Pauline Ruth Rhodes

Pauline (Ruth) Stevens was born at home in Shasta County to Berton Elmer Stevens and Myrle Sophia (Frazee) Stevens on April 8, 1934, exactly one year to the day after twin sisters Lucia and Lois were born. Two more siblings soon followed in the years to come.

When Ruth was three years old, her father, had relocated his family to Redding in order prepare for work on the soon to be constructed dam. He was enjoying himself at a company picnic that was occurring on the banks of the Sacramento River in Redding, California. Later, Myrle decided to join him with their five little ones in tow. When Berton saw his young family on the opposite bank, he made a fatal decision to swim over to meet them. It was then that the strong currents of the Sacramento River took him down, claiming his life. Right before her eyes, Myrle became a young widow, a single mother of five children who were ages four and younger. Within a heartbeat, the trajectory of a family full of promise dramatically changed. In the years that followed, the family’s struggles were great and shaped young Ruth. She grew to be quite independent, feisty, focused, determined, generous, resourceful, creative and strong. Though a great fear of placing her face in a pool’s water forever plagued her, she was much like a little Nemo in that throughout life she never allowed herself to become paralyzed with self-pity; she looked forward and kept on swimming; never complacent, always persevering.

It was in eighth grade when she began hand-sewing her own dresses; a wonderful seamstress she soon came to be. She loved school, studying and continuously working to improve her life’s circumstances. Her affinity for all that is color, sparkles and shine exemplified all that she was for she was beautiful and vibrant, witty, whimsical, fun and silly. Quite the baker and cook, she could certainly put on a spread for all to enjoy.

Growing up without a father was an emotional and financial hardship on the entire family. Ruth’s home-life was not ideal. To remove herself from the situation, Ruth found herself married at the age of 16. Not yet with a high school diploma, she married a sailor, Linus (Rip) Rapien, who she met while working as a waitress in Guam during the Korean conflict. She had her first child when she was 18 years old. In her early 20s, while working odd jobs, the young mother of three, rolled up her sleeves and took the classes needed in order to obtain her G.E.D. As time between jobs and finances permitted, Ruth went on to college earning her Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees. She was a social worker who then became a real estate agent and then broker. As income from the business of real estate can be uncertain, Ruth obtained a position with the Federal government at McClellan Air Force Base. However, she was not yet finished in setting and attaining goals. She went on to further her education receiving her Master’s in Business Administration.

Her first marriage did not survive, but it was not without trying. This was a difficult period in her life. However, she was able to find love a second time with a wonderful, loving man by the name of Bob Cline. Sadly, they were married for but a few short years when Bob succumbed to cancer. Then, another chance for love was found in a lovely, warm, inviting, gentleman…George Rhodes. Heartbreakingly, George passed in recent years. It was awe-inspiring to witness Ruth’s love, devotion, fortitude and attentive care of both Bob and George as they valiantly fought through each their terminal illnesses.

Ruth is survived by her daughters Trudy Uitti, Teresa (Louis) Bors, and son Linus Rapien; granddaughters Rebecca Keller, Nicole (Damien) Bors-Galford, Christine Bors, great-grandchildren Everett and Fiona Galford; sisters Patricia Tucker, Chrystle Perkins, and brother Paul Myers; stepson Stanley Mark (Janet) Rhodes, and stepdaughter Kathy (Stan) Eggar; grandchildren Kevin (Michelle) Rhodes, Todd Rhodes, Sarah (Morgan) Black, Matt (Emily) Rhodes, Greg (Erin) Rhodes; in addition to their children and grandchildren and a great many nephews and nieces who she dearly loved and enjoyed. She is predeceased by Berton Stevens (father), Myrle Myers (mother), sisters Lucia Mozingo, and Lois Allinger, brothers Charles Stevens and Stephen Myers.

Mom, Ruth, Mother-in-Law, Grandma, GiGi… you are greatly loved and sorely missed. No longer are you having to cry asking where everyone is and where they’ve all gone. The labor of life’s suffering has passed. You are born anew. You now know the grace and brilliance of His glory. Thank you, our precious mother, for all you are, all that you’ve given, and all that you have done. May the Lord hold you snug in His arms; may you dance in the light of His grace.

A private interment of ashes will soon be held. An informal memorial service will be held this spring.

In lieu of flowers, it is suggested online donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research by going to: https://www.michaeljfox.org