Some of my earliest memories are with Grandma Ruth.
Growing up just four houses down the street, my childhood was defined by her presence. I remember the ease of walking to her house whenever I wanted, the many days spent together after school, and the rides to and from campus when she taught preschool. Whether it was a family reunion, VBS, or a mission trip, she was always there.
She was a part of the big milestones and the small, everyday moments in between. I can still see her giving me a perm in her kitchen and remember her helping me redecorate my room in middle school. She welcomed us into her home for birthday parties, for winter formal dinners with friends, and so much more. We would always go to their home to take photos before dances to ensure they were included in every milestone.
She and Papa Fay were staples at every band and choir concert and every musical; I never had to look far to find them in the audience, and I always knew how proud they were of me.
Even when we weren’t together, she was thinking of me. She would faithfully send me mail, knowing exactly how much those handwritten notes meant to me. And, as an early adopter of computers and email, she would email me (and I was always so impressed that my Grandma did that).
We shared so much—a love for playing musical instruments, a passion for travel, and a lifelong habit of getting lost in a good book. Some of my favorite adventures were with her, traveling through Alaska, Nevada, Arizona, Oregon, Oklahoma, and Colorado, or simply going camping in the motorhome.
But beyond the hobbies, she gave me the tools I use every day. She taught me to be assertive, to stand up for what I believe in, and to listen to the stories that bring us all together. She taught us all the value of family and the importance of embracing adventure. Her example in giving her all—sharing her time, her talents, and her treasures—shaped me into who I am today.
When I got married, her hands were all over our special day. She made our wedding cake and carefully crafted our ring bearer’s pillow using fabric from my mom’s wedding dress.
As the years went on and I moved away, I treasured our rare one-on-one times. Every time I came back to town, she would take me to breakfast at the airport or lunch downtown just to catch up.
She visited Pennsylvania three times: for Tori’s first birthday, her celebration of life, and to see the twins in July 2018. I loved showing her where we live and sharing our love of history as I told her stories she hadn’t heard before. We all flew back to California together afterward, and having her in my home, seeing her with the next generation, is a gift I will always hold dear.
Together Again
Grandma and Papa Fay shared a love that was truly remarkable. They were married for almost sixty-three years; after he passed away in 2015, she often said she was ready to join him.
Today, that wish was granted.
After a lifetime of devotion to her family and her faith, she is finally back with him.
And she isn’t just with Papa Fay. We gave our daughter Tori the middle name Ruth in her honor. While my heart is heavy today, there is a profound peace in knowing that Grandma Ruth and Tori Ruth are finally together again.
Your legacy of love, strength, kindness, and generosity will live on through all of us, Grandma. Thank you for everything.
Even So, Joy 
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