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BORN
1953
DIED
2017
Ruth Ortiz Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Ruth Ortiz
Sponsored by Her Loving Family.
Julia Meier
May 21, 2025
A reminder of Ruth came in my email today. I retired in January after 30 years of teaching. I often think of Ruth, miss her smile and the hours we spent talking.
Jose
September 24, 2023
That's a nice note, Paul. Thank you. I understand why you had a crush on Ruth. I did. Tomorrow would constitute 41 years of marriage and about 44 years together. I am departing to walk the Camino de Santiago the next day. It was the last hike Ruth and I did. I didn't realize she was dying, yet she walked 600 miles with her bone cancer causing intense pain and a severe hacking cough marking the breast cancer metastasizing further to her lungs. Ruth's strength always impressed me though never so much as during that trip. I have done my grieving, but I still miss her. I'm biased, but she was (and is) a very special person.
I love you, Ruth.
Paul Topping
May 28, 2023
I knew Ruth quite well for the three years we overlapped at USC. I had a crush on her but was too shy to admit it. I remember her from a few dinners together, campus social events, and rock concerts. We met when we both lived in the dorms and then neighbors in the university apartments. She was always upbeat and had the most wonderful laugh.
I would think about Ruth every few years since college and wonder where her life led her. Reading the memories left here has given me a picture of a rich and eventful life for which I am happy. The Peace Corps was a surprise. At the same time, I have tears because her life was cut short. I wish I had known her better and for longer but I cherish the few memories I do have.
Jose C Ortiz
May 20, 2023
In response to Jaleesa, thank you for sharing your experience with my wife. JFK called teaching the noblest profession. Ruth would be so proud to hear you followed her passion. She heard it from former students who regularly showed up in her classroom years later to share how that passion had influenced them. Whether students who are now teachers, scientists, or engaged parents, Ruth loved to learn how the young minds she hoped to influence have evolved. Congratulations to you on becoming a teacher. It's a lot of "work", but clearly the results are worth it. Your story is a inspirational example. Good luck on your own journey!
Jaleesa
May 20, 2023
Ruth,
Today is my college graduation, but I´m lucky to already have become a teacher at a job I truly love. There´s a possibility of me becoming a 5th grade teacher next year and all I could think of was you. Thank you for making my 5th grade/elementary memories so happy and fun. Rest well.
Sincerely,
Jaleesa
Jose Ortiz
September 24, 2022
Another year, Ruth. This would be 41 years of marriage. Remember how we decided to travel while young because of the uncertainties of time and age? We were blessed to take advantage of time and our youth though we traveled well together right to the end. I have many wonderful memories and only wish we could make more.
I miss you. My Ruth. You will be on the road with me always, but I miss you.
Jose
May 20, 2022
Five years, Ruth. What is it like to be among the Angels? I bet they love your laughter, your gentle ways, your regard for others, and how you comfort and offer genuine affection and support when it's needed. I always loved that about you and it's what made you a special friend, teacher, mother, wife, and now, Angel.
You were also an especially sensitive and empathetic soul. I still marvel at how that expressed itself. Remember Marcos and Teresa in Kisumu, the Brazilian engineer and his wife, who you talked into a science event at your school and were later grateful for the opportunity to make a contribution to the community? All I ever heard from them was their marvel at how wonderful a teacher you were. Your attention to all the detail involved in effective teaching and learning. How your students followed your lead, called you Madam, and responded to the lessons you planned. I was always amazed at how attuned you were to the needs of the school and the community. But it didn't stop there. That was a part of every relationship you had, including ours. I miss that, though I still feel it through the heavens.
You are now a grandmother to five and no doubt your example is followed by your children. They continue to be blessed by having you as their Angel.
I was blessed just knowing you.
Much love, Ruth. Much love.
Anne Merdinger
May 20, 2022
Some people you can never forget. Ruth, you're one of those. Remembering you today with great fondness.
Julia Meier
July 30, 2021
Starting a new school year and it made me think of you. So many years ago now when we worked together at Oak Hill. Our after work talks when our kids had to remind us to go home. Good times. You are missed Ruth.
Jose Ortiz
July 29, 2021
July 30th. Ruth's birthday. Lots of great memories to celebrate. The laughter was a constant. Such a love of life. Happy birthday, Ruth!
Anne Merdinger
May 20, 2021
On Sunday it will be 4 years. I look at her beautiful face and miss her all over again. Ruth was a rare soul, and still alive in our hearts.
Jose C Ortiz
September 26, 2020
Another anniversary, Ruth. I love and miss you.
Jose Ortiz
July 30, 2020
Happy Birthday Dearest Ruth.
Jaleesa Calhoun
June 17, 2020
I just found out, and I am so sad. Ruth was my fifth grade teacher at Oak Hill Elementary. I always looked forward to going to class. She was very kind & caring. I found these photos from December 2004. Ruth always made class so fun. She will be missed.
