Our mother passed away the morning of January 19, 2022 at 92 years of age in Escondido, CA. Mom loved and was loved by many. We have many beautiful memories of her that will lift us up during this time of sadness and reflection.
Ruth was born to Earl Warner and Flora Anne Biggs in Cleveland, Ohio on June 5, 1929. Waiting to welcome her to the family, along with her parents and grandparents, was 5-year-old sister Janet. Mom lived in Lakewood, Ohio and attended schools there graduating from Lakewood High School (1947) and continued her education at Bowling Green State University, graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Education hoping to become an elementary school teacher. She was a proud Falcon and Alpha Delta Pi sorority sister. She enjoyed visiting the campus as an adult while on trips to see family, friends and attend high school class reunions. Mom stayed in touch with several of her classmates and roommates from college celebrating birthdays and holidays from afar until the end. Her friend Jean and I recently spoke, reminding me she was the one who arranged the blind date for Eugene Karl (Gene, Wally) Waldsmith and Ruth which was the beginning of a long-lasting friendship and marriage.
Ruth and Wally married June 12, 1951, just a few days after Ruth's 22nd birthday and their college graduation. A short time after adjusting to married life dad was sent to participate in the Korean War. Their firstborn child, Frederick (Fred, Freddy) was born in 1952. The family continued growing with Greta born in 1955, followed by Amy in 1956 and Nancy in 1960. Youngest daughter Anne was born in 1966.
In autumn 1960 the family packed up and moved to California, leaving the cold Ohio winters behind. We remember the stories mom told of getting us children situated on our first plane ride, with Nancy in a basinet attached to the front wall of the row, just 6 months old; mom handling it all so well. Dad had gone ahead to start work.
After youngest daughter Anne was in school it was time for Ruth to go back to school to continue her education. She achieved a medical assistant certificate and became a member of the California Certified Medical Assistants. She enjoyed working for Dr. Loring, Dr. Aden-Wansbury, and Dr. Pardoe, whose office she retired from in 1991.
Ruth and Wally became grandparents to grandsons Tyren in 1980 and Trenton in 1982 and in 2003, granddaughter Chloe was born. Mom and dad were married 37 years until his unexpected passing in 1988 leaving mom a widow at the age of 58. Wanting to be closer to her sister Janet, after living in Eureka for 24 years, she moved to Escondido where she resided until her passing.
Throughout Ruth's life she kept busy with volunteer work with the St. Joseph Hospital Auxiliary as a Pink Lady in Eureka, California, the Palomar Hospital Pink Ladies in Escondido (you could find her greeting everyone who came into the gift shop) and also as an usher with the California Center for the Arts beginning in 1997. She loved greeting patrons, directing them to their seat location and the perk of being able to enjoy the array of arts events over the 15+ years she was able to volunteer.
Ruth loved to travel by auto (to visit her children and grandchildren), cruise ship (Hawaii, Alaska, Panama Canal), hot air balloon over the Napa vineyards, dirigible (aka the Goodyear blimp) over San Diego, internationally (Germany, Austria, Canada, Ireland twice, New Zealand, Australia) and domestic (too many places to name).
She enjoyed creating chocolate candy delights, counted cross stitch, calligraphy, reading, writing poetry, and watching live and televised sports of all kinds. On Halloween she would dress up and meet trick or treaters at the door step in costume. Some of her memorable costumes were Pinocchio, mermaid and Little Miss Muffet. Often, she would be in the kitchen baking goodies to share with others.
Ruth loved to be socially connected. She became a member of AAUW (American Association of University Women) in 1967 while living in Eureka and continued as a member in Escondido holding many officer positions. Ruth was a member of the Catholic Widow and Widowers (CWW) in Eureka and in Escondido and was a member of the Escondido Women's Club.
Ruth was predeceased by her husband Eugene Karl (Wally) in 1988, daughter Anne in 2010 and daughter Nancy in 2020. Surviving mom are son Fred (Arlene), daughters Greta (Greg) and Amy (Glenn), grandsons Tyren (Laura), Trenton (Kit), granddaughter Chloe and great grandchildren Emery, Easton, Everett and Ava.
A funeral mass will be held at 10 AM, Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at the Church of St. Timothy at 2960 Canyon Road, Escondido, California. Ruth will be interned at Ocean View Cemetery in Eureka, California with her husband. Donations can be made in Ruth's name to St. Joseph Hospital Auxiliary, 2700 Dolbeer Street, Eureka, CA 95501 or Bowling Green State University Foundation Inc., Attn: Gift Processing, 1851 N. Research Drive, Bowling Green, OH 43403.

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Published by Times-Standard on Feb. 6, 2022.