Ruth Adelene Alvord

1927 - 2024

Ruth Adelene Alvord

August 31, 1927 - December 29, 2024

Roseville, California - It is with heavy hearts and profound love that we announce the peaceful passing of our mother, Ruth Adelene Olling Alvord, at the age of 97.

Ruth grew up scrappy. She recounted teasing her brother and sister by being the last to eat her ice cream cones, slowly licking and commenting how good and cold and tasty they were, just to make them envious. She went to elementary school and high school in Bellingham, Washington. She attended Grant High School in Sacramento, California in her senior year. Ruth attended University of San Francisco when the university opened the night school program to women, which is where she met her first husband.

In the fifties Ruth was married to Juan Ramon la O' of Manila, Philippines and had two daughters. Ruth lived and worked in the Philippines for a number of years.

Ruth's second marriage was in the late sixties to Dr. Alex L. Finkle. During that time she travelled and saw many parts of the world. Travelling was a great passion.

As a mother, Ruth was unparalleled. Her children and step children: were her greatest pride and joy. She imparted her values of compassion, resilience, and unconditional love, leaving behind a legacy that will live in our hearts forever.

Throughout her life, Ruth found peace, joy and satisfaction in embroidery and knitting. In retirement years she began quilting. Many friends, relatives and charities benefitted from her prolific and marvelous colorful quilts.

She is survived by her children: Maria Elena Friedman (Robin), Maria Paula Metz, Juan Ramon la O' and Catherine Carmen la O', her grandchildren: Daniel Metz, Robert Metz and Bryan Friedman. She was preceded in death by her parents: Ellery Alvord and Pauline Olling Alvord, siblings: Boyd Ellery Alvord and Shirley Doris.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her memory to American Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders and World Central Kitchen some of the causes close to her heart.

Though we mourn her loss, we take comfort in knowing that Ruth's spirit lives on in the hearts of all who loved her. She will be dearly missed but never forgotten.