Ruth Huisenfeldt

Name: Ruth Huisenfeldt (also known as “Ruthli” and “Swiss Miss”) Birthdate: January 16, 1942 in Basel, Switzerland Marriage: She was married to Steve Huisenfeldt (Tanya’s dad) for 25 years and divorced in 1994. Steve stole her heart and ultimately she left Switzerland and came to the United States where they started a family. Parents: Mother and Father (of Switzerland): Emma Buergi and Joseph Jegge Siblings: She is survived by two sisters - Susi Schelker and Cecile Weibel -that still live in Switzerland with their families. Her sister, Martha Kozak, lived in Santa Barbara and passed away in 2011. She is also survived by many nieces and a nephew that live in Switzerland and the U.S. Children & Grandchildren: She is survived by her daughter Tanya Huisenfeldt – Tumminia; son-in-law, Joe Tumminia; granddaughter Taylor Tumminia (14) and grandson Trevor Tumminia (9). Her oldest daughter, Yvette, passed away in a skiing accident in 1991. Career: She was a Respiratory Therapist for 30 years (20 years at Desert Springs Hospital and 10 years at Healthsouth Rehabilitation Center) and absolutely loved helping her patients. What she was known for: Inner beauty and gift to always GIVE to others, whether it was a tangible gift, a comforting touch or amazing advice Her Swiss accent that never faded and always made people ask her where she was from. She was proud to call her hometown Switzerland, known for its beauty and charm (just like her). When her kids were young, she would always bring in chocolate fondue for the entire classroom. No one ever forgot the “Swiss Miss” mom that would always provide chocolate with a special twist. A loud, boisterous and contagious laugh! A spunky sense of style If you would ask her about her life in general and the things that brought her joy, she would say: She perceives herself to be a positive, passionate, spontaneous and loving individual She loves to listen and communicate with people, especially those that are open and flexible in life She appreciates and makes the most out of each day as it comes The greatest feeling she would get when working in the medical field was that she felt blessed to uplift patients and give them courage Most importantly, she would say how much she cherishes family life! The things she valued most were: Waking up each morning to a quiet prayer and to thank God for the day ahead A hot coffee with a yogurt in the morning (or if she was lucky, a grande Starbucks coffee delivered at her door by Tanya) A glass of wine, with one ice cube, with lunch and dinner (followed by an occasional cigarette) A one-hour nap which made her feel like a brand new person each and every day Picking up Taylor and Trevor from school and taking them to buy a treat or to dance/theater directly after school. Cooking a variety of meals for her family so they could have something to eat throughout the week. She always tried new dishes and accommodated to the unique likings of everyone in the family. Being independent in her beautiful home and enjoying some quiet time on her patio. Keeping her mind sharp by learning new adventures. Just recently, she joined a bridge club and learned how to play the challenging card game. Watching Taylor’s dance performances and Trevor sing/dance/act during his musical theater productions. Watching gossip shows on E! TV, along with all of the celebrity award shows and red carpet viewings. Going out to dinner with friends and trying new restaurants. Attending Central Christian Church with Tanya, Taylor and Trevor and enjoying the “loud” spiritual music while taking in the beautiful messages. A beautiful bouquet of sunflowers that brightened her day and made her feel alive! One thing she always wanted to accomplish in life but never did: INVENT SOMETHING LIFE CHANGING. She wanted to figure out that one small but perfect “thing” that would make a difference. Maybe that is her plan now in heaven. Ruth was a SPUNKY women of simplicity, elegance, gratitude, honesty and pure positivity. Her glass was always half full even when life brought her challenging times. She lived for her family and was so happy to have two grandkids that brought her much joy. Through her faith and prayer, she was able to accept each day as a gift. Ruth will be greatly missed but lives in all of our hearts forever. Her extraordinary ray of sunlight will continue to shine through each and every day.