Ruth Laverna Wright
November 26, 1921 - March 15, 2013
When at a young age, a very little Ruth takes herself to the nearby YMCA and asks how she can volunteer to help any one in any way, the world is in for a treat. Ruth has left a legacy of love, compassion and giving.
Ruth was born in a small town in Iowa on November 26, 1921. She spent her early years on the family farm and loved being with all of the animals. Despite the Great Depression and being very poor, her family fed and clothed many who were even less fortunate. Her family moved to St Paul, Minnesota and eventually to Long Beach where she lived until the time of her passing.
She attended Jordon High School where she became very involved with school activities and met and later married her high school sweetheart, Jack Grisham. She received her AA from Long Beach City College where she was honored with the Viking Award for service and was named the LBCC Outstanding Woman of the Year. She received her Bachelors in English from UCLA and her Masters in Education from USC. She wrote her thesis on the gifted child. In her many years as an educator, she was an elementary school teacher, a Sunday school teacher, a Vice Principal, a Principal and, at the end of her working career, she taught CSULB student teachers how to teach, thus passing along her remarkable gift of teaching. An educator at heart, Ruth later married William Odie Wright who at the time was the Long Beach Superintendent of Schools.
Ruth spent her life giving to others and in particular to children and students and was often a founding member and always an active member of countless organizations including the Long Beach City College Senior Studies program, the Assistance League, International City Theater, AAUW and The Long Beach Symphony whose goals continue to be to make things better for those in need and to contribute to the community. Two of her greatest passions were the Long Beach City College Foundation where she served by providing quality education to hundreds of students through scholarships and The Children's Clinic whose mission it is to provide quality health care and education to children and families in need. Because of her incredible life of service, she was honored to be chosen as a Rick Racker Woman of the Year. This same devotion to helping others through volunteerism and selfless giving continued to the time of her passing, touching lives with her compassion and love.
Although self reported to be shy and private, Ruth was larger than life in her relationships with family and friends and was "mom" to many. Her love of others had no boundaries. She was full of energy and enthusiasm, optimism and kindness. She found goodness in everything. The door to her home of almost 60 years was always open as was the door to her heart. She was the absolute happiest when her home was filled with family and friends. And oh how she loved her two dear grandchildren. To have known Ruth, to have loved Ruth - to have been loved by Ruth is a true gift.
She is survived by her daughter, Julie Grisham and husband Kenneth Winters; her daughter-in-law, Andrea Walhof-Grisham; grandchildren Jonneke Grisham and Lucas Grisham as well as many nieces and nephews, family and friends.
She is sadly predeceased by her shining star Jonathan Grisham, her son. She is also predeceased by Jack Grisham and W. Odie Wright; sister and brother in law, Lois and Homer Blaisdell; nephews and great-niece.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 13th from 11 am to 3 pm (service at 11am followed by nourishment and celebration) at Old Ranch Country Club, 3901 Lampson Ave, Seal Beach, CA 90740. Please RSVP to (562) 498-2050 or [email protected].
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the "Ruth Wright Memorial Scholarship" at the Long Beach City College Foundation, 4901 E Carson St, Long Beach, CA 90808 or to "The Children's Clinic" attention: The Ruth Wright Memorial Fund at 2790 Atlantic Ave., Long Beach, CA 90806.
And Ruth would say that the best way to honor her life, each other and God would be to hug your family and friends lovingly and often, let them know how much you love them and give of yourself to make life better for others. And "say your prayers."
Luyben Family Dilday-Mottell Mortuary (562) 425-6401
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
September 14, 2013
Mary Aguilar
Ruth my angel from heaven.
September 14, 2013
Mary Agular
My sweet Ruth, I'm so honored to be your care giver the last years of your precious life. You are my angel and you will always be close to my heart. I love you I miss you and I will never forget our friendship love "Mary"
April 7, 2013
Diane Hart/Small
Prayers going out to you and your family for love and added strength at this difficult time. A truly lovely woman a friend and mom,grandma a woman I've never forgotten and proud to have known years ago! . May God Bless You.
March 25, 2013
Sharri Weakley
I write this on behalf of my mother, Joyce Sanden and myself. Ruth and Joyce attended LB city college together with their future husbands and dearer friends there could never be!! We will always love you, Ruth.
March 24, 2013
Karen Clements
Ruth, a joy to know and to love!
March 24, 2013
Marilyn Holmes-Hale
It was a privilege to know someone like Ruth. Godspeed!
March 23, 2013
I loved you very much, I will miss you, my favorite aunt. Thanks for the gift of sharing and to always do my best...hard to follow in your footsteps. I will try to always remember the implied second subject of a sentence.
March 23, 2013
Janie Galusha Knowles
Forever in our heart!
March 22, 2013
Deanna Cheung
Your strength and love were an inspiration to everyone who knew you, and live on in your memory.
March 22, 2013
Andrea Walhof-Grisham
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
March 22, 2013
Barbie Wright
March 22, 2013
D Prince
May the peace that only God can provide comfort you at this difficult time. Phillipians 4:6&7.
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