Ruth Hoskins John

Ruthie was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Earl; infant daughter, Vicki; and her parents, brother and younger sister.

Ruthie is survived by daughters Cynthia (Don) Peterson, Judy (Jim) Steiner, and Diane (Wayne) Roberts; grandchildren Charlene (Ken) Wootten, Caleb Tanner, Nathan (Madi) Steiner, Ben (Jess) Steiner, David Steiner, and Andrea (Robbie) Seldomridge; six great-grandchildren plus two due in October; step-grandchildren Justin Peterson and Jarrod (Kelly) Peterson; four step-great grandsons; and one step-great-great grandson. Ruthie is also survived by her older sister, Skip Eddy as well as several nieces and nephews.

Ruthie was born in the same farmhouse as her father was in Okemos, Michigan where she grew up. She met Earl at a roller rink in East Lansing. They were married at Gown Field in Boise, Idaho in 1945 after which they moved to Michigan where Earl attended and graduated from Michigan State. They moved to Merced in 1950 where they settled with their growing family.

Ruthie was hired as the first principal’s secretary of El Capitan High School when it opened in 1959 and continued as it became MHS North Campus, a position she loved and held until she retired in 1988.

One of Ruthie’s accomplishments she was proud of was attending Merced College part-time eventually receiving her AA degree in 1977.

Ruthie loved life and looked forward to celebrating her 100th birthday in September. She enjoyed being with her family, camping, and roses. She was an active member at Central Presbyterian Church (CPC), Merced Garden Club, and California Retired Teachers Association (CalRTA).

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 7, 2022 between 4:00 and 7:00 pm at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Chapel. Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 7, 2022 at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, Gustine, CA.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 9, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Central Presbyterian Church at 20th & Canal Street.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ruthie’s name may be made to Merced Rescue Mission, CPC, or CalRTA Scholarship Fund.