Ruth in 1980
Jose Ortiz
May 22, 2020
Ruth would be thrilled to hear that the book club continues, Anne. A special person indeed. I met Ruth in January or February of 1980. She had just returned for her third year teaching in western Kenya, not far from where President Obama's father's family was from. She taught at a Harambee (all pull together} secondary school there and quickly became popular with the students and staff. Her hands on approach to science was infectious. The photo posted here is of her on the shores of Lake Victoria. We had gone to catch a bee-keeping demonstration hosted by a Peace Corps volunteer who enlisted specifically to see how "African killer bees" could be managed. Ruth and I kept our distance as the beekeeper grabbed the queen from a hive to demonstrate how bees would envelope the queen. I think the point was that the behavior was fundamentally the same as bees in the US and around the world. I think the beekeeper admitted that the bees were quick to sting. Both Ruth and I experienced that in unwelcome encounters. I used to have a photograph of Ruth after she was attacked. The bees went for her head and, after Ruth escaped, her face swelled so that she was unrecognizable. I prefer to remember Ruth as she looked in the photograph. That is, beautiful. As beautiful a woman as she was a gentle, loving, spirited soul.
I miss her. Three years, but I still hear her voice and see her smile. A lasting presence always with me.
Anne Merdinger
May 20, 2020
Three years now, and we miss you as much as ever. We have continued the book club you started, and think of you often. You were just one of those very special people that one never forgets, and you were a special friend to me personally during our time teaching third grade. You kept me going through some hard times. Thinking of you know with much gratitude and love.
Jose Ortiz
September 25, 2019
Happy anniversary, Ruth. I love and miss you.
May 25, 2019
Ruth, you re still loved and missed by me and so many others.
Ruth and a student in front of her home's doorway in Kenya.
Jose Ortiz
May 22, 2019
Another year. Looking at old photos of Ruth and this one caught my attention since it reminded me of when I first met her. She returned to Kenya after taking home leave to California. Ruth had completed her two year commitment and extended for a third year. That entitled her to a home leave. She had a perm done while in California and returned to Kenya with the wavy hair in the photo. Had she not extended I would not have met her. I thought her hair was naturally wavy and she was especially beautiful when she clipped her hair back to highlight her brilliant blue eyes. While our first conversation was ironic and ordinary, it somehow led to an invitation to dinner. My guess is that it was because I was the nearest volunteer and I seemed pretty helpless learning to cook for myself. That dinner featured Ruth's wonderful beef stroganof. It was a very romantic evening that neither Ruth or I had any idea would lead to 35 years of friendship and 32 years of marriage. Her lasting gift to me are three incredible children and countless memories. I was/am blessed. Thank you, Ruth.
Jose Ortiz
July 30, 2018
Happy Birthday, Ruth. I miss you.
Anne Merdinger
May 25, 2018
Dearest Ruth, Yesterday I finished reading another book for your Book Club. I found myself thinking about what insights you would have shared about it. You always had thoughtful, intelligent ideas to share with us. I miss you. Thinking of you with fond memories. Love, Anne
Jose Ortiz
May 23, 2018
Ruth and I met at a Peace Corps party in the rural home of a volunteer teaching at a Harambee school. I noticed her immediately and she largely ignored me if she noticed me at all. She would later say that she felt someone was staring at her. That was probably me, though it's possible I was not the only person admiring her. I was introduced to her the next day as I caught a ride on the pickup she was riding in to Kisumu, Kenya. She was in the front passenger seat and I was in the rear. Along the way, we exchanged pleasantries. She asked me if I was Mexican. Ruth lived, went to school with, and worked with many Mexican-Americans. Up until then she had not met a Puerto Rican. After the ride was over, we went separate ways. A few days later, she was at the hotel that I was living at and invited me to a meal at the house her school provided just outside of Kisumu. I of course jumped at the opportunity. She prepared a delicious beef stroganoff with rice. I was hooked. That same beef stroganoff would later become the favorite meal of our children.
Within two months Ruth and I went to meet the Kenya Peace Corps Director, Coralee Turbit, to explain that we wanted to get married. Coralee said that would be fine and then went on to tell us why Peace Corps marriages often failed. The major point being that volunteers sought each other out because of the loneliness of a foreign country with unfamiliar customs and traditions and distance from family and friends. Ruth and I discussed the feedback and decided to wait until we returned to the States. Almost two years later we were married at Our Lady of Lourdes in Rio Linda after traveling through parts of Asia, Alaska, Canada and the US northwest.
Even in the US Ruth and I still felt the same about each other. Ruth was innately kind, caring, thoughtful, generous, and passionate. She was also able to laugh and see or feel things that I could not. She kept me balanced and grounded.
