Ruth Ellen ANCELL

It is with sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Ruth Ellen Ancell on Friday, November 9, 2012 in Redding, CA, one month short of her 96th birthday. She had lived in her home in Santa Rosa 47 years before moving to an assisted living facility in March of this year. Ruth was born in Caldwell, Kansas on December 2, 1916 to parents Ingram and Elva Bragg. She married Wayne Ancell, on July 12, 1938 in the parlor of her parent's home in Caldwell. Ruth attended Phillips University in Oklahoma and received her teaching credential in 1936. In 1944, Wayne and Ruth moved to California. She then graduated from San Francisco State University having earned her California teaching credential. They came to live in Santa Rosa in 1964. Wayne was with Bank of America for 32 years until his retirement in 1978. Ruth taught elementary school for 26 years before retiring in 1964. Ruth was a long time member and past president of the Assistance League of Sonoma County. She and Wayne were also charter members of the Wild Oak Saddle Club. Wayne died in 1988 three months shy of their 50th anniversary. Ruth had a passion for travel. She visited 140 cities in 40 countries. She traveled with friends and long-time companion, Arvid Frank. She was an avid and accomplished domino player and she enjoyed playing with several groups of friends. Ruth's family was very important to her. A highlight of each year was "family time", a tradition she started over 24 years ago. Every summer the family would vacation together at a different location, enjoying the sights and each other. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, both of her sisters, a brother and her loving husband, Wayne. She is survived by her daughter, Julie Westberg (Jim) of Redding CA, her son, Herb Ancell (Pauline) of San Rafael, her granddaughter, Donna Williamson (Dave) of Redding, CA and her two great-granddaughters, Hannah and Claire Williamson. Ruth was a special lady. She had many friends and was loved by all. As a young woman, her nickname was Sunny, and that describes her perfectly. She will be greatly missed, but we have comfort in the knowledge that she is with her Heavenly Father. At her request, there will be no memorial service. She is interred at Santa Rosa Memorial Park. In her honor, donations may be made to the Assistance League of Sonoma County, 5 West Sixth Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95401-6135.