Ruth Stege

1935 - 2024

Ruth Stege
12/12/1935 - 05/13/2024
Ruth Ramona Stege left this life on May 13, 2024 at age of 88. Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on December 12, 1935.
Ruth and her sister Mary were close throughout life. As children they competed in citywide Tulsa Spelling Bees which led to a love of words, reading and crossword puzzles. As teenagers they competed passionately on Oklahoma Softball teams and became lifelong fans of the San Francisco Giants, 49ers and Women's Tennis. Together they moved to New Orleans in the 1950s and to California in the 1960s.
A resident of Pacifica for over 50 years, Ruth was an active member of her community. With a lifelong appreciation for the arts, she exhibited paintings from 1969-1972 at the Periwinkle Gallery in Pacifica. In the 1970's she was Chair of the Pacifica Transportation and Safety Commission for two years, and later appointed to the Pacifica Planning Commission. In the mid-1980's Ruth served as bookkeeper at Coming Up! The Lesbian/Gay Community Calendar of Events and Newspaper for the Bay Area.
Ruth worked as Sales Administrator for Great West Food Packers of San Francisco and spent the latter half of her career at the University of California, San Francisco Medical School.
The love of her life was Helen 'Dee' Brodkin. For over 30 years they enjoyed life next to the Pacific Ocean. They opened their cozy home to an enthusiastic community of friends and family, creating a warm and welcoming environment for all. Ruth was a talented cook and treasured her cookbook collection that filled every inch of the kitchen.
Until her death, Ruth was tremendously active in her recovery communities of Pacifica and San Francisco. Since 1965 Ruth shared her experience, strength and hope to carry the message. A powerful and gentle woman she used her influence for good and helped many get and stay sober,
Preceded in death by her beloved Dee Brodkin and sister Mary Stege. Survivors include her treasured niece Teresa Stege, Dee's sons Michael Schwartz (Christine) and David Schwartz (Scarlett), nephews Harry Stege, Paul Stege, Peter Stege, John Stege and Ruth's vast chosen family of women in recovery. Her brother Harry and nephew David predeceased her.
She leaves a large community of sober people. Shout out to the "Shoes" group, the Monday Night Meeting, Friday night and many others.
A Celebration of the Life of Ruth Stege will be held Saturday, June 22, 2024 at 2 p.m., at the Pacifica Community Center 540 Crespi Drive. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the charity of your choice in memory of Ruth Stege.
We will miss you Big Sister!