When she was diagnosed with cancer in 1998, her stamina, strength and determination were evident as she kept teaching only interrupted by Friday afternoon absences to undergo the harshest chemotherapy available. She would recover over the weekend to return to the classroom the following Monday. She said that her children (both ours and those in the classroom) kept her going and took her mind off the cancer treatments.
About 18 years later, as the breast cancer metastasized to her bones, Ruth decided to walk the approximately 600 miles of the Camino de Santiago. Starting in France, Ruth spent the first day hiking over the Pyrenees into Spain. It took 13 hours in wind, cold rain, and darkness for Ruth to complete the first days hike. The following thirty some days were no easier as Ruth first developed a severe cough and later a devastating hip pain. Upon our return to the US, we learned that the breast cancer had metastasized further to the lungs. A few months later the cancer was in her brain.
That Ruth managed to complete the 600 mile journey while the cancer was ravaging her body astounds me. Yet, I am not surprised. Ruth was one of the strongest people Ive ever met. Our first real challenge together was climbing Mt. Kenya. Near the peak, as the air thinned and I panicked, it was Ruth who kept me going. That was true for much of our life together. She beat the cancer for 19 years. At the end she told me that no one should feel sorry for her. She was very happy with her life and accomplished everything she dreamed of. She saw her children grow to be successful adults, attended the weddings of two children, helped to welcome two grandchildren, influenced hundreds of primary school students, honorably retired from the teaching profession with her head held high. Ice cream on top, she said.
It is now a year after her death. Im still reflecting on 35 years together. The memories are rich, funny, touching and inspiring. Thank you, Ruth. I love you.
Charlie Segerman
May 23, 2018
I've known you since the 4th grade. Knowing you, I'm confident you lived an abundant life under any circumstances. The last time we spoke was 1972; I wish we had stayed in touch over the years and talked about each other's life. Your family was blessed with you, and their loss must be unbearable. I only found out about your passing 3 weeks ago; I was heartbroken. I hope these words miraculously find your soul. You're a homerun gal. Rest In Peace Ruth.
Jose Ortiz
September 25, 2017
Ruth and I would have been married 35 years today. I miss her every day and reading the comments that have been posted reminds me of why I miss her as well as how fortunate I was to spend the time I did with her. I very humbly thank you all for sharing your stories. Were Ruth here today we would be celebrating with a wonderful meal recounting stories of how we met, while feeling blessed with our three children. Ruth made us all better people. Thank you, Ruth. I love you.
Jaleesa
September 13, 2017
13 years ago was my first day of fifth grade at Oak Hill Elementary. I was very nervous. But Mrs. Ortiz was so kind and welcoming. And I had such a blast in her class. I will never forget it. I had recently contacted an old friend I hadn't seen since I met him in her class. I figured I would look up Mrs. Ortiz and see how she's doing. My heart had broken when I read that she has passed. Thank you for all that you have taught me. May you Rest In Peace.
July 31, 2017
I miss you, Ruth.
July 30, 2017
she was a great science teacher and I will miss her very much
Barbara Vanderveen
July 14, 2017
I would like to express my deepest sympathy for the loss of your wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. I feel as though I am blessed to have known Ruth and have her touch my life. She spoke often of her family and students. She was such a loving, positive woman with the most wonderful laugh. She will live on in my memories of her. She was more than a patient, she was my friend.
Theresia Ortiz
June 5, 2017
My mom was born to be a grandma, mother and educator, in that order. I love and miss her. This video was compiled by her sister, Martha, and her niece, Melissa. Please enjoy.
Rita Sigrist
June 1, 2017
I am so sorry to hear about Ruth's passing. I still remember her visits and how happy we all were to have her with us. My sympathy to her family.
Norine Nomura
May 30, 2017
I met Ruth during Peace Corps training in Nashville. We were roommates. I was a little shook up as a graduate from UCLA that she had gone to USC! I quickly got over that. Although we did not live close by in Kenya she made the trek to my home--a mere 3-4 hour trip. Over the years we had many conversations about Life, our families, our students and everything under the sun.
She was an exceptional human being. Besides being smart she had a marvelous sense of humor, She was also one of the kindest, most earnest, most compassionate and most enthusiastic people I shall ever know. My deepest condolences to Jose and all her family and friends.
May 29, 2017
RIP Mrs Ortiz. You were a very good teacher and co-worker.
Miss Becky
Dudley Elementary
Carla Houchin
May 29, 2017
I remember delightful conversations with Ruth at high school reunions. She and I both shared a love of teaching and science. Such a happy, loving person will be missed. Carla Houchin
Jenny Diaz
May 29, 2017
Our Deepest Condolences to my cousin, Papo and family. Will pray for peace and strength during this difficult time. May Ruth RIP, her warm smile will never be forgotten.
Richard and Deborah Aldama
May 28, 2017
Jose, we are so sad to hear about your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts at this difficult time.
