Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Ruth Silnes Obituary
Ruth Mary
Goldstein Silnes
San Francisco native and long-time Peninsula resident Ruth Silnes died at her home in San Mateo July 9, 2011. She was 96. Ruth Mary Goldstein was born in San Francisco on March 18, 1915, to Leon and Clarice Marx Goldstein, both of whom were also Bay Area natives. She married Ed Stone (aka Edward Tashjian) on February 15, 1935, and Torger Silnes on December 23, 1961.
A talented artist, she spent most of her life painting and drawing. At 50 she became a yachtswoman and twenty years later, a writer. At 88 she published Keeping Ahead Of Winter: 4100 Nautical Miles Inside America, a nonfiction for adults. Thirteen years later under the pseudonym of Grama Gogo she illustrated and wrote Naptime Secrets, a children's book dedicated to her two great-grandchildren. Recently, she published You and the Arts: Why Art Matters and was actively promoting this book on-line and in writing groups. She also was an active blogger, giving free art lessons on one blog, and producing another one, "The Art of Aging."
She was a founding member of the 1870 Art Center in Belmont, CA, member of the California Writer's Club, San Francisco Peninsula Writers, National Association of Women Writers, Womens National Book Association, and the Peninsula Arts Council.
She is survived by her son Roland Stone (Jane) of San Francisco, daughter Sandra Stone of San Mateo, granddaughter Jessica Ford (Mike) of Danville, grandson Gary Goldstein (Claudine) of San Francisco, and two great-grandsons, Michael and Angelo Ford.
Services will be private. Memorial donations can be made to The Peninsula Museum of Art, 10 Twin Pines Lane, Belmont, CA 94002.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ruth Silnes
Kristin
November 26, 2023
I just bought one of Ruth´s painting and am thrilled to own it!
Maria Barraza
March 18, 2018
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. Happy birthday
Tory Hartmann
March 19, 2012
The members of the San Francisco/Peninsula Writers Club wanted the family of Ruth Silnes to know that we dedicated our anthology, Fault Zone: Stepping Up to the Edge to Ruth's memory. Please send me your address and I will mail you a copy of the book. (By the way, the book is also available on Amazon.com) [email protected]
Jane Danjin
March 18, 2012
Ruth Silnes will be missed by all who recognized her spirit and gallantry. A richness has gone out of our lives.
Jane Auringer Danjin
Alberta Auringer Wood
March 18, 2012
Very belated condolences to Ruth's family from her niece by her marriage to my Uncle Torger. We were very fond of her and are glad that we were able to visit with her in 2010. She was the last of my relatives of that generation. We shall miss her.
Martha Clark Scala
August 4, 2011
There's a new shining star up in the sky. What a bright light Ruth was in my life, and as a member of the California Writers Club. I suspect there are many Ruth-wannabee's; what a phenomenal role model as a creative human being. My condolences to the family, friends and artists who knew and loved Ruth.
Darlene Frank
August 2, 2011
Ruth was a delight and an inspiration. I always looked forward to seeing her at the SF/Peninsula Writers Club, and was especially inspired by her unflagging productivity and creative efforts. She conveyed a quiet strength, and I'm happy to say I own an autographed copy of one of her books. I will miss her. My prayers and thoughts are with Ruth's entire family. Blessings to you all.
Mary E. Knippel
July 26, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. She was a great lady and a role model for all of us. I had the privilege of knowing Ruth as a talented writer and kindred spirit through the Women's National Book Assn-San Francisco Chapter and the California Writers Club-Peninsula Branch. Sincerely, Mary
Tory Hartmann
July 26, 2011
I just loved Ruth. I met her through the San Francisco/Peninsula Writers and sometimes gave her rides. What a cheerful and bold woman! I was stunned by how technically savvy she was, the amount of work she put into her book projects, and how quickly she finished and published. I took an excerpt from You and the Arts and published it in Parenting on the Peninsula in the March issue. I will miss her so much. My thoughts go out to Sandra and the family.
