Ruth Steffen Young's Obituary
Ruth Steffen Young
August 25, 1922 – January 23, 2014
Ruth Steffen Young passed away peacefully in the early morning of Thursday, January 23, 2014, at the age of 91. Her final days were spent at home, surrounded by her loving family and in a state of joy at having lived a long, rich life in which she raised a vibrant family, was engaged in many church and civic affairs, traveled extensively, and had many loving friends.
Ruth was born in Casper, Wyoming, on August 25, 1922. She lived her adult life in Oakland, where she was a public health nurse for the Alameda County Health Department and then was a school nurse at Highland Elementary School for fifteen years, retiring in 1977.
The First Congregational Church of Berkeley was a central element of her life; she was a member there for almost 70 years, and remained active in spiritual, service, and social groups until her final days. She was a lifetime member of the UCSF Nurses Alumni Association and the California Teachers Association, a member of the Philanthropic Educational Organization, a women’s organization dedicated to supporting women’s educational aspirations, and other environmental and service organizations. She spent her final years living independently at Grand Lake Gardens, where she was an active participant in the community and made many friends among residents and staff.
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence. She is survived by her three sons, David, Andy, and Walt; their respective partners/spouses, Frances, Sylvia, and Janet; six grandchildren, Maria-Elena, and her partner, Ana; Eric, and his partner, Michelle; Mariah, and her partner, Dan; Ryan; Paul, and his partner Jeanne; and Alicia; she is also survived by her brother, Bob, his four children, and many others in her extended family.
A memorial service in celebration of Ruth’s long life will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2014, at 3:00 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Berkeley 2345 Channing Way, Berkeley, CA 94704. A reception will follow the service.
Ruth asked that any offering in her memory be a contribution to the First Congregational Church of Berkeley to support its many good works.
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