Toni (Antoinette) Delgado (Key)
May 28, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
Theresa Andrada Balderston
May 28, 2017
We were neighbor's running up & down Cherry Lane working in the field across from the house milking the cow playing Dracula so many memories great times you will be missed your family was one of the best parts of my childhood.
Agnes Sigrist
May 28, 2017
Ruth would stay with us some weekends while she went to USC. I always looked forward to her visits. She was like my cool older sister and she made me feel cared for and that I mattered. My condolences to her family and friends.
Al Ortiz
May 28, 2017
it is people like ruth that make the world a better place,i shall miss her,we will meet again one day.sorry for my brothers loss. god bless the ortiz family
Michael Frisk
May 28, 2017
I am so Sorry to hear about Ruth, My heart is heavy, Prayers are with the family,
Chaplain Michael Frisk CFWBC
Lesa Johnson
May 27, 2017
Dear Ortiz and Friedrich families ~ I have so many memories of Ruth from the time Dean and I were dating and she has just returned from Her peace corps adventures and service, I remember being so impressed with her. Over many years and many Zumbach Zoos, weddings, gatherings, Ruth has always been friendly, kind, and our visits so pleasant. She really was a brilliant woman filled with love, and I'm certain she will be terribly missed. I'm very sorry for your loss.
Denae Chamberlain
May 27, 2017
My heart was saddened by the news of Ruth's passing. So sorry for your family's loss. I had the pleasure of teaching with Ruth at Dudley. She was a dedicated and courageous person. I enjoyed teaching with her...She will be dearly missed.
Debbie Shepherd-Juch
May 27, 2017
Jose, so very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Anne Merdinger
May 27, 2017
Ruth was a great support for me when we were both teaching 3rd grade at Dudley. I could always count on her encouragement, her sense of humor, and her articulate conversation. I loved her then, and now, and my heart is breaking. She has left her mark on so many of us. Ruth, you are a special, loving soul not to be forgotten.
Julia Meier
May 27, 2017
One of my favorite grade level mates! Ruth and I worked in 4th grade at Oak Hill Elementary! An amazing teacher who loved her work and was eager to share her ideas and ponderings! I could listen to her Peace Corp adventures tirelessly, and every time I see a baboon, I think of Ruth. I loved talking with her after school (so much so, that our children had to tell us to go home.) Ruth was such a beautiful soul. I loved the sparkle in her eyes, particularly when she said hello and wanted to truly know how you were doing. She will be missed but always in my heart.
Brian McCrackin
May 27, 2017
blessings dear heart, this world is surely diminished through losing you. what drives a guy 45 years later to go hunting for you here at face book? i saw pic.s of your sister at the r.l. property, subsequent to some flooding? not sure when that had happened, condolences, to loved ones, friends and family, so sorry. i was looking here for you only a week or two ago. sorry to learn you have passed and i didn't succeed in making contact, sad while still knowing gracious god sees that it all works out. one bright heart, from early grade school through the end of high school? was it as early as kindergarden? early. very pretty, very bright. how many times did i walk passed that 3 bed one bath house on 'cherry lane' wondering what is she doing? she's not out here in the yard? so it goes and so it goes on, surrendered into the arms of her Devine and Gracious Lord, praise God, with enough of his blessing grace, perhaps in time we meet again, god's will be done. i love you ruth, feel it as it rhymes with truth, go with god, an easy stroll in a warm unending embrace with the ONE who never dies, god bless.
Christie Wentworth Avella
May 26, 2017
Hugs and prayers to the entire Friedrich family. The news is so very hard to believe. My sincerest sympathy for your loss. Ruth will certainly be missed. All my love.
Genny Goodman- Claxton
May 26, 2017
Oh my gosh! I am so sorry for your loss. She was admired and respected by many of us when we were young. She was such a sweet girl. I am so sorry. I am equally sorry to hear of Hans passing. Your family is amazing and I pray for your peace. God bless!
Stephenie Hawley
May 26, 2017
I am so sorry to hear of Ruth's passing...saying prayers for the family.
Jim McRitchie
May 26, 2017
What a sweat one she was. So happy to have known her, even just a bit.
Stan Rosenstein
May 26, 2017
Jose I am so sorry for you and your family's loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Linda Doughery-Garcia
May 26, 2017
My heart hurts for the Friedrich family. I'm so very sad to read this news. Biggest of hugs to all.
Ali Siegfried
May 26, 2017
Mrs. Ortiz! I remember her exactly as she looks in this picture. She was one of my favorite teachers, and I have a lot of really great memories in her class, though that seems like a lifetime ago. My most sincere condolences to your family, what a devastating loss.
May 26, 2017
We are sorry to learn of the passing of Ruth, but grateful for her service to our nation with the Peace Corps in Kenya.
Our Condolences,
The National Peace Corps Association
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