Mary Hanna
July 24, 2011
Ruth was unfailingly cheerful and an inspiration to me. I aspire to be like her as I grow older - someone who never stops enjoying life, never stops learning, and never stops laughing. We'll miss you, Ruth.
Ruth Silnes with CWC friends photo courtesy Teresa LeYung-Ryan
Teresa LeYung-Ryan
July 24, 2011
Dear Sandra, My heart has been heavy. I send prayers that your darling mom (a.k.a. "Ruth-Can-Do-Anything") will visit you in sweet dreams. Sincerely, Writing Career Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/california-writers-club-members-all-so-sad-for-ruth-silness-loved-ones/
Eve Visconti
July 24, 2011
I met Ruth in the California Writers' Club just a couple of years ago. I read her book, Keeping Ahead of Winter and found it most interesting. She was a remarkable woman - bright-eyed and cheerful, and never stopped living to the fullest. She will be missed.
Barbara Stone
July 19, 2011
First of all, my deepest condolences to Ruth's family. She was an amazing woman.
I feel compelled to share a bit about Ruth:
I was fortunate enough work with Ruth in the technology arena. I met her when she was working on her second book, Naptime Secrets and asked for my help. She was already in her nineties and was using Photoshop – not a simple program!
When I researched the year 1915, this is what I discovered: Woodrow Wilson was president, electric headlights for automobiles were invented, the first trans-continental telephone call was made by Alexander Graham Bell to the World’s Fair (in San Francisco); World War I was being fought; the British ocean liner Lusitania was sunk by a German submarine; and a first class stamp cost 2 cents. Thomas Edison invented the telescribe to record telephone conversations; 25,000 women marched in New York City, demanding the right to vote; and the Ku Klux Klan received a charter from Fulton County Ga.
Ruth lived through the great depression, watched as Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the moon, saw the election of the first African American President, and many more events. She adapted to the times and learned how to use a computer. Internet chat rooms, social networking (yes, she even tweated) or blogging did not daunt her – she took things in little bites and kept going. From her blog, The Art of Aging, she wrote: “To get the most out of life I believe it is good to be open to change, times change and we need to change with it. Concentrate on something other than our problems. Think positive, no good can come from anything else and enjoy happy memories.”
We worked together on a regular basis and her creativity would show up in the most interesting ways. She had a bit of a sweet tooth and would sometimes offer me a dish of ice cream. Sometimes it would be topped with chocolate syrup, sometimes chocolate pudding and once peanut butter! She explained that she was low on supplies and was improvising. It was yummy!
Using the tools at her command, she also took responsibility for her health – researching on the internet, paying attention to medications and her response to them, questioning doctors, making her own decisions.
I continue to reflect on the lessons she was sharing and I feel blessed and honored to have known her – an amazing woman of great humor and kindness.
I encourage a visit Ruth’s blog on The Art of Aging to learn more and to find links to her other blogs and website. https://ruthsilnes.wordpress.com/
Blessings to all.
Betty & Mark Piscitelli
July 17, 2011
When I met Ruth she disclosed her age of 90 which amazed me. She was more vibrant and passionate about living than anyone I had ever met. She spoke enthusaistically about her involvement in the arts and her published book "Keeping Ahead of Winter". Retirement wasn't in her vocabulary! I immediately ordered and devoured her book, thoroughy enjoying her writing and illustrations. I will forever by inspired by my memories of Ruth! Mark and I send our sincerest sympathies to Roland, Jane, Sandra and the family! Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Ken & Lois Piscitelli
July 15, 2011
A Lady with alot of Spunk who dared to try out different ventures at different ages. Prayers & Thoughts to all the Family.
July 13, 2011
What an incredible life she lived and will be missed. It really shows through the family achievements. Peace to the family and keep her close.
Vance & Lora Piscitelli & Family
July 12, 2011
Dear Sandra, Roland & Family my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Love Joan Assereto
Milton Karahadian
July 12, 2011
Peace to all.
Though I didn't know her, I pray we may all be as active and giving of ourselves to others as Ruth.
Milton Karahadian
Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results
Make a Donation
in Ruth Silnes's name
Memorial Events
for Ruth Silnes
How to support Ruth's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Ruth Silnes's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
