Ruth Defayne Levey

Ruth was born August 10, 1925 in Paris, Arkansas to Robert and Martha McKenney. She was the youngest of 9 children. She was raised on a farm and learned early how to work. Being a girl did not exempt her from chopping cotton, thinning corn, helping bale hay, milking and other farm chores growing up in the depression.

After graduating from Perris High School in 1943. she and her younger sister, Marion, moved to Long Beach, Ca. where they went to work for the US Navy on Terminal Island.

She met Don Levey in 1944, and they were married on July 2, 1945. They moved to Bakersfield after Don completed his naval duty. In 1950, their first son, Gary was born and in 1953, Mark was born. She worked for the State of California Division of Oil and Gas as a Senior account Clerk.

Ruth was very active in her son’s lives being in the P.T.A. and was Den Mother for both. She was also a lifetime member of the Boosters Club of West High School. Ruth was also very active in her church, First Congregational, serving on boards and committees, teaching Sunday Schooland was the church clerk for many years.

When the two granddaughters were born to Gary and Cheryl Levey, she showed off her sewing skills. The girls always had new dresses to wear for Christmas and Easter. She loved spending time with the girls!

After retirement she and Don spent their summers in McCall or Cascade, Idaho. They fished, crafted, and made many new friends during their stay from May to September.

Ruth moved to Rosewood Retirement Community for her last eighteen years. There she continued to volunteer on many committees, Rosie’s Closet and in the church service held there. She made many new and dear friends. Rosewood provided wonderful care and kept her engaged with life.

She had a strong faith in God and spent time in devotions each day. Her life verse was Micah 6:8, “He has told you, O mortal, what is good and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God.” That was her goal in life! Well done MOM!

She is survived by Gary and Cheryl Levey, Granddaughters Jill and Darren Housand And Kim Levey and two great grand children, Ellery and Carson Housand. The immediate family will privately celebrate her life on August 10th in San Diego, Ca.

You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided below and share it with the family or you may also light a candle in her honor.

Fond memories and condolences may be shared at www.hillcrestmemorial.com