RUTH BRIDGES

1931 - 2016

RUTH BRIDGES Longtime Las Vegas resident Ruth Bridges, age 84, passed away June 18, 2016, in Ventura, Calif. Ruth was born Nov. 22, 1931, to James C. and Mittie Lea Jones, of Leesville, La. She was known to be inquisitive and adventurous, with a wry sense of humor. She will be remembered as a beloved mother and grandmother, and steadfast friend. Ruth married Oscar Bridges, also of Leesville, in 1947. This marriage would last 59 years before Oscar's death in 2006. The young couple traveled and worked throughout the west, before settling down with their two children in 1956 in Farmington, N.M., successfully owning and operating several businesses to include a welding service, grocery store, mobile home park and roller skating rink. The family moved to Las Vegas in 1963. This became Ruth's true home. She first focused on raising her children and also worked for the Manpower Development and Training Program. Interested in world religions and philosophy, she joined the Theosophical Society and explored metaphysics. Following intensive study of astrology, she became one of Nevada's first licensed astrologers and instructor/owner of Astrology Dynamics. In her spare time, she and Oscar loved to play cards and were accomplished ballroom dancers. Although well-supported by her wide circle of Las Vegas friends, her health deteriorated after her husband's death. In 2011, she joined her children in California, but remained close to her friends in Las Vegas. Ruth also appreciated the comfort of caregivers, Linda Duncan and Suzanne Wright, as well as the tender care of Assisted Living Hospice staff. She was preceded in death by her two siblings, Vivian McCloud and Jimmy Jones. Ruth is survived by her son, Roger Bridges; daughter, Catherine Bridges of Ventura; and granddaughter, Yvette Bridges of Oxnard. Memorial service and reception will be at 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 27, at the Winchester Cultural Center, 3130 S. McLeod, in Las Vegas. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be sent in Ruth's memory to her favorite charity, Best Friends Animal Society at bestfriends.org