developed many lasting friendships with the student and faculty musicians. A musician herself, Ruth was a charter member in the Long Beach Civic Opera Association and served on its Board of Directors. Two memorable roles she performed were Hansel in the musical production of Hansel and Gretel, and Pagageno in The Magic Flute. Ruth was a vocalist for the First Baptist Church of Long Beach for a many years. Also, she was a member of Sigma Alpha Iota. Ruth was very proud of her family, and would no doubt view the gifts she passed to them as her greatest accomplishment. Predeceased in 1987 by her husband Art Sheffield, and survived by two daughters: Jeanne Sheffield Muench (Jerry) of Long Beach, CA and Lois Josephine Tromp (James Jr.) of Fountain Valley, CA. She is also survived by four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Her music and love of family lives on with all of us. A celebration of life is planned at a later date. Please sign the guest book at www.presstelegram.com/obits
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Published by Press-Telegram on Dec. 13, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Ruth Sheffield

8 Entries

Steven Birge

December 17, 2013

I remember the good after-Christmas gatherings of the Sheffields and the Birges at 1547 East Woodbury Road in Pasadena when we were kids and Ruth and Elsie were life-long friends, Art and Lysle tinkering with the lights or toys that didn't work right, and Lois, Jeanie, Barbara and I making our floats for the Rose Parade in the long driveway. The turkey, stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, and peas, all passed to the left around the table that Stanley and Colleen still use. Grandma Hawley's crocheted white tablecloth, fostoria plates and silverware set just right per her instructions, Knowlton, Elmer and Vera, all crowded so tight in the dining room that nobody better want to get up. Living room full of wrapping scraps after the ceremonial opening of the presents. And finally the Rose Bowl game watched on television before the Sheffields packed everything for the drive back to Long Beach. Those were the days.

Lois Ellefson Cox

December 16, 2013

For almost all my childhood we lived across the street from The Sheffields. Our family was at their house or they were at ours for many fun get togethers. Ruth had a beautiful voice and sang in the choir at the church we all attended. When my grandmother passed away and my parents could not attend my Baccalaureat service for my high school graduation, Ruth and Art attended with me. I have never forgotten what a kindness that was.
God Bless You, Ruthie.

December 15, 2013

As a Music student at Long Beach State from 1961 to 1967, I was well aware how much Ruth gave to us. She was a giant among women, and took on hopeless cases of student poverty. Once winter set in, I had no coat to wear and Ruth noticed that. She procured one of Art's cast offs, a gaudy plaid brown jacket, and I wore it proudly for years. She personally 'saved' a lot of kids rattling around on upper campus. She was all give and no take; an amazing person.
Pax in aeternum, Ruth, pax.
In manus tuas, Domine, commendo spiritum meum.
Jeff Reynolds

December 15, 2013

I often gave Ruth a ride to Sigma Alpha Iota meetings. I never heard the story of her adoption until I read it in the obituary. Thank you for publishing such a great obituary. She and her husband raised two lovely daughters. My husband still remembers what a great teacher's aide Lois was for him at Jefferson Junior High school. Dorlyne & Howard Genrich

Ken Clark

December 14, 2013

I was the graduate assistant in the music department from 1972 to 1974 where I worked closely with Ruth. She was a great lady and will be missed by the hundreds of students whose lives she touched. Have a good journey, Ruth.

December 13, 2013

I love and miss you grandma!! Enjoy life in heaven!!

December 13, 2013

Aunt Ruth was a wonderful person. I have many memories of the family coming down to San Diego for picnics and party's or we would all go up to Long Beach. She always remembered my birthday. She was so loving. Blessings to my two cousins Jeanne and Lois. Beverly Sheffield Cooney

Dolly Ickler

December 13, 2013

I am a member of SAI and was a student of Paul Stroud in the '60's. We loved Ruthie. Please keep us informed of her celebration of life [email protected]

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