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BORN
1927
DIED
2016
Ruth Gaver Obituary
Apr. 27, 1927-Mar. 13, 2016
Soquel
Ruth passed away gently on March 13 after a brief illness. Her family was close at hand.
Born Ruth Anna Cunha to Joe Severino Cunha and Mary Ann Powlowski in Newman, California, she was the youngest of four children and earned the nickname Tagalong after a popular comic strip, and the name Tag followed forever. Tag attended school in the San Joaquin Valley and graduated from Clovis High School. Nursing school at Fresno State College allowed her enlistment as a Navy nurse during the Korean conflict, and that accomplishment was her finest moment.
During her stay at the naval base in Oakland, she met Ken Gaver, an enlisted Navy doctor. They married, moved a few times around the country before settling in Salem, Oregon where Ken practiced medicine and Tag raised their three children. After a divorce in 1968, Tag eventually returned to California. Her career as a registered nurse was important to her, and she always wore her whites and cap with pride.
Ruth moved to Soquel in 2004 to be closer to her family. She was a wisecracker, and a kick ass lady, as one friend put it. One never had to wonder how she felt about things, as she was quick to express her opinions about politics or the weight of the world. She loved to dance, garden, and party with her family. She was an avid 49ers fan. Lunching at the Silver Spur daily she was fondly known as Grandma to the staff and regular customers. They will miss her small and mighty presence.
Ruth is survived by her sister Lillian Hickey of Atwater, daughter Linda Hopper and son-in-law Mike Hopper of Aptos, daughter Jananne Gaver of Hollister, and son Paul Gaver of Brazil; grandchildren Caio Gaver of Florida, Aurora Gaver of Corralitos, and David Hopper of Santa Cruz; great grandchildren Maya and Desmond Ruwe and Alexander Dean Gaver.
Burial at the San Joaquin National Cemetery, honoring her status as a veteran, was her last wish and was granted on March 29th in a private ceremony. Donations are preferred to Paralyzed Veterans of America or Jacob's Heart.
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