Ruth Lynne Hanson

July 25, 1940 - January 8, 2026
Cupertino, California

Celebration of Life: Saturday, January 31, 2026, 10:00 AM at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Saratoga, CA
Interment of Cremated Remains: Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, Los Altos, CA

Our beloved Lynne passed away on January 8, 2026, rejoining her parents and loved ones in heaven.

Lynne was born in Berkeley, California, to Dorothy and Arnold Rucker and later welcomed two brothers, Arnold and Gordon. She earned a bachelor's degree in Education from San Jose State University in 1962, where she was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and formed lifelong friendships.

After college, Lynne taught in the Sunnyvale Elementary School District before teaching a year for the Department of Defense in Germany. Upon returning to California, she settled in Menlo Park, where she met Ron Hanson. They married in 1967 and shared 58 wonderful years together. Her husband and four children were her greatest joy, and she was a mother extraordinaire. She created a home filled with warmth and cherished traditions-homemade birthday donuts, summer vacations at Pine Mountain Lake, Thanksgiving taffy pulling, and Christmas talent shows.

Throughout her life, Lynne championed and empowered children, giving them the gift of self-respect and a love of learning. She established a highly successful tutoring business and pioneered her own method of teaching reading, becoming known for her ability to teach children to read in as little as 40 minutes. Her program, First Focus Phonics / Hanson Reading-now SkyRocket Reading-grew into a comprehensive curriculum, impacting nearly 3,000 students over her lifetime.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Lynne served faithfully in her church. She served as Primary president, Relief Society president, counselor in Young Women's, Sunday School teacher, Seminary teacher, Cub Scouts den mother, and temple ordinance worker. Extending her service beyond the church, she also conceived and led the City of Cupertino's Fourth of July children's parade for many years.

Lynne was authentic, cheerful, warm, and giving. If she identified a need, she took it upon herself to meet it, leaving those she encountered feeling seen, valued, and uplifted. She spent her days finding someone to visit, encourage, or serve, and we know she continues her labors of love above.

Lynne is survived by her loving husband, Ron Hanson; her brothers, Arnold and Gordon Rucker; her children, Steve Hanson, Andy Hanson, Ryan Hanson, and Kristine Jackson; her grandson, Ford; and her twelve bonus grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren through her daughter's marriage.

Lynne will be remembered as a woman of faith, intellect, and unwavering support-a steady presence and a true blessing to all who knew and loved her.

A celebration of life will be held on January 31 at 10:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel, 19100 Allendale Ave., Saratoga, CA. Those attending may wear bright colors to celebrate her joyful life.