Mrs. Ruth Barbara Ambagis

Ruth Barbara (Sussmann) Ambagis, born on January 17, 1933 in Hanau, Germany, to the late Otto & Ida Sussmann, passed away at age 85 on August 5, 2018 in Terra Bella, California. The angels came in the early morning hours and carried Mom off to heaven while she slept. Her departure was quiet and peaceful.
Ruth, was raised in Germany and was very young at the beginning of WW11. She suffered in great fear during that war. Her family had gone from riches to rags. They stood and watched their home burn down. Up to her last days very loud noises still scared her, she carried a piece of shrapnel in her leg all her life.
In 1952 Mom began working at the Army base near Frankfurt. It was there she met her husband , Steven Ambagis. Mom said this guy stared at me all the time until he finally asked her on a date. They were married November 20, 1952 and shortly after began their family. Danny, born in 1953, Garry (1954), Elaine (1956), Michael (1958) and finally Heidi (1963). Their children gave them 13 Grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandson. When we all got together for different events, there were so many of us. Dad would look at Mom and say, See what we started ! Ruth had a passion for cooking, crafting, singing, and especially traveling ! Ruth made the trip to Hawaii, 15+ times. Anything involving her children took #1 priority. Whether it was a sporting event, and there were many, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, piano lessons, you name it, Mom was there always cheering us on !
One of our favorite vacation spots was Fallen Leaf lake near Lake Tahoe. We always had friends and family join us there. A lifetime of memories were made on these vacations. Ruth was preceded in death by her Husband, Steven Ambagis, her son, Garry Ambagis; brothers, Klaus and Ben; sister, Hannah Brown, and great grandson Calvin Ambagis. Ruth is survived by her children, Danny (Dianne) Ambagis, Elaine (Paul) Gee, Michael Ambagis, Heidi Lovitt, and her sister, Margarete Moore. 13 Grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and 1 great great Grandson. Also numerous nieces & nephews who loved Ruth dearly ! She also leaves behind her cherished dogs, Keno & Missy.

Following Steve s passing in 1997 Ruth met Thomas (aka) Tommy-Tom Amlin. They spent the next 20 years traveling and slowing down in life. In October 2016 Ruth and Tom moved in with Paul and Elaine in Terra Bella, due to Moms diagnosis of dementia , she now required 24 hour care. She remained happy and at peace for those years. Mom lived a good long 85 years on this earth. To know that she has been reunited with so many that left before, brings us joy and peace. Friends and family are welcome to attend the celebration of life service on Saturday, August 25 at 1:00 p.m. at Freewill Baptist Church, 6201 Watt Ave, North Highlands. There will be a potluck style lunch ,at the church, following the service.
Thank you to everyone that called, sent cards, food ,or flowers during this difficult time. Donations can be made to Alzheimer s research or any charity of your choosing. God bless