Ruth Kivrizis

Ruthie was born in Independence, California on August 2, 1922. Her mother went to be with the Lord two years after she was born. Ruthie went to live with her sister, Dede, and her husband Clifford (Steve) Stevens after her mother died.

Ruthie met Don on a blind date at the age of fifteen. A girlfriend of Ruthie’s told Don that she had a cute friend that she would like him to take to a beach party that night.

Shortly after Ruthie and Don met her brother-in-law Steve, a naval officer, was transferred to Akron, Ohio where Ruthie moved to and graduated from high school. After three years, Steve was told he would return to California. During those three years of separation, Ruthie and Don wrote to each other every week. When the three years were almost over and the sweethearts were looking forward to meeting again, Steve got his transfer. But!! It was for the east coast, not California. In desperation Don went to Ruthie’s brother Ralph, who also lived in Long Beach. They had become great friends during the three years of waiting. Don said, “Ralph I know Ruthie will not accept money from me. Will you tell her it came from you?” (Remember this was in the 30’s!) Don had to borrow money on his car for her train fare back to California. He still remembers how beautiful she was standing there on the train platform in her cute little outfit and her cocky little hat when she arrived in California.

Ruthie married her teenage sweetheart Don in 1941 and spent the rest of her life doing the things she loved most. (Don says, “She is the greatest most loving wife who ever lived.”) Ruthie was a full-time mother to two beautiful daughters Donna and Karen and Duke her boxer dog. The family enjoyed camping and later she went traveling in the North Country and fishing for Salmon. Besides her full-time job as a busy housewife, Ruthie served for many years as a Sunday school secretary at BBC and also served for decades on the board of deacons. Ruthie had many hobbies that she loved: knitting, collecting dolls and teddy bears, and her latest and most gratifying – wood carving Santa Clauses.

Don and Ruth were married almost 70 years.

Arrangements under the direction of Westminster Memorial Park Mortuary ~FD1030, Westminster